bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Five factor score of more than 1 is associated with relapse during the first 2 year‐follow up in patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Kim Dae Sik , Song Jason Jungsik , Park Yong‐Beom , Lee Sang‐Won 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimWe investigated what variables at diagnosis might be associated with the relapse of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) and whether five factor score (FFS) at diagnosis might predict it.MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of 30 patients with EGPA having results of myeloperoxidase (MPO)‐antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) and proteinase 3 (PR3)‐ANCA and having achieved remission during the first therapeutic regimen administration within follow‐up duration for at least more than 2 years. Clinical manifestations, the presence of relapse and items for FFS at diagnosis were collected and compared among groups.ResultsThe mean age of patients (18 women) was 50.3 years and the mean follow‐up duration was 2175 days. EGPA patients having MPO‐ANCA had shown higher frequency of skin involvement and proteinuria over 1 g/day than those having PR3‐ANCA and no ANCA. EGPA patients with relapse had more frequent baseline MPO‐ANCA and kidney involvement,including proteinuria over 1 g/day and renal insufficiency and higher FFS at diagnosis than those without. However, only FFS showed the predictive significance for relapse (Exp(B) 2.624, P = 0.014) on Cox Hazard model analysis. When the cutoff of FFS for the relapse was set as 1, relapse was identified more frequently in patients with FFS ≥ 1 than those with FFS <1 (68.8% vs. 7.1%, P = 0.001; relative risk 28.6).ConclusionIn this study, FFS at diagnosis was associated with relapse and FFS ≥ 1 was the independent predictor of relapse during follow‐up for more than 2 years.
Muscle oxygen saturation increases during head‐up tilt‐induced (pre)syncope
Authors: Lund A. , Sørensen H. , Jensen T. W. , Niemann M. J. , Olesen N. D. , Nielsen H. B. , Olsen N. V. , Secher N. H. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimTo evaluate whether muscle vasodilatation plays a role for hypotension developed during central hypovolaemia, muscle oxygenation (SmO2) was examined during (pre)syncope induced by head‐up tilt (HUT). Skin blood flow (SkBF) and oxygenation (SskinO2) were determined because evaluation of SmO2 may be affected by superficial tissue oxygenation. Furthermore, we evaluated cerebral oxygenation (ScO2) and middle cerebral artery mean blood flow velocity (MCAvmean).MethodsTwenty healthy male volunteers (median age 24 years; range 19–38) were subjected to passive 50° HUT for 1 h or until (pre)syncope. ScO2 and SmO2 (near‐infrared spectroscopy), MCAvmean (transcranial Doppler) along with mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO) and total peripheral resistance (TPR) (Modelflow®) were determined.Results(Pre)syncopal symptoms appeared in 17 subjects after 11 min (median; range 2–34) accompanied by a decrease in MAP, SV, CO and TPR, while HR remained elevated. During (pre)syncope, ScO2 decreased [73% (71–76; mean and 95% CI) to 68% (65–71), P < 0.0001] along with MCAvmean [40 (37–43) to 32 (29–35) cm s−1, P < 0.0001]. In contrast, SmO2 increased [63 (56–69)% to 71% (65–78), P < 0.0001], while SskinO2 [64% (58–69) to 53% (47–58), P < 0.0001] and SkBF [71 (44–98) compared to a baseline of 99 (72–125) units, P = 0.020] were reduced.ConclusionWe confirm that the decrease in MAP during HUT is associated with a reduction in indices of cerebral perfusion. (Pre)syncope was associated with an increase in SmO2 despite reduced SskinO2 and SkBF, supporting that muscle vasodilation plays an important role in the circulatory events leading to hypotension during HUT.
