bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Review of 3‐year outcomes of a very‐low‐energy diet‐based outpatient obesity treatment programme
Authors: Sumithran P. , Prendergast L. A. , Haywood C. J. , Houlihan C. A. , Proietto J. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryObesity is a complex disorder that requires a multidisciplinary treatment approach. This review evaluated 3‐year outcomes of a very‐low‐energy diet (VLED)‐based programme at a tertiary hospital multidisciplinary weight management clinic. Medical records of all patients who agreed to undertake the VLED programme and who did not undergo bariatric surgery during the 3‐year follow‐up period were examined. Baseline data collection included demographic and anthropometric characteristics, childhood onset of obesity and co‐existing medical conditions. Weight was modelled using a linear mixed effects analysis. Logistic regression analyses were used to model the probability of continuing to attend the clinic and to identify pre‐treatment factors associated with longer duration of attendance. Data from 1109 patients were included. A total of 231 patients (19.2%) were still attending the clinic 3 years after their initial appointment. Mean weight loss among patients who attended the clinic for 3 years was 6.4 kg (3.5%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.8, 4.2%). People who were prescribed pharmacotherapy maintained greater weight loss at 3 years (7.7% vs. 2.3% without pharmacotherapy, 95% CI for difference 3.9, 7.0%). People who had an onset of obesity in childhood, who had co‐existing hypertension or coronary artery disease, and who did not currently smoke were more likely to continue to attend the clinic for up to 3 years. In summary, in an outpatient weight management clinic, patients who undertook a VLED‐based programme and continued in follow‐up achieved a clinically significant weight loss at 3 years, particularly if pharmacotherapy was used for weight loss maintenance.
Self‐expanding metal stents for acute refractory esophageal variceal bleeding: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: McCarty Thomas R , Njei Basile 
Published: February 2016

Background and AimEsophageal variceal bleeding is a severe complication of portal hypertension with significant morbidity and mortality. A substantial portion of cirrhotics fail to respond to conventional medical therapy and band ligation, necessitating alternative treatments including self‐expanding metal stent (SEMS) placement for acute refractory esophageal variceal bleeding. In the present study, we carried out a systematic review and structured meta‐analysis of all eligible studies to evaluate the technical feasibility, safety, clinical efficacy, and survival advantage of SEMS placement for the treatment of of acute esophageal variceal bleeding.MethodsSearches of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases were carried out through December 2015. Individual study proportions were transformed into a quantity using the Freeman–Tukey variant of the arcsine square root transformed proportion. Combined weighted proportions, and meta‐regression were then determined.ResultsThe search yielded 12 studies involving n = 155 patients included in our meta‐analysis. Pooled clinical success rate in achieving hemostasis within 24 h was 96% (95% CI, 0.90–1.00). Technical success for SEMS deployment endoscopically was achieved in 97% of patients (95% CI, 0.91–1.00). Total adverse events (including rebleeding after 48 h, ulceration, and stent migration) were shown in 36% of patients after SEMS placement (95% CI, 0.23–0.50). Pooled 30‐day and 60‐day survival rates were 68% (95% CI, 0.56–0.80) and 64% (95% CI, 0.48–0.78), respectively.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that esophageal SEMS placement is a technically feasible modality and highly efficacious in achieving hemostasis in acute esophageal variceal hemorrhage.
