bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management of sulfonylurea‐treated monogenic diabetes in pregnancy: implications of placental glibenclamide transfer
Authors: Shepherd M. , Brook A. J. , Chakera A. J. , Hattersley A. T. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe optimum treatment for HNF1A/HNF4A maturity‐onset diabetes of the young and ATP‐sensitive potassium (KATP) channel neonatal diabetes, outside pregnancy, is sulfonylureas, but there is little evidence regarding the most appropriate treatment during pregnancy. Glibenclamide has been widely used in the treatment of gestational diabetes, but recent data have established that glibenclamide crosses the placenta and increases risk of macrosomia and neonatal hypoglycaemia. This raises questions about its use in pregnancy. We review the available evidence and make recommendations for the management of monogenic diabetes in pregnancy. Due to the risk of stimulating increased insulin secretion in utero, we recommend that in women with HNF1A/ HNF4A maturity‐onset diabetes of the young, those with good glycaemic control who are on a sulfonylurea per conception either transfer to insulin before conception (at the risk of a short‐term deterioration of glycaemic control) or continue with sulfonylurea (glibenclamide) treatment in the first trimester and transfer to insulin in the second trimester. Early delivery is needed if the fetus inherits an HNF4A mutation from either parent because increased insulin secretion results in ~800‐g weight gain in utero, and prolonged severe neonatal hypoglycaemia can occur post‐delivery. If the fetus inherits a KATP neonatal diabetes mutation from their mother they have greatly reduced insulin secretion in utero that reduces fetal growth by ~900 g. Treating the mother with glibenclamide in the third trimester treats the affected fetus in utero, normalising fetal growth, but is not desirable, especially in the high doses used in this condition, if the fetus is unaffected. Prospective studies of pregnancy in monogenic diabetes are needed.
Pleiotrophin, a target of miR‐384, promotes proliferation, metastasis and lipogenesis in HBV‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Bai Pei‐song , Xia Nan , Sun Hong , Kong Ying 
Published: May 2017

AbstractHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection plays a crucial role and is a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in China. microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key players in hepatic steatosis and carcinogenesis. We found that down‐regulation of miR‐384 expression was a common event in HCC, especially HBV‐related HCC. However, the possible function of miR‐384 in HBV‐related HCC remains unclear. The oncogene pleiotrophin (PTN) was a target of miR‐384. HBx inhibited miR‐384, increasing PTN expression. The PTN receptor N‐syndecan was highly expressed in HCC. PTN induced by HBx acted as a growth factor via N‐syndecan on hepatocytes and further promoted cell proliferation, metastasis and lipogenesis. PTN up‐regulated sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1c (SREBP‐1c) through the N‐syndecan/PI3K/Akt/mTORC1 pathway and the expression of lipogenic genes, including fatty acid synthesis (FAS). PTN‐mediated de novo lipid synthesis played an important role in HCC proliferation and metastasis. PI3K/AKT and an mTORC1 inhibitor diminished PTN‐induced proliferation, metastasis and lipogenesis. Taken together, these data strongly suggest that the dysregulation of miR‐384 could play a crucial role in HBV related to HCC, and the target gene of miR‐384, PTN, represents a new potential therapeutic target for the prevention of hepatic steatosis and further progression to HCC after chronic HBV infection.
