bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rheumatic diseases are associated with a higher risk of dementia: A nation‐wide, population‐based, case‐control study
Authors: Chen Kuan‐Ting , Chen Yen‐Chung , Fan Yu‐Hsi , Lin Wen‐Xiu , Lin Wun‐Cin , Wang Yu‐Hsun , Lin Lichi , Chiou Jeng‐Yuan , Wei James C.‐C. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAimPrevious research demonstrated the possible relevance of dementia and rheumatic diseases. This population‐based study aims to investigate the association of rheumatic diseases and dementia.MethodsThe data of this case‐control study was extracted from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Diagnosis of dementia and rheumatic diseases mentioned in this study were retrieved by the International Classification of Diseases‐9 code. We recruited cases (n = 10 180) with dementia and controls (n = 61 080) during 2000–2010, by matching on age, gender and index date with a match ratio 1 : 6. The Chi‐square test was used to calculate the baseline characteristics of the cases and controls for categorical variables such as age and gender. Simple conditional and multivariable conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios.ResultsStatistical significance was observed in Sjögren's syndrome (SS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and osteoarthritis (OA) among females (P < 0.05 for SS and SLE; P < 0.01 for OA), and in SS, psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and OA among males (P < 0.01 for SS; P < 0.05 for PsA and OA). Further, we also demonstrated a significant difference in SLE and OA among the younger group (age = 40–64) (P < 0.01 for SLE and OA), and in SS and OA among the older group (age ≧ 65) (P < 0.01 for SS and OA).ConclusionIn this population‐based case‐control study, we found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis, SS, SLE, PsA and OA are significantly associated with a higher risk of dementia than those without rheumatic diseases. We hypothesized that inflammation and medications are two possible mechanisms.
Maternal history of recurrent pregnancy loss is associated with increased risk for long‐term pediatric gastrointestinal morbidity in the offspring
Authors: Lichtman Yael , Sheiner Eyal , Wainstock Tamar , Segal Idit , Landau Daniella , Walfisch Asnat 
Published: December 2017

ProblemRecurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) potentially involves an abnormal maternal inflammatory response. We investigated whether children of mothers with a history of RPL are at an increased risk for childhood gastrointestinal (GI) morbidity, with a specific focus on inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).Method of studyA population‐based cohort analysis comparing the risk for long‐term GI morbidity in children born to mothers with and without a history of RPL. Gastrointestinal (GI) morbidity included hospitalizations involving a pre‐defined set of ICD‐9 codes.ResultsDuring the study period, 242 186 newborns met the inclusion criteria; 5% of which were offspring to mothers with a history of RPL. Gastrointestinal morbidity was significantly more common in the RPL group (6.6% vs 5.3%). Specifically, offspring to mothers with a history of RPL had significantly higher rates of IBD (2.1% vs 1.7%).ConclusionMaternal history of RPL is associated with an increased risk for pediatric GI morbidity in the offspring.
The highest mortality rates in childhood dilated cardiomyopathy occur during the first year after diagnosis
Authors: Fadl Shalan , Wåhlander Håkan , Fall Katja , Cao Yang , Sunnegårdh Jan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAimThe aim of the study was to assess the incidence, mortality and morbidity of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and noncompaction of the left ventricle (LVNC) in Swedish children.MethodsWe reviewed hospital records of all children with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC) up to the age of 18 in the healthcare region of western Sweden from 1991 to 2015.ResultsIn total, 69 cases (61% males) were identified. The combined incidence of DCM and LVNC was 0.77 (95% CI 0.59‐0.96) per 100 000 person years. Children were divided into six groups, and their outcomes were analysed depending on their aetiology. Idiopathic DCM was reported in 43%, and familial dilated and left ventricular noncompaction aetiology was present in 32%. DCM due to various diseases occurred in 8%. DCM associated with neuromuscular diseases was present in 16%. The overall risk of death or receiving transplants in children with idiopathic and familial DCM was 30% over the study period, and 21% died in the first year after diagnosis.ConclusionThe combined incidence of DCM and LVNC was similar to previous reports. Most children with idiopathic DCM presented during infancy, and mortality was highest during the first year after diagnosis.
Effect of maturity and infection on the rate of relaxation of the respiratory muscles in ventilated, newborn infants
Authors: Dassios Theodore , Kaltsogianni Ourania , Dixon Paul , Greenough Anne 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAimTo assess the respiratory muscle time constant of relaxation (τ), an index of respiratory muscle function in ventilated newborns.MethodsSixty‐two infants (42 born prematurely) with a median gestational age of 29 [interquartile range (IQR) 26–37] weeks were prospectively studied. Measurement of τ was taken during spontaneous breathing on endotracheal continuous positive airway pressure prior to extubation, and τ was calculated from the reciprocal of the slope of the airway pressure decline versus time. Infants were classified as having had systemic or respiratory infection (positive microbiology) if they had any positive bacterial blood or respiratory culture prior to measurement.ResultsMeasurement of τ was taken at a median post‐natal age of 6 (IQR 3–29) days. The median τ was higher in premature infants [17.4 (IQR 7.7–28.3) sec/cmH2O] compared to term infants [6.8 (IQR 4.4–8.7) sec/cmH2O, p < 0.001]. The median τ was higher in infants who had had positive microbiology [17.6 (IQR 9.9–29.1) sec/cmH2O] compared to infants with negative microbiology [8.0 (IQR 6.3–17.9) sec/cmH2O, p = 0.034]. τ was related to gestational age (r = −0.265, p = 0.003) and weight at measurement (r = −0.269, p = 0.002).ConclusionRespiratory muscle function in ventilated newborns is negatively affected by prematurity and previous systemic or respiratory infection.
DISTRIBUTION OF CYSTICERCUS BOVIS IN LIGHTLY INFECTED YOUNG CATTLE
Authors: McCool C. J. 
Published: December 2017

