bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computed tomography airway lumen volumetry in patients with acromegaly: Association with growth hormone levels and lung function
Authors: Camilo Gustavo Bittencourt , Carvalho Alysson Roncally Silva , Guimarães Alan Ranieri Medeiros , Kasuki Leandro , Gadelha Mônica Roberto , Mogami Roberto , de Melo Pedro Lopes , Lopes Agnaldo José 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIntroductionThe segmentation and skeletonisation of images via computed tomography (CT) airway lumen volumetry provide a new perspective regarding the incorporation of this technique in medical practice. Our aim was to quantify morphological changes in the large airways of patients with acromegaly through CT and, secondarily, to correlate these findings with hormone levels and pulmonary function testing (PFT) parameters.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study in which 28 non‐smoker patients with acromegaly and 15 control subjects underwent CT analysis of airway lumen volumetry with subsequent image segmentation and skeletonisation. Moreover, all participants were subjected to PFT.ResultsCompared with the controls, patients with acromegaly presented higher diameters in the trachea, right main bronchus and left main bronchus. The patients with acromegaly also showed a higher tracheal sinuosity index (the deviation of a line from the shortest path, calculated by dividing total length by shortest possible path) than the controls [1.06 (1.02–1.09) vs. 1.03 (1.02–1.04), P = 0.04], and tracheal stenosis was observed in 25% of these individuals. The tracheal area was correlated with the levels of growth hormone (rs = 0.45, P = 0.02) and insulin‐like growth factor type I (rs = 0.38, P = 0.04). The ratio between the forced expiratory flow and forced inspiratory flow at 50% of the forced vital capacity was correlated with the tracheal area (rs = 0.36, P = 0.02) and Δ tracheal diameters (rs = 0.58, P < 0.0001).ConclusionPatients with acromegaly exhibit tracheobronchomegaly and tracheal sinuosity/stenosis. Moreover, there are associations between the results of CT airway lumen volumetry, hormone levels and functional parameters of large airway obstruction.
Estimating mating rates in wild Drosophila melanogaster females by decay rates of male reproductive proteins in their reproductive tracts
Authors: Giardina Thomas J. , Clark Andrew G. , Fiumera Anthony C. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractFemale Drosophila melanogaster frequently mate with multiple males in nature as shown through parentage analysis. Although polyandry is well documented, we know little about the timing between mating events in wild Drosophila populations due to the challenge of following behaviours of individual females. In this study, we used the presence of a male reproductive protein that is transferred to the female during mating (Sex Peptide, SP) to determine whether she had recently mated. We sampled females throughout the day, conducted control matings to determine the decay rate of SP within the female reproductive tract and performed computer simulations to fit the observed proportion of mated females to a nonhomogenous Poisson process that defined the expected time between successive matings for a given female. In our control matings, 100% of mated females tested positive for SP 0.5 h after the start of mating (ASM), but only 24% tested positive 24 h ASM. Overall, 35% of wild‐caught females tested positive for the presence of SP. Fitting our observed data to our simple nonhomogenous Poisson model provided the inference that females are mating, on average, approximately every 27 h (with 95% credibility interval 23–31 h). Thus, it appears that females are mating a bit less frequently that once per day in this natural population and that mating events tend to occur either early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Adverse effects of artificial illumination on bat drinking activity
Authors: Russo D. , Cistrone L. , Libralato N. , Korine C. , Jones G. , Ancillotto L. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractArtificial illumination at night (ALAN) alters many aspects of animal behaviour. Commuting and foraging bats have been found to be affected by ALAN, but no study has yet addressed the impact of lighting on drinking activity, despite its critical importance for bats. We experimentally illuminated cattle troughs used by drinking bats at four forest sites in Italy, and compared drinking activity and foraging activity under lit and dark conditions. We predicted that (1) the number of bat species and drinking events will be lower under illumination and (2) forest bat species will be more affected than edge specialists. We recorded 2549 drinking events from 12 species or species groups, most of which decreased drinking activity under illumination. The effects of ALAN on drinking were stronger than on foraging. Forest species never drank when the light was on. Edge‐foraging species reduced drinking activity while also increasing foraging under lit conditions. We highlight a previously overlooked negative effect of ALAN on bats, whose implications may be locally catastrophic. Given the importance of water sites for both bat foraging and drinking, their illumination should be forbidden, appropriately mitigated or, if necessary, compensated for with the creation of alternative drinking sites.
