bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Hypothermic Machine Perfusion on the Preservation of Kidneys Donated After Cardiac Death: A Single‐Center, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Wang Wei , Xie Dawei , Hu Xiaopeng , Yin Hang , Liu Hang , Zhang Xiaodong 
Published: February 2017

AbstractTo assess the application of a hypothermic machine perfusion device (LifePort) in kidney transplantation from donation after cardiac death (DCD) donors, 24 pairs of DCD kidneys were randomly divided into two groups: one of the paired kidneys from the same donor was perfused with the LifePort machine (hypothermic machine perfusion [HMP]), and the contralateral kidney was prepared using common static cold preservation (CCP). The two groups were compared with respect to the incidence of delayed graft function (DGF), level of graft function, and pathological changes in time‐zero biopsy specimens. The incidence of DGF was 16.7 and 37.5% in the HMP and CCP groups, respectively; the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The incidence of acute rejection was 4.1 (1/24) and 8.3% (2/24) in the HMP and CCP groups, respectively; this difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Forty‐eight kidney patients were followed up for 6 months, and the two groups of recipients all survived, yielding a survival rate of 100%. The mean 6‐month serum creatinine levels were 98.7 ± 23.6 µmol/L in the HMP group and 105.3 ± 35.1 µmol/L in the CCP group; there was no significant difference between the two groups. HMP can reduce the incidence of DGF in DCD kidneys, and this effect is greater for expanded criteria donors kidneys. HMP can also improve early renal function.
Paediatric approaches to child maltreatment are subject to wide organisational variations across Europe
Authors: Otterman Gabriel , Jalsenius Marie , Maguire Sabine , Sarkadi Anna , Janson Staffan 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAimLittle is known about the organisation of child maltreatment practice in Europe. We therefore explored medical child protection systems and training across Europe.MethodsAn online survey was completed by physicians working in child maltreatment, identified through professional organisations in 28 member countries of the European Union, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland in 2012–2013. Respondents were questioned regarding management of suspected child maltreatment, mandatory reporting, professional training, patient referral and physician roles in multidisciplinary investigations. Responses underwent a narrative synthesis and descriptive enumerations.ResultsThe survey was completed by 88 individuals, unevenly distributed in 22 of 31 countries. Physicians were mandated to report child maltreatment in 16 of 22 countries. All of 88 responding physicians described multidisciplinary involvement in the clinical and forensic management of suspected child maltreatment. Practitioners involved in physical examinations included general physicians, paediatricians, forensic medical examiners, gynaecologists and paediatric surgeons. Paediatricians were required to undergo child protection training according to 30 of 86 respondents in 14 of 22 countries.ConclusionThis survey demonstrates that there were wide variations in the organisation of child maltreatment paediatrics in Europe. The differing legislative frameworks and models of care are pertinent to consider when comparing epidemiology of maltreatment reported from across European countries.
Low-dose interleukin-2 promotes STAT-5 phosphorylation, Treg survival and CTLA-4-dependent function in autoimmune liver diseases
Authors: Jeffery H C , Jeffery L E , Lutz P , Corrigan M , Webb G J , Hirschfield G M , Adams D H , Oo Y H 
Published: February 2017

SummaryCD4+CD25highCD127lowforkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3+) regulatory T cells (Treg) are essential for the maintenance of peripheral tolerance. Impaired Treg function and an imbalance between effector and Tregs contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. We reported recently that the hepatic microenvironment is deficient in interleukin (IL)−2, a cytokine essential for Treg survival and function. Consequently, few liver-infiltrating Treg demonstrate signal transducer and activator of transcription-5 (STAT-5) phosphorylation. To establish the potential of IL-2 to enhance Treg therapy, we investigated the effects of very low dose Proleukin (VLDP) on the phosphorylation of STAT-5 and the subsequent survival and function of Treg and T effector cells from the blood and livers of patients with autoimmune liver diseases. VLDP, at less than 5 IU/ml, resulted in selective phosphorylation of STAT-5 in Treg but not effector T cells or natural killer cells and associated with increased expression of cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), FoxP3 and CD25 and the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 in Treg with the greatest enhancement of regulatory phenotype in the effector memory Treg population. VLDP also maintained expression of the liver-homing chemokine receptor CXCR3. VLDP enhanced Treg function in a CTLA-4-dependent manner. These findings open new avenues for future VLDP cytokine therapy alone or in combination with clinical grade Treg in autoimmune liver diseases, as VLDP could not only enhance regulatory phenotype and functional property but also the survival of intrahepatic Treg.