SUMMARYSixty‐seven young cattle grazed on a sewage farm since birth were slaughtered and the carcases finely dissected in search of Cysticercus bovis. Forty‐seven (70%) were infected, but only 49% of infected cattle had cysts in tissues considered to be sites of predilection and only 19.8% of all cysts found were located in these sites. Most of the remaining cysts were distributed randomly throughout the masculature.
BROMOSULPHOPHTHALEIN CLEARANCE RATES IN SHEEP WITH PYRROLIZIDINE LIVER DAMAGE
Authors: LANIGAN G. W. , PETERSON J. E. 
Published: December 2017

SUMMARYSheep fed a ration containing 50% of dried Heliotropium europaeum showed a marked decline in bromosulphophthalein (BSP) fractional clearance rate during the first 3 months feeding. Thereafter, the response of individual animals varied widely on a time basis, although 3 groups could be identified. In the terminal stages, mean clearance rates were below 20% of initial values, with some sheep showing a decline in excess of 90%. Loss of liver functional capacity was generally much greater than indicated by the degree of damage revealed by histopathology. Thus, a suitably modified test could have considerable prognostic value in the field. In this investigation, all sheep with clearance rates below 0.15 died when exposed to a further period of H. europaeum feeding.
RESISTANCE TO THIABENDAZOLE IN A FIELD POPULATION OF OSTERTAGIA CIRCUMCINCTA FROM SHEEP
Authors: HALL C. A. , CAMPBELL N. J. , CARROLL S. N. 
Published: December 2017

SUMMARYA population of Ostertagia circumcincta from sheep has been found which, in field and laboratory trials, showed a lack of response to the recommended dose (44 mg/kg) of thiabendazole, suggesting that a degree of resistance exists to this anthelmintic.Preliminary experiments indicated a less than expected response to levamisole. This was not confirmed in a laboratory trial and therefore resistance to this anthelmintic has not been shown conclusively.
The Movember Foundation's GAP3 cohort: a profile of the largest global prostate cancer active surveillance database to date
Authors: Bruinsma Sophie M. , Zhang Liying , Roobol Monique J. , Bangma Chris H. , Steyerberg Ewout W. , Nieboer Daan , Van Hemelrijck Mieke ,   Movember Foundation's Global Action Plan Prostate Cancer Active Surveillance (GAP3) consortium
Published: December 2017