Dose‐escalation study evaluating pegylated interferon alpha‐2a in patients with cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Schiller M. , Tsianakas A. , Sterry W. , Dummer R. , Hinke A. , Nashan D. , Stadler R. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundThis open‐label, multicenter, dose‐escalation study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of subcutaneous pegylated (40 kD) interferon α‐2a (PEG‐IFN α‐2a) in patients with cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL).Patients and methodsPEG‐IFN α‐2a was administered subcutaneously at 180 (n = 4), 270 (n = 6), or 360 μg (n = 3) once weekly for 12 weeks. Efficacy was assessed by the proportion of patients with complete response (CR) or partial response (PR).ResultsPEG‐IFN α‐2a was generally well tolerated, with a moderate number of reductions or withholding of doses because of adverse events (AEs) (25% (n = 1), 66% (n = 4), and 0% (n = 0) in the 180‐, 270‐, and 360‐μg/week groups, respectively). The only dose‐limiting toxicity was a grade 3 elevation of liver enzymes in the 270‐μg dose group. The most common AEs were fatigue, acute flu‐like symptoms, and hepatic toxicity. The major response rate (CR or PR) was 50% in the 180‐μg group (CR, 50%; PR, 0%), 83% in the 270‐μg group (CR, 67%; PR, 17%), and 66% in the 360‐μg group (CR, 33%; PR, 33%).ConclusionPEG‐IFN α‐2a at doses up to 360 μg once weekly was well tolerated in patients with CTCL up to the highest dose group and showed good response rates. Due to their good tolerance even in high doses, they might be an option for patients not tolerating standard IFN‐α preparations. However, for this purpose and to evaluate comparability between standard and PEG‐IFN larger clinical trials are needed, alone and in combination with oral photochemotherapy (PUVA).
Acne: morphologic and vascular study of lesions and surrounding skin by means of optical coherence tomography
Authors: Manfredini M. , Greco M. , Farnetani F. , Ciardo S. , De Carvalho N. , Mandel V.D. , Starace M. , Pellacani G. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundAcne vulgaris is a disease of the pilosebaceous unit, characterized by hyper‐keratinization process, comedos formation and inflammatory reactions.ObjectiveThe definition of the morphology and the vascularization of acne lesions by means of dynamic optical coherence tomography (D‐OCT), to non‐invasively define the alterations occurring during the acne development and patient therapeutic management.MethodsA set of standardized clinical pictures and D‐OCT images were acquired from 114 acne lesions of 31 volunteers, presenting mild to moderate acne and evaluated by experts. Fifteen patients treated with oral antibiotics were followed during time at 0, 20, 40, and 60 days.ResultsOptical coherence tomography enabled to identify vascular and morphological aspects characterizing different types of acne lesions. Oral antibiotic treatment improved the morphologic features and decreased the digitally reconstructed vascular signal during time.ConclusionThe characterization of acne lesions and the identification of vascular pattern in acne lesions through D‐OCT, corresponding to blood vessel dilation and inflammatory associated hyper‐vascularization, may have important clinical consequences in the assessment of acne severity, therapeutic decisions and treatment efficacy monitoring.
The biomechanical, chemical and physiological adaptations of the eggs of two Australian megapodes to their nesting strategies and their implications for extinct titanosaur dinosaurs
Authors: GRELLET‐TINNER G. , LINDSAY S. , THOMPSON M.B. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryMegapodes are galliform birds endemic to Australasia and unusual among modern birds in that they bury their eggs for incubation in diverse substrates and using various strategies. Alectura lathami and Leipoa ocellata are Australian megapodes that build and nest in mounds of soil and organic matter. Such unusual nesting behaviours have resulted in particular evolutionary adaptations of their eggs and eggshells. We used a combination of scanning electron microscopy, including electron backscatter diffraction and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, to determine the fine structure of the eggshells and micro‐CT scanning to map the structure of pores. We discovered that the surface of the eggshell of A. lathami displays nodes similar to those of extinct titanosaur dinosaurs from Transylvania and Auca Mahuevo egg layer #4. We propose that this pronounced nodular ornamentation is an adaptation to an environment rich in organic acids from their nest mound, protecting the egg surface from chemical etching and leaving the eggshell thickness intact. By contrast, L. ocellata nests in mounds of sand with less organic matter in semiarid environments and has eggshells with weakly defined nodes, like those of extinct titanosaurs from AM L#3 that also lived in a semiarid environment. We suggest the internode spaces in both megapode and titanosaur species act as funnels, which concentrate the condensed water vapour between the nodes. This water funnelling in megapodes through the layer of calcium phosphate reduces the likelihood of bacterial infection by creating a barrier to microbial invasion. In addition, the accessory layer of both species possesses sulphur, which reinforces the calcium phosphate barrier to bacterial and fungal contamination. Like titanosaurs, pores through the eggshell are Y‐shaped in both species, but A. lathami displays unique mid‐shell connections tangential to the eggshell surface and that connect some adjacent pores, like the eggshells of titanosaur of AM L#4 and Transylvania. The function of these interconnections is not known, but likely helps the diffusion of gases in eggs buried in environments where occlusion of pores is possible.