The effects of a flipped classroom approach on class engagement and skill performance in a Blackboard course
Authors: Elmaadaway Mohamed Ali Nagy 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis paper reports on a study that investigated whether a flipped classroom approach enhanced perceptions of levels of engagement and skill performance among students enrolled in a Blackboard course at a Saudi university. Fifty‐eight participants were divided into control and experimental groups, which were taught using a traditional and a flipped approach respectively. To determine the effect of the approach on participants' perceived levels of engagement and skill performance, questionnaires were administered and student performance was examined in terms of quantitative descriptive analysis. The results revealed that participants in the experimental group were more active and engaged compared with those in the control group. In terms of classroom engagement specifically, participants in the experimental group exhibited greater behavioral and emotional engagement. Through the flipped approach, participants were able to study course content at home first, thereby preparing themselves to participate in relevant class activities, pose questions and engage in problem solving with peers. In addition, unlike in a traditional lecture, the instructor was able to move freely through the classroom, providing direct assistance to participants on a case‐by‐case basis.
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the single‐channel level
Authors: Bouzat Cecilia , Sine Steven M 
Published: March 2017

Over the past four decades, the patch clamp technique and nicotinic ACh (nACh) receptors have established an enduring partnership. Like all good partnerships, each partner has proven significant in its own right, while their union has spurred innumerable advances in life science research. A member and prototype of the superfamily of pentameric ligand‐gated ion channels, the nACh receptor is a chemo‐electric transducer, binding ACh released from nerves and rapidly opening its channel to cation flow to elicit cellular excitation. A subject of a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, the patch clamp technique provides unprecedented resolution of currents through single ion channels in their native cellular environments. Here, focusing on muscle and α7 nACh receptors, we describe the extraordinary contribution of the patch clamp technique towards understanding how they activate in response to neurotransmitter, how subtle structural and mechanistic differences among nACh receptor subtypes translate into significant physiological differences, and how nACh receptors are being exploited as therapeutic drug targets.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.11/issuetoc/
Signalling mechanisms underlying doxorubicin and Nox2 NADPH oxidase‐induced cardiomyopathy: involvement of mitofusin‐2
Authors: McLaughlin Declan , Zhao Youyou , O'Neill Karla M , Edgar Kevin S , Dunne Philip D , Kearney Anna M , Grieve David J , McDermott Barbara J 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackground and PurposeThe anthracycline doxorubicin (DOX), although successful as a first‐line cancer treatment, induces cardiotoxicity linked with increased production of myocardial ROS, with Nox2 NADPH oxidase‐derived superoxide reported to play a key role. The aim of this study was to identify novel mechanisms underlying development of cardiac remodelling/dysfunction further to DOX‐stimulated Nox2 activation.Experimental ApproachNox2−/− and wild‐type (WT) littermate mice were administered DOX (12 mg·kg−1 over 3 weeks) prior to study at 4 weeks. Detailed mechanisms were investigated in murine HL‐1 cardiomyocytes, employing a robust model of oxidative stress, gene silencing and pharmacological tools.Key ResultsDOX‐induced cardiac dysfunction, cardiomyocyte remodelling, superoxide production and apoptosis in WT mice were attenuated in Nox2−/− mice. Transcriptional analysis of left ventricular tissue identified 152 differentially regulated genes (using adjusted P < 0.1) in DOX‐treated Nox2−/− versus WT mice, and network analysis highlighted ‘Cell death and survival’ as the biological function most significant to the dataset. The mitochondrial membrane protein, mitofusin‐2 (Mfn2), appeared as a strong candidate, with increased expression (1.5‐fold), confirmed by qPCR (1.3‐fold), matching clear published evidence of promotion of cardiomyocyte cell death. In HL‐1 cardiomyocytes, targeted siRNA knockdown of Nox2 decreased Mfn2 protein expression, but not vice versa. While inhibition of Nox2 activity along with DOX treatment attenuated its apoptotic and cytotoxic effects, reduced apoptosis after Mfn2 silencing reflected a sustained cytotoxic response and reduced cell viability.Conclusions and ImplicationsDOX‐induced and Nox2‐mediated up‐regulation of Mfn2, rather than contributing to cardiomyocyte dysfunction through apoptotic pathways, appears to promote a protective mechanism.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on New Insights into Cardiotoxicity Caused by Chemotherapeutic Agents. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.21/issuetoc
