bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety and Tolerability of SonoVue® in Patients with Large Artery Anterior Circulation Acute Stroke
Authors: Baracchini Claudio , Viaro Federica , Favaretto Silvia , Palmieri Anna , Kulyk Caterina , Causin Francesco , Farina Filippo , Ballotta Enzo 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEUltrasound contrast agents (UCAs) are routinely used to improve the visualization of intracranial arteries. Since a higher rate of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) has been observed in patients undergoing sonothrombolysis in combination with UCAs, we conducted this study with the aim of assessing safety and tolerability of SonoVue® in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to anterior circulation large artery occlusion (LAO) and eligible to intravenous thrombolysis and/or mechanical thrombectomy.METHODSAmong 474 patients consecutively admitted to our Stroke Unit with anterior circulation ischemic stroke, SonoVue® was administered during transcranial ultrasound evaluation to 48 patients with suspected LAO for diagnostic confirmation (group I) and to 44 patients with inadequate temporal bone window. Forty‐eight stroke patients with LAO diagnosed only by computed tomography (CT) angiography /magnetic resonance (MR) angiography and matched for age, gender, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score with group I represented the control group (group II). Thrombolysis, thrombectomy, or combined treatment were offered to all eligible patients. Brain MR imaging/CT was performed in both groups in case of neurological deterioration or after 1 week to check for ICH.RESULTSSonoVue® did not cause any serious adverse event; only mild and transient side effects were reported in six cases (6.5%). Among patients in groups I and II, there were 31 (32.3%) secondary cerebral bleedings with no statistically significant difference between the groups, but only 2 (2.1%) were symptomatic.CONCLUSIONSAccording to our study, SonoVue® can be safely administered to acute ischemic stroke patients with suspected anterior circulation LAO and/or inadequate temporal bone window.
Prolonged-release minitablets with carbamazepine – preliminary observations in vitro
Authors: Dzajkowska Magdalena , Hanna Kotlowska , Anna Madanecka , Maja Szczepanska , Dagmara Doniza , Anna Sosnowicz , Malgorzata Sznitowska 
Published: December 2016

Abstract

Objective
The aim was to develop prolonged-release minitablets (MT) with carbamazepine (CBZ).

Methods
Matrix-type 3-mm MT (5 mg CBZ) were prepared by direct compression using hydrophilic (hypromellose) or hydrophobic polymers (ethylcellulose, Kollidon SR, glyceryl behenate). Coated prolonged-release MT (2.5 mm/3 mg of CBZ) were produced using ethylcellulose or Eudragit RL/RS. The release tests were performed in a basket apparatus with water or 1% sodium lauryl sulphate solution as dissolution media.

Key findings
High-viscosity hypromellose used as a matrix polymer resulted in slow release of CBZ (80% released during 12 h). Dissolution was slower from hydrophobic matrices. Non-swelling MT cores were successfully coated with Eudragit RL/RS, which resulted in the prolonged release of CBZ (80%/14 h), depending on the film thickness and Eudragit composition. Careful choice of pore formers in the coating film allowed to reduce lag time. Ethylcellulose was unsuitable as coating polymer due to low permeability to CBZ and unsatisfying mechanical resistance of the films modified with hypromellose.

Conclusion
Prolonged release of CBZ was obtained from both matrix-type and coated MT. Further development of MT as a single unit or multicompartment prolonged-release new dosage form especially suitable for children has been justified.
Proposed mechanisms of Terminalia catappa in hyperglycaemia and associated diabetic complications
Authors: Behl Tapan , Kotwani Anita 
Published: December 2016

Abstract

Objectives
Terminalia catappa has shown potent antidiabetic activity in the past; however, the exact molecular mechanisms by which it acts have not been elucidated. This review aims at exploring several hypotheses which have been proposed to explain its mechanism of action, including reduction in oxidative stress, inflammation, angiogenesis, lipid profile correction and direct hypoglycaemic actions.