Imaging of Parathyroid Glands in End Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Sharma Jyotirmay , Halkar Raghuveer , Weber Collin J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSecondary hyperparathyroidism from chronic renal failure often requires a parathyroidectomy for correction. A successful parathyroidectomy often relies upon localization of all parathyroid tumors. Although most of the tumors are localized during a neck exploration, preoperative localization studies can help identify ectopic and supernumerary tumors. Three of the most common localization studies are radionuclide imaging, ultrasound, and CT scanning. Utility of these studies is strongly dependent on local institutional practice.
Markers of Bone Health, Bone-Specific Physical Activities, Nutritional Intake, and Quality of Life of Professional Jockeys in Hong Kong
Authors: Poon Eric Tsz-Chun , O’Reilly John , Sheridan Sinead , Cai Michelle Mingjing , Wong Stephen Heung-Sang 
Published: May 2017

Weight-making practices, regularly engaged in by horse racing jockeys, have been suggested to impair both physiological and mental health. This study aimed to assess bone health markers, nutritional intake, bone-specific physical activity (PA) habits, and quality of life of professional jockeys in Hong Kong (n = 14), with gender-, age-, and body mass index-matched controls (n = 14). Anthropometric measurements, serum hormonal biomarkers, bone mineral density, bone-specific PA habits, nutritional intake, and quality of life were assessed in all participants. The jockey group displayed significantly lower bone mineral density at both calcanei than the control group (left: 0.50 ± 0.06 vs. 0.63 ± 0.07 g/cm2; right: 0.51 ± 0.07 vs. 0.64 ± 0.10 g/cm2, both ps < .01). Thirteen of the 14 jockeys (93%) showed either osteopenia or osteoporosis in at least one of their calcanei. No significant difference in bone mineral density was detected for either forearm between the groups. The current bone-specific PA questionnaire score was lower in the jockey group than the control group (5.61 ± 1.82 vs. 8.27 ± 2.91, p < .05). Daily energy intake was lower in the jockeys than the controls (1,360 ± 515 vs. 1,985 ± 1,046 kcal/day, p < .01). No significant group difference was found for micronutrient intake assessed by the bone-specific food frequency questionnaire, blood hormonal markers, and quality of life scores. Our results revealed suboptimal bone conditions at calcanei and insufficient energy intake and bone-loading PAs among professional jockeys in Hong Kong compared with healthy age-, gender-, and body mass index-matched controls. Further research is warranted to examine the effect of improved bone-loading PAs and nutritional habits on the musculoskeletal health of professional jockeys.
Imputing Accelerometer Nonwear Time When Assessing Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity in Children
Authors: Borgundvaag Emily , McIsaac Michael , Borghese Michael M. , Janssen Ian 
Published: May 2017

Background: A limitation of accelerometer measures of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is nonwear time. Nonwear-time data is typically deleted prior to estimating MVPA. In this study, we used an approach that used sociodemographic, health, and time data to guide the imputation of nonwear-time data. We determined whether imputing nonwear-time data influences estimates of MVPA and the association between MVPA, body mass index, and blood pressure. Methods: Seven days of accelerometer data were collected on 332 children aged 10–13 years. MVPA was estimated in a “nonimputed dataset,” wherein nonwear-time data were deleted prior to estimating MVPA, and in an “imputed dataset,” wherein nonwear-time data were imputed using sociodemographic and health characteristics of participants and time characteristics of the nonwear period prior to estimating MVPA. Results: Nonwear time represented 7% of waking hours. Average MVPA estimates did not differ in the nonimputed and imputed datasets (56.8 vs 58.4 min/d). The strength of the relationship between MVPA and the 2 health outcomes did not differ in the nonimputed and imputed datasets. Conclusions: Studies achieving high accelerometer wear-time compliance can obtain MVPA estimates without substantial bias if they use the traditional approach of deleting nonwear-time data.