Significance of a negative sinus P wave in lead V2 of the clinical electrocardiogram
Authors: MacAlpin Rex N. 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundA negative sinus P wave in lead V2 (NPV2) of the electrocardiogram (ECG) is rare when leads are positioned correctly. This study was undertaken to clarify the significance of an unusually high incidence of this anomaly found in ECGs at my institution.MethodsOne thousand four hundred thirty‐five ECGs were randomly selected to determine the incidence and gender frequency in tracings showing positive (PPV2), and biphasic (BPV2) P waves in V2, as well as NPV2. To those cases with NPV2, 84 cases with that anomaly from earlier archived ECGs were added to give a larger group for analysis. Medical records were reviewed for clinical details and other archived ECGs.ResultsPPV2, BPV2, and NPV2 were found in 1,216 (84.5%), 150 (10.5%), and 69 cases (4.8%), respectively. Cases with NPV2 were more likely to be female (46 of 69 or 67.7%) than were those with either PPV2 (500 of 1,216 or 41.1%; p < .001), or BPV2 (71 of 150 or 47.3%; p < .01). NPV2 was commonly associated with ECG findings of left atrial abnormality (LAA), septal myocardial infarction, or a ventricular repolarization abnormality, but when multiple ECGs were available in these cases, such abnormalities were usually absent when there was either PPV2 or BPV2.ConclusionsWith correct precordial lead placement, NPV2 is rare and BPV2 is also uncommon, and their presence should alert one to the probability of high placement of V1 and V2, which can produce ECGs that mimic LAA, septal infarction, and ventricular repolarization abnormality.
Correlations between electrocardiogram and biomarkers in acute pulmonary embolism: Analysis of ZATPOL‐2 Registry
Authors: Kukla Piotr , Kosior Dariusz A. , Tomaszewski Andrzej , Ptaszyńska‐Kopczyńska Katarzyna , Widejko Katarzyna , Długopolski Robert , Skrzyński Andrzej , Błaszczak Piotr , Fijorek Kamil , Kurzyna Marcin 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundElectrocardiography (ECG) is still one of the first tests performed at admission, mostly in patients (pts) with chest pain or dyspnea. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between electrocardiographic abnormalities and cardiac biomarkers as well as echocardiographic parameter in patients with acute pulmonary embolism.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of 614 pts. (F/M 334/280; mean age of 67.9 ± 16.6 years) with confirmed acute pulmonary embolism (APE) who were enrolled to the ZATPOL‐2 Registry between 2012 and 2014.ResultsElevated cardiac biomarkers were observed in 358 pts (74.4%). In this group the presence of atrial fibrillation (p = .008), right axis deviation (p = .004), S1Q3T3 sign (p < .001), RBBB (p = .006), ST segment depression in leads V4–V6 (p < .001), ST segment depression in lead I (p = .01), negative T waves in leads V1–V3 (p < .001), negative T waves in leads V4–V6 (p = .005), negative T waves in leads II, III and aVF (p = .005), ST segment elevation in lead aVR (p = .002), ST segment elevation in lead III (p = .0038) was significantly more frequent in comparison to subjects with normal serum level of cardiac biomarkers. In multivariate regression analysis, clinical predictors of “abnormal electrocardiogram” were as follows: increased heart rate (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02–1.17, p = .012), elevated troponin concentration (OR 3.33, 95% CI 1.94–5.72, p = .000), and right ventricular overload (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.17–4.53, p = .016).ConclusionsElectrocardiographic signs of right ventricular strain are strongly related to elevated cardiac biomarkers and echocardiographic signs of right ventricular overload. ECG may be used in preliminary risk stratification of patient with intermediate‐ or high‐risk forms of APE.
