bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The five‐year survival of children with Down syndrome in Norway 1994–2009 differed by associated congenital heart defects and extracardiac malformations
Authors: Brodwall Kristoffer , Greve Gottfried , Leirgul Elisabeth , Klungsøyr Kari , Holmstrøm Henrik , Vollset Stein Emil , Øyen Nina 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimWe investigated the prevalence of Down syndrome in a nationwide birth cohort, focusing on congenital heart defects (CHDs), their associations with extracardiac malformations (ECM) and survival.MethodsNational registers were used to identify Norwegian births (1994–2009) and deaths (1994–2014) and updated with hospital diagnoses. We estimated birth defect frequencies in Down syndrome and the general population, the association between CHDs and ECM and hazard ratios for death from different combinations of CHDs and ECM.ResultsDown syndrome was found in 1672 of 953 450 births (17.6 per 10 000). Of the 1251 live births (13.3 per 10 000), 58% had CHD and 9% ECM. CHDs were associated with oesophageal atresia (p = 0.02) and Hirschsprung's disease (p = 0.03) but with no other malformations. The five‐year survival for Down syndrome increased from 91.8% (1994–1999) to 95.8% (2000–2009) (p = 0.006), and overall survival was 92.0% with CHD and 97.4% without. Compared with Down syndrome children without CHD or ECM, the five‐year mortality was similar for those with nonsevere CHDs, without or with ECM, but 4–7 times higher in those with severe CHDs without ECM and 13–28 times higher in those with severe CHDs and ECM.ConclusionDown syndrome childhood survival improved, but mortality remained high with severe CHDs and extracardiac defects.
Osteogenic efficacy of BMP‐2 mixed with hydrogel and bone substitute in peri‐implant dehiscence defects in dogs: 16 weeks of healing
Authors: Cha Jae‐Kook , Jung Ui‐Won , Thoma Daniel S. , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Jung Ronald E. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of this study was to determine the effect of bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) mixed with either polyethylene glycol hydrogel or synthetic bone substitute (SBS) on new bone formation in peri‐implant dehiscence defects after 16 weeks of healing.Materials and methodsA guided bone regeneration procedure was performed in box‐type peri‐implant defects that were surgically prepared in six beagle dogs. The following four experimental groups were used (i) control (no graft), (ii) SBS+hydrogel, (iii) SBS+BMP‐2/hydrogel and (iv) BMP‐2/SBS+hydrogel. Volumetric analysis using micro‐computed tomography and histomorphometric analysis was performed at 16 weeks post‐operatively.ResultsThe amount of new bone and the total augmented volume did not differ significantly between both BMP‐treated groups and the SBS+hydrogel group (p > .05). Likewise, no histometric differences were observed in the values of new bone area and bone‐to‐implant contact ratio among the three augmentation groups (new bone area: 0.06 ± 0.08, 0.19 ± 0.20, 0.48 ± 0.37 and 0.56 ± 0.60 mm2 [mean ± standard deviation] in groups 1–4, respectively; bone‐to‐implant contact: 9.44 ± 11.51%, 19.91 ± 15.19%, 46.31 ± 29.82% and 42.58 ± 26.27% in groups 1–4, respectively).ConclusionThe osteogenic efficacy of BMP‐2 on the regeneration of peri‐implant bone defects was not detectable after 16 weeks regardless of the carrier materials.
Chemical options for the control of Siam Weed (Chromolaena odorata) in natural ecosystems
Authors: Vitelli Joseph S. , Panetta F. Dane , Madigan Barbara A. , Van Haaren Peter E. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThe perennial shrub Siam Weed (Chromolaena odorata (L.) R. M. King & H. Rob.), a native of the rainforests of central and southern America, is predicted to invade most countries between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Subsequent to its discovery in northern Queensland, Australia in 1994, it was unsuccessfully targeted for eradication, with early control efforts restricted to manual removal and foliar spraying with triclopyr/picloram. A chemical trial involving five herbicides and three application methods (foliar, basal bark and cut stump) was undertaken in northern Queensland to identify effective chemicals to control this weed. Of the foliar herbicides tested, fluroxypyr (70 g/100 L) provided 99% mortality, triclopyr/picloram (105/35 g/100 L) 95%, while metsulfuron‐methyl (9 g/100 L) killed 85% of the treated plants. The herbicides fluroxypyr (300 g/100 L), picloram (43 g/1 kg) and triclopyr/picloram (400/200 g/100 L) killed greater than 98% of the plants when applied as basal bark or cut stump. The integration of fire into the management strategy either as a primary or secondary control option could have a major role, given that in this study, 99% of the Siam Weed soil seed bank was located on the soil surface.