Support received after bereavement by suicide and other sudden deaths: a cross-sectional UK study of 3432 young bereaved adults
Authors: Pitman Alexandra L , Rantell Khadija , Moran Paul , Sireling Lester , Marston Louise , King Michael , Osborn David 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that people bereaved by suicide are less likely to receive formal or informal support than people bereaved by other causes of sudden death.DesignNational cross-sectional study.SettingAdults working or studying at any UK higher education institution (HEI) in 2010.ParticipantsA total of 3432 eligible respondents aged 18–40 years bereaved by the sudden death of a close friend or relative, sampled from approximately 659 572 bereaved and non-bereaved staff and students at 37 of 164 UK HEIs invited to participate.ExposuresBereavement by suicide (n=614; 18%), by sudden unnatural causes (n=712; 21%) and by sudden natural causes (n=2106; 61%).Main outcome measuresReceipt of formal and informal support postbereavement; timing of valued support.Results21% (725/3432) of our sample of bereaved adults reported receiving no formal or informal bereavement support, with no evidence for group differences. People bereaved by suicide were less likely to have received informal support than those bereaved by sudden natural causes (adjusted OR (AOR)=0.79; 95% CI 0.64 to 0.98) or unnatural causes (AOR=0.74; 95% CI 0.58 to 0.96) but did not differ from either comparison group on receipt of formal support. People bereaved by suicide were less likely to have received immediate support (AOR=0.73; 95% CI 0.59 to 0.90) and more likely to report delayed receipt of support (AOR=1.33; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.64) than people bereaved by sudden natural causes. Associations were not modified by gender, or age bereaved, but became non-significant when adjusting for stigma.ConclusionsPeople bereaved by suicide are less likely to receive informal support than people bereaved by other causes of sudden death and are more likely to perceive delays in accessing any support. This is concerning given their higher risk of suicide attempt and the recommendations within suicide prevention strategies regarding their need for support.Study registrationhttp://www.ucl.ac.uk/psychiatry/bereavementstudy/
Bone mineral density reference standards for Chinese children aged 3–18: cross-sectional results of the 2013–2015 China Child and Adolescent Cardiovascular Health (CCACH) Study
Authors: Liu Junting , Wang Liang , Sun Jinghui , Liu Gongshu , Yan Weili , Xi Bo , Xiong Feng , Ding Wenqing , Huang Guimin , Heymsfield Steven , Mi Jie 
Published: May 2017

ObjectivesNo nationwide paediatric reference standards for bone mineral density (BMD) are available in China. We aimed to provide sex-specific BMD reference values for Chinese children and adolescents (3–18 years).MethodsData (10 818 participants aged 3–18 years) were obtained from cross-sectional surveys of the China Child and Adolescent Cardiovascular Health in 2015, which included four municipality cities and three provinces. BMD was measured using Hologic Discovery Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scanner. The DXA measures were modelled against age, with height as an independent variable. The LMS statistical method using a curve fitting procedure was used to construct reference smooth cross-sectional centile curves for dependent versus independent variables.ResultsChildren residing in Northeast China had the highest total body less head (TBLH) BMD while children residing in Shandong Province had the lowest values. Among children, TBLH BMD was higher for boys as compared with girls; but, it increased with age and height in both sexes. Furthermore, TBLH BMD was higher among US children as compared with Chinese children. There was a large difference in BMD for height among children from these two countries. US children had a much higher BMD at each percentile (P) than Chinese children; the largest observed difference was at P50 and P3 and the smallest difference was at P97.ConclusionsThis is the first study to present a sex-specific reference dataset for Chinese children aged 3–18 years. The data can help clinicians improve interpretation, assessment and monitoring of densitometry results.
