bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dipeptidyl Peptidase‐4 Inhibitor Anagliptin Prevents Intracranial Aneurysm Growth by Suppressing Macrophage Infiltration and Activation
Authors: Ikedo Taichi , Minami Manabu , Kataoka Hiroharu , Hayashi Kosuke , Nagata Manabu , Fujikawa Risako , Higuchi Sei , Yasui Mika , Aoki Tomohiro , Fukuda Miyuki , Yokode Masayuki , Miyamoto Susumu 
Published: June 2017

Background

Chronic inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysms (
IA
s). DPP‐4 (dipeptidyl peptidase‐4) inhibitors have anti‐inflammatory effects, including suppressing macrophage infiltration, in various inflammatory models. We examined whether a
DPP
‐4 inhibitor, anagliptin, could suppress the growth of
IA
s in a rodent aneurysm model.

Methods and Results

IA
s were surgically induced in 7‐week‐old male Sprague Dawley rats, followed by oral administration of 300 mg/kg anagliptin. We measured the morphologic parameters of aneurysms over time and their local inflammatory responses. To investigate the molecular mechanisms, we used lipopolysaccharide‐treated
RAW
264.7 macrophages. In the anagliptin‐treated group, aneurysms were significantly smaller 2 to 4 weeks after
IA
induction. Anagliptin inhibited the accumulation of macrophages in
IA
s, reduced the expression of MCP‐1 (monocyte chemotactic protein 1), and suppressed the phosphorylation of p65. In lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated
RAW
264.7 cells, anagliptin treatment significantly reduced the production of tumor necrosis factor α,
MCP
‐1, and IL‐6 (interleukin 6) independent of GLP‐1 (glucagon‐like peptide 1), the key mediator in the antidiabetic effects of
DPP
‐4 inhibitors. Notably, anagliptin activated ERK5 (extracellular signal–regulated kinase 5), which mediates the anti‐inflammatory effects of statins, in
RAW
264.7 macrophages. Preadministration with an
ERK
5 inhibitor blocked the inhibitory effect of anagliptin on
MCP
‐1 and
IL
‐6 expression. Accordingly, the
ERK
5 inhibitor also counteracted the suppression of p65 phosphorylation in vitro.

Conclusions

A
DPP
‐4 inhibitor, anagliptin, prevents the growth of
IA
s via its anti‐inflammatory effects on macrophages.
Motor Recovery Prediction With Clinical Assessment and Local Diffusion Homogeneity After Acute Subcortical Infarction
Authors: Liu Gang , Tan Shuangquan , Dang Chao , Peng Kangqiang , Xie Chuanmiao , Xing Shihui , Zeng Jinsheng 
Published: June 2017

Background and Purpose—
Initial clinical assessment or conventional diffusion tensor imaging parameters alone do not reliably predict poststroke recovery of motor function. Recently, local diffusion homogeneity (LDH) has been proposed to represent the local coherence of water molecule diffusion and can serve as a complementary marker for investigating white matter alterations of the brain. We aimed to determine whether a combination of initial clinical assessment and LDH could predict motor recovery after acute subcortical infarction.

Methods—
Standard upper extremity Fugl-Meyer assessment and diffusion tensor imaging were performed 1, 4, and 12 weeks after onset in 50 patients with subcortical infarction. Proportional recovery model residuals were used to assign patients to proportional recovery and poor recovery groups. Tract-based spatial statistics analysis was used to compare diffusion differences between proportional and poor recovery outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the predictors of motor improvement within 12 weeks after stroke.

Results—

The poor recovery group had lower LDH than the proportional recovery group, mainly in the ipsilesional corticospinal tract in the superior corona radiate and posterior limb of internal capsule 1 week after stroke (
P
<0.005; family-wise error corrected). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that both initial Fugl-Meyer assessment and LDH in the ipsilesional corticospinal tract in the superior corona radiate and posterior limb of internal capsule were predictors of motor improvement within 12 weeks after stroke (G=47.22;
P
<0.001). Leave-one-out cross-validation confirmed a positive predictive value of 0.818, a negative predictive value of 0.833, and an accuracy of 0.824 (
P
<0.00 001; permutation test).