Rotator cuff disease: opinion regarding surgical criteria and likely outcome
Authors: Thorpe Alison , Hurworth Mark , O'Sullivan Peter , Mitchell Tim , Smith Anne 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundClinical guidelines for the management of rotator cuff disease are not clear. Surgeon surveys in the USA and UK lack agreement regarding surgical indications. Physical examination tests aid surgical decision‐making but also lack robust evidence. Study aims were to evaluate: Western Australian orthopaedic surgeons’ perceptions about surgical indications; utility of physical examination tests; findings at surgery predictive of outcome and surgeon opinion of a successful surgical outcome.MethodsAn anonymous rotator cuff survey, previously reported by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, was emailed to all surgeons listed with the Australian Orthopaedic Association in Western Australian. Surgeons who treated patients for rotator cuff disease during the previous 12 months were invited to complete the rotator cuff survey and five additional questions were included to capture the above criteria of interest.ResultsWithin a close community of surgeons based in Western Australia (n = 23) considerable heterogeneity exists in surgical decision‐making criteria. A successful surgical outcome was considered to include reduced pain levels, restoration of movement and function and gains in muscle strength.ConclusionsResearch is required to inform robust clinical practice guidelines for rotator cuff surgery. Identification of prognostic factors for successful surgical outcome is imperative.
Students as collaborators in creating meaningful learning experiences in technology‐enhanced classrooms: An engaged scholarship approach
Authors: Nel Liezel 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn dealing with numerous challenges, higher education instructors need to adapt their pedagogical practices to present students with meaningful, engaged learning experiences that are likely to promote student success and adequately prepare students for the world we live in. As part of this pedagogical transformation instructors also need to consider the potential of digital technologies to assist flexible pedagogies, as well as the role that students can play as partners in transforming the learning process (C. Evans, D. Muijs, & M. Tomlinson. Engaged student learning: high‐impact strategies to enhance student achievement. York: Higher Education Academy, , p. 9). In this paper the author reflects on her particular engaged scholarship approach and the important role that her students—as collaborators in the pedagogical transformation process—have played in the creation of meaningful technology‐enhanced learning experiences. She describes the evolution of her action inquiry approach over more than a decade and uses one particular project to highlight the value that student voice can contribute to pedagogical transformation. She also underscores the value of a “design for partnership” approach that can be incorporated as an underlying pedagogical approach to facilitate the creation of meaningful learning experiences in a technology‐enhanced teaching and learning environment.
Opportunities for the repurposing of PARP inhibitors for the therapy of non‐oncological diseases
Authors: Berger Nathan A , Besson Valerie C , Boulares A Hamid , Bürkle Alexander , Chiarugi Alberto , Clark Robert S , Curtin Nicola J , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Dawson Ted M , Dawson Valina L , Haskó György , Liaudet Lucas , Moroni Flavio , Pacher Pál , Radermacher Peter , Salzman Andrew L , Snyder Solomon H , Soriano Francisco Garcia , Strosznajder Robert P , Sümegi Balázs , Swanson Raymond A , Szabo Csaba 
Published: February 2017

The recent clinical availability of the PARP inhibitor olaparib (Lynparza) opens the door for potential therapeutic repurposing for non‐oncological indications. Considering (a) the preclinical efficacy data with PARP inhibitors in non‐oncological diseases and (b) the risk–benefit ratio of treating patients with a compound that inhibits an enzyme that has physiological roles in the regulation of DNA repair, we have selected indications, where (a) the severity of the disease is high, (b) the available therapeutic options are limited, and (c) the duration of PARP inhibitor administration could be short, to provide first‐line options for therapeutic repurposing. These indications are as follows: acute ischaemic stroke; traumatic brain injury; septic shock; acute pancreatitis; and severe asthma and severe acute lung injury. In addition, chronic, devastating diseases, where alternative therapeutic options cannot halt disease development (e.g. Parkinson's disease, progressive multiple sclerosis or severe fibrotic diseases), should also be considered. We present a preclinical and clinical action plan for the repurposing of PARP inhibitors.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Inventing New Therapies Without Reinventing the Wheel: The Power of Drug Repurposing. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.2/issuetoc
Targeting phosphodiesterase 5 as a therapeutic option against myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury and for treating heart failure
Authors: Korkmaz‐Icöz Sevil , Radovits Tamás , Szabó Gábor 
Published: February 2017

Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) selectively hydrolyses the second messenger cGMP into 5′‐GMP, thereby regulating its intracellular concentrations. Dysregulation of the cGMP‐dependent pathway plays a significant role in various cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, its modulation by drugs, such as PDE5 inhibitors, may represent an effective therapeutic approach. There are currently four PDE5 inhibitors available for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: sildenafil, vardenafil, tadalafil and avanafil. Sildenafil and tadalafil have also received Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. This review summarizes the pharmacological aspects and clinical potential of PDE5 inhibition for the treatment of myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury and heart failure.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Inventing New Therapies Without Reinventing the Wheel: The Power of Drug Repurposing. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.2/issuetoc
Identity Formation in Adolescence: The Dynamic of Forming and Consolidating Identity Commitments
Authors: Crocetti Elisabetta 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe biological, cognitive, and social changes that occur in adolescence stimulate young people to think about themselves, reflect on the kind of people they want to become, and find their place in society. Traditionally, these changes have been explained by Erikson's theory and Marcia's identity status model, but process‐oriented models of identity provide new insights. In particular, dual‐cycle models, such as the three‐factor identity model, focus on the dynamic process by which young people iteratively form and maintain their identity over time. This iterative process is captured by the interplay of commitment, in‐depth exploration, and reconsideration of commitment, as well as by distinct identity statuses. Furthermore, the extent to which adolescents find a stable identity is intertwined strongly with their psychosocial functioning and well‐being.
