bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cystatin‐C and epicardial adipose tissue as noninvasive predictors of cardiovascular risk in acromegaly
Authors: Aulinas Anna , Crespo Iris , Viladés David , Leta Ruben , Urgell Eulàlia , Biagetti Betina , Webb Susan M. , Valassi Elena 
Published: November 2016

SummaryBackgroundAcromegaly (ACRO) is associated with elevated cardiovascular risk, although the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) is unclear. Increased epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and elevated cystatin‐C (Cys‐C) levels are cardiovascular risk factors, also related to the progression of CAD in several populations.AimsTo measure the severity and extent of CAD in patients with ACRO and to determine whether either EAT or Cys‐C reflect higher cardiovascular risk in patients with ACRO than in healthy controls.Subjects and methodsCase–control study, of 35 patients with ACRO (19 males, 17 with active disease) and 35 age‐, gender‐ and body mass index (BMI)‐matched healthy controls; mean age was 48·1 ± 8·1 years and mean BMI was 27·6 ± 4·8 kg/m2. Cys‐C was measured by an immunoturbidimetric assay. The 10‐year risk of developing a coronary event was calculated using the Framingham Risk Score (FRS). EAT index (volume indexed to body surface area), and severity and extent of CAD were measured using a 256‐slice multidetector computed tomography scanner (iCT‐256 Philips Healthcare, Amsterdam).ResultsCoronary artery disease lesions, EAT index and severity/extent of CAD were similar between patients with ACRO and controls. Forty‐four per cent of patients with ACRO had mild coronary lesions associated with greater EAT index (ß = 0·022, P = 0·036). Cys‐C levels correlated with both EAT index (ρ = 0·386, P = 0·031) and FRS (ρ = 0·477, P = 0·004) in patients with ACRO only, despite similar prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. In a multiple linear regression model, both Cys‐C levels (ß = 0·369, P = 0·007) and EAT index (ß = 0·29, P = 0·025) predicted FRS (R2 = 0·613).ConclusionsIn patients with ACRO, both Cys‐C and EAT index might be used as noninvasive predictors of cardiovascular risk.
Impact of retinal pigment epithelium pathology on spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography‐derived macular thickness and volume metrics and their intersession repeatability
Authors: Hanumunthadu Daren , Wang Jin Ping , Chen Wei , Wong Evan N , Chen Yi , Morgan William H , Patel Praveen J , Chen Fred K 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundTo determine the impact of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) pathology on intersession repeatability of retinal thickness and volume metrics derived from Spectralis spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany).DesignProspective cross‐sectional single centre study.ParticipantsA total of 56 eyes of 56 subjects were divided into three groups: (i) normal RPE band (25 eyes); (ii) RPE elevation: macular soft drusen (13 eyes); and (iii) RPE attenuation: geographic atrophy or inherited retinal diseases (18 eyes).MethodsEach subject underwent three consecutive follow‐up macular raster scans (61 B‐scans at 119 μm separation) at 1‐month intervals.Main outcome measuresRetinal thicknesses and volumes for each zone of the macular subfields before and after manual correction of segmentation error. Coefficients of repeatability (CR) were calculated.ResultsMean (range) age was 57 (21–88) years. Mean central subfield thickness (CST) and total macular volume were 264 and 258 μm (P = 0.62), and 8.0 and 7.8 mm3 (P = 0.31), before and after manual correction. Intersession CR (95% confidence interval) for CST and total macular volume were reduced from 40 (38–41) to 8.3 (8.1–8.5) and 0.62 to 0.16 mm3 after manual correction of segmentation lines. CR for CST were 7.4, 23.5 and 66.7 μm before and 7.0, 10.9 and 7.6 μm after manual correction in groups i, ii and iii.ConclusionsSegmentation error in eyes with RPE disease has a significant impact on intersession repeatability of Spectralis spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography macular thickness and volume metrics. Careful examination of each B‐scan and manual adjustment can enhance the utility of quantitative measurement. Improved automated segmentation algorithms are needed.