Tools assessment and diagnosis to infant colic: a systematic review
Authors: García Marqués S. , Chillón Martínez R. , González Zapata S. , Rebollo Salas M. , Jiménez Rejano J. J. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundInfant colic occurs between 10% and 40% of healthy born children in their first year of life. Its assessment is complex, and there are only a few instruments of appraisement and diagnosis.MethodsScientific articles located through a systematic review using the Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane, PEDro, Dialnet, IME and Dialnet databases. Two researchers obtained data independently from relevant studies previously identified. Risk of bias was assessed according to the methods recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration, with reporting following the preferred reported items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses guidelines and evaluating their methodological quality based on the EMPRO scale.ResultsFour tools were obtained for valuation of infant colic. Parental diary of infant cry and fuss behaviour, Crying Pattern Questionnaire, Infant Colic Scale and, lastly, a validity of the Turkish version of the Infant Colic Scale.ConclusionsAnalysis of the existing tools involves the need to design and validate new assessment scales for this clinical frame.
Considerations for dosing immunoglobulin in obese patients
Authors: Hodkinson J P 
Published: March 2017

Summary
Obesity is a very common condition; however, the effect of excess body weight on the appropriate dose of immunoglobulin has not been defined empirically. The proposed pharmacokinetic differences between lean and obese patients and the opportunity to reduce costs has led to the proposition that obese patients should receive proportionally lower doses of immunoglobulin once a certain threshold is reached. Here the theoretical factors which could affect dosing in obese patients are considered alongside the available empirical evidence. The available evidence indicates that obesity may affect the pharmacokinetics of immunoglobulin; however, the effect is likely to be too small to have a clinically important effect on dosing. Wide interpatient individuality and highly variable clinical need mean that obesity should not play a major factor in dosing considerations. However, patients who are obese are more likely to have multiple cardiovascular risk factors and their weight indicates a large dose. This puts these patients at a higher risk of adverse reactions, and therefore caution is advised.
Obesity promotes prolonged ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation modulating T helper type 1 (Th1), Th2 and Th17 immune responses in BALB/c mice
Authors: Silva F M C , Oliveira E E , Gouveia A C C , Brugiolo A S S , Alves C C , Correa J O A , Gameiro J , Mattes J , Teixeira H C , Ferreira A P 
Published: March 2017

SummaryClinical and epidemiological studies indicate that obesity affects the development and phenotype of asthma by inducing inflammatory mechanisms in addition to eosinophilic inflammation. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of obesity on allergic airway inflammation and T helper type 2 (Th2) immune responses using an experimental model of asthma in BALB/c mice. Mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA), and analyses were performed at 24 and 48 h after the last OVA challenge. Obesity induced an increase of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-expressing macrophages and neutrophils which peaked at 48 h after the last OVA challenge, and was associated with higher levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-9, IL-17A, leptin and interferon (IFN)-γ in the lungs. Higher goblet cell hyperplasia was associated with elevated mast cell influx into the lungs and trachea in the obese allergic mice. In contrast, early eosinophil influx and lower levels of IL-25, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), CCL11 and OVA-specific immunoglobulin (IgE) were observed in the obese allergic mice in comparison to non-obese allergic mice. Moreover, obese mice showed higher numbers of mast cells regardless of OVA challenge. These results indicate that obesity affects allergic airway inflammation through mechanisms involving mast cell influx and the release of TSLP and IL-25, which favoured a delayed immune response with an exacerbated Th1, Th2 and Th17 profile. In this scenario, an intense mixed inflammatory granulocyte influx, classically activated macrophage accumulation and intense mucus production may contribute to a refractory therapeutic response and exacerbate asthma severity.