ObjectivesThe Movember Foundation launched the Global Action Plan Prostate Cancer Active Surveillance (GAP3) initiative to create a global consensus on the selection and monitoring of men with low‐risk prostate cancer (PCa) on active surveillance (AS). The aim of this study is to present data on inclusion and follow‐up for AS in this unique global AS database.Patients and MethodsBetween 2014 and 2016, the database was created by combining patient data from 25 established AS cohorts worldwide (USA, Canada, Australasia, UK and Europe). Data on a total of 15 101 patients were included. Descriptive statistics were used to report patients' clinical and demographic characteristics at the time of PCa diagnosis, clinical follow‐up, discontinuation of AS and subsequent treatment. Cumulative incidence curves were used to report discontinuation rates over time.ResultsAt diagnosis, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) patient age was 65 (60–70) years and the median prostate‐specific antigen level was 5.4 (4.0–7.3) ng/mL. Most patients had clinical stage T1 disease (71.8%), a biopsy Gleason score of 6 (88.8%) and one tumour‐positive biopsy core (60.3%). Patients on AS had a median follow‐up time of 2.2 (1.0–5.0) years. After 5, 10 and 15 years of follow‐up, respectively, 58%, 39% and 23% of patients were still on AS. The current version of GAP3 has limited data on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), quality of life and genomic testing.ConclusionsGAP3 is the largest worldwide collaboration integrating patient data from men with PCa on AS. The results will allow individual patients and clinicians to have greater confidence in the personalized decision to either delay or proceed with active treatment. Longer follow‐up and the evaluation of MRI, new genomic markers and patient‐related outcomes will result in even more valuable data and eventually in better patient outcomes.
Finding the needle in the haystack: systematic identification of psychobiotics
Authors: Bambury Aisling , Sandhu Kiran , Cryan John F , Dinan Timothy G 
Published: December 2017

The brain–gut–microbiota axis is increasingly viewed as a novel paradigm in neuroscience with the capacity to generate innovative therapies for patients with psychiatric illnesses. Psychobiotics, defined as live bacteria, which when ingested in adequate amounts, confer mental health benefits, are increasingly of interest, as preclinical trials continue to show promising results. Particularly in stress‐related, anxiety and depressive disorders, there is potential for psychobiotics to deliver new therapies. The question of which microbes may prove to be the most promising psychobiotic in delivering such therapies at a clinical level is of great importance. Here we look at the characteristics of psychobiotics, in an attempt to present an outline from which the identification of potential new psychobiotics may be possible.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on When Pharmacology Meets the Microbiome: New Targets for Therapeutics? To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.24/issuetoc
Shikonin inhibits myeloid differentiation protein 2 to prevent LPS‐induced acute lung injury
Authors: Zhang Yali , Xu Tingting , Pan Zheer , Ge Xiangting , Sun Chuchu , Lu Chun , Chen Hongjin , Xiao Zhongxiang , Zhang Bing , Dai Yuanrong , Liang Guang 
Published: December 2017