Can aerial herbicide application control Grey Willow (Salix cinerea L.) and stimulate native plant recovery in New Zealand wetlands?
Authors: Griffiths James , Armstrong Helen , Innes Rachel , Terry Jon 
Published: January 2018

SummaryGrey Willow (Salix cinerea L.) poses a significant threat to wetland ecosystems in New Zealand. To manage the ecological impacts and to control further spread, cost‐effective large‐scale control methods are needed. We investigated the response of Grey Willow and dominant wetland plant groups to the aerial boom‐spray application of glyphosate at 9 L/ha and triclopyr (amine) at 18 L/ha at three New Zealand wetlands. We found glyphosate substantially reduced the dominance of tall (>2 m) Grey Willow with commensurate increases in the dominance of most native plant groups. Triclopyr (amine) application resulted in poor Grey Willow control, was not associated with increased native plant group dominance, and some native plant groups declined where triclopyr (amine) was applied. We conclude that the aerial application of glyphosate is an effective large‐scale Grey Willow control tool and could be used to initiate the restoration of native plant communities in wetlands dominated by Grey Willow. But, evidence of Grey Willow recovery after control suggests that increases in native plant dominance will be reversed as Grey Willow re‐establish. Further research is needed to determine how to maintain and enhance native plant dominance after control, and to determine how to manage Grey Willow in fen areas where the Grey Willow canopy is discontinuous and nontarget herbicide impacts can occur. The aerial boom‐spray application of triclopyr (amine) for large‐scale Grey Willow control should be discontinued as it does not provide effective control and results in negative ecological outcomes.
Three‐dimensional neuromelanin‐sensitive magnetic resonance imaging of the substantia nigra in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Prasad S. , Stezin A. , Lenka A. , George L. , Saini J. , Yadav R. , Pal P. K. 
Published: January 2018

Background and purposeThe aim was to investigate the diagnostic utility of signal intensity measurement of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) using three‐dimensional (3D) neuromelanin‐sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), for discrimination of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) from healthy controls.MethodsT1‐weighted neuromelanin‐sensitive images of 16 patients with PD and 15 controls were quantitatively analyzed by placing circular 10 mm2 regions of interest over the central and lateral parts of the bilateral SNc and anterior to the cerebral aqueduct at three levels of the midbrain. Signal intensities and contrast ratios (CRs) were calculated, after which significant differences, correlations, sensitivity and specificity were calculated.ResultsThe CRs of the central and lateral SNc were significantly lower in patients with PD. Lateral CRs were lower than the central CRs in both groups and significantly correlated with duration of illness. CRs of central and lateral parts of the SNc also correlated with the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III OFF state scores. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed lateral CRs to be more sensitive and central CRs to be more specific for the discrimination of patients with PD from controls.ConclusionsContrast ratio analysis of the SNc using 3D neuromelanin‐sensitive MRI may serve as a quick and accurate tool to discern between patients with PD and healthy controls.
Increase in neutrophils after recombinant tissue plasminogen activator thrombolysis predicts poor functional outcome of ischaemic stroke: a longitudinal study
Authors: Shi J. , Peng H. , You S. , Liu Y. , Xu J. , Xu Y. , Liu H. , Shi R. , Cao Y. , Liu C.‐F. 
