bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is the spatial pattern of a tree population in a seasonally dry tropical climate explained by density‐dependent mortality?
Authors: Silveira Andréa Pereira , Martins Fernando Roberto , Menezes Bruno Sousa , Araújo Francisca Soares 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSpatial pattern of tropical plants is initially generated by limited seed dispersal, but the role of density‐dependent and independent mechanisms as modifiers of these patterns across ontogeny is poorly understood. We investigated whether density‐dependent mortality (DDM) and environmental heterogeneity can drive spatial pattern across the ontogeny of a tree in a seasonally dry tropical climate. We used Moran's I correlograms and spatial analysis by distance indices (SADIE) to assess the spatial patterns of the pre‐ and post‐germinative stages of Cordia oncocalyx (Boraginaceae), an abundant tree endemic in the deciduous thorny woodland in the northeastern Brazilian semiarid region. We also used RDA to analyse the effect of DDM and environmental heterogeneity (measured by microtopography and canopy openness) in the mortality and recruitment. Seeds, seedlings, juveniles and adults showed aggregated spatial patterns; infants and immatures were randomly distributed; adults, seeds and seedlings attracted each other while adult, juveniles and immatures repulsed each other. Infant and seedling mortality rates were related to DDM and the recruitment from infant to juvenile was more influenced by spatial heterogeneity. Attraction was determined by local dispersal; repulsion was related to DDM and environment heterogeneity, which allowed the return to aggregation in adult stage. Together, these results indicated that spatial pattern can change across ontogeny, in which the initial stages are responsive to DDM and the final stages are influenced by spatial heterogeneity.
Efficacy of predetermined therapeutic measures against bleb‐related infection in the Collaborative Bleb‐related Infection Incidence and Treatment Study
Authors: Shoji Nobuyuki , Arakaki Yoshikuni , Nakamoto Kenji , Yamamoto Tetsuya , Kuwayama Yasuaki ,   The Collaborative Bleb‐related Infection Incidence and Treatment Study Group
Published: November 2017

AbstractPurposeTo report the efficacy of the predetermined treatment protocol of the Collaborative Bleb‐related Infection Incidence and Treatment Study (CBIITS) for bleb‐related infection (BRI) patients.MethodsA prospective, observational cohort study was conducted at 34 clinical centres in Japan. Nineteen eyes from 19 patients that developed BRI were treated using the CBIITS protocol at 34 clinical centres. The visual acuity (VA) and intraocular pressure (IOP) were monitored for 6 and 12 months after treatment with the predetermined protocol.ResultsThe logMAR was 0.623 ± 0.748 (mean ± standard deviation) before the infection developed. It was 1.054 ± 1.156 and 0.950 ± 1.168 at 6 months and 12 months post‐infection, respectively. However, in subgroup analyses, there was no significant decrease in post‐infection logMAR in stages I and II. In contrast, decimal VA was decreased ≥2 lines in all four cases in stage III. The IOP did not change after infection. It was 10.2 ± 5.0 mmHg (range, 3–22 mmHg) before the infection developed, and 12.9 ± 5.2 mmHg (5–24 mmHg) and 10.7 ± 4.7 mmHg (3–18 mmHg) at 6 months and 12 months after infection, respectively.ConclusionBecause of the small number of BRI patients, the superiority of the treatment was not definitively determined. However, VA was almost maintained in stages I and II, and the IOP did not change after infection. Although further study is necessary, the treatment protocol shown in the study might be a valuable treatment regime.
Dicloxacillin induces CYP2C19, CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Stage Tore Bjerregaard , Graff Magnus , Wong Susan , Rasmussen Louise Ladebo , Nielsen Flemming , Pottegård Anton , Brøsen Kim , Kroetz Deanna L. , Khojasteh S. Cyrus , Damkier Per 
Published: November 2017

AimThe aim of this study was to study potential cytochrome P450 (CYP) induction by dicloxacillin.MethodsWe performed an open‐label, randomized, two‐phase, five‐drug clinical pharmacokinetic cocktail crossover study in 12 healthy men with and without pretreatment with 1 g dicloxacillin three times daily for 10 days. Plasma and urine were collected over 24 h and the concentration of all five drugs and their primary metabolites was determined using a liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry method. Cryopreserved primary human hepatocytes were exposed to dicloxacillin for 48 h and changes in gene expression and the activity of CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP2B6 and CYP1A2 were investigated. The activation of nuclear receptors by dicloxacillin was assessed using luciferase assays.ResultsA total of 10 days of treatment with dicloxacillin resulted in a clinically and statistically significant reduction in the area under the plasma concentration–time curve from 0 to 24 h for omeprazole (CYP2C19) {geometric mean ratio [GMR] [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 0.33 [0.24, 0.45]}, tolbutamide (CYP2C9) [GMR (95% CI): 0.73 (0.65, 0.81)] and midazolam (CYP3A4) [GMR (95% CI): 0.54 (0.41, 0.72)]. Additionally, other relevant pharmacokinetic parameters were affected, indicating the induction of CYP2C‐ and CYP3A4‐mediated metabolism by dicloxacillin. Investigations in primary hepatocytes showed a statistically significant dose‐dependent increase in CYP expression and activity by dicloxacillin, caused by activation of the pregnane X receptor.ConclusionsDicloxacillin is an inducer of CYP2C‐ and CYP3A‐mediated drug metabolism, and we recommend caution when prescribing dicloxacillin to users of drugs with a narrow therapeutic window.