Conclusions—
These results suggest that a combination of clinical assessment and LDH in the ipsilesional corticospinal tract in the acute phase can accurately predict resolution of upper limb impairment within 12 weeks after subcortical infarction.
Hazardous Weather Prediction and Communication in the Modern Information Environment
Authors: Morss Rebecca E. , Demuth Julie L. , Lazrus Heather , Palen Leysia , Barton C. Michael , Davis Christopher A. , Snyder Chris , Wilhelmi Olga V. , Anderson Kenneth M. , Ahijevych David A. , Anderson Jennings , Bica Melissa , Fossell Kathryn R. , Henderson Jennifer , Kogan Marina , Stowe Kevin , Watts Joshua 
Published: June 2017

AbstractDuring the last few decades, scientific capabilities for understanding and predicting weather and climate risks have advanced rapidly. At the same time, technological advances, such as the Internet, mobile devices, and social media, are transforming how people exchange and interact with information. In this modern information environment, risk communication, interpretation, and decision-making are rapidly evolving processes that intersect across space, time, and society. Instead of a linear or iterative process in which individual members of the public assess and respond to distinct pieces of weather forecast or warning information, this article conceives of weather prediction, communication, and decision-making as an interconnected dynamic system. In this expanded framework, information and uncertainty evolve in conjunction with people’s risk perceptions, vulnerabilities, and decisions as a hazardous weather threat approaches; these processes are intertwined with evolving social interactions in the physical and digital worlds. Along with the framework, the article presents two interdisciplinary research approaches for advancing the understanding of this complex system and the processes within it: analysis of social media streams and computational natural–human system modeling. Examples from ongoing research are used to demonstrate these approaches and illustrate the types of new insights they can reveal. This expanded perspective together with research approaches, such as those introduced, can help researchers and practitioners understand and improve the creation and communication of information in atmospheric science and other fields.
An “Observational Large Ensemble” to Compare Observed and Modeled Temperature Trend Uncertainty due to Internal Variability
Authors: McKinnon Karen A. , Poppick Andrew , Dunn-Sigouin Etienne , Deser Clara 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Estimates of the climate response to anthropogenic forcing contain irreducible uncertainty due to the presence of internal variability. Accurate quantification of this uncertainty is critical for both contextualizing historical trends and determining the spread of climate projections. The contribution of internal variability to uncertainty in trends can be estimated in models as the spread across an initial condition ensemble. However, internal variability simulated by a model may be inconsistent with observations due to model biases. Here, statistical resampling methods are applied to observations in order to quantify uncertainty in historical 50-yr (1966–2015) winter near-surface air temperature trends over North America related to incomplete sampling of internal variability. This estimate is compared with the simulated trend uncertainty in the NCAR CESM1 Large Ensemble (LENS). The comparison suggests that uncertainty in trends due to internal variability is largely overestimated in LENS, which has an average amplification of variability of 32% across North America. The amplification of variability is greatest in the western United States and Alaska. The observationally derived estimate of trend uncertainty is combined with the forced signal from LENS to produce an “Observational Large Ensemble” (OLENS). The members of OLENS indicate the range of observationally constrained, spatially consistent temperature trends that could have been observed over the past 50 years if a different sequence of internal variability had unfolded. The smaller trend uncertainty in OLENS suggests that is easier to detect the historical climate change signal in observations than in any given member of LENS.
Aquatic obstacle training improves freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhu Zhizhong , Yin Miaomiao , Cui Liling , Zhang Ying , Hou Weijia , Li Yaqing , Zhao Hua 
Published: June 2017