Methods
A thorough review of all the articles, research as well as reviews, available regarding the concerned topic was performed. MEDLINE databases were searched using keywords (and their combinations), such as T. catappa, renin oxidative stress, inflammation, angiogenesis, diabetic retinopathy, α-glucosidase and α-amylase, among several others. English-language articles were preferably selected.

Key findings
Apart from metabolic dysfunctions, several hyperglycaemia-induced pathological conditions come into scene as the after-effects of diabetes. These mainly include inflammation, oxidative stress, angiogenesis and lipid profile alteration, which ultimately result in vascular endothelial dysfunction, hepatic steatosis, lipid peroxidation and apoptosis of endothelial, hepatic and neuronal cells. Terminalia catappa effectively attenuates the progression of diabetic retinopathy and shows significant hypoglycaemic actions. The mechanisms behind these effects were explained.

Conclusion
Terminalia catappa may provide an effective natural product to treat hyperglycaemia and prevent subsequent diabetic complications.
A review of the protective role of melatonin during phosphine-induced cardiotoxicity: focus on mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and apoptosis
Authors: Asghari Mohammad Hossein , Abdollahi Mohammad , de Oliveira Marcos Roberto , Nabavi Seyed Mohammad 
Published: December 2016

Abstract

Objectives
Acute poisoning with aluminium phosphide (AlP) is a major cause of mortality in developing countries. AlP mortality is due to cardiac dysfunction leading to cardiomyocyte death. The main mechanism is an inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase in the cardiomyocyte mitochondria, resulting in a decreased ATP production and oxidative stress. Unfortunately, the administration of exogenous drugs does not meet the desired requirements of an effective therapy. Melatonin is an amphiphilic molecule and can easily pass through all cellular compartments with the highest concentration recorded in mitochondria. It is known as a vigorous antioxidant, acting as a potent reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger. Our aim is to summarize the mechanisms by which melatonin may modulate the deteriorating effects of AlP poisoning on cardiac mitochondria.

Key findings
Melatonin not only mitigates the inhibition of respiratory chain complexes, but also increases ATP generation. Moreover, it can directly inhibit the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening, thus preventing apoptosis. In addition, melatonin inhibits the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to hinder caspase activation leading to cell survival.

Summary
Based on the promising effects of melatonin on mitochondria, melatonin may mitigate AlP-induced cardiotoxicity and might be potentially suggested as cardioprotective in AlP-intoxicated patients.
Population Aging and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Projections for Canada
Authors: Ouellette‐Kuntz Hélène , Martin Lynn , McKenzie Katherine 
Published: December 2016

AbstractPopulation aging is expected to have a dramatic impact on the need for services and supports among adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The expected size of the population of older adults affected remains unknown. The aims of this paper are to present methods to project the age‐structure of the adult population with intellectual and developmental disabilities 10 years into the future, apply those methods to data from Ontario, Canada, and discuss their relative merit. Two methods were used. The first method relies on knowledge of the prevalence of intellectual and developmental disabilities across age groups in a given population and the corresponding census estimates for future years for the same age groups in that population. The second method requires knowledge of the age‐structure of the adult population with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as age‐specific mortality rates for this population. This second method was applied using two sets of available mortality rates. Projections of the number of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities 45–84 years of age over a 10‐year period vary depending on the method used. The first method suggests a moderate increase (20.5%) while the second method suggests a small increase (4.1–8.4%) in that age group. It is important to be able to critically examine methods and assumptions used when claims are made about population growth and aging in relation to intellectual and developmental disabilities. Accurate age‐specific prevalence data and detailed population‐level mortality statistics specific to intellectual and developmental disabilities are required to plan for aging‐related services.
Geographical Barriers to Mental Health Service Care Among Individuals With an Intellectual Disability in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Ramsay Hugh , Mulryan Niamh , McCallion Philip , McCarron Mary 
Published: December 2016