Diagnostic utility of testosterone priming prior to dynamic tests to differentiate constitutional delay in puberty from isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
Authors: Sukumar Suja P. , Bhansali Anil , Sachdeva Naresh , Ahuja Chirag Kamal , Gorsi Ujjwal , Jarial Kush Dev Singh , Walia Rama 
Published: March 2017

SummaryContextDifferentiation between constitutional delay in puberty (CDP) and isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) during adolescence is a great clinical challenge, and the available diagnostic tests are of limited value.ObjectiveTo study the effect of withdrawal of short‐term, low‐dose testosterone therapy (testosterone priming) on the discriminatory power of dynamic tests for hypothalamo–pituitary–testicular axis to differentiate CDP from IHH.DesignA prospective study (n = 30) consisting of 20 boys with delayed puberty (group A) and 10 patients with IHH (group B).InterventionPatients in groups A and B underwent Triptorelin and hCG stimulation tests, prior to and 2 months after withdrawal of ‘testosterone priming’ (100 mg intramuscularly 4 weekly for 3 months) and were followed up until the onset of puberty or 18 years of age, whichever was earlier.ResultsAt baseline, Triptorelin‐stimulated 4 h LH, with a cut‐off of 2·8 IU/l, and hCG‐stimulated day 7 testosterone with a cut‐off of 3·8 nmol/l had sensitivities of 80% each, and specificities of 93% and 87%, respectively, to diagnose CDP. After withdrawal of testosterone, a 4 h LH cut‐off of 14·7 IU/l and day 7 testosterone cut‐off of 10·3 nmol/l had sensitivities of 93% and 88% respectively, and specificity and positive predictive value of 100% each. A basal inhibin B > 94·7 ng/l was discriminatory for diagnosing CDP after withdrawal of testosterone priming.ConclusionsInhibin B levels or 4 h LH after Triptorelin stimulation are the best discriminatory tests to differentiate CDP from IHH, when performed after withdrawal of ‘testosterone priming’.
Analysis of the learning curve for pre‐cut corneal specimens in preparation for lamellar transplantation: a prospective, single‐centre, consecutive case series prepared at the Lions New South Wales Eye Bank
Authors: Martin Aifric Isabel , Devasahayam Rajnesh , Hodge Christopher , Cooper Simon , Sutton Gerard L 
Published: March 2017

AbstractImportanceThis study is the first paper to establish a learning curve by a single technician.BackgroundPreparation of pre‐cut corneal endothelial grafts commenced at Lions New South Wales Eye Bank in December 2014. The primary objective of this study was to review the safety and reliability of the preparation method during the first year of production.DesignThis is a hospital‐based, prospective case series.ParticipantsThere were 234 consecutive donor corneal lenticules.MethodsDonor lenticules were prepared by a single operator using a linear cutting microkeratome. Immediately prior to cutting, central corneal thickness values were recorded. Measurements of the corneal bed were taken immediately following lenticule preparation. Outcomes were separated by blade sizes, and intended thickness was compared to actual thickness for each setting. Early specimens were compared to later ones to assess for a learning curve within the technique.Main Outcome MeasureThe main parameter measured is the mean difference from intended lamellar cut thickness.ResultsThe mean final cut thickness was 122.36 ± 20.35 μm, and the mean difference from intended cut was 30.17 ± 37.45 μm. No significant difference was found between results achieved with early specimens versus those achieved with later specimens (P = 0.425).Conclusions and RelevanceThin, reproducible endothelial grafts can routinely be produced by trained technicians at their respective eye banks without significant concerns for an extended learning curve. This service can reduce perioperative surgical complexity, required surgical paraphernalia and theatre times. The consistent preparation of single‐pass, ultrathin pre‐cut corneas may have additional advantages for surgeons seeking to introduce lamellar techniques.