Acute exercise elicits differential expression of insulin resistance genes in the skeletal muscle of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Dantas Wagner Silva , Murai Igor Hisashi , Perandini Luiz Augusto , Azevedo Hatylas , Moreira‐Filho Carlos Alberto , Camara Niels Olsen Saraiva , Roschel Hamilton , Gualano Bruno 
Published: February 2017

SummaryObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the role of acute exercise on skeletal muscle gene expression related to insulin resistance in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and controls.MethodsFour obese women with PCOS and four body mass index (BMI)‐matched controls (CTRL) participated in this study. After an overnight fast, the subjects underwent a single 40‐min bout of aerobic exercise. Muscle samples were obtained from vastus lateralis at baseline and 60 min after exercise. The expression of a panel of insulin resistance genes was evaluated by a quantitative PCR array system. Network‐based analyses were performed to interpret transcriptional changes occurring before and after the exercise challenge.ResultsOverall, differentially expressed genes associated with mitochondria function and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor signalling were identified. At baseline, there was a significant upregulation of six genes exclusively in PCOS (i.e. NFKBIA, MAPK3, PPARGC1A, GAPDH, ACTB and PPARA). Twelve genes were upregulated in CTRL after a single bout of aerobic exercise (i.e. LEPR, CXCR4, CCR5, IL‐18R1, CRLF2, ACACA, CEBPA, PPARGC1A, UCP1, TNFRSF1B, TLR4 and IKBKB). After the exercise session, three genes were upregulated in PCOS (i.e. SOCS3, NAMPT and IL‐8), whilst IL‐6 was upregulated in both groups after exercise.ConclusionsThis study provides novel evidence on the effects of acute exercise on insulin resistance genes in skeletal muscle of PCOS. The differentially expressed genes reported herein could be further investigated as targets for therapeutic interventions aimed at improving insulin resistance in this syndrome.
Child involvement in treatment planning and assessment in Israel
Authors: Oppenheim‐Weller Shani , Schwartz Ella , Ben‐Arieh Asher 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWhat can facilitate at‐risk children's involvement in treatment planning and assessment? We examine this question by investigating the perceptions, attitudes, and characteristics of Israeli social workers. We examine whether their seniority, views on the importance of children's participation, and their attitudes toward parents are related to their report of at‐risk children's involvement in treatment planning and placement decisions. At‐risk children's involvement includes preparing them to appear before the committees that handle placement decisions for youth and the social workers' willingness to consider children's opinions. Eighty coordinators of these committees in social services departments in Israel participated. Our findings indicate that, based on the coordinators' answers, at‐risk children are more likely to be involved in treatment planning and assessment committees when the child protection officers prepare parents prior to participating in the committee meetings, and when the coordinators assigned the case are more senior. The influence of children's opinions on the decisions of the committees was predicted by the weight their parents' opinions carried and whether their parents received any relevant materials prior to the committee meetings. Our findings highlight the importance of involving parents in treatment planning and assessment committees' decision making.