Background and PurposeAcute lung injury (ALI) is a challenging clinical syndrome, which manifests as an acute inflammatory response. Myeloid differentiation protein 2 (MD2) has an important role in mediating LPS‐induced inflammation. Currently, there are no effective molecular‐based therapies for ALI or viable biomarkers for predicting the severity of disease. Recent preclinical studies have shown that shikonin, a natural naphthoquinone, prevents LPS‐induced inflammation. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms.Experimental ApproachThe binding affinity of shikonin to MD2 was analysed using computer docking, surface plasmon resonance analysis and elisa. In vitro, the anti‐inflammatory effect and mechanism of shikonin were investigated through elisa, real‐time quantitative reverse transcription PCR, Western blotting and immunoprecipitation assay. In vivo, lung injury was induced by intratracheal administration of LPS and assessed by changes in the histopathological and inflammatory markers. The underlying mechanisms were investigated by immunoprecipitation in lung tissue.Key ResultsShikonin directly bound to MD2 and interfered with the activation of toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) induced by LPS. In cultured macrophages, shikonin inhibited TLR4 signalling and pro‐inflammatory cytokine production. These effects were produced through suppression of key signalling proteins including the NF‐κB and the MAPK pathway. We also showed that shikonin inhibits MD2–TLR4 complex formation and reduces LPS‐induced inflammatory responses in a mouse model of ALI.Conclusions and ImplicationsOur studies have uncovered the mechanism underlying the biological activity of shikonin in ALI and suggest that the targeting of MD2 may prove to be beneficial as a treatment option for this condition.
Bayesian molecular dating: opening up the black box
Authors: Bromham Lindell , Duchêne Sebastián , Hua Xia , Ritchie Andrew M. , Duchêne David A. , Ho Simon Y. W. 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTMolecular dating analyses allow evolutionary timescales to be estimated from genetic data, offering an unprecedented capacity for investigating the evolutionary past of all species. These methods require us to make assumptions about the relationship between genetic change and evolutionary time, often referred to as a ‘molecular clock’. Although initially regarded with scepticism, molecular dating has now been adopted in many areas of biology. This broad uptake has been due partly to the development of Bayesian methods that allow complex aspects of molecular evolution, such as variation in rates of change across lineages, to be taken into account. But in order to do this, Bayesian dating methods rely on a range of assumptions about the evolutionary process, which vary in their degree of biological realism and empirical support. These assumptions can have substantial impacts on the estimates produced by molecular dating analyses. The aim of this review is to open the ‘black box’ of Bayesian molecular dating and have a look at the machinery inside. We explain the components of these dating methods, the important decisions that researchers must make in their analyses, and the factors that need to be considered when interpreting results. We illustrate the effects that the choices of different models and priors can have on the outcome of the analysis, and suggest ways to explore these impacts. We describe some major research directions that may improve the reliability of Bayesian dating. The goal of our review is to help researchers to make informed choices when using Bayesian phylogenetic methods to estimate evolutionary rates and timescales.
IgE promotes type 2 innate lymphoid cells in murine food allergy
Authors: Burton O. T. , Medina Tamayo J. , Stranks A. J. , Miller S. , Koleoglou K. J. , Weinberg E. O. , Oettgen H. C. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryBackgroundMast cells serve an important sentinel function at mucosal barriers and have been implicated as key early inducers of type 2 immune responses in food allergy. The generation of Th2 and IgE following food allergen ingestion is inhibited in the absence of mast cells. Group 2 innate lymphoid cells are also thought to play an important early role in nascent allergic responses.ObjectiveTo test whether IgE‐mediated mast cell activation promotes intestinal ILC2 responses following ingestion of food allergens and whether ILC2 amplify food allergy.MethodsTwo different mouse models of food allergy, one using intraperitoneally ovalbumin (OVA)‐primed BALB/c animals and the other using enterally peanut‐sensitized inherently atopic IL4raF709 mice, were applied to test the contributions of IgE antibodies and mast cells to ILC2 responses. The effect of ILC2 on mast cell activation and on anaphylaxis was tested.ResultsILC2 responses were significantly impaired in both models of food allergy in Igh7−/− mice harbouring a targeted deletion of the gene encoding IgE. A similar reduction in food allergen‐induced ILC2 was observed in mast cell‐deficient Il4raF709 KitW‐sh mice, and this was partially corrected by reconstituting these animals using cultured bone marrow mast cells. Mast cells activated ILC2 for IL‐13 production in an IL‐4Rα−dependent manner. Activated ILC2 amplified systemic anaphylaxis by increasing target tissue sensitivity to mast cell mediators.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceThese findings support an important role for IgE‐activated mast cells in driving intestinal ILC2 expansion in food allergy and reveal that ILC2, in turn, can enhance responsiveness to the mediators of anaphylaxis produced by mast cells. Strategies designed to inhibit IgE signalling or mast cell activation are likely to inhibit both type 2 immunity and immediate hypersensitivity in food allergy.
Progestin‐primed ovarian stimulation with or without clomiphene citrate supplementation in normal ovulatory women undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection: A prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liu Yali , Chen Qiuju , Yu Sha , Wang Yun , He Wen , Chang Hannah Ya‐Ning , Wang Bian , Gao Hongyuan , Long Hui , Wang Li , Lyu Qifeng , Ai Ai , Kuang Yanping 
Published: December 2017