Assessing the value of family safety networks in child protective services: Early findings from Minnesota
Authors: Nelson‐Dusek Stephanie , Idzelis Rothe Monica , Roberts Yvonne Humenay , Pecora Peter J. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe considerable number of families served continues to place systemic challenges on the child welfare system. Jurisdictions are turning to new strategies to increase family engagement in services and to leverage taxed or limited resources. Signs of Safety® is a strengths‐based and safety‐focused approach to child protection work that is grounded in partnership and collaboration. This exploratory pilot study with a referred participant sample used interviews with 26 parents and 32 safety network members to explore respondents' perceptions and use of a safety plan and safety network, core components of the Signs of Safety framework. Findings from this pilot investigation include insights about how safety plans and safety networks are established, how they function, and opportunities for enhancing their use with families with the goal of providing supports that increase the likelihood of continued safety for children after case closure. Preliminary results also suggest these tools may contribute to reduced re‐reports to child protection.
Dendrobium nobile Lindl alkaloid, a novel autophagy inducer, protects against axonal degeneration induced by Aβ25‐35 in hippocampus neurons in vitro
Authors: Li Li‐Sheng , Lu Yan‐Liu , Nie Jing , Xu Yun‐Yan , Zhang Wei , Yang Wen‐Jin , Gong Qi‐Hai , Lu Yuan‐Fu , Lu Yang , Shi Jing‐Shan 
Published: March 2017

SummaryAimsAxonal degeneration is a pathological symbol in the early stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which can be triggered by amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptide deposition. Growing evidence indicates that deficit of autophagy eventually leads to the axonal degeneration. Our previous studies have shown that Dendrobium nobile Lindl alkaloid (DNLA) had protective effect on neuron impairment in vivo and in vitro; however, the underlying mechanisms is still unclear.MethodsWe exposed cultured hippocampus neurons to Aβ25‐35 to investigate the effect of DNLA in vitro. Axonal degeneration was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining and MTT assay. Neurons overexpressing GFP‐LC3B were used to measure the formation of autophagosome. Autophagosome‐lysosome fusion, the lysosomal pH, and cathepsin activity were assessed to reflect autophagy process. Proteins of interest were analyzed by Western blot.ResultsDNLA pretreatment significantly inhibited axonal degeneration induced by Aβ25‐35 peptide in vitro. Further studies revealed DNLA treatment increased autophagic flux through promoting formation and degradation of autophagosome in hippocampus neurons. Moreover, enhancement of autophagic flux was responsible for the protective effects of DNLA on axonal degeneration.ConclusionsDNLA prevents Aβ25‐35‐induced axonal degeneration via activation of autophagy process and could be a novel therapeutic target.
Outcomes after scoliosis surgery for children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review
Authors: Toovey Rachel , Harvey Adrienne , Johnson Michael , Baker Louise , Williams Katrina 
Published: March 2017

AimThis study aims (1) to evaluate and synthesize the evidence for the postoperative outcomes after scoliosis surgery for children with cerebral palsy (CP), and (2) to identify preoperative risk factors for adverse outcomes after surgery.MethodMedline, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PubMed were searched for relevant literature. Included studies were assessed for risk of bias using the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care tool. Quality of evidence for overall function, quality of life (QoL), gross motor function, caregiver outcomes, deformity correction, and postoperative complications were assessed using GRADE (Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation).ResultsFifty‐one studies met inclusion criteria, including 35 case series designs. Risk of bias was high across all studies. On average good deformity correction was achieved, the trend appears positive for caregiver and QoL outcomes, but there was minimal to no change for gross motor or overall function. Inconsistent measurement limited synthesis. A mean overall complication rate of 38.1% (95% confidence interval 27.3–53.3) was found. The quality of evidence was very low across all functional outcomes.InterpretationLimited high‐quality evidence exists for outcomes after scoliosis surgery in children with CP, a procedure associated with a moderately high complication rate. The intervention appears indicated for deformity correction, but currently there is insufficient evidence to make recommendations for this surgery as a way to also improve functional outcomes, caregiver outcomes, and quality of life.