Published: January 2018

Background and purposeNeutrophils, a pivotal immune responder to ischaemic brain insult, have been involved in neuroplasticity and increase after stroke. Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r‐tPA), a promising treatment improving neuroplasticity, promotes neutrophil degranulation. However, the dynamic profile of neutrophils after r‐tPA treatment and their effect on neurological recovery after stroke are not well studied.MethodsCell counts of neutrophils, lymphocytes and their ratio (NLR) were measured on admission and 24 h after r‐tPA infusion in 372 consecutively recruited acute ischaemic stroke patients (mean age 64 years). Death or major disability at 3 months after stroke was diagnosed based on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS ≥ 3) obtained by neurologists who were blinded to any hospital records. The longitudinal associations of percentage increase in neutrophils, lymphocytes and the NLR with death or major disability were examined by logistic regression adjusting for covariates including neurological deficits at baseline.ResultsNeutrophils exhibited a steeper increase after r‐tPA infusion in patients with death or major disability than in those without (P < 0.001). A 10% increase in neutrophils after r‐tPA infusion was associated with an 83% increased risk for death or major disability within 3 months after stroke onset [odds ratio (OR) 1.99, P = 0.009]. Increased neutrophils at 24 h after r‐tPA (OR 6.30, P < 0.001 after log transformation) but not on admission significantly predicted increased risks for death or major disability within 3 months after stroke onset. A similar phenomenon was also observed for the NLR.ConclusionsA dynamic increase in neutrophils after stroke significantly predicts 3‐month death or major disability in acute ischaemic stroke patients receiving r‐tPA treatment.
Metabolomic characterization of human hippocampus from drug‐resistant epilepsy with mesial temporal seizure
Authors: Detour Julien , Bund Caroline , Behr Charles , Cebula Hélène , Cicek Ercument A. , Valenti‐Hirsch Maria‐Paola , Lannes Béatrice , Lhermitte Benoît , Nehlig Astrid , Kehrli Pierre , Proust François , Hirsch Edouard , Namer Izzie‐Jacques 
Published: January 2018

SummaryObjectiveWithin a complex systems biology perspective, we wished to assess whether hippocampi with established neuropathological features have distinct metabolome. Apparently normal hippocampi with no signs of sclerosis (noHS), were compared to hippocampal sclerosis (HS) type 1 (HS1) and/or type 2 (HS2). Hippocampus metabolome from patients with epilepsy‐associated neuroepithelial tumors (EANTs), namely, gangliogliomas (GGs) and dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNTs), was also compared to noHS epileptiform tissue.MethodsAll patients underwent standardized temporal lobectomy. We applied 1H high‐resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (HRMAS NMR) spectroscopy to 48 resected human hippocampi. NMR spectra allowed quantification of 21 metabolites. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis based on mutual information.ResultsClear distinct metabolomic profiles were observed between all studied groups. Sixteen and 18 expected metabolite levels out of 21 were significantly different for HS1 and HS2, respectively, when compared to noHS. Distinct concentration variations for glutamine, glutamate, and N‐acetylaspartate (NAA) were observed between HS1 and HS2. Hippocampi from GG and DNT patients showed 7 and 11 significant differences in metabolite concentrations when compared to the same group, respectively. GG and DNT had a clear distinct metabolomic profile, notably regarding choline compounds, glutamine, glutamate, aspartate, and taurine. Lactate and acetate underwent similar variations in both groups.SignificanceHRMAS NMR metabolomic analysis was able to disentangle metabolic profiles between HS, noHS, and epileptic hippocampi associated with EANT. HRMAS NMR metabolomic analysis may contribute to a better identification of abnormal biochemical processes and neuropathogenic combinations underlying mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.