Prevention of age‐induced N(ε)‐(carboxymethyl)lysine accumulation in the microvasculature
Authors: Fuijkschot Wessel W. , de Graaff Hjalmar J. , Berishvili Ekatarina , Kakabadze Zurab , Kupreishvili Koba , Meinster Elisa , Houtman Maaike , van Broekhoven Amber , Schalkwijk Casper G. , Vonk Alexander B. A. , Krijnen Paul A. J. , Smulders Yvo M. , Niessen Hans W. N. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractObjectiveN(ε)‐(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) is one of the major advanced glycation end products in both diabetics and nondiabetics. CML depositions in the microvasculature have recently been linked to the aetiology of acute myocardial infarction and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease, possibly related to local enhancement of inflammation and oxidative processes. We hypothesized that CML deposition in the microvasculature of the heart and brain is age‐induced and that it could be inhibited by a diet intervention with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega‐3 fatty acid known for its anti‐inflammatory and antioxidative actions.Materials and methodsApoE−/− mice (n = 50) were fed a Western diet and were sacrificed after 40, 70 and 90 weeks. Part of these mice (n = 20) were fed a Western diet enriched with DHA from 40 weeks on. CML in cardiac and cerebral microvessels was quantified using immunohistochemistry.ResultsCardiac microvascular depositions of CML significantly increased with an immunohistochemical score of 11·85 [5·92–14·60] at 40 weeks, to 33·17 [17·60–47·15] at 70 weeks (P = 0·005). At the same time points, cerebral microvascular CML increased from 6·45; [4·78–7·30] to 12·99; [9·85–20·122] (P = 0·003). DHA decreased CML in the intramyocardial vasculature at both 70 and 90 weeks, significant at 70 weeks [33·17; (17·60–47·15) vs. 14·73; (4·44–28·16) P = 0·037]. No such effects were found in the brain.ConclusionsAccumulation of N(ε)‐(carboxymethyl)lysine in the cerebral and cardiac microvasculature is age‐induced and is prevented by DHA in the intramyocardial vessels of ApoE−/− mice.
Dysautonomia in prodromal α‐synucleinopathy: peripheral versus central autonomic degeneration
Authors: Dahms C. , Guenther A. , Schwab M. , Schultze T. , Nowack S. , Hoyer D. , Ehrhardt J. , Witte O. W. , Mayer G. , Rupprecht S. 
Published: February 2016

Background and purposeThere is an urgent need for early predictive markers for the course of disease in prodromal α‐synucleinopathies such as idiopathic rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder. Autonomic cardiac/vascular dysfunction is a prominent feature in advanced α‐synucleinopathies, but its diagnostic value as an early neurodegenerative marker remains unclear. The latter may be complicated since synuclein‐mediated neurodegeneration may involve central and peripheral components of the autonomic nervous system.MethodsThe diagnostic value of autonomic symptoms and central and peripheral autonomic markers of blood pressure and heart rate regulation were prospectively evaluated in 20 subjects with idiopathic REM sleep behaviour disorder and 20 age‐matched healthy controls.ResultsAlthough subjects with REM sleep behaviour disorder showed no clinical autonomic symptoms, blood pressure (P ≤ 0.035) and heart rate response (P ≤ 0.065) were slightly diminished during orthostatic challenge. Autonomic dysregulation was distinctively reflected in lower resting heart rate (all components, P ≤ 0.05) and blood pressure variability (low frequency component, P ≤ 0.024) indicating peripheral cardiac/vascular denervation. In contrast, baroreflex sensitivity and central cardiac autonomic outflow (sympathovagal balance) were well preserved indicating intact central autonomic regulation. Heart rate variability [very low frequency component, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) 0.80, P ≤ 0.001] and blood pressure variability (low frequency component ROC AUC 0.73, P ≤ 0.01) but not baroreflex sensitivity and sympathovagal balance showed an excellent diagnostic accuracy in identifying subjects with REM sleep behaviour disorder and healthy controls.ConclusionsCardiac/vascular dysfunction in prodromal α‐synucleinopathy arises from peripheral rather than from central autonomic degeneration. Autonomic indices encoded in heart rate and blood pressure variability are precise functional markers of early synuclein‐mediated neurodegeneration.
