bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computed tomography for head injuries in children: Change in Australian usage rates over time
Authors: Oakley Ed , May Rachel , Hoeppner Tobias , Sinn Kam , Furyk Jeremy , Craig Simon , Rosengarten Pamela , Kochar Amit , Krieser David , Dalton Sarah , Dalziel Stuart , Neutze Jocelyn , Cain Tim , Jachno Kim , Babl Franz E ,   for the Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT)
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectivePaediatric head injury is a common presentation to the ED. North American studies demonstrate increasing use of computed tomography (CT) brain scan (CTB) to investigate head injury. No such data exists for Australian EDs. The aim of this study was to describe CTB use in head injury over time in eight Australian EDs.MethodsRetrospective ED electronic database and medical imaging database audit was undertaken for the years 2001–2010 by International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 9 or 10 code for head injury in children <16 years. EDs and medical imaging departments of eight hospitals in Australia (five tertiary referral and three mixed departments). Data for ED presentations with head injury, and all CTB performed by medical imaging were merged to obtain a data set of CTB performed within 24 h for head injury‐related attendances to the ED. Descriptive and comparative analysis of CTB rates was performed.ResultsThe rate of CTB over the decade was 10.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 9.9–10.5). The annual rate varied from 9.5% (95% CI 8.2–10.9) to 12.5% (95% CI 11.2–13.9). CTB use did not increase over time. Median year of age at time of CT scan was 4 years, with an interquartile range of 1.5–9.4 years. Overall there was a 9.2% increase in the CTB scan rate for every additional year of age at presentation (95% CI 6.6–12.1; P < 0.001).ConclusionCTB use in head injuries did not increase during the study period, and rates of CTB were less than reported for North America.
Randomized trial comparing the effects of gliclazide, liraglutide, and metformin on diabetes with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Feng Wenhuan , Gao Caixia , Bi Yan , Wu Min , Li Ping , Shen Shanmei , Chen Wei , Yin Tingting , Zhu Dalong 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present study was to compare the effects of gliclazide, liraglutide, and metformin in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).MethodsEighty‐seven subjects were randomized to receive liraglutide, metformin, or gliclazide for 24 weeks. Primary outcomes included HbA1c levels, intrahepatic fat (IHF) content, and liver function.ResultsBoth HbA1c levels and IHF content were reduced after treatment in all three groups. However, HbA1c levels were lower in the liraglutide‐ and metformin‐treated groups than in the gliclazide‐treated group, and reductions in IHF content were greater with liraglutide than with gliclazide. Liraglutide and metformin treatments reduced weight and improved liver function. Changes in IHF content were positively correlated with reductions in serum alanine aminotransferase and triglyceride levels, as well as weight. At 24 weeks, reductions in IHF content were greater in subjects with weight loss ≥5%, changes in waistline ≤0 cm (including decreases in waistline), HbA1c reductions ≥2.5%, and HbA1c levels <6.5%.ConclusionsIn T2DM patients with NAFLD, compared with liraglutide and metformin, gliclazide resulted in less improvement in liver function, reductions in IHF content and HbA1c levels, and less weight loss; in addition, slightly better improvements were achieved with liraglutide than with metformin.
Design of character‐based DNA barcode motif for species identification: A computational approach and its validation in fishes
Authors: Chakraborty Mohua , Dhar Bishal , Ghosh Sankar Kumar 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe DNA barcodes are generally interpreted using distance‐based and character‐based methods. The former uses clustering of comparable groups, based on the relative genetic distance, while the latter is based on the presence or absence of discrete nucleotide substitutions. The distance‐based approach has a limitation in defining a universal species boundary across the taxa as the rate of mtDNA evolution is not constant throughout the taxa. However, character‐based approach more accurately defines this using a unique set of nucleotide characters. The character‐based analysis of full‐length barcode has some inherent limitations, like sequencing of the full‐length barcode, use of a sparse‐data matrix and lack of a uniform diagnostic position for each group. A short continuous stretch of a fragment can be used to resolve the limitations. Here, we observe that a 154‐bp fragment, from the transversion‐rich domain of 1367 COI barcode sequences can successfully delimit species in the three most diverse orders of freshwater fishes. This fragment is used to design species‐specific barcode motifs for 109 species by the character‐based method, which successfully identifies the correct species using a pattern‐matching program. The motifs also correctly identify geographically isolated population of the Cypriniformes species. Further, this region is validated as a species‐specific mini‐barcode for freshwater fishes by successful PCR amplification and sequencing of the motif (154 bp) using the designed primers. We anticipate that use of such motifs will enhance the diagnostic power of DNA barcode, and the mini‐barcode approach will greatly benefit the field‐based system of rapid species identification.
Long‐term efficacy and tolerability of mycophenolate mofetil therapy in diffuse scleroderma skin disease
Authors: Boulos Daniel , Ngian Gene‐Siew , Rajadurai Anton , Elford Kathleen , Stevens Wendy , Proudman Susanna , Owen Claire , Roddy Janet , Nikpour Mandana , Youssef Peter , Hill Catherine , Sahhar Joanne 
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the long‐term efficacy and tolerability of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc).MethodsPatients enrolled in the Australian Scleroderma Cohort study with dcSSc and baseline modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) ≥ 12 who were treated for a minimum of 12 months with MMF for the primary indication of skin disease were included and their prospectively collected data retrieved. Change in mRSS, the proportion with a clinically significant improvement (reduction in mRSS ≥ 5 from baseline) and adverse effects due to therapy were determined.ResultsSeventy‐four participants treated with MMF were identified and of these, 42 met inclusion criteria. The mean age was 53 ± 12 years, with mean disease duration at MMF commencement of 4.8 ± 4.3 years. Twenty‐one participants (50%) commenced MMF within 2 years of disease onset and the mean duration of therapy was 2.7 ± 1.7 years. The mean mRSS at baseline was 25.9 ± 9.2 with a reduction of 3.7 ± 7.1 (P = 0.07) after 1 year of therapy, 7.6 ± 8.3 after 2 years (P = 0.01) and 10.5 ± 10.3 after 5 years (P < 0.01). Response to treatment was not affected by disease duration at MMF commencement or baseline skin score. Eighteen participants (43%) demonstrated clinically significant improvement after 1 year, increasing to 92% after 4 years. Two participants (5%) ceased MMF due to adverse effects.ConclusionMMF was associated with a modest improvement in mRSS and was well tolerated in the treatment of dcSSc. Given the