bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of opicapone multiple‐dose regimens on levodopa pharmacokinetics
Authors: Rocha José‐Francisco , Sicard Éric , Fauchoux Nicolas , Falcão Amílcar , Santos Ana , Loureiro Ana I. , Pinto Roberto , Bonifácio Maria João , Nunes Teresa , Almeida Luís , Soares‐da‐Silva Patrício 
Published: October 2016

AimsTo compare the levodopa/carbidopa (LC) and levodopa/benserazide (LB) pharmacokinetic profiles following repeated doses of opicapone (OPC) administered apart from levodopa.MethodsTwo randomized, double blind, sex‐balanced, placebo‐controlled studies in four groups of 12 or 18 healthy subjects each. In each group, enrolled subjects received a once‐daily morning (5, 15 and 30 mg) or evening (5, 15 and 50 mg) administration of OPC or placebo for up to 28 days. On the morning of Day 11, 12 h after the OPC or placebo evening dose, or the morning of Day 21, 1 h after the OPC or placebo dose, a single dose of immediate‐release 100/25 mg LC was administered. Similarly, on Day 18 morning, 12 h after the OPC or placebo evening dose, or Day 28 morning, 1 h after the OPC or placebo dose, a single dose of immediate‐release 100/25 mg LB was administered.ResultsAll OPC treatments, in relation to the placebo group, presented a higher extent of exposure (AUC) to levodopa following either LC or LB doses. A relevant but not dose‐dependent increase in the levodopa AUC occurred with all OPC dose groups in relation to placebo. All active treatments significantly inhibited both peak (Emax) and extent (AUEC) of the catechol‐O‐methyltransferase activity in relation to placebo. The tolerability profile was favourable.ConclusionOpicapone, as once‐daily oral evening regimen and/or 1 h apart from levodopa therapy, increases the bioavailability of levodopa associated with its pronounced, long‐lasting and sustained catechol‐O‐methyltransferase inhibition. The tolerability profile was favourable and similar between OPC and placebo.
The Children's Delphi: considerations for developing a programme for promoting children's self‐concept and well‐being
Authors: Benninger Elizabeth , Savahl Shazly 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThis study is premised on the notion that intervention programmes aimed at improving children's well‐being should be inclusive of activities which promote children's self‐concept. Using a child participation framework, this study aimed to explore children's perceptions of the nature and content of intervention programmes aimed at improving children's self‐concept within two impoverished communities of the Western Cape, South Africa. The Delphi technique was followed with a group of 10 children between the ages of 10 and 12 years who were considered to be knowledgeable experts and authorities on matters affecting their lives and well‐being of children. They suggested that intervention programmes include a focus onsafety, the provision of social support, the creation of opportunities for learning and for play and the provision of basic material needs.
Microvascular dysfunction affects the development and prognosis of sudden idiopathic hearing loss
Authors: Koçak H.E. , Filiz Acıpayam A.Ş. , Acıpayam H. , Çakıl Erdoğan B. , Alakhras W.M.E. , Kıral M.N. , Keskin M. , Kayhan F.T. 
Published: October 2016

ObjectiveThe aim of our study is to investigate whether systemic microvascular function affects the development and prognosis of sudden idiopathic hearing loss (SHL).Type of studyA prospective case–control study.Materials and methodsFifty patients diagnosed with SHL at our hospital between September 2015 and May 2016 were included as the SHL group, and 50 healthy volunteers who came to the hospital for medical screening were included in the control group. Thirty‐one patients from the SHL group who responded to treatment and 19 patients who did not respond to treatment were identified according to the Siegel criteria and were grouped. Patients with comorbid disorders were excluded from the study. To determine microvascular function, the videocapillaroscopic examination was conducted from the nailfold, measuring the capillary density (CD) and post‐occlusive reactive hyperaemia (PORH) values and statistical analysis was performed between the groups.ResultWhile CD was an average of 83.1 ± 6 in the SHL group, it was measured as 96.2 ± 10 in the control group. The CD value was significantly lower in the SHL group than the control group (P < 0.05). While the average PORH value in the SHL group was 80.5 ± 7.7, it was measured as 97.5 ± 10 in the control group. The PORH value was significantly lower in the SHL group than the control group (P < 0.05). The CD value did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) between the group that responded to treatment (83.4 ± 5.5) and the group that did not respond to treatment (82.7 ± 6.9). The PORH value was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the group that did not respond to treatment (75.2 ± 7.9) than the group that did (83.8 ± 5.6).ConclusionTo our best knowledge, our study is the first study in the literature. Although the role of specific mechanisms in SHL is not entirely understood, the capillaroscopic examination can show the importance of microvascular function in SHL. CD and PORH values were found to be low in SHL patients, and a low PORH value was found to be a factor of poor prognosis.