Longitudinal Relations Among Parenting Styles, Prosocial Behaviors, and Academic Outcomes in U.S. Mexican Adolescents
Authors: Carlo Gustavo , White Rebecca M. B. , Streit Cara , Knight George P. , Zeiders Katharine H. 
Published: February 2017

This article examined parenting styles and prosocial behaviors as longitudinal predictors of academic outcomes in U.S. Mexican youth. Adolescents (N = 462; Wave 1 Mage = 10.4 years; 48.1% girls), parents, and teachers completed parenting, prosocial behavior, and academic outcome measures at 5th, 10th, and 12th grades. Authoritative parents were more likely to have youth who exhibited high levels of prosocial behaviors than those who were moderately demanding and less involved. Fathers and mothers who were less involved and mothers who were moderately demanding were less likely than authoritative parents to have youth who exhibited high levels of prosocial behaviors. Prosocial behaviors were positively associated with academic outcomes. Discussion focuses on parenting, prosocial behaviors, and academic attitudes in understanding youth academic performance.
Rituals Improve Children's Ability to Delay Gratification
Authors: Rybanska Veronika , McKay Ryan , Jong Jonathan , Whitehouse Harvey 
Published: February 2017

To be accepted into social groups, individuals must internalize and reproduce appropriate group conventions, such as rituals. The copying of such rigid and socially stipulated behavioral sequences places heavy demands on executive function. Given previous research showing that challenging executive functioning improves it, it was hypothesized that engagement in ritualistic behaviors improves children's executive functioning, in turn improving their ability to delay gratification. A 3‐month circle time games intervention with 210 schoolchildren (Mage = 7.78 years, SD = 1.47) in two contrasting cultural environments (Slovakia and Vanuatu) was conducted. The intervention improved children's executive function and in turn their ability to delay gratification. Moreover, these effects were amplified when the intervention task was imbued with ritual, rather than instrumental, cues.
Peri‐implant bone remodeling at the interface of three different implant types: a histomorphometric study in mini‐pigs
Authors: Zhou Wenjuan , Kuderer Sonja , Liu Zhonghao , Ulm Christian , Rausch‐Fan Xiaohui , Tangl Stefan 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to perform a histomorphometric evaluation of the healing characteristics and jawbone remodeling processes in the peri‐implant bone tissue of three commonly used implant surfaces, during the early weeks of osseointegration.Material and methodsDental implants with three different surfaces (anodically modified, hydroxyapatite (HA)‐coated and machined) were inserted into the mandibular side‐tooth region of twelve adult mini‐pigs. Histomorphometric analyses were performed to evaluate remodeling processes 3, 6 and 12 weeks post‐implantation.ResultsOnly a few very early bone remodeling–resorption sites were found at 3 weeks. After 6 weeks, additional signs of remodeling‐related reversal and bone formation were detectable in all three groups, which steadily increased until 12 weeks. At the latter time point, the amount of remodeled bone was significantly higher for the anodized and HA‐coated surfaces than for the machined implants.ConclusionThe results of this study demonstrate that peri‐implant bone remodeling can start as early as 3 weeks after implantation and continues at a substantial level up to 12 weeks. The anodic modification or HA coating of implant surfaces appears to accelerate the conversion of primary regenerated bone into more mature secondary lamellar bone. If this observation is of clinical relevance, it has to be clarified in studies that include longer observational time periods.