Towards an eco‐phylogenetic framework for infectious disease ecology
Authors: Fountain‐Jones Nicholas M. , Pearse William D. , Escobar Luis E. , Alba‐Casals Ana , Carver Scott , Davies T. Jonathan , Kraberger Simona , Papeş Monica , Vandegrift Kurt , Worsley‐Tonks Katherine , Craft Meggan E. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTIdentifying patterns and drivers of infectious disease dynamics across multiple scales is a fundamental challenge for modern science. There is growing awareness that it is necessary to incorporate multi‐host and/or multi‐parasite interactions to understand and predict current and future disease threats better, and new tools are needed to help address this task. Eco‐phylogenetics (phylogenetic community ecology) provides one avenue for exploring multi‐host multi‐parasite systems, yet the incorporation of eco‐phylogenetic concepts and methods into studies of host pathogen dynamics has lagged behind. Eco‐phylogenetics is a transformative approach that uses evolutionary history to infer present‐day dynamics. Here, we present an eco‐phylogenetic framework to reveal insights into parasite communities and infectious disease dynamics across spatial and temporal scales. We illustrate how eco‐phylogenetic methods can help untangle the mechanisms of host–parasite dynamics from individual (e.g. co‐infection) to landscape scales (e.g. parasite/host community structure). An improved ecological understanding of multi‐host and multi‐pathogen dynamics across scales will increase our ability to predict disease threats.
Maternal folic acid use during pregnancy, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphism, and child's lung function and asthma
Authors: den Dekker H. T. , Jaddoe V. W.V. , Reiss I. K. , de Jongste J. C. , Duijts L. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryBackgroundFolic acid supplement use during pregnancy might affect childhood respiratory health, potentially mediated by methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism C677T (MTHFR‐C677T) carriership.ObjectivesWe examined the associations of maternal folic acid supplement use and folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine concentrations during pregnancy with childhood lung function and asthma.MethodsThis study was embedded in a population‐based prospective cohort study among 5653 children. Folic acid supplement use was assessed by questionnaires. Folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine plasma concentrations were measured in early pregnancy and at birth. At age 10 years, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% (FEF25‐75), at 75% of FVC (FEF75), and asthma were examined.ResultsMaternal folic acid supplement use during pregnancy was associated with higher childhood FEV1 and FVC and with a lower FEV1/FVC, compared with no folic acid supplement use. Among mothers carrying MTHFR‐C677T variants, preconceptional start of folic acid supplement use was associated with lower FEV1/FVC (−0.17 [−0.32, −0.02]) and FEF25‐75 (−0.24 [−0.40, −0.07]). Among children carrying MTHFR‐C677T wild‐type, a higher vitamin B12 level at birth was associated with a lower FEV1 (−0.07 [−0.12, −0.01]) and FVC (−0.09 [−0.15, −0.04]). Folate and homocysteine concentrations were not consistently associated with lower childhood lung function or asthma.ConclusionsPreconceptional start of maternal folic acid supplement use and higher vitamin B12 concentrations at birth might adversely affect childhood lung function depending on MTHFR‐C677T carriership. The clinical implications need to be evaluated.