Linagliptin as add‐on to empagliflozin and metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes: Two 24‐week randomized, double‐blind, double‐dummy, parallel‐group trials
Authors: Tinahones Francisco J. , Gallwitz Baptist , Nordaby Matias , Götz Sophia , Maldonado‐Lutomirsky Mario , Woerle Hans J. , Broedl Uli C. 
Published: October 2016

AimTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of linagliptin vs placebo as add‐on to empagliflozin and metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes.Materials and methodsPatients with inadequate glycaemic control despite stable‐dose metformin received open‐label empagliflozin 10 mg (study 1) or 25 mg (study 2) as add‐on therapy for 16 weeks. Subsequently, those with HbA1c ≥7.0 and ≤10.5% (>53 and ≤91 mmol/mol) (N = 482) were randomized to 24 weeks’ double‐blind, double‐dummy treatment with linagliptin 5 mg or placebo in study 1, or to linagliptin 5 mg or placebo in study 2; all patients continued treatment with metformin and empagliflozin 10 mg (study 1) or metformin and empagliflozin 25 mg (study 2). The primary endpoint was change from baseline (defined as the last value before first intake of randomized, double‐blind treatment) in HbA1c at week 24.ResultsAt week 24, HbA1c (mean baseline 7.82‐8.04 [62‐64 mmol/mol]) was significantly reduced with linagliptin vs placebo; adjusted mean (SE) differences in change from baseline in HbA1c with linagliptin vs placebo were −.32% (.10) (−3.59 [1.08] mmol/mol) (
P
= .001) for patients on empagliflozin 10 mg and metformin, and −0.47% (0.10) (−5.15 [1.04] mmol/mol) (
P
< 0.001) for patients on empagliflozin 25 mg and metformin. Adverse events were reported in more patients receiving placebo than in those receiving linagliptin: 55.5% vs 48.4% in study 1 and 58.9% vs 52.7% in study 2.ConclusionsLinagliptin as add‐on to empagliflozin and metformin for 24 weeks improved glycaemic control vs placebo, and was well tolerated.
Lessons from two high CO2 worlds – future oceans and intensive aquaculture
Authors: Ellis Robert P. , Urbina Mauricio A. , Wilson Rod W. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractExponentially rising CO2 (currently ~400 μatm) is driving climate change and causing acidification of both marine and freshwater environments. Physiologists have long known that CO2 directly affects acid–base and ion regulation, respiratory function and aerobic performance in aquatic animals. More recently, many studies have demonstrated that elevated CO2 projected for end of this century (e.g. 800–1000 μatm) can also impact physiology, and have substantial effects on behaviours linked to sensory stimuli (smell, hearing and vision) both having negative implications for fitness and survival. In contrast, the aquaculture industry was farming aquatic animals at CO2 levels that far exceed end‐of‐century climate change projections (sometimes >10 000 μatm) long before the term ‘ocean acidification’ was coined, with limited detrimental effects reported. It is therefore vital to understand the reasons behind this apparent discrepancy. Potential explanations include 1) the use of ‘control’ CO2 levels in aquaculture studies that go beyond 2100 projections in an ocean acidification context; 2) the relatively benign environment in aquaculture (abundant food, disease protection, absence of predators) compared to the wild; 3) aquaculture species having been chosen due to their natural tolerance to the intensive conditions, including CO2 levels; or 4) the breeding of species within intensive aquaculture having further selected traits that confer tolerance to elevated CO2. We highlight this issue and outline the insights that climate change and aquaculture science can offer for both marine and freshwater settings. Integrating these two fields will stimulate discussion on the direction of future cross‐disciplinary research. In doing so, this article aimed to optimize future research efforts and elucidate effective mitigation strategies for managing the negative impacts of elevated CO2 on future aquatic ecosystems and the sustainability of fish and shellfish aquaculture.