Digging deeper: A holistic perspective of factors affecting soil organic carbon sequestration in agroecosystems
Authors: Lal Rattan 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe global magnitude (Pg) of soil organic carbon (SOC) is 677 to 0.3‐m, 993 to 0.5‐m, and 1,505 to 1‐m depth. Thus, ~55% ofSOCto 1‐m lies below 0.3‐m depth. Soils of agroecosystems are depleted of theirSOCstock and have a low use efficiency of inputs of agronomic yield. This review is a collation and synthesis of articles published in peer‐reviewed journals. The rates ofSOCsequestration are scaled up to the global level by linear extrapolation. Soil C sink capacity depends on depth, clay content and mineralogy, plant available water holding capacity, nutrient reserves, landscape position, and the antecedentSOCstock. Estimates of the historic depletion ofSOCin world soils, 115–154 (average of 135) Pg C and equivalent to the technical potential or the maximum soil C sink capacity, need to be improved. A positive soil C budget is created by increasing the input of biomass‐C to exceed theSOClosses by erosion and mineralization. The global hotspots ofSOCsequestration, soils which are farther from C saturation, include eroded, degraded, desertified, and depleted soils. Ecosystems whereSOCsequestration is feasible include 4,900 Mha of agricultural land including 332 Mha equipped for irrigation, 400 Mha of urban lands, and ~2,000 Mha of degraded lands. The rate ofSOCsequestration (Mg C ha−1 year−1) is 0.25–1.0 in croplands, 0.10–0.175 in pastures, 0.5–1.0 in permanent crops and urban lands, 0.3–0.7 in salt‐affected and chemically degraded soils, 0.2–0.5 in physically degraded and prone to water erosion, and 0.05–0.2 for those susceptible to wind erosion. Global technical potential ofSOCsequestration is 1.45–3.44 Pg C/year (2.45 Pg C/year).
Pressure‐induced crystallization of liquids: Maxima of nucleation, growth, and overall crystallization rates
Authors: Schmelzer Jürn W. P. , Abyzov Alexander S. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA set of equations is derived for determining the pressure at which nucleation, growth, and overall crystallization rates of glass‐forming liquids have their maximum values. The location and magnitudes of these maxima are determined and analyzed. The analysis is performed here based on the classical theories of nucleation and growth, however, without introducing additional assumptions such as the Stokes‐Einstein‐Eyring equation, models for specific kinetic mechanisms of aggregation, the specification of the type of pressure dependence of the diffusion coefficient, or specific models for the computation of the thermodynamic driving force of crystallization, the specific interfacial energy, and the work of critical cluster formation. Particular theoretical models are employed only for analytical estimates and for an illustration of the general results. For the description of the pressure dependence of the viscosity, a new model developed by the authors is utilized. Moreover, the concept of fragility has been advanced to variations of the viscosity of glass‐forming melts in dependence on pressure variations. Pressure fragility, defined appropriately, is shown to be one of the basic parameters determining the location and the magnitude of the maxima of nucleation, growth, and overall‐crystallization rates as a function of pressure.
Critical appraisal of the oxidative stress pathway in vitiligo: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Speeckaert R. , Dugardin J. , Lambert J. , Lapeere H. , Verhaeghe E. , Speeckaert M.M. , van Geel N. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe pathogenesis of vitiligo remains a topic of extensive debate. This is partly due to the moderate efficacy of current treatments. The role of the oxidative stress pathway in vitiligo is a popular although controversial research topic.ObjectiveTo clarify the role of the oxidative stress pathway in vitiligo compared to other inflammatory skin disorders and to assess the therapeutic role of antioxidants.MethodsWe conducted a systematic search of the existing literature on the aberrancies of the oxidative stress pathway in vitiligo. Subsequently, the efficacy of both topical and oral antioxidants in clinical trials was investigated.ResultsA deregulated oxidative pathway is clearly evident with elevated superoxide dismutase, decreased catalase and increased lipid peroxidation. However, similar results have been obtained in other inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, lichen planus and urticaria. This questions the unique role of oxidative stress in the development of vitiligo. Some isolated successes have been reported with oral ginkgo biloba, polypodium leucotomos and vitamin C and E preparations, while other clinical trials have failed to show reproducible results. The use of topical antioxidants delivers in general no beneficial results.ConclusionThe oxidative pathway is affected in vitiligo, but its unique initiating or contributory role in the pathogenesis is less evident. Interesting data support the added value of oral antioxidants in vitiligo although confirmatory studies are missing.