Cytotoxic effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on murine photoreceptor cells via potassium channel block and Na+/K+‐ATPase inhibition
Authors: Chen Chao , Bu Wenjuan , Ding Hongyan , Li Qin , Wang Dabo , Bi Hongsheng , Guo Dadong 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectiveZinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles can exhibit toxicity towards organisms and oxidative stress is often hypothesized to be one of the most important factors. Nevertheless, the detailed mechanism of toxicity‐induced by ZnO nanoparticles has not been completely addressed. The present study aimed to investigate the toxic effects of ZnO nanoparticles on the expression and activity of Na+/K+‐ATPase and on potassium channel block.Materials and methodsIn the present study, we explored the cytotoxic effect of ZnO nanoparticles on murine photoreceptor cells using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) determination, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δφm) measurement, delayed rectifier potassium current recordings and Na+/K+‐ATPase expression and activity monitoring.ResultsThe results indicated that ZnO nanoparticles could increase the LDH release in medium, aggravate the ROS level within cells, collapse the Δφm, block the delayed rectifier potassium current, and attenuate the expressions of Na+/K+‐ATPase at both mRNA and protein levels and its activity, and thus exert cytotoxic effects on murine photoreceptor cells, finally damaging target cells.ConclusionOur findings will facilitate the understanding of the mechanism involved in ZnO nanoparticle‐induced cytotoxicity in murine photoreceptor cells via potassium channel block and Na+/K+‐ATPase inhibition.
Krankheitsverlauf, medizinische Versorgung und Lebensqualität von Patienten mit kongenitalen melanozytären Nävi – Auswertung des deutschsprachigen KMN‐Registers
Authors: Wramp Maria Elisabeth , Langenbruch Anna , Augustin Matthias , Zillikens Detlef , Krengel Sven 
Published: February 2017

ZusammenfassungHintergrundKongenitale melanozytäre Nävi (KMN) bedeuten für Patienten und Familien eine psychologische Belastung und bergen zudem medizinische Risiken. Das 2005 gegründete deutschsprachige KMN‐Register wurde nun einer Zwischenauswertung bezüglich des Krankheitsverlaufes, der medizinischen Versorgung und der Lebensqualität unterzogen.Patienten und Methodik100 Patienten, die sich in den Jahren 2005 bis 2012 mit einem Erstmeldebogen registriert hatten, wurde im Rahmen einer prospektiven Kohortenstudie Anfang 2013 ein Folgemeldebogen zugesandt. Außerdem wurden mithilfe standardisierter Fragebögen Daten zu Lebensqualität (dermatology life quality index, DLQI) und Stigmatisierungserfahrungen (perceived stigmatization questionnaire, PSQ; social comfort questionnaire, SCQ) erhoben.Ergebnisse83 % der Patienten oder deren Eltern antworteten (Altersdurchschnitt 11,2 Jahre, Median 6 Jahre; mittleres Follow‐up 4,4 Jahre). Im Gesamtkollektiv wurden vier Melanome diagnostiziert, davon zwei zerebrale Melanome im Kindesalter, ein kutanes Melanom im Erwachsenenalter und eines, das sich als proliferierender Knoten erwies. Bei vier Kindern wurde eine neurokutane Melanozytose festgestellt, drei davon mit neurologischer Symptomatik. Chirurgisch behandelt wurden 88 % (73/83). Achtundsiebzig Prozent der Befragten berichteten eine geringe oder keine Beeinträchtigung der Lebensqualität. Die wahrgenommene Stigmatisierung beziehungsweise Beeinträchtigung des sozialen Wohlbefindens war generell ebenfalls gering.SchlussfolgerungenDie Ergebnisse geben einen Überblick über die Situation von Patienten mit KMN in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz. Ein Melanom entwickelte sich in 3 %, eine ZNS‐Beteiligung bestand in 4 % der Fälle.