Adaptation of a plant pathogen to partial host resistance: selection for greater aggressiveness in grapevine downy mildew
Authors: Delmas Chloé E. L. , Fabre Frédéric , Jolivet Jérôme , Mazet Isabelle D. , Richart Cervera Sylvie , Delière Laurent , Delmotte François 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAn understanding of the evolution of pathogen quantitative traits in response to host selective pressures is essential for the development of durable management strategies for resistant crops. However, we still lack experimental data on the effects of partial host resistance on multiple phenotypic traits (aggressiveness) and evolutionary strategies in pathogens. We performed a cross‐inoculation experiment with four grapevine hosts and 103 isolates of grapevine downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) sampled from susceptible and partially resistant grapevine varieties. We analysed the neutral and adaptive genetic differentiation of five quantitative traits relating to pathogen transmission. Isolates from resistant hosts were more aggressive than isolates from susceptible hosts, as they had a shorter latency period and higher levels of spore production. This pattern of adaptation contrasted with the lack of neutral genetic differentiation, providing evidence for directional selection. No specificity for a particular host variety was detected. Adapted isolates had traits that were advantageous on all resistant varieties. There was no fitness cost associated with this genetic adaptation, but several trade‐offs between pathogen traits were observed. These results should improve the accuracy of prediction of fitness trajectories for this biotrophic pathogen, an essential element for the modelling of durable deployment strategies for resistant varieties.
Hunting the genes in male‐pattern alopecia: how important are they, how close are we and what will they tell us?
Authors: Heilmann‐Heimbach Stefanie , Hochfeld Lara M. , Paus Ralf , Nöthen Markus M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAndrogenetic alopecia (AGA) is a highly heritable condition, and the most common form of hair loss in men. The phenotype is characterized by an androgen‐dependent, progressive loss of hair from the scalp, which may commence during puberty. Up to 80% of European men experience some degree of androgen‐dependent hair loss during their lifetime. Current treatment options for AGA have limited efficacy, and improved understanding of the underlying biological causes is required to facilitate novel therapeutic approaches. To date, molecular genetic studies have implicated 12 genomic regions in AGA and identified a number of candidate genes. The latter include those encoding the androgen receptor (AR), the histone deacetylases (HDAC) 4 and 9, and the WNT molecule WNT10A. However, the majority of contributing genetic risk factors still await identification. This review describes the current status of AGA genetic research. We discuss the strength of the genetic approach and anticipated developments in the field, and how these will facilitate the systematic unravelling of AGA pathobiology, a process which may lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets.
Water use of a multigenotype poplar short‐rotation coppice from tree to stand scale
Authors: Bloemen Jasper , Fichot Régis , Horemans Joanna A. , Broeckx Laura S. , Verlinden Melanie S. , Zenone Terenzio , Ceulemans Reinhart 
Published: February 2016

AbstractShort‐rotation coppice (SRC) has great potential for supplying biomass‐based heat and energy, but little is known about SRC's ecological footprint, particularly its impact on the water cycle. To this end, we quantified the water use of a commercial scale poplar (Populus) SRC plantation in East Flanders (Belgium) at tree and stand level, focusing primarily on the transpiration component. First, we used the AquaCrop model and eddy covariance flux data to analyse the different components of the stand‐level water balance for one entire growing season. Transpiration represented 59% of evapotranspiration (ET) at stand scale over the whole year. Measured ET and modelled ET were lower as compared to the ET of reference grassland, suggesting that the SRC only used a limited amount of water. Secondly, we compared leaf area scaled and sapwood area scaled sap flow (Fs) measurements on individual plants vs. stand scale eddy covariance flux data during a 39‐day intensive field campaign in late summer 2011. Daily stem diameter variation (∆D) was monitored simultaneously with Fs to understand water use strategies for three poplar genotypes. Canopy transpiration based on sapwood area or leaf area scaling was 43.5 and 50.3 mm, respectively, and accounted for 74%, respectively, 86%, of total ecosystem ET measured during the intensive field campaign. Besides differences in growth, the significant intergenotypic differences in daily ∆D (due to stem shrinkage and swelling) suggested different water use strategies among the three genotypes which were confirmed by the sap flow measurements. Future studies on the prediction of SRC water use, or efforts to enhance the biomass yield of SRC genotypes, should consider intergenotypic differences in transpiration water losses at tree level as well as the SRC water balance at stand level.