Elevated leukocyte count in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Lucke Ilse M. , Peric Stojan , van Lieverloo Gwen G. A. , Wieske Luuk , Verhamme Camiel , van Schaik Ivo N. , Basta Ivana , Eftimov Filip 
Published: January 2018

AbstractCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination is often part of the diagnostic work‐up of a patient suspected of having chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). According to the European Federation of Neurological Societies and the Peripheral Nerve Society (EFNS/PNS) criteria, an elevated protein level without pleocytosis (leukocytes <10 cells/µl) is supportive of the diagnosis CIDP. It is unclear how many CSF leukocytes are compatible with the diagnosis CIDP and how extensive the diagnostic work‐up should be in patients with a demyelinating neuropathy and pleocytosis. We performed a retrospective study at two tertiary neuromuscular referral clinics and identified 14 out of 273 (6%) patients with CIDP with elevated CSF leukocytes (≥10 cells/µl). All these patients met the EFNS/PNS criteria for definite or probable CIDP. Eight patients (57%) presented with a subacute onset and four patients with an antecedent infection. Most patients responded well to therapy, and eight patients are currently in remission. In four patients, lumbar puncture was repeated. A spontaneous decrease in leukocytes before start of treatment was found in three patients. Our data indicate that a mild to moderate pleocytosis in CSF does not exclude the diagnosis of CIDP, especially in patients with a subacute onset of disease.
Health of Southern Tasmanian 4‐ to 6‐year‐old children in out‐of‐home care compared to peers
Authors: Rauter Marie , Jayakar Anagha , Clemens Tom , Galanos Zaharenia , Newbery Louise , Whelan Andrew 
Published: January 2018

AimTo compare the health of 4‐ to 6‐year‐old children in out‐of‐home care (OOHC) in Southern Tasmania with their peers.MethodsDemographic and health data collection and prospective health assessment of all 4‐ to 6‐year olds in OOHC in Southern Tasmania on 30 August 2011 was undertaken. Data were compared to Tasmanian and/or Australian peers.ResultsA total of 109 of 129 children aged 4 to 6 years were included in the study. Time in OOHC was on average 38 (range 0–76) months. Premature birth (18%), low birthweight (20%) and congenital malformations (10%) were more common compared to peers. Antenatal exposure to illicit or abused substances (71%), alcohol (51%) and cigarettes (79%) were very high. Vertically acquired hepatitis C was diagnosed in 2% with 33% exposed. Immunisation completion was 78% compared to 92.9% of Tasmanian peers. Obesity (11% vs. 6% Tasmanian children), hearing impairment (7% vs. 1% Tasmanian children) and dental caries (61% vs. 45% Tasmanian children) were all higher than peers. Hospitalisation due to injury was more than twice that of Tasmanian peers (32.1 vs. 12.6 per 1000 per year). Developmental delay was 50% on screening. Emotional or behavioural difficulties were seen in 54%.ConclusionsChildren in OOHC have high health needs. Comprehensive health assessments offer an opportunity to better identify and manage these needs. High hepatitis C exposure in utero was unexpected. This study highlights the need for comprehensive health screening assessments for all children in OOHC. OOHC clinic data can be helpful in planning broad interventions for children in OOHC.
Health service utilisation amongst urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged younger than 5 years registered with a primary health‐care service in South‐East Queensland
Authors: Hall Kerry K , Chang Anne B , Anderson Jennie , Arnold Daniel , Otim Michael , O'Grady Kerry‐Ann F 
Published: January 2018

AimThe majority of Australia's Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children live in urban areas; however, little is known about their health service use. We aimed to describe health service utilisation amongst a cohort of urban Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children aged <5 years.MethodsWe analysed health service utilisation data collected in an ongoing prospective cohort study of children aged <5 years registered with an Aboriginal‐owned and operated primary health‐care service. Enrolled children were followed monthly for 12 months, with data on health service utilisation collected at baseline and at each monthly follow‐up. Health service utilisation rates, overall and by service provider and reason for presentation, were calculated and reported as incidence rates per 100 child‐months with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsBetween February 2013 and November 2015, 180 children were enrolled, and 1541 child‐months of observation were available for analysis. The overall incidence of health service utilisation was 52.5 per 100 child‐months (95% CI 48.7–56.5); 81% of encounters were with general practitioners. Presentation rates were the highest for acute respiratory illnesses (30.7/100 child‐months, 95% CI 27.8–33.9).ConclusionsIn this community, acute respiratory illnesses are predominant causes of health service utilisation in young children. The health‐care utilisation profile of these children presents important opportunities for health promotion and intervention.