Assessing the impacts of Saskatchewan's minimum alcohol pricing regulations on alcohol‐related crime
Authors: Stockwell Tim , Zhao Jinhui , Sherk Adam , Callaghan Russell C. , Macdonald Scott , Gatley Jodi 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIntroductionSaskatchewan's introduction in April 2010 of minimum prices graded by alcohol strength led to an average minimum price increase of 9.1% per Canadian standard drink (=13.45 g ethanol). This increase was shown to be associated with reduced consumption and switching to lower alcohol content beverages. Police also informally reported marked reductions in night‐time alcohol‐related crime.ObjectivesThis study aims to assess the impacts of changes to Saskatchewan's minimum alcohol‐pricing regulations between 2008 and 2012 on selected crime events often related to alcohol use.MethodsData were obtained from Canada's Uniform Crime Reporting Survey. Auto‐regressive integrated moving average time series models were used to test immediate and lagged associations between minimum price increases and rates of night‐time and police identified alcohol‐related crimes. Controls were included for simultaneous crime rates in the neighbouring province of Alberta, economic variables, linear trend, seasonality and autoregressive and/or moving‐average effects.ResultsThe introduction of increased minimum‐alcohol prices was associated with an abrupt decrease in night‐time alcohol‐related traffic offences for men (−8.0%, P < 0.001), but not women. No significant immediate changes were observed for non‐alcohol‐related driving offences, disorderly conduct or violence. Significant monthly lagged effects were observed for violent offences (−19.7% at month 4 to −18.2% at month 6), which broadly corresponded to lagged effects in on‐premise alcohol sales.DiscussionIncreased minimum alcohol prices may contribute to reductions in alcohol‐related traffic‐related and violent crimes perpetrated by men. Observed lagged effects for violent incidents may be due to a delay in bars passing on increased prices to their customers, perhaps because of inventory stockpiling. [Stockwell T, Zhao J, Sherk A, Callaghan RC, Macdonald S, Gatley J. Assessing the impacts of Saskatchewan's minimum alcohol pricing regulations on alcohol‐related crime. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:492–501]
Effect of temperature and seven storage media on human periodontal ligament fibroblast viability
Authors: de Souza Beatriz Dulcineia Mendes , Bortoluzzi Eduardo Antunes , Reyes‐Carmona Jessie , dos Santos Luciane Geanini Pena , Simões Claudia Maria de Oliveira , Felippe Wilson Tadeu , Felippe Mara Cristina Santos 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackground/AimNatural resources, such as coconut water, propolis, and egg whites, have been examined as possible storage media for avulsed teeth. However, there is a lack of research focused on the efficacy of these three products together compared with Hank's balanced salt solution and milk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of seven storage media to maintain the viability of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs).Material and methodsPDLFs were kept at 5°C and 20°C, in skimmed milk (SMilk), whole milk (WMilk), recently prepared Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS), Save‐A‐Tooth® system's HBSS (Save), natural coconut water (Coconut), Propolis, and egg white (Egg) for 3, 6, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h, through the analysis of tetrazolium salt‐based colorimetric (MTT) assay.ResultsAt 5°C, SMilk and WMilk were better than HBSS in maintaining cell viability, from 24 h onward. At 20°C, HBSS was the best storage medium at 96 and 120 h. At both temperatures, from 6 h onward, Coconut, Propolis and Egg were less effective than SMilk, WMilk, and HBSS. In general, the performance of Coconut, Propolis and Egg were not influenced by storage temperature. However, the lowest temperature undermined the effectiveness of HBSS from 24 h and favored SMilk and WMilk, from 96 and 48 h onward, respectively. Save and water were the worst storage media.ConclusionSMilk was the best storage medium, followed by WMilk and HBSS. Coconut, Propolis, and Egg can be indicated for the conservation of PDLF up to 3 h. The lower temperature (5°C) undermined the effectiveness of HBSS and favored SMilk and WMilk.
The muddle of ages, turnover, transit, and residence times in the carbon cycle
Authors: Sierra Carlos A. , Müller Markus , Metzler Holger , Manzoni Stefano , Trumbore Susan E. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractComparisons among ecosystem models or ecosystem dynamics along environmental gradients commonly rely on metrics that integrate different processes into a useful diagnostic. Terms such as age, turnover, residence, and transit times are often used for this purpose; however, these terms are variably defined in the literature and in many cases, calculations ignore assumptions implicit in their formulas. The aim of this opinion piece was i) to make evident these discrepancies and the incorrect use of formulas, ii) highlight recent results that simplify calculations and may help to avoid confusion, and iii) propose the adoption of simple and less ambiguous terms.