Objective: Our aim was to evaluate the effect of aquatic obstacle training on balance parameters in comparison with a traditional aquatic therapy in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Design: A randomized single-blind controlled trial. Setting: Outpatients in the rehabilitation department. Subjects: A total of 46 patients with Parkinson’s disease in Hoehn–Yahr stage 2–3. Interventions: Participants were randomly assigned to (1) aquatic therapy or (2) obstacle aquatic therapy. All participants undertook aquatic therapy for 30 minutes, five times per week for six weeks. Main measures: The Freezing of Gait Questionnaire, Functional Reach Test, Timed Up and Go test and Berg Balance Scale were assessed at baseline, posttreatment and at six-month follow-up. Results: Both groups of patients had improved primary outcomes after the training program. A between-group comparison of the changes revealed that obstacle aquatic therapy was significantly higher for the Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (after treatment: 8.7 ± 3.3 vs 6.2 ± 2.1, P = 0.004; posttest: 7.7 ± 3.1 vs 5.3 ± 2.0, P = 0.003) and Timed Up and Go test (after treatment: 17.1 ± 2.9 vs 13.8 ± 1.9, P < 0.001; posttest: 16.3 ± 2.8 vs 12.9 ± 1.4, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Obstacle aquatic therapy in this protocol seems to be more effective than traditional protocols for gait and balance in patients with Parkinson’s disease, and the effect lasts for six months.
What factors influence emergency department visits by patients with cancer at the end of life? Analysis of a 124,030 patient cohort
Authors: Henson Lesley A , Higginson Irene J , Gao Wei ,   on behalf of BuildCARE
Published: June 2017

Background: Emergency department visits towards the end of life by patients with cancer are increasing over time. This is despite evidence of an association with poor patient and caregiver outcomes and most patients preferring home-based care. Aim: To identify socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with end-of-life emergency department visits and determine the relationship between patients’ prior emergency department use and risk of multiple (⩾2) visits in the last month of life. Design: Population-based cohort study. Setting/participants: All adults who died from cancer, in England, between 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2012. Our primary outcome was the adjusted odds ratio for multiple emergency department visits in the last month of life, derived using multivariable logistic regression. Results: Among 124,030 cancer decedents (52.9% men; mean age: 74.1 years), 30.7% visited the emergency department once in their last month of life and 5.1% visited multiple times. Patients were more likely to visit multiple times if they were men, younger, Asian or Black, of lower socio-economic status, had greater comorbidity, and lung or head and neck cancer. Patients with ⩾4 emergency department visits in the 11 months prior to their last month of life were also more likely to make multiple visits during their last 30 days; this followed a dose–response pattern ( p for trend <0.001). Conclusion: Patients with greater comorbidity, lung or head and neck cancer and a higher number of previous emergency department visits are more likely to visit the emergency department multiple times in the last month of life. Previously reported socio-demographic factors (men, younger age, Black, low socio-economic status) are also confirmed for the first time in a UK population.
Discrepancies Identified Through a Telephone-Based, Student-Led Initiative for Medication Reconciliation in Ambulatory Psychiatry
Authors: Albano Marie E. , Bostwick Jolene R. , Ward Kristen M. , Fluent Thomas , Choe Hae Mi 
Published: June 2017

Purpose: To identify the number of medication discrepancies following establishment of a telephone-based, introductory pharmacy practice experience student-driven, medication reconciliation service for new patients in an ambulatory psychiatry clinic. Secondarily, to identify factors impacting medication discrepancies to better target medication profiles to reconcile and to evaluate whether the implementation of a call schedule effected clinic no-show rates. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of a telephone-based medication reconciliation service from June 2014 to January 2016. Results: At least 1 medication discrepancy was identified among 84.7% of medication profiles (N = 438), with a total of 1416 medication discrepancies reconciled (3.2 discrepancies per patient). Of the 1416 discrepancies, 38.6% were deletions, 38.9% were additions, and 22.5% were changes in dosage strength or frequency. Discrepancies pertaining to prescription medications totaled 57.8%. Student pharmacists were critical team members in the service. Patient’s age, number of medications on the patient’s list, and number of days since the last medication reconciliation were not clinically significant determinants for targeting medication profiles. There was a statistically significant reduction in the clinic no-show rates following implementation of a call schedule compared with no-show rates prior to call schedule implementation. Conclusion: This student pharmacist–led telephone medication reconciliation service demonstrated the importance of medication reconciliation in ambulatory psychiatry by identifying numerous discrepancies within this population. Further, we demonstrated pharmacy students across various levels of education can assist in this process under the supervision of a pharmacist.
Healing of Osteochondral Defects via Endochondral Ossification in an Ovine Model
Authors: Lydon Helen , Getgood Alan , Henson Frances M. D. 
Published: June 2017