The Decolonization of Belief from a Native Perspective: Wak'as and Teología Andina in the Bolivian Highlands
Authors: Cuelenaere Laurence 
Published: October 2016

ResumenEste artículo aborda dos aporías en los discursos descolonizadores en Bolivia. La primera se manifiesta en la distancia irreductible entre perspectivas coloniales y descoloniales sobre las creencias y la vivencia de los wak'as deidades, objetos sagrados, santuarios. La segunda reside en las contradicciones la Teología Andina incurre en sus pretensiones de descolonizar la teología entanto que llama a un saneamiento de las creencias para que sean aceptables al cristianismo y define prácticas para la neutralización de la furia de los wak'as. Exploro estas aporías a partir de testimonios y conversaciones con intelectuales de extracción aymara. La amplia gama de discursos descolonizadores que he tocado en este ensayo (no se pretende hacer una evaluación exhaustiva) acarrean posiciones contradictorias análogas al llamado al saneamiento y la neutralización por la teología andina.
Transitory cystic cavities in the developing mammalian brain – normal or anomalous?
Authors: Kaur Charanjit , Ling Eng‐Ang 
Published: October 2016

AbstractTransitory cavities associated with the ventricular system represent probably one of the most unique features in the developing mammalian brain. In rodents, the cavities exist transiently in the developing brain and do not appear to be associated with any pathological events. Among the various cavities, the pyramidal‐shaped cavum septum pellucidum (CSP) located beneath the corpus callosum and between the lateral ventricles is most well defined. In addition to the CSP are the bilateral subependymal cysts that are consistently associated with the third and fourth ventricles as well as the aqueduct. The cavities/cysts contain a large number of amoeboid microglia expressing surface receptors and hydrolytic enzymes common to tissue macrophages. The significance of these cavities in the developing brain remains a conjecture. Firstly, the cavity walls are free of an apparent epithelial lining; hence, it is speculated that the cavities that appear to communicate with the widened neighboring interstitial tissue spaces may have resulted from physical traction due to the rapid growth of the perinatal brain. Secondly, the cavities contain prominent clusters of amoeboid microglia that may be involved in clearing the debris of degenerating axons and cells resulting from the early brain tissue remodeling. With the increase in brain tissue compactness following the beginning of myelination in the second postnatal week, all cavities are obliterated; concomitantly, the number of amoeboid microglia in them diminishes and all this might signal further maturation of the brain.
Treatment of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea with the fractionation of high‐fluence, long‐pulsed 595‐nm pulsed dye laser
Authors: Baek Jin Ok , Hur Hoon , Ryu Ha Ryeong , Kim Jeong Soo , Lee Kyung Real , Kim Yu Ri , Choi Kwang Ho 
Published: October 2016

SummaryVarious lasers have been used for the treatment of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR) that does not respond to systemic or topical therapy. The pulsed dye lasers (PDLs) are an effective option for ETR, and the purpuragenic fluence proved to be superior until now. Given that purpura and subsequent possible postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) are occasionally unbearable in some patients, and several studies using the low nonpurpuragenic fluence were reported. To deliver the sufficient high fluence of a PDL without generating purpura, we designed the fractionation of high fluence using five passes and longer pulse duration (6 milliseconds) of a PDL in succession. A total of eight patients with ETR were enrolled in this study; all patients were treated with PDL 10 times at 2‐week intervals. Erythema and telangiectasia scores, as well as improvement, were assessed by two physicians using the digital photographs. Moderate‐to‐marked improvement was achieved in most of the patients, and erythema and telangiectasia scores were significantly decreased. Purpura and PIH were not reported in all patients. The fractionation of high‐fluence, long‐pulsed 595 nm PDL is a very safe and effective treatment for ETR.