A cross-sectional study on prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in India: rationale and methods
Authors: Rajkumar Prabu , Pattabi Kamaraj , Vadivoo Selvaraj , Bhome Arvind , Brashier Bill , Bhattacharya Prashanta , Mehendale Sanjay M 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common preventable and treatable chronic respiratory disease, which affects 210 million people globally. Global and national guidelines exist for the management of COPD. Although evidence-based, they are inadequate to address the phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity in India. Co-existence of other chronic respiratory diseases can adversely influence the prognosis of COPD.India has a huge burden of COPD with various risk factors and comorbid conditions. However, valid prevalence estimates employing spirometry as the diagnostic tool and data on important comorbid conditions are not available. This study protocol is designed to address this knowledge gap and eventually to build a database to undertake long-term cohort studies to describe the phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity among COPD patients in India.ObjectivesThe primary objective is to estimate the prevalence of COPD among adults aged ≥25 years for each gender in India. The secondary objective is to identify the risk factors for COPD and important comorbid conditions such as asthma and post-tuberculosis sequelae. It is also proposed to validate the currently available definitions for COPD diagnosis in India.Methods and analysisA cross-sectional study will be undertaken among the populations of sub-urban areas of Chennai and Shillong cities, which represent the Southern and Northeastern regions of India. We will collect data on sociodemographic variables, economic characteristics, risk factors of COPD and comorbidities. The Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) and Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) definitions will be used for the diagnosis of COPD and asthma. Data will be analysed for estimation of the prevalence of COPD, asthma and associated factors.Ethics and disseminationThis study proposal was approved by the respective institutional ethics committees of participating institutions. The results will be disseminated through publications in the peer-reviewed journals and a report will be submitted to the concerned public health authorities in India for developing appropriate research and management policies.
The role of academic health centres in building equitable health systems: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Edelman Alexandra , Taylor Judy , Ovseiko Pavel V , Topp Stephanie M 
Published: May 2017

IntroductionAcademic health centres (AHCs) are complex organisations often defined by their ‘tripartite’ mission: to achieve high standards of clinical care, undertake clinical and laboratory research and educate health professionals. In the last decade, AHCs have moved away from what was a dominant focus on high impact (clinical) interventions for individuals, towards a more population-oriented paradigm requiring networked institutions and responsiveness to a range of issues including distribution of health outcomes and health determinants. Reflective of this paradigm shift is a growing interest in the role of AHCs in addressing health disparities and improving health system equity. This protocol outlines a systematic review that seeks to synthesise and critically appraise the current state of evidence on the role of AHCs in contributing to equitable health systems locally and globally.Methods and analysisElectronic searches will be conducted on a pilot list of bibliographic databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, ERIC, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, Cochrane Library, Evidence Based Medicine Reviews, Campbell Library and A+ Education, from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2016. Apart from studies reporting clinical interventions or trials, all types of published peer-reviewed and grey literature will be included in the review. The single screening method will be employed in selecting studies, with two additional reviewers consulted where allocation is unclear. Quality and relevance appraisal utilising Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools will follow data extraction to a preprepared template. Thematic synthesis will be undertaken to develop descriptive themes and inform analysis.Ethics and disseminationAs the review is focused on the analysis of secondary data, it does not require ethics approval. The results of the study will be disseminated through articles in peer-reviewed journals and trade publications as well as presentations at relevant national and international conferences. Results will be further disseminated through networks and associations of AHCs.Protocol registrationInternational Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) number CRD42016051802.