Objective The objective of this study was to describe the mechanism of healing of osteochondral defects of the distal femur in the sheep, a commonly used translational model. Information on the healing mechanism be useful to inform the design of tissue engineering devices for joint surface defect repair. Design A retrospective study was conducted examining 7-mm diameter osteochondral defects made in the distal medial femoral condyle of 40 adult female sheep, comprising control animals from 3 separate structures. The healing of the defects was studied at post mortem at up to 26 weeks. Results Osteochondral defects of the distal femur of the sheep heal through endochondral ossification as evidenced by chondrocyte hypertrophy and type X collagen expression. Neocartilage is first formed adjacent to damaged cartilage and then streams over the damaged underlying bone before filling the defect from the base upward. No intramembranous ossification or isolated mesenchymal stem cell aggregates were detected in the healing tissue. No osseous hypertrophy was detected in the defects. Conclusions Osteochondral defects of the medial femoral condyle of the sheep heal via endochondral ossification, with neocartilage first appearing adjacent to damaged cartilage. Unlike the mechanism of healing in fracture repair, neocartilage is eventually formed directly onto damaged bone. There was most variability between animals between 8 and 12 weeks postsurgery. These results should be considered when designing devices to promote defect healing.
Carotid intraplaque hemorrhage on vessel wall MRI does not correlate with TCD emboli monitoring in patients with recently symptomatic carotid atherosclerosis
Authors: de Havenon Adam , Tirschwell David , Majersik Jennifer J , McNally Scott , Stoddard Gregory , Moore Anne , Mossa-Basha Mahmud 
Published: June 2017

Background Carotid intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) seen on vessel wall MRI is associated with an increased risk of stroke or transient ischemic attack, as are microembolic signals (MES) detected by transcranial Doppler (TCD). We sought to examine the association between IPH and MES in acute stroke patients with symptomatic carotid atherosclerosis. Methods Through a retrospective chart review, we included patients from 2011 to 2013 with acute ischemic stroke due to carotid atherosclerosis of varying stenosis who had both 3D volumetric MRI of the neck and TCD emboli monitoring. Results Twenty-four patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean time from stroke to MRI was 1.4 ± 1.9 days and to TCD was 2.6 ± 2.4 days. MES was seen in 10 patients (42%) and IPH was present in seven patients (29%), but we did not find a relationship between MES and IPH ( p = 0.64). Conclusion In patients with recent acute ischemic stroke attributed to carotid atherosclerosis, we did not detect an association between the presence of IPH and MES. While this small study may be underpowered, an alternate explanation is that MES and IPH reflect vulnerable carotid atherosclerosis through different mechanisms. This untested concept warrants prospective study in a larger cohort.
The association among prematurity, cochlear hyperintensity, and hearing loss
Authors: Wien Michael A , Whitehead Matthew T 
Published: June 2017

Background Prematurity is a major risk factor for neonatal hearing loss. Recent advancements in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have made it possible to evaluate structural details of the membranous labyrinths in premature infants that have heretofore been inaccessible. Objective We compared the prevalence of abnormal cochlear signal intensity in premature and term neonates and evaluated for a potential link with hearing loss. Materials and methods We retrospectively reviewed 148 consecutive MR exams performed in premature (< 37 weeks’ gestation) and term neonates performed over a 30-month period. Cochlear signal alteration was evaluated on three-dimensional T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) sequences. Each patient’s electronic medical record was reviewed to document demographics, symptomatology, physical exam findings, and potential medical variables that could contribute to cochlear signal alteration. Results Cochlear hyperintensity on T1WI was present in 6.8% patients ( n = 10) overall, but was much more common in preterm than term patients (12.2% (9 of 74) vs. 1.4% (1 of 74), respectively; p value < 0.05; Fisher’s exact test). Overall, 14.9% ( n = 15) of the patients with hearing test results failed the screening Auditory Brainstem Response exam. However, failure was much more common among patients with cochlear hyperintensity on T1W1 than those with normal findings (56% (5 of 9) vs. 11% (10 of 92), respectively; p value < 0.01; Fisher’s exact test). Conclusion Cochlear hyperintensity on T1WI is more common in preterm than term neonates, and potentially associated with hearing loss. Cochleae should be closely scrutinized in all premature infants; signal alterations should prompt further diagnostic inquiry and possible early otolaryngology referral.
Managing menopause in women living with HIV: A survey of primary care practitioners
Authors: Chirwa Mimie , Ma Richard , Guallar Cristina , Tariq Shema 
Published: June 2017