Allergic contact dermatitis caused by calcipotriol
Authors: Gilissen Liesbeth , Huygens Sara , Goossens An 
Published: November 2017

SummaryBackgroundCalcipotriol, a synthetic vitamin D analogue, is widely used for the topical treatment of psoriasis. It often causes irritant reactions, whereas allergic contact dermatitis has less commonly been reported.ObjectivesTo report on 6 patients (among them an 11‐year‐old child) who presented with eczematous lesions complicating pre‐existing dermatitis, observed in our tertiary referral patch test clinic between 2004 and 2016.MethodsPatch tests were performed with the commercial preparation used by the patients and/or its ingredients, including calcipotriol (2 or 10 µg/ml in isopropyl alcohol), according to ESCD patch test guidelines.ResultsAllergic contact dermatitis was confirmed in all cases, and the lesions improved following treatment with topical corticosteroids and/or oral medication.ConclusionsWhen topical treatment with calcipotriol fails to improve, or even worsens, existing skin lesions, contact allergy should be suspected. A patch test concentration of 2 µg/ml in isopropyl alcohol seems to be the most suitable. According to the literature, patients sensitized to calcipotriol may tolerate topical therapy with other vitamin D3 analogues, particularly tacalcitol.
Endoscopic resection of large colorectal adenomas – clinical experience of a tertiary referral centre
Authors: Mlynarsky L. , Zelber‐Sagi S. , Miller E. , Kariv R. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimColorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer‐related mortality. Adenomatous polyps are typically resected endoscopically to prevent cancer while giant and complex polyps are managed surgically. No criteria clearly define the indications for surgical vs endoscopic resection. Our aim was to evaluate factors associated with the short‐term efficacy and safety of endoscopic resection of large (≥ 20 mm) and giant (≥ 40 mm) adenomas.MethodConsecutive cases with colonic adenomas larger than 20 mm resected endoscopically were included. Endoscopic, clinical and histological details of polyps were recorded as well as the need for surgical resection.ResultA total of 351 resections were included. The average adenoma diameter was 30.34 ± 10.66 mm. Surgery was recommended in 21 (5.98%) cases. In a multivariate analysis for efficacy, two variables were independent risk factors for surgery: adenoma size [OR 1.08 (95% CI: 1.04–1.12)] and caecal location [5.97(1.60–22.33)]. Postpolypectomy complications were documented in 85 (24.2%) cases: bleeding 69 (19.7%), perforations 8(2.3%) and significant discomfort 15(4.3%). Twenty‐one patients (6.0%) developed serious complications requiring further hospitalization. In multivariate analysis for safety, independent risk factors for postpolypectomy complications included adenoma size [1.04 (1.06–1.01)], polyp morphology [sessile 2.55 (1.45–4.51), flat 2.40 (1.04–5.52)] and submucosal adrenaline injection [1.87 (1.11–3.20)]. Increments of 1 mm in adenoma diameter beyond 20 mm increased the need for surgery by 8% and the risk of complications by 4%.ConclusionResection of large or giant adenomas is generally a safe procedure. Although adenoma size and morphology are significant predictors of efficacy and safety, each case should be individually evaluated in a specialist unit for feasibility of endoscopic resection.
Evaluation of nasal mucociliary clearance using saccharin test in smokers: A prospective study
Authors: Dülger Seyhan , Akdeniz Önder , Solmaz Fevzi , Şengören Dikiş Özlem , Yildiz Tekin 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackground and aimNasal mucociliary clearance time (NMCT) can be measured with the saccharine clearance test which is an inexpensive and easy method. The aim of the present study was to compare and evaluate NMCT using the saccharine clearance test in smokers and non‐smokers.Materials and methodsEighty‐five patients whose ages ranged from 18 to 65 years were included in the study. Fifty of the patients were smokers (Group 1) while 35 were healthy, non‐smoking volunteers (Group 2). Saccharin clearance test was used to evaluate NMCT in both groups. The results obtained were compared and the statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).ResultsNMCT was statistically significantly higher in Group 1 as compared to Group 2 (P < .001, Mann‐Whitney U test). However, in cumulative smoking duration (pack‐year), Fagerström test values and gender categories, there was no statistically significant difference in the average NMCT values of the two groups (P = .943 vs P = .812 respectively), P = .45).ConclusionMucociliary activity, the primary defence mechanism of the respiratory epithelium, is significantly depressed in smokers. Our findings showed that the said depression is not associated with the number of cigarettes smoked, duration of smoking or nicotine dependence.