Value of brush cytology for optimal timing of liver transplantation in primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Vannas Marko J. , Boyd Sonja , Färkkilä Martti A. , Arola Johanna , Isoniemi Helena 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackground and AimsPrimary sclerosing cholangitis is associated with a high risk of cholangiocarcinoma. Here, we investigated the value of surveillance for dysplasia using brush cytology, to determine the optimal timing of liver transplantation in primary sclerosing cholangitis. We compared our preoperative findings, with the final explanted liver histopathology.Methods126 consecutive patients were transplanted for primary sclerosing cholangitis from 1984 to 2012. Patients were divided into two groups: symptomatic (n=91), and asymptomatic (n=35).ResultsBrush cytology was available for 101 patients; 66 symptomatic and 35 asymptomatic. Suspicious cytological findings were found in nine patients (14%) in the symptomatic group and 17 (49%) in the asymptomatic group. DNA flow cytometry was available for 49 patients (25 symptomatic, 24 asymptomatic), with aneuploidy detected in six patients (24%) in the symptomatic group and 15 (63%) in the asymptomatic group. Explanted liver histology showed biliary dysplasia or cholangiocarcinoma in 11 symptomatic patients (12%) and 15 asymptomatic patients (43%). A combination of cytological and DNA flow cytometry findings resulted in a test sensitivity of 68%, with a specificity of 86%. Ten‐year survival in the asymptomatic group was 91%.ConclusionsDysplasia surveillance using brush specimens may help to select those patients likely to benefit from early liver transplantation. It remains unclear as to whether surveillance with brush cytology improves long‐term survival, but there is presently no better method with which to predict transplantation timing.
Ovulation‐inducing factor (OIF/NGF) in seminal plasma: a review and update
Authors: Adams GP , Ratto MH , Silva ME , Carrasco RA 
Published: October 2016

ContentsThe ovulation‐inducing effect of seminal plasma was first reported in Bactrian camels over 30 years ago, and the entity responsible was dubbed ‘ovulation‐inducing factor’ (OIF). More recent studies, primarily in llamas and alpacas, characterized the biological and chemical properties ofOIFand ultimately identified it as βNGF. This recent discovery has allowed a convergence of knowledge previously separated by discipline and by mechanism; that is, neurobiology and reproductive biology, and autocrine/paracrine vs endocrine. To preserve this link, we have referred to the seminal factor asOIF/NGF. As a highly conserved protein, the implications of discoveries related toOIF/NGFin reproductive tissues extend beyond the camelid species, and results of recent studies show that the presence and function ofOIF/NGFin seminal plasma are conserved among species considered to be induced ovulators as well as those considered to be spontaneous ovulators. The abundance ofOIF/NGFin seminal plasma and the effects of seminal plasma on ovarian function strongly support the idea of an endocrine mode of action (i.e. systemic distribution with distant target tissues). This review is intended to provide an update on the progress in our understanding of the nature ofOIF/NGFin seminal plasma and its effects on reproductive function in the female, including the effects of dose and route of administration, evidence for ovarian effects in other species, tissue sources ofOIF/NGFand early findings related to the mechanism of action ofOIF.
Maternal systemic or cord blood inflammation is associated with birth anthropometry in a Tanzanian prospective cohort
Authors: Wilkinson A. L. , Pedersen S. H. , Urassa M. , Michael D. , Andreasen A. , Todd J. , Kinung'hi S. M. , Changalucha J. , McDermid J. M. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractObjectivesHIV infection is associated with chronic systemic inflammation, with or without antiretroviral therapy. Consequences for foetal growth are not understood, particularly in settings where multiple maternal infections and malnutrition are common. The study was designed to examine maternal systemic circulating and umbilical cord blood cytokine concentrations in relation to birth anthropometry in a Tanzanian prospective cohort.MethodsA 9‐plex panel of maternal plasma cytokines in HIV‐positive (n = 44) and HIV‐negative (n = 70) mothers and the same cytokines in umbilical cord blood collected at delivery was assayed. Linear regression modelled associations between maternal or cord blood cytokines and birth anthropometry.ResultsHealth indicators (haemoglobin, mid‐upper‐arm circumference, body mass index) in HIV‐positive mothers without considerable immunosuppression did not differ from HIV‐negative women. Despite this, HIV‐exposed infants had lower birthweight and length. Subgroup analyses indicated that HIV management using HAART was associated with lower plasma TNF‐α, as were longer durations of any antiretroviral therapy (≥2 months). Greater maternal plasma TNF‐α was associated with earlier delivery (−1.7 weeks, P = 0.039) and lower birthweights (−287 g; P = 0.020), while greater umbilical cord TNF‐α (−1.43 cm; P = 0.036) and IL‐12p70 (−2.4 cm; P = 0.008) were associated with shorter birth length. Birthweight was inversely associated with cord IL‐12p70 (−723 g; P = 0.001) and IFN‐γ (−482 g, P = 0.007). Maternal cytokines during pregnancy did not correlate with umbilical cord cytokines at delivery.ConclusionsSystemic inflammation identified in maternal plasma or umbilical cord blood was associated with poorer birth anthropometrics in HIV‐exposed and HIV‐unexposed infants. Controlling maternal and/or foetal systemic inflammation may improve birth anthropometry.
Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Enterobacteriaceae in South and Southeast Asia
Authors: Hsu Li-Yang , Apisarnthanarak Anucha , Khan Erum , Suwantarat Nuntra , Ghafur Abdul , Tambyah Paul Anantharajah 
Published: October 2016

SUMMARYCarbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, in particular theAcinetobacter baumannii-calcoaceticuscomplex andEnterobacteriaceae, are escalating global public health threats. We review the epidemiology and prevalence of these carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria among countries in South and Southeast Asia, where the rates of resistance are some of the highest in the world. These countries house more than a third of the world's population, and several are also major medical tourism destinations. There are significant data gaps, and the almost universal lack of comprehensive surveillance programs that include molecular epidemiologic testing has made it difficult to understand the origins and extent of the problem in depth. A complex combination of factors such as inappropriate prescription of antibiotics, overstretched health systems, and international travel (including the phenomenon of medical tourism) probably led to the rapid rise and spread of these bacteria in hospitals in South and Southeast Asia. In India, Pakistan, and Vietnam, carbapenem-resistantEnterobacteriaceaehave also been found in the environment and community, likely as a consequence of poor environmental hygiene and sanitation. Considerable political will and effort, including from countries outside these regions, are vital in order to reduce the prevalence of such bacteria in South and Southeast Asia and prevent their global spread.
Host-Based Peripheral Blood Gene Expression Analysis for Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases
Authors: Holcomb Zachary E. , Tsalik Ephraim L. , Woods Christopher W. , McClain Micah T. 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT
Emerging pandemic infectious threats, inappropriate antibacterial use contributing to multidrug resistance, and increased morbidity and mortality from diagnostic delays all contribute to a need for improved diagnostics in the field of infectious diseases. Historically, diagnosis of infectious diseases has relied on pathogen detection; however, a novel concept to improve diagnostics in infectious diseases relies instead on the detection of changes in patterns of gene expression in circulating white blood cells in response to infection. Alterations in peripheral blood gene expression in the infected state are robust and reproducible, yielding diagnostic and prognostic information to help facilitate patient treatment decisions.
Comparison of MagPix Assays and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Detection of Hemorrhagic Fever Viruses
Authors: Satterly Neal G. , Voorhees Matthew A. , Ames Abbe D. , Schoepp Randal J. 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT
Viral hemorrhagic fevers, because of their high mortality rates, the lack of medical countermeasures, and their potential use as instruments of bioterrorism, pose a significant threat to the developed and the developing areas of the world. The key to preventing the spread of these diseases is early and accurate detection. For decades, the gold-standard immunoassay for hemorrhagic fever detection has been the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); however, newer technologies are emerging with increased sensitivities. One such technology is the Luminex MagPix platform using xMAP microspheres. Here, we compare the MagPix platform with a traditional ELISA for IgM and antigen detection of infections from Lassa and Ebola viruses (LASV and EBOV, respectively). For IgM detection in nonhuman primate samples, the MagPix platform was 5 and 25 times more sensitive in detecting LASV and EBOV, respectively, compared to that with ELISA. For antigen detection in buffer, the MagPix platform was 25 and 2.5 times more sensitive in detecting lower levels of LASV and EBOV, respectively. In both IgM and antigen detection assays, the MagPix platform demonstrated excellent reproducibility at the lower limit of detection (LLOD). These findings demonstrate that the MagPix platform is a viable diagnostic replacement for the ELISA for viral hemorrhagic fevers.