Introducing Miscanthus to the greening measures of the EU Common Agricultural Policy
Authors: Emmerling Christoph , Pude Ralf 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe EU Common Agricultural Policy regulations for the 2014–2020 period comprise three ‘greening measures’ aimed at climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. These three greening measures consist of the maintenance of permanent pastures, crop diversification and ecological focus areas (EFAs). Farmers are to assign 5% of their land as EFAs; this concerns for example grassland, hedges, buffer strips or nitrogen‐fixing crops. Short rotation coppice (SRC) as a perennial bioenergy crop is also considered as an eligible EFA within the EU greening measures, whereas Miscanthus is not. However, a quantitative comparison (t‐test) of SRC and Miscanthus revealed that both crops are similar in the delivery of a variety of ecosystem services, such as C storage and biodiversity. Moreover, Miscanthus may contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions due to a considerable CO2 mitigation potential. Due to the overall consensus of the ecological significance of Miscanthus in agro‐ecosystems with the greening measures within the EU CAP reform, we recommend acknowledging Miscanthus as an eligible EFA with a similar payment as for SRC, boundary ridges or buffer strips. Along with Miscanthus, a number of other perennial renewables also may contribute to what the CAP intends. We predict that introducing Miscanthus and even other perennial energy crops could also make European agriculture more innovative and effective.
Stem cell research: the role of information seeking and scanning
Authors: Nelissen Sara , Van den Bulck Jan , Lemal Marijke , Beullens Kathleen 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe mass media have held an ongoing debate about stem cell research. However, few studies have investigated how individuals obtain information on stem cell research and whether this affects their knowledge and perspectives on stem cell research.ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate whether (i) cancer‐diagnosed and non‐diagnosed individuals differ in terms of their acquisition of stem cell research information, (ii) whether this information acquisition is associated with stem cell research knowledge and perspectives and (iii) whether having had a cancer diagnosis moderates these associations.MethodA standardised, cross‐sectional survey was conducted among a convenience sample of 621 cancer‐diagnosed and 1387 non‐diagnosed individuals in Flanders (Belgium).ResultsThe results indicate that stem cell research information acquisition explains a significant part of the variance of stem cell research knowledge (8.9%) and of the societal benefits of stem cell research (6.7%) and of embryonic stem cell research evaluation (3.9%) and morality (2%). These associations did not differ between cancer‐diagnosed and non‐diagnosed individuals but cancer‐diagnosed individuals did seek more stem cell research information.ConclusionAcquiring stem cell research information, both intentionally and unintentionally, is positively related to stem cell research knowledge and perspectives. Future research should further identify ways to promote health information acquisition behaviour because it is associated with better knowledge and more positive opinion formation.
BRM/SMARCA2‐negative clear cell renal cell carcinoma is associated with a high percentage of BRM somatic mutations, deletions and promoter methylation
Authors: Xia Qiu‐Yuan , Zhan Xue‐Mei , Fan Xiang‐Shan , Ye Sheng‐Bing , Shi Shan‐Shan , Li Rui , Wei Xue , Wang Xuan , Ma Heng‐Hui , Lu Zhen‐Feng , Zhou Xiao‐Jun , Rao Qiu 
Published: November 2016

AimsThe aim of this study was to investigate potential molecular mechanisms associated with loss of BRM expression in poorly differentiated clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).Methods and resultsNineteen previously selected BRM‐negative RCC tissues were examined by DNA sequencing, fluorescence in‐situ hybridization (FISH) and methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the BRM gene. BRM mutation was identified in 78.9% (15 of 19) cases, chromosome 9 monosomy or BRM deletion in 43.8% (seven of 16) and BRM promoter region cytosine–phosphate–guanine (CpG) methylation in 42.8% (six of 14). These results indicated that 89.5% (17 of 19) of the cases harboured at least one type of BRM genetic alteration, with two or more types of alteration in 47.4% (nine of 19). Such alterations were found rarely in adjacent non‐neoplastic tissues and low‐grade areas of composite tumours.ConclusionsBRM gene mutation, chromosome 9 monosomy or BRM deletion and CpG methylation contribute collectively to the loss of BRM expression in ccRCC. This work focusing on composite tumours indicated that BRM abnormality occurred during tumour progression.