The safety and efficacy of different methods for obtaining transbronchial lung cryobiopsy in diffuse lung diseases
Authors: Dhooria Sahajal , Mehta Ravindra M. , Srinivasan Arjun , Madan Karan , Sehgal Inderpaul Singh , Pattabhiraman Vallandramam , Yadav Pavan , Sivaramakrishnan Mahadevan , Mohan Anant , Bal Amanjit , Garg Mandeep , Agarwal Ritesh 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIntroductionMost data on transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) are from single centers, with little evidence on the outcome of different methods for performing TBLC.ObjectiveTo report the diagnostic yield and safety of TBLC with different procedural techniques.Materials and MethodsRetrospective multicenter study of subjects who underwent TBLC for the diagnosis of diffuse parenchymal lung diseases (DPLDs). The procedure was performed using various methods: flexible or rigid bronchoscopy, with or without the use of fluoroscopy or occlusion balloon.ResultsIn total, 128 subjects (59% women) with a mean age of 48.9 years were included. The overall diagnostic yield of TBLC was 78.1%, with a definite diagnosis on multidisciplinary discussion made in 57 (44.5%) subjects. On a multivariate analysis, the diagnostic yield was associated with the number of biopsies taken {ajdusted odds ratio [AOR] [95% confidence interval (CI)], 2.17 [1.29‐3.67]}. The incidence of pneumothorax was lower in subjects who underwent TBLC with fluoroscopic guidance (5.9% vs 20.9%), [AOR (95% CI), 0.26 (0.07‐0.94)]. Moderate‐to‐severe bleeding occurred less frequently when an occlusion balloon was used [1.8% vs 35.7%; AOR (95% CI), 0.02 (0.001‐0.18)], after adjusting for age, use of fluoroscopy, number of biopsies obtained and number of lobes sampled. Four deaths occurred; 2 because of acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.ConclusionsTransbronchial lung cryobiopsy was found to offer a reasonable yield in the diagnosis of DPLDs. The incidence of pneumothorax and moderate‐to‐severe bleeding was lower with the use of fluoroscopy and an occlusion balloon, respectively.
Early and delayed post‐pneumonectomy empyemas: Microbiology, management and prognosis
Authors: Stern Jean‐Baptiste , Fournel Ludovic , Wyplosz Benjamin , Girard Philippe , Al Nakib Malik , Gossot Dominique , Seguin‐Givelet Agathe 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIntroductionPost‐pneumonectomy empyema (PPE) is the most severe complication of pneumonectomy. Microbiology and its impact on management and prognosis have rarely been reportedMethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the files of a series of 37 consecutive patients with PPE over a 10‐year period with a special focus on microbiology, means used to treat empyema and prognosis.ResultsPPE occurred within 14 days of pneumonectomy in 17 cases (early PPE) and after postoperative day 16 in 20 patients (delayed PPE). PPE was monomicrobial in 57% of cases. The most frequent pathogens were Staphylococcus sp. and Streptococcus sp. Polymicrobial empyema was more frequent in patients with early PPE than delayed PPE (65% vs 25%; P = .02). Video‐assisted thoracoscopic approach for cavity lavage was performed in 22 patients without broncho‐pleural fistulae (BPF), associated with antimicrobial therapy and drainage, and was successful in 13 cases (59%). Seventeen patients (46%) underwent an open window thoracostomy. Overall 90‐day post empyema mortality was 19%, with 6 deaths because of empyema in the early PPE group (35%), versus one (5%) in the delayed PPE group (P = .02).ConclusionWe distinguished 2 different PPE presentations: an early occurrence, mostly with polymicrobial cultures, including Gram‐negative bacteria, and associated with a high mortality rate. By contrast, delayed PPEs were mostly monomicrobial with Gram‐positive bacteria and associated with a better prognosis. VATS approach was successful in the majority of cases without BPF, even if some patients required secondary thoracostomy. PPE was associated with an excess of mortality especially when occurring in the early course after pneumonectomy.
Association of early left ventricular dysfunction with advanced magnetic resonance white matter and gray matter brain measures: The CARDIA study
Authors: Armstrong Anderson C. , Muller Majon , Ambale‐Ventakesh Bharath , Halstead Michael , Kishi Satoru , Bryan Nick , Sidney Stephen , Correia Luís C. L. , Gidding Samuel S. , Launer Lenore J. , Lima João A. C. 