Sharing personal information in the child protection context: Impediments in the Australian legal framework
Authors: Adams Carolyn , Lee‐Jones Krista 
Published: February 2017

AbstractProfessionals, including social workers, in the child protection context are frequently required to make decisions on whether to share sensitive personal information about children, their families, and others with colleagues and across institutional and jurisdictional boundaries. Sharing information across agencies and organisations is essential to allow joined‐up service provision and to effectively protect and support children and their families. A legal framework that supports this decision making is a necessary, although not sufficient, condition for effective information sharing. This article examines the complex legal framework that governs information sharing across the Australian states and territories. It identifies a number of structural and regulatory elements that unnecessarily limit information sharing or have a tendency to create a culture that is risk averse, rather than proactive, in sharing information. The article suggests structural and regulatory reforms that would improve the legal framework for sharing information, while at the same time giving due recognition to the human rights that come into tension in this policy context: the right to privacy and the rights of the child.
Identification of novel SNORD118 mutations in seven patients with leukoencephalopathy with brain calcifications and cysts
Authors: Iwama Kazuhiro , Mizuguchi Takeshi , Takanashi Jun‐ichi , Shibayama Hidehiro , Shichiji Minobu , Ito Susumu , Oguni Hirokazu , Yamamoto Toshiyuki , Sekine Akiko , Nagamine Shun , Ikeda Yoshio , Nishida Hiroya , Kumada Satoko , Yoshida Takeshi , Awaya Tomonari , Tanaka Ryuta , Chikuchi Ryo , Niwa Hisayoshi , Oka Yu‐ichi , Miyatake Satoko , Nakashima Mitsuko , Takata Atsushi , Miyake Noriko , Ito Shuichi , Saitsu Hirotomo , Matsumoto Naomichi 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundLeukoencephalopathy with brain calcifications and cysts (LCC) is neuroradiologically characterized by leukoencephalopathy, intracranial calcification, and cysts. Coats plus syndrome is also characterized by the same neuroradiological findings together with defects in retinal vascular development. Indeed, LCC and Coats plus were originally considered to be the same clinical entity termed cerebroretinal microangiopathy with calcifications and cysts, but evidence suggests that they are genetically distinct. Mutations in CTS telomere maintenance complex component 1 (CTC1) and small nucleolar RNA, C/D box 118 (SNORD118) genes have been found to cause Coats plus and LCC, respectively.Materials and MethodsEight unrelated families with LCC were recruited. These patients typically showed major neuroradiological findings of LCC with no signs of extra‐neurological manifestations such as retinal abnormality, gastrointestinal bleeding, or hematological abnormalities. SNORD118 was examined by Sanger sequencing in these families.ResultsSeven out of eight probands carry compound heterozygous mutations, suggesting that SNORD118 mutations are the major cause of LCC. We identified a total of eight mutation, including four that were novel. Some of the variants identified in this study present heterozygously in public databases with an extremely rare frequency (<0.1%).ConclusionBiallelic SNORD118 mutations were exclusively found in most unrelated families with LCC.
Evaluation of lymphocyte transformation tests as compared with patch tests in nickel allergy diagnosis
Authors: Ständer Sascha , Oppel Eva , Thomas Peter , Summer Burkhard 
Published: February 2017

SummaryBackgroundThe patch test is considered to be the gold standard for diagnosing nickel (Ni) allergy. The lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) can also be used to detect Ni sensitization. However, little is known about the correlation between patch test and LTT reactions to Ni.ObjectiveTo establish and validate an LTT for Ni sensitization by comparison with patch test reaction and history.MethodsFifty individuals without self‐reported ‘Ni allergy’ (controls) and 50 patients with self‐reported suspicion of Ni allergy were included. A questionnaire‐aided history was taken, and patch tests with at least the baseline series and LTTs with various NiSO4 dilutions were performed.ResultsIn the patch tests, 2 of 50 controls and 18 of 50 patients with self‐reported suspicion of Ni allergy showed positive reactions to Ni. In the LTTs, 2 of 50 controls and 26 of 50 patients with self‐reported suspicion of Ni allergy showed positive reactions to NiSO4 2.5 × 10−5 m, and 2 of 50 controls and 17 of 50 patients with self‐reported suspicion of Ni allergy showed positive reactions to NiSO4 1 × 10−5 m. Sixteen of the 18 history‐positive and patch test‐positive patients (i.e. 88% sensitivity) were also LTT‐positive, in contrast to only 2 positive LTT reactors within the 48 PT and history negative individuals (i.e. 96% specificity). [Correction added on 16 February 2017, after first online publication: The preceding sentence has been edited for language and this has been amended in this version.]ConclusionPerforming the LTT with optimized stimulating conditions might be a useful additional tool for the diagnosis of Ni allergy if non‐sensitized controls are included.