Objective One in three women living with HIV (WLHIV) in the UK is aged 45–56, and therefore of potentially menopausal age. Little is known about the management of menopause in WLHIV in primary care. We aim to describe current knowledge and practice in the management of menopause in WLWH among primary care practitioners (PCPs). Methods A questionnaire-based study of 88 PCPs attending two sexual and reproductive health conferences. Results Almost all respondents (n = 87, 99%) routinely managed women with menopause-related symptoms; however, only 18 (20%) reported having managed menopause in WLHIV. Over 95% (n = 85) reported being confident in managing menopause in general, whereas less than half (n = 40) reported confidence in managing menopause in WLHIV ( p < 0.001). The majority of respondents (n = 84) felt that menopause should be routinely managed in primary care, whereas just over half thought that menopause in WLHIV should be managed in primary care (n = 50, p < 0.001). Almost all respondents (n = 85) reported concerns about managing menopause in WLHIV. Conclusion PCPs reported limited experience of and low levels of confidence in managing menopause-related symptoms in WLHIV. Nearly all PCPs had concerns about managing menopause-related symptoms in WLHIV, many stating that this should be managed outside primary care. Development of national guidance and specialised training, coupled with good liaison between HIV services and PCPs, may improve confidence in this area.
Primary fibrosarcoma of the urinary bladder in a cat: follow-up after incomplete surgical excision
Authors: Greci Valentina , Rocchi Paola M , Sontuoso Antonio F , Olivero Daniela , Capasso Angelo , Raiano Vera 
Published: June 2017

Case summary An 11-year-old female spayed domestic shorthair cat was presented with haematuria of 2 months’ duration followed by pollakiuria and stranguria. A firm, non-painful mass in the urinary bladder was palpated. Abdominal radiographs and ultrasound were suggestive of a urinary neoplasia. During explorative laparotomy, a partial cystectomy and surgical debulking were performed. Histopathology and immunostaining were consistent with a fibrosarcoma. The cat was discharged 10 days after surgery with a residual mass of about 1.8 cm on ultrasound re-examination. The cat was not given adjuvant therapy. The cat was euthanased 8 months after surgery because of tumour invasion of the urinary trigone and subsequent ureter dilation, hydronephrosis and severe azotaemia. Relevance and novel information Malignant urinary fibrosarcoma in this cat appeared to be only locally invasive. Palliative surgery without adjuvant postoperative chemotherapy in this cat resulted in an 8 month period of good quality of life.
Phase-Specific Ground Reaction Force Analyses of Bilateral and Unilateral Jumps in Patients With ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Baumgart Christian , Hoppe Matthias W. , Freiwald Jürgen 
Published: June 2017

Background: In patients who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, there is a weak correlation between subjective evaluation of knee function on questionnaires and clinical or biomechanical test results. Hypothesis: Patients with lower subjective knee function will demonstrate lower ground-reaction forces (GRFs) in the operated leg and greater GRF asymmetries in both phase-specific and functional data analysis (FDA) approaches compared with patients with higher subjective knee function. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: The GRFs of the operated and nonoperated legs of 40 patients who previously underwent ACL reconstruction (patellar tendon) were analyzed during unilateral and bilateral countermovement jumps at a mean 2.5 years after surgery. The patients were separated into 2 groups depending on their International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Form score: low IKDC and high IKDC. Results: Both phase-specific and FDA approaches showed lower GRF values in the operated compared with the nonoperated leg within the low-IKDC group during bilateral jumps. Moreover, lower GRF values were also present in the operated and nonoperated legs in the low-IKDC group compared with those of the high-IKDC group. Differences in GRFs were predominantly observed during the eccentric deceleration phase of jumping. Conclusion: Patients with previous ACL reconstruction who have limited subjective knee function have lower GRF values and greater GRF asymmetries, suggesting the use of interlimb compensation strategies. Clinical Relevance: The study results lead to a better understanding of the motor control needed during the eccentric and concentric movement phases of unilateral and bilateral jumps in patients who have undergone ACL reconstruction.