AbstractPeople with an intellectual disability (ID) are more likely to experience mental health difficulties than others. The United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) states that health services should be provided close to people's own communities. This article examines differences in access to psychiatry services for those with an ID according to geography, in the context of a small European country (Republic of Ireland). The sample consisted of 753 individuals aged 40 and over with ID in the Republic of Ireland, with data collected from the Intellectual Disability Supplement of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging (IDS‐TILDA). The primary outcome of interest was attendance with any psychiatrist and the primary independent variables were area of residence (health service region and degree of county urbanicity). Logistic regression was used to analyze associations, unadjusted and then controlling for age group, gender and level of ID. Secondary analysis examined factors associated with anti‐psychotic prescription without psychiatrist supervision. Treatment by a psychiatrist was associated with both health region (p = 0.029) and degree of urbanicity (p = 0.015) before controlling for group differences but only the health region was significantly associated after controlling for age, gender and level of ID. Antipsychotic use without a psychiatrist was associated with degree of urbanicity (p = 0.036) but not with health service region (p = 0.989). Geographic factors are associated with access to mental health services among those with ID in the Republic of Ireland. This may be partly due to movement of people with ID away from their area of origin, highlighting the need for locally tailored specialist ID mental health teams and for further research into barriers to treatment. Additional work in other countries will further understanding of similar roles of geographic factors in mediating mental health services access.
When Funding Meets Practice: The Fate of Contemporary Therapeutic Approaches and Self‐Determination in a Consumer‐Centred Disability Funding Scheme
Authors: McDonald Myfanwy , Davis Kate , Mahar Nicole 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThis article highlights the potential for a consumer‐centred model of funding (the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme, or the NDIS), to undermine therapeutic approaches in Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) that facilitate self‐determination amongst young children with a disability or developmental delay and their families. This process of undermining is not intentional but a consequence of deeply held cultural assumptions regarding how health care should be delivered and assessed. The article brings together multiple “strands” of evidence and theory regarding self‐determination, disability funding, therapeutic approaches within ECI, and cultural beliefs regarding health to demonstrate how a funding model founded on the principle of self‐determination could potentially undermine a therapeutic approach that supports the very same principle. The potential for this consumer‐centred disability funding (CCDF) scheme to undermine contemporary therapeutic approaches highlights a significant challenge—how to communicate the complexity of the evidence regarding effectiveness of different therapeutic approaches to parents of children with a disability without overwhelming them, and how to ensure that this CCDF scheme facilitates informed, meaningful choices for families.
Biotic vs abiotic drivers of seedling persistence in a tropical karst forest
Authors: Lin Yi‐Ching , Comita Liza S. , Johnson Daniel J. , Chen Mei‐Ru , Wu Shu‐Hui 
Published: December 2016