Efficacy and safety of canagliflozin as add‐on therapy to teneligliptin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Results of a 24‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Kadowaki Takashi , Inagaki Nobuya , Kondo Kazuoki , Nishimura Kenichi , Kaneko Genki , Maruyama Nobuko , Nakanishi Nobuhiro , Iijima Hiroaki , Watanabe Yumi , Gouda Maki 
Published: February 2017

AimsTo investigate efficacy and safety of the sodium–glucose co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor canagliflozin administered as add‐on therapy to the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitor teneligliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Materials and methodsWe conducted a multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase 3 clinical trial in Japanese patients with T2DM who had inadequate glycaemic control with teneligliptin. Patients were randomized to receive teneligliptin 20 mg plus either canagliflozin 100 mg (T + C, n = 70) or placebo (T + P, n = 68) once daily. The primary endpoint was the change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline to week 24. Other endpoints included changes in fasting plasma glucose, body weight, proinsulin/C‐peptide ratio, homeostatic model assessment 2‐%B and adverse events. Patients also underwent mixed‐meal tolerance tests.ResultsThe difference between the T + C and T + P groups for HbA1c change from baseline to week 24 was −0.88% (least‐squares mean, P < .001). Fasting plasma glucose, body weight and the proinsulin/C‐peptide ratio were significantly lower in the T + C group than in the T + P group. Homeostatic model assessment 2‐%B improved with T + C compared with T + P. The T + C group exhibited a decrease in the 2‐hour postprandial plasma glucose and plasma glucose area under the curve (AUC)0‐2h in a mixed‐meal tolerance test. No significant between‐group differences were observed for C‐peptide AUC0‐2h or glucagon AUC0‐2h after meals. Incidences of adverse events were 60.0% and 47.1% in the T + C and T + P groups, respectively. No hypoglycaemia was observed.ConclusionsCanagliflozin administered as add‐on therapy to teneligliptin was effective and well tolerated in Japanese T2DM patients.
Susceptibility of common tree species in Sweden to Phytophthora cactorum, P. cambivora and P. plurivora
Authors: Cleary M. R. , Blomquist M. , Vetukuri R.R. , Böhlenius H. , Witzell J. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn Sweden, invasive Phytophthora pathogens have been recognized as a growing threat to urban and production forests, calling for an urgent update of regeneration strategies for infested areas. Stem inoculation tests were performed to test the relative susceptibility of common conifer and broadleaved tree species Pinus sylvestris, Picea abies, Larix x eurolepis, Betula pendula, Quercus robur, Fagus sylvatica, Populus trichocarpa and Tilia cordata to the root pathogens Phytophthora cactorum, P. cambivora and P. plurivora commonly isolated from Swedish soils. Results indicate that all the species tested were susceptible and formed lesions following stem inoculation with all three Phytophthora species, but to varying degrees. Of particular interest are the high levels of susceptibility in P. trichocarpa to all three Phytophthora species compared to other tested tree species.