Antimicrobial potential and gustatory perception of chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwashes with or without alcohol after a single rinse – a randomized controlled crossover clinical trial
Authors: Cantarelli R , Negrini TC , Muniz FW , Oballe HJ , Arthur RA , Rösing CK 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this double‐blind randomized clinical trial was to assess whether the presence of alcohol in chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwashes influences their antimicrobial potential against salivary bacteria in young adults. Additionally, the taste perception was assessed.Materials and methodsIn a randomized crossover design, 20 participants (17 women and three men; aged 18–38 years old) rinsed with the 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate with (CHX+) or without alcohol (CHX−) for 1 min. Sterile flavoured‐mint physiological saline was used as control solution. All participants rinsed with the assigned products only once with a period of at least 7 days of washout in between. For antimicrobial potential assay, stimulated saliva samples were collected from participants and had their total viable bacteria determined before and after each rinse. For taste perception assay, a visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the taste perception after each rinse. Friedman followed by Wilcoxon tests and Bonferroni correction were performed. A P‐value <0.017 was considered as statistically significant.ResultsThe median per cent reduction in groups CHX+ and CHX− was 16.07 and 12.87, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found between these groups (P = 0.09). Regarding the gustatory perception, the VAS median values in groups CHX+ and CHX− were 3.50 and 5.50. No statistically significant difference was found in this outcome (P = 0.052).ConclusionsThe presence of the alcohol on the formulation of gluconate chlorhexidine mouthwashes does not seem to interfere with their antimicrobial potential and with their taste perception.
Marphysa (Eunicidae, polychaete, Annelida) species of the Sanguinea group from Australia, with comments on pseudo‐cryptic species
Authors: Zanol Joana , da Silva Thauane dos S. C. , Hutchings Pat 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe genus Marphysa is widely collected for bait by recreational fishermen in Australia, and yet the number of species remains unresolved. A new species is described together with additional information on a previously described species. This study reveals that while species of Marphysa superficially resemble one another, detailed studies on the distribution of different types of chaetae along the body, together with molecular studies, uncover species which may co‐occur. Correct identification is critical for management of these largely intertidal species. This study also highlights the increasing awareness of the presence of pseudo‐cryptic species in polychaetes.
Highly thermally conductive hexagonal boron nitride/alumina composite made from commercial hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Hung Ching‐cheh , Hurst Janet , Santiago Diana , Lizcano Maricela , Kelly Marisabel 
Published: November 2016

AbstractHexagonal BN is an unusual material in that it is both highly thermally conductive as well as an electrical insulator. Additionally, hBN is also thermally stable in air. This unusual combination of properties makes hBN of significant interest for thermal management. Unfortunately, hBN is not easily consolidated into substrates without the addition of second phases which generally result in poorer thermal performance. This research investigates the potential to utilize this material to dissipate heat from high‐voltage, high‐power electrical devices. Specifically, a process to coat individual platelets of commercial hexagonal BN powder with a layer of amorphous aluminum oxide was developed. The coated hexagonal BN was then hot‐pressed to form a highly thermally conductive substrate. The process to coat hexagonal BN platelets with aluminum oxide was accomplished by mixing hexagonal BN with AlCl3 containing some water, then evaporation of excess AlCl3 to form a Al, Cl, and O layer on hexagonal BN. This product was then heated in air to convert the surface layer into aluminum oxide. Following hot pressing to 1950°C and 10 ksi, the consolidated composite has through‐plane and in‐plane thermal conductivity of 14 and 157 W·(m·K)−1, respectively, at room temperature.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor attenuates doxorubicin‐induced cardiac dysfunction through activating Akt signalling in rats
Authors: Hang Pengzhou , Zhao Jing , Sun Li , Li Minghui , Han Yu , Du Zhimin , Li Yue 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe clinical application of doxorubicin (Dox) is limited by its adverse effect of cardiotoxicity. Previous studies have suggested the cardioprotective effect of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). We hypothesize that BDNF could protect against Dox‐induced cardiotoxicity. Sprague Dawley rats were injected with Dox (2.5 mg/kg, 3 times/week, i.p.), in the presence or absence of recombinant BDNF (0.4 μg/kg, i.v.) for 2 weeks. H9c2 cells were treated with Dox (1 μM) and/or BDNF (400 ng/ml) for 24 hrs. Functional roles of BDNF against Dox‐induced cardiac injury were examined both in vivo and in vitro. Protein level of BDNF was reduced in Dox‐treated rat ventricles, whereas BDNF and its receptor tropomyosin‐related kinase B (TrkB) were markedly up‐regulated after BDNF administration. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor significantly inhibited Dox‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, oxidative stress and cardiac dysfunction in rats. Meanwhile, BDNF increased cell viability, inhibited apoptosis and DNA damage of Dox‐treated H9c2 cells. Investigations of the underlying mechanisms revealed that BDNF activated Akt and preserved phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin and Bad without affecting p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase and extracellular regulated protein kinase pathways. Furthermore, the beneficial effect of BDNF was abolished by BDNF scavenger TrkB‐Fc or Akt inhibitor. In conclusion, our findings reveal a potent protective role of BDNF against Dox‐induced cardiotoxicity by activating Akt signalling, which may facilitate the safe use of Dox in cancer treatment.