AbstractQuestionQuantifying the duration and drivers of seedling persistence is critical for understanding seedling dynamics and species co‐existence in plant communities. In this study, we incorporated data from multiple seedling censuses to characterize patterns of seedling persistence in a tropical karst forest. Specifically, we evaluated the effects of density dependence, habitat heterogeneity and recruitment timing on seedling persistence.LocationA tropical karst forest in Taiwan.MethodsUsing data from 144 seedling plots censused every 3 mo from 2007 to 2012, we examined persistence times of 6399 seedlings of 36 species. Seedling survival was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method. Mixed effects Cox models were used to identify significant biotic (i.e. initial height, conspecific and heterospecific seedling and adult densities) and abiotic (i.e. mean elevation, convexity, slope, effective soil depth and recruitment time) drivers of seedling persistence at the community, guild and species levels.ResultsAt the community level, newly recruited seedlings had a median survival time of 6 mo. Median survival time was higher for seedlings in the shade‐tolerant guild compared to seedlings in the shade‐intolerant guild (9 vs 3 mo). When all species were analysed together, seedling persistence significantly increased with increasing initial size and soil depth and significantly decreased with increasing density of conspecific and heterospecific seedling neighbours. Drivers of seedling persistence tended to be guild and species specific, however negative effects of conspecific seedling neighbours were consistently detected in all models, indicating strong and pervasive conspecific negative density dependence. Significant effects of recruitment time, soil depth and convexity were revealed by guild‐ and species‐specific models, suggesting abiotic niche differences.ConclusionsThis study highlights the importance of multiple ecological processes for seedling persistence. Both abiotic and biotic factors may play an important role in species co‐existence in this forest via niche partitioning and negative density dependence. Among these factors, negative conspecific density dependence had the strongest and most consistent effect. In addition, soil depth played a key role in shaping seedling regeneration, likely through effects of soil moisture. Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of the ecology of karst forests. Analysing seedling persistence in karst forest expands our general understanding of forest dynamics and species co‐existence in tropical forests as a whole, especially at sites with high spatial heterogeneity.
Weight loss and waist reduction is associated with improvement in gastroesophageal disease reflux symptoms: A longitudinal study of 15 295 subjects undergoing health checkups
Authors: Park S.‐K. , Lee T. , Yang H.‐J. , Park J. H. , Sohn C. I. , Ryu S. , Park D. I. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackgroundGeneral obesity and abdominal obesity is an established risk factor of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the influence of weight or waist change on improvement of GERD is unclear. Our aim was to investigate if weight loss or waist reduction improves GERD symptoms and esophagitis.MethodsA retrospective longitudinal study of 15 295 subjects who underwent gastroscopy for a health checkup and reported GERD symptoms between 2011 and 2013, and repeated a checkup until 2014 was conducted. The improvement of GERD symptoms and esophagitis according to weight loss (≥−2, −0.5 to −2 kg/m2 in body mass index [BMI]), waist reduction (≥−5, −0.1 to −0.5 cm) and baseline BMI/waist circumference (WC) categories was assessed using logistic regression.Key ResultsWeight loss or waist reduction was associated with improvement in GERD symptoms only in subjects with general or abdominal obesity. Among subjects with general obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) and decreased ≥2 kg/m2 in BMI, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of improvement in GERD symptoms was 2.34 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.70‐2.83). Among subjects with abdominal obesity (WC ≥90 cm) and decreased ≥5 cm in WC, the corresponding OR was 2.16 (95% CI 1.56‐2.90). There was no association between weight loss or waist reduction and improvement in esophagitis.Conclusions & InferencesWeight loss or waist reduction was associated with improvement in GERD symptoms only in subjects with general or abdominal obesity. Weight loss or waist reduction will be an important treatment option in obese patients.
GLANDULAR TRICHOME‐SPECIFIC WRKY 1 promotes artemisinin biosynthesis in Artemisia annua
Authors: Chen Minghui , Yan Tingxiang , Shen Qian , Lu Xu , Pan Qifang , Huang Youran , Tang Yueli , Fu Xueqing , Liu Meng , Jiang Weimin , Lv Zongyou , Shi Pu , Ma Ya‐nan , Hao Xiaolong , Zhang Lida , Li Ling , Tang Kexuan 
Published: December 2016

Summary

Artemisinin is a type of sesquiterpene lactone well known as an antimalarial drug, and is specifically produced in glandular trichomes of Artemisia annua. However, the regulatory network for the artemisinin biosynthetic pathway remains poorly understood. Exploration of trichome‐specific transcription factors would facilitate the elucidation of regulatory mechanism of artemisinin biosynthesis.

The WRKY transcription factor GLANDULAR TRICHOME‐SPECIFIC WRKY 1 (AaGSW1) was cloned and analysed in A. annua. AaGSW1 exhibited similar expression patterns to the trichome‐specific genes of the artemisinin biosynthetic pathway and AP2/ERF transcription factor AaORA. A β‐glucuronidase (GUS) staining assay further demonstrated that AaGSW1 is a glandular trichome‐specific transcription factor.

AaGSW1 positively regulates CYP71AV1 and AaORA expression by directly binding to the W‐box motifs in their promoters. Overexpression of AaGSW1 in A. annua significantly improves artemisinin and dihydroartemisinic acid contents; moreover, AaGSW1 can be directly regulated by AaMYC2 and AabZIP1, which are positive regulators of jasmonate (JA)‐ and abscisic acid (ABA)‐mediated artemisinin biosynthetic pathways, respectively.