Value for Open Space: Protection and Access Level
Authors: Metz Neil 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis paper analyzes the value for the fundamental properties of open space: protection and access, using home sales from Colorado. Several measures are used: adjacency, distance to the nearest tract of open space, and percentage of open space area. Results indicate protected land with access (e.g., public park) has the greatest value, followed closely by protected land without access (e.g., conservation land), while unprotected land (e.g., agricultural land) has little to no value. Nearest neighbor matching is used as an improved control for unobservable neighborhood effects, and results indicate previous studies may overestimate the small‐scale value of open space.
Mesenchymal/radioresistant traits in granular astrocytomas: evidence from a combined clinical and molecular approach
Authors: Senetta Rebecca , Mellai Marta , Manini Claudia , Castellano Isabella , Bertero Luca , Pittaro Alessandra , Schiffer Davide , Boldorini Renzo , Cassoni Paola 
Published: February 2016

AimsGranular‐cell astrocytomas (GCAs) are morphologically characterized by a prominent component of granular periodic acid–Schiff‐positive cells, and show increased aggressiveness as compared with ‘ordinary’ astrocytomas. The aim of this study was to investigate, in a small series of three GCAs, the expression of mesenchymal/radioresistance‐associated biomarkers [such as chitinase‐3‐like protein 1 (YKL‐40), hepatocyte growth factor receptor (c‐Met), and caveolin 1 (Cav1)] that could contribute to the poor outcome associated with this glioma subgroup.Methods and resultsOur results show that GCAs, according to the new molecular glioma classifications, consistently show a prognostically negative molecular trait (IDH1wt‐ATRX noloss‐1p/19q nocodeletion). Furthermore, GCAs significantly differed from a control series of 33 ‘conventional’ astrocytomas, because of diffuse and strong immunohistochemical coexpression of YKL‐40, c‐Met, and Cav1.ConclusionsOur findings show that specific morphological traits, such as a granular‐cell component, could represent useful features in guiding the search for prognostic and predictive biomarkers that could eventually be therapy‐targetable (e.g. Met inhibitors aimed at reducing radioresistance).
Air‐abrasive debridement with glycine powder versus manual debridement and chlorhexidine administration for the maintenance of peri‐implant health status: a six‐month randomized clinical trial
Authors: Lupi SM , Granati M , Butera A , Collesano V , Rodriguez Y Baena R 
Published: February 2016

AbstractStudy designThis single‐masked, randomized and six‐month clinical intervention trial including two study groups was planned to evaluate the efficacy of maintenance treatment with glycine powder on the periodontal health of peri‐implant tissues.MethodsA total of 46 patients with partial or total edentulism, carrying a total of 88 implants, were assigned either to an air abrasive with the glycine powder treatment group (AAD) or to a manual debridement and clorexidine administration treatment group (MDA). Clinical data were collected before treatment and at 3 and 6 months after the treatment. Plaque index (PI), bleeding index (BOP), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and bleeding score (BS) were analysed.ResultsAfter 3 months,AADtreatment statistically significantly improvedBS(P< 0.05); at 6 months,AADtreatment statistically significantly improved indexesPD,PI,BOPandBS(P< 0.05). In addition, theAADtreatment proved to be more effective thanMDAin maintaining the peri‐implant health ofPDat three and 6 months, and ofPIat 6 months (P< 0.05). There were no significant changes ofCALin both groups, and all the indexes remained within the physiological levels.ConclusionsWithin the limits of the study, treatment with glycine seems appropriate in the maintenance of peri‐implant health and more effective than the traditional treatment with plastic curette and chlorhexidine.