Cost‐effectiveness of the highly effective direct‐acting antivirals in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in Hong Kong
Authors: Lo Angeline Oi‐Shan , Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Wong Grace Lai‐Hung 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackground and AimIn Asia‐Pacific where cost is a major concern, peginterferon plus ribavirin (PR) often remain as the standard of care in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) treatment, while the direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) are commonly recommended as retreatment. Newer DAAs can achieve a sustained virological response (SVR) of nearly 100% with pan‐genotypic coverage, that is “Highly Effective DAAs.” We aimed to investigate the most desirable cost range for the Highly Effective DAAs using Hong Kong as an example.MethodsMarkov modeling was performed using PR as the reference strategy. The cost‐effectiveness of the Highly Effective DAAs was compared with sofosbuvir‐PR (first‐line and rescue) and boceprevir‐PR therapies. A 50‐year‐old genotype 1b hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected treatment‐naïve patient with METAVIR F3 was used as the base case scenario to reflect the commonest HCV genotype in Hong Kong.ResultsThe use of PR would incur a lifetime cost of US$35,854 and effectiveness of 14.85 quality‐adjusted life‐year (QALY). Sofosbuvir‐PR as first‐line treatment was dominated by other regimes. If Sofosbuvir‐PR rescue therapy was used, the drug cost of Highly Effective DAAs should be set below US$43,553, with a cost‐effectiveness ratio (CER) of US$3035/QALY compared with PR. In regions where Boceprevir‐PR was still used as first‐line therapy, the desirable drug cost of Highly Effective DAAs would be below US$56,985 to achieve a CER of US$5427/QALY.ConclusionsThe most desirable costs of the Highly Effective DAAs would be below US$43,553 if Sofosbuvir‐PR rescue therapy is used and below US$56,985 if Boceprevir‐PR therapy is used.
Metformin use and the risk of colorectal adenoma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jung Yoon Suk , Park Chan Hyuk , Eun Chang Soo , Park Dong Il , Han Dong Soo 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackground and AimAlthough it is known that metformin can reduce risk of colorectal cancer, it is unclear whether it protects against colorectal adenoma.MethodsThis study conducted a systematic literature search on MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library using the primary keywords “colorectal,” “colon,” “rectal,” “rectum,” “adenoma,” “polyp,” “neoplasia,” “neoplasm,” “metformin,” and “diabetes.” Studies were included if they evaluated the association between metformin use and colorectal adenoma and reported odds ratios (ORs) or provided data from which these could be estimated.ResultsTen studies and a total of 8726 patients were evaluated. Across all studies, a median of 32.1% (range: 15.2–53.0%) of patients taking metformin also had adenoma; a median of 43.5% (range: 20.5–59.6%) of those not taking metformin had adenoma. In our meta‐analysis, metformin use reduced the risk of adenoma (pooled OR = 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.63–0.92, I2 = 60%). Upon subgroup analyses, metformin use tended to reduce risk of adenoma in a high‐risk population consisting of patients with a history of colorectal neoplasia (CRN) (pooled OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.34–1.10, I2 = 79%). In addition, metformin reduced the risk of adenoma in a high‐risk population consisting of patients with diabetes mellitus (pooled OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.62–0.91, I2 = 57%).ConclusionMetformin use seemed to be associated with a reduced risk of colorectal adenoma, especially in high‐risk populations consisting of patients with diabetes mellitus or a history of CRN, although statistical power was not achieved in patients with a history of CRN.