Fruit and nut weight in pecan tree canopies in relation to the severity of pecan scab at different heights
Authors: Bock C. H. , Hotchkiss M. W. , Wood B. W. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryFusicladium effusum is the cause of pecan scab, the most destructive disease of pecan in the south‐eastern USA. The aim of the study was to determine how scab severity at different sample heights in tall trees (14–16 m) affected fruit and nut weight at those same heights. Three experiments were performed in 2010‐2011 on trees of scab‐susceptible cultivars (cvs. Desirable and Wichita) and either received fungicide using an air‐blast sprayer or were non‐treated controls. Samples for measures of fruit and nut weight were taken at 0–5.0, 5.0+–7.5, 7.5+–10.0, 10.0+–12.5 and 12.5+–15.0 m (and were assessed for scab severity). A general linear mixed model analysis showed main effects of sample height, fungicide treatment and sample height × fungicide treatment interactions in all experiments on fruit and nut weight and on disease severity. Control trees had significantly more severe disease on fruit lower in the canopy, while fungicide‐treated trees either had similar disease severity at all heights or slightly more severe disease in the upper canopy. On control trees, where there was a linear relationships between fruit or nut weight and sample height, it was invariably positive (R2= .85–.94). On fungicide‐treated trees, fruit or nut weight most often had a negative linear relationship with sample height (R2=.69–.89). When significant, in control and treated trees, there was invariably a negative linear relationship between fruit or nut weight and scab severity (R2=.66–.94). Gradients in fungicide coverage and scab severity impact fruit and nut weights that can have ramifications on yield for a tree as a whole. Understanding the distribution of scab in pecan and other tall tree canopies provides a basis for developing management strategies and fungicide application methods to uniformly minimize disease.
Neuronal responses support a role for orbitofrontal cortex in cognitive set reconfiguration
Authors: Sleezer Brianna J. , LoConte Giuliana A. , Castagno Meghan D. , Hayden Benjamin Y. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWe are often faced with the need to abandon no‐longer beneficial rules and adopt new ones. This process, known as cognitive set reconfiguration, is a hallmark of executive control. Although cognitive functions like reconfiguration are most often associated with dorsal prefrontal structures, recent evidence suggests that the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) may play an important role as well. We recorded the activity of OFC neurons while rhesus macaques performed an analogue of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task that involved a trial and error stage. The OFC neurons demonstrated two types of switch‐related activity, an early (switch‐away) signal and a late (switch‐to) signal, when the new task set was established. We also found a pattern of match modulation: a significant change in activity for the stimulus that matched the current perceptual rule (and would therefore be selected). These results extend our understanding of the executive functions of the OFC. They also allow us to directly compare the OFC with the complementary datasets we previously collected in the ventral (VS) and dorsal (DS) striatum. Although both effects are observed in all three areas, the timing of responses aligns the OFC more closely with DS than with VS.
Variations on the theme of musical expertise: cognitive and sensory processing in percussionists, vocalists and non‐musicians
Authors: Slater Jessica , Azem Andrea , Nicol Trent , Swedenborg Britta , Kraus Nina 
Published: February 2017

AbstractComparisons of musicians and non‐musicians have revealed enhanced cognitive and sensory processing in musicians, with longitudinal studies suggesting these enhancements may be due in part to experience‐based plasticity. Here, we investigate the impact of primary instrument on the musician signature of expertise by assessing three groups of young adults: percussionists, vocalists, and non‐musician controls. We hypothesize that primary instrument engenders selective enhancements reflecting the most salient acoustic features to that instrument, whereas cognitive functions are enhanced regardless of instrument. Consistent with our hypotheses, percussionists show more precise encoding of the fast‐changing acoustic features of speech than non‐musicians, whereas vocalists have better frequency discrimination and show stronger encoding of speech harmonics than non‐musicians. There were no strong advantages to specialization in sight‐reading vs. improvisation. These effects represent subtle nuances to the signature since the musician groups do not differ from each other in these measures. Interestingly, percussionists outperform both non‐musicians and vocalists in inhibitory control. Follow‐up analyses reveal that within the vocalists and non‐musicians, better proficiency on an instrument other than voice is correlated with better inhibitory control. Taken together, these outcomes suggest the more extensive engagement of motor systems during instrumental practice may be an important factor for enhancements in inhibitory control, consistent with evidence for overlapping neural circuitry involved in both motor and cognitive control. These findings contribute to the ongoing refinement of the musician signature of expertise and may help to inform the use of music in training and intervention to strengthen cognitive function.