SummaryObjectiveTo compare the endocrinological profiles, cycle characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of progestin‐primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) with or without clomiphene citrate (CC) supplementation in normal ovulatory women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).DesignProspective randomized controlled study.Patient(s)A total of 320 infertile women undergoing IVF/ICSI. Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) were simultaneously administered on menstrual cycle day 3. The women were randomized into 2 equal groups with or without CC supplementation.MeasuresThe primary outcome measure was the percentage of women with profound pituitary suppression (luteinizing hormone [LH] <1.0 IU/L on the trigger day). The secondary outcomes were endocrinological profiles, cycle characteristics and pregnancy outcomes.ResultsThe percentage of women with profound pituitary suppression was significantly lower in the study group (hMG + MPA + CC) than in the control group (hMG + MPA) (1.9% vs 33.1%, P < .001). The mean LH level during controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) was higher in the study group than in the control group (P < .001), but none of the patients in either group exhibited a premature LH surge. The doses of Gn in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group (1334.06 ± 212.53 IU vs 1488.28 ± 325.08 IU, P < .001). The number of oocytes retrieved was similar between the 2 groups (10.03 ± 5.97 vs 10.34 ± 7.52, P > .05). No significant differences were observed in either the number of viable embryos or the pregnancy outcomes between the 2 groups.Conclusion(s)Clomiphene citrate is an effective adjuvant to alleviate pituitary suppression in the PPOS protocol; however, it has no impact on clinical outcomes.
Presenting symptoms and long‐term survival in head and neck cancer
Authors: Douglas C.M. , Ingarfield K. , McMahon A.D. , Savage S.A. , Conway D.I. , MacKenzie K. 
Published: December 2017

ObjectivesTo assess how type and number of symptoms are related to survival in patients with head and neck cancer.DesignPatients were followed up for over 10 years from the Scottish Audit of Head and Neck Cancer (national cohort of head and neck cancer patients in Scotland 1999‐2001). September 2013, cohort was linked to national mortality data. First, second and third presenting symptoms were recorded at diagnosis.SettingNational prospective audit—Scotland.ParticipantsA subset of 1589 patients, from the original cohort of 1895, who had cancer arising from one of the four main subsites; larynx, oropharynx, oral cavity and hypopharynx.Main outcome measuresMedian survival in relation to patients’ presenting symptoms.ResultsA total of 1146 (72%) males and 443 (28%) females, mean age at diagnosis 64 years (13‐95). There was a significant difference in survival in relation to the number of the patient's presenting symptoms; one symptom had a median survival of 5.3 years compared with 1.1 years for three symptoms. Patients who presented with weight loss had a median survival of 0.8 years, compared to 4.2 years if they did not (P < .001). Patients who presented with hoarseness had a median survival of 5.9 years compared to 2.6 years without (P < .001). There was no significant difference in long‐term survival for patients who presented with an ulcer, compared to those that did not (P = .105).ConclusionsThis study highlights the importance of patients’ presenting symptoms, giving valuable information in highlighting appropriate “red flag” symptoms and subsequent treatment planning and prognosis.
Biodiversity in World Heritage Cultural Landscapes: Possibilities and Problems for Communicating Climate Change and Mobilizing Mitigation
Authors: Samuels Kathryn Lafrenz 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWhen biodiversity is recognized not simply as a natural quality but as a cultural concept and product, it highlights human agency in fostering and promoting biodiversity. Mobilizing human agency becomes particularly important in the face of significant threats to biodiversity, such as those posed by global climate change. UNESCO World Heritage Sites offer an ideal platform for communicating global conservation challenges like climate change, and therefore for mobilizing social action for climate change mitigation. The World Heritage category of cultural landscapes is particularly well suited to presenting biodiversity as a joint natural‐cultural product, and likewise demonstrating both the impacts of climate change on biodiversity and the social possibilities for climate action.
Freezing Seeds and Making Futures: Endangerment, Hope, Security, and Time in Agrobiodiversity Conservation Practices
Authors: Harrison Rodney 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis paper considers the temporal practices inherent in the work of global agrobiodiversity conservation, drawing on ongoing research with the Nordic Genetic Resource Centre and the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. It contrasts the distinctive, future‐making practices inherent in the work of ex situ cold seed storage, with the normative, entropic view of the relationship of species diversity with time that arises from the field of biodiversity conservation more generally. These differences point to the value of comparative studies of natural and cultural heritage conservation practices that focus on their politics and ontologies to reveal the heterogeneity of approaches across these fields, and the different worlds they each produce in conserving their endangered objects for the future.