Vitamin D supplementation trial in infancy: body composition effects at 3 years of age in a prospective follow‐up study from Montréal
Authors: Hazell T. J. , Gallo S. , Vanstone C. A. , Agellon S. , Rodd C. , Weiler H. A. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryBackgroundThe impact of vitamin D status on body composition is not well understood.ObjectivesEvaluate how vitamin D supplementation in infancy affects body composition at 3 years of age.MethodsDouble‐blind randomized trial of 132, 1‐month‐old healthy, breastfed infants randomly assigned to receive oral vitamin D3 supplements of 400, 800, 1200 or 1600 IU d−1 for 11 months. In the present analysis, 87 (66%) returned at 3 years of age. Body composition was measured using dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry and plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.ResultsAnthropometry, body composition, diet, activity and demographics were similar across dosage groups at 3 years. Mean 25(OH)D concentration from 1 month to 3 years was higher (P < 0.001) in the 1200 IU group than 800 and 400 IU groups. Children with 25(OH)D concentrations above 75 nmol L−1 had lower fat mass (~450 g; P = 0.049). In multiple linear regression, mean 25(OH)D was associated with lean mass percent (β = 0.06; CI: 0.00, 0.12; P = 0.042), fat mass (β = −11.29; CI: −22.06, −0.52; P = 0.048) and body fat percent (β = −0.06; CI: −0.12, −0.01; P = 0.045).ConclusionsHigher vitamin D status from infancy through to 3 years of age associates with leaner body composition.
Sugar‐sweetened beverage intake and its associations with cardiometabolic risks among adolescents
Authors: Loh D. A. , Moy F. M. , Zaharan N. L. , Jalaludin M. Y. , Mohamed Z. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryBackgroundInvestigations on sugar‐sweetened beverage (SSB) intake and cardiometabolic risks among Asians are scant.ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine associations between SSB intake and cardiometabolic risks among Malaysian adolescents.MethodsAnthropometric data, blood pressure (BP), fasting blood glucose (FBG), lipid profiles and insulin levels measured involved 873 adolescents (aged 13 years). SSB intake, dietary patterns and physical activity level (PAL) were self‐reported.ResultsMean SSB consumption was 177.5 mL day−1 with significant differences among ethnicities (Malay, Chinese, Indians and Others) (p < 0.05). SSB intake was deleteriously associated with increased waist circumference, elevated triglycerides, FBG, insulin, insulin resistance and low HDL‐cholesterol, independent of PAL, body mass index and dietary patterns. Significant U‐shaped and inverse trends were noted between SSB intake and LDL‐cholesterol and BP, respectively.ConclusionSugar‐sweetened beverage intake was unfavourably associated with cardiometabolic health outcomes among young adolescents. Concerted efforts towards healthy hydration are imperative to mitigate risk of cardiometabolic events.
Prognostic value of polarized macrophages in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after curative resection
Authors: Shu Qing‐Hua , Ge Yong‐Sheng , Ma Hua‐Xing , Gao Xiao‐Qiang , Pan Jing‐Jing , Liu Dong , Xu Ge‐Liang , Ma Jin‐Liang , Jia Wei‐Dong 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAs the most predominant tumour‐infiltrating immune cells, tumour‐associated macrophages (TAMs) are significant for fostering tumour growth, progression and metastasis. CD68‐positive TAMs display dissimilarly polarized programmes comprising CD11c‐positive pro‐inflammatory macrophages (M1) and CD206‐positive immunosuppressive macrophages (M2). The aim of this study is to determine the prognostic significance of diametrically polarized TAMs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their application to risk stratification of patients according to their specific prognostic values. This study included 80 consecutive patients with HCC, and we evaluated diametrically polarized functional status of macrophages by immunohistochemical staining of CD68, CD11c and CD206. Prognostic values and clinicopathologic features were assessed in these patients. High versus low CD11c‐positive TAM density (P = 0.005) and low versus high CD206‐positive TAM density (P = 0.002) were associated with better overall survival, whereas CD68‐positive TAM density had no prognostic significance (low versus high, P = 0.065). Furthermore, the presence of these positive staining macrophages did not show any prognostic significance for recurrence‐free survival (all P > 0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified CD11c‐positive and CD206‐positive TAMs as an independent prognostic factor (P < 0.001, P = 0.031, respectively). Intratumoural infiltration of diametrically polarized TAMs, a novel identified independent prognostic factor for survival in patients with HCC, could be combined with the TNM stage and the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage to improve a risk stratification system.