Published: November 2017

IntroductionRelations between heart failure and clinically manifested stroke are well known, but the associations between heart and brain early abnormalities are not totally clear.AimsWe explore relations of subclinical brain abnormalities with early cardiac dysfunction in a large healthy middle‐aged biracial cohort.MethodsThe CARDIA study enrolled 5115 young adults aged 18–30 years at baseline (1985–1986). We assessed 719 Caucasian and African American participants of the CARDIA study, with echocardiograms and brain MRI at follow‐up year 25 (2010–2011). Echocardiography assessed aortic root diameter; LVEF; circumferential, longitudinal, and radial deformation. Cerebral MRI DTI, and, on a subset, ASL perfusion sequences were used to assess white matter fractional anisotropy and gray matter cerebral blood flow (CBF). Linear regression explored relations between cardiac parameters and cerebral measures, adjusting for anthropometrics, risk factors, and brain constitutional variation.ResultsMean age 50 ± 4 years, SBP 118 ± 15 mm Hg; 60% white, and 48% men. Mean CBF was 46 ± 9 mL/100 g/min, and white matter fractional anisotropy was 0.31 ± 0.02. Worse circumferential deformation and larger aortic root were related to worse white matter fractional anisotropy. Worse radial systolic deformation was related to worse CBF in multivariable models. LVEF did not relate to early brain abnormalities.ConclusionsIn spite of no apparent effect of LV ejection fraction, early subclinical cardiac dysfunction and brain abnormalities are present and associated in middle‐aged generally healthy individuals.
Quantitative assessment of aortic regurgitation by Doppler echocardiography: Usefulness of the comparison of aortic and pulmonary flows
Authors: Gallais Katell , Maréchaux Sylvestre , Czitrom Daniel , Saunier Carole , Guerbaai Raphaëlle‐Ashley , Castel Anne‐Laure , Delelis François , Tribouilloy Christophe , Ennezat Pierre‐Vladimir 
Published: November 2017

AimsPatients with significant (3+/4+) aortic regurgitation (AR) require careful monitoring or valve surgery. We sought to evaluate the diagnostic performance of aortic and pulmonary flow comparison in identifying patients with significant AR, by echocardiography.MethodTwo hundred forty‐six patients with more than trivial AR were prospectively enrolled from three centers. Aortic regurgitation (AR) severity was assessed by an expert using the currently recommended integrative approach. Aortic and pulmonary flows were independently assessed by another investigator to calculate the regurgitant fraction (RF), the aortic to pulmonary flow ratio (Qao/Qp) and the aortic to pulmonary velocity‐time integral (VTIao/VTIp) ratio. The control group consisted of 195 patients without AR.ResultsA significant correlation was observed between AR grading and RF (r = .82, P < .0001) and Qao/Qp (r = .81, P < .0001), but the correlation was modest for VTIao/VTIp ratio (r = .63; P < .0001). The accuracy of RF and Qao/Qp ratio to identify patients with significant AR was excellent (0.96 and 0.95, respectively), but was significantly lower for VTIao/VTIp ratio at 0.82. A RF > 40% indicated grade 3 or 4 AR with a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 93%. A Qao/Qp ratio > 1.6 indicated grade 3 or 4 AR with a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 89%. The VTIao/VTIp ratio was not helpful in identifying patients with significant AR, as a wide overlap was found between 1+/2+ and 3+/4+ patients.ConclusionRegurgitant fraction (RF) and Qao/Qp are helpful in identifying significant AR. The assessment of Doppler aortic/pulmonary flow should be incorporated in the comprehensive evaluation of AR.
Seizure‐susceptible brain regions in glioblastoma: identification of patients at risk
Authors: Cayuela N. , Simó M. , Majós C. , Rifà‐Ros X. , Gállego Pérez‐Larraya J. , Ripollés P. , Vidal N. , Miró J. , Gil F. , Gil‐Gil M. , Plans G. , Graus F. , Bruna J. 
Published: November 2017

Background and purposeThe main aim of this study was to identify which patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) have a higher risk of presenting seizures during follow‐up.MethodsPatients with newly diagnosed GBM were reviewed (n = 306) and classified as patients with (Group 1) and without (Group 2) seizures at onset. Group 2 was split into patients with seizures during follow‐up (Group 2A) and patients who never had seizures (Group 2B). The anatomical location of GBM was identified and compared by voxel‐based lesion symptom mapping (discovery set). Seizure‐susceptible brain regions obtained were assessed visually and automatically in external GBM validation series (n = 85).ResultsIn patients with GBM who had no seizures at onset, an increased risk of presenting seizures during follow‐up was identified in the superior frontal and inferior occipital lobe, as well as in inferoposterior regions of the temporal lobe. Conversely, those patients with GBM located in medial and inferoanterior temporal areas had a significantly lower risk of suffering from seizures during follow‐up. Additionally, the seizure‐susceptible brain region maps obtained classified patients in the validation set with high positive and negative predictive values.ConclusionsTumor location is a useful marker to identify patients with GBM who are at risk of suffering from seizures during follow‐up. These results may help to support the use of antiepileptic prophylaxis in a selected GBM population and to improve stratification in antiepileptic clinical trials.