These results demonstrate that AaGSW1 is a glandular trichome‐specific WRKY transcription factor and a positive regulator in the artemisinin biosynthetic pathway. Moreover, we propose that two trifurcate feed‐forward pathways involving AaGSW1, CYP71AV1 and AaMYC2/AabZIP1 function in the JA/ABA response in A. annua.
Variants of Brugada Syndrome and Early Repolarization Syndrome: An Expanded Concept of J‐Wave Syndrome
Authors: KIM SUNG‐HWAN , NAM GI‐BYOUNG , YUN SUNG‐CHEOL , CHOI HYUNG OH , CHOI KEE‐JOON , JOUNG BOYOUNG , PAK HUI‐NAM , LEE MOON‐HYOUNG , KIM SUNG SOON , PARK SEUNG‐JUNG , ON YOUNG KEUN , KIM JUNE SOO , OH IL‐YOUNG , CHOI EUE‐KEUN , OH SEIL , CHOI YUN‐SHIK , CHOI JONG IL , PARK SANG WEON , KIM YOUNG‐HOON , OH YONG‐SEOG , LEE MAN YOUNG , LIM HONG EUY , LEE YOUNG‐SOO , CHO YONGKEUN , KIM JUN , RHEE KYOUNG‐SUK , LEE DONG‐IL , CHO DAE KYOUNG , KIM YOU‐HO 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundThe role of J‐waves in the pathogenesis of ventricular fibrillation (VF) occurring in structurally normal hearts is important.MethodsWe evaluated 127 patients who received an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) for Brugada syndrome (BS, n = 53), early repolarization syndrome (ERS, n = 24), and patients with unknown or deferred diagnosis (n = 50). Electrocardiography (ECG), clinical characteristics, and ICD data were analyzed.ResultsJ‐waves were found in 27/50 patients with VF of unknown/deferred diagnosis. The J‐waves were reminiscent of those seen in BS or ERS, and this subgroup of patients was termed variants of ERS and BS (VEB). In 12 VEB patients, the J/ST/T‐wave morphology was coved, although amplitudes were <0.2 mV. In 15 patients, noncoved‐type J/ST/T‐waves were present in the right precordial leads. In the remaining 23 patients, no J‐waves were identified. VEB patients exhibited clinical characteristics similar to those of BS and ERS patients. Phenotypic transition and overlap were observed among patients with BS, ERS, and VEB. Twelve patients with BS had background inferolateral ER, while five ERS patients showed prominent right precordial J‐waves. Patients with this transient phenotype overlap showed a significantly lower shock‐free survival than the rest of the study patients.ConclusionsVEB patients demonstrate ECG phenotype similar to but distinct from those of BS and ERS. The spectral nature of J‐wave morphology/distribution and phenotypic transition/overlap suggest a common pathophysiologic background in patients with VEB, BS, and ERS. Prognostic implication of these ECG variations requires further investigation.
Detection of epistatic and environmental interaction QTLs for leaf orientation‐related traits in maize
Authors: Shi Yong , Wang Xiaobo , Guo Shulei , Ren Zhenzhen , Ku Lixia , Zhu Yuguang , Li Guohui , Qi Jianshuang , Zhang Xin , Ren Zhaobin , Chen Yanhui 
Published: December 2016

AbstractLeaf architecture traits in maize are quantitative and have been studied by quantitative trait loci (QTLs) mapping. However, additional QTLs for these traits require mapping and the interactions between mapped QTLs require studying because of the complicated genetic nature of these traits. To detect common QTLs and to find new ones, we investigated the maize traits of leaf angle, leaf flagging‐point length, leaf length and leaf orientation value using a set of recombinant inbred line populations and single nucleotide polymorphism markers. In total, 19 QTLs contributed 4.13–13.52% of the phenotypic effects to the corresponding traits that were mapped, and their candidate genes are provided. Common and major QTLs have also been detected. All of the QTLs showed significant additive effects and non‐significant additive × environment effects in combined environments. The majority showed additive × additive epistasis effects and non‐significant QTL × environment effects under single environments. Common and major QTLs provided information for fine mapping and gene cloning, and SNP markers can be used for marker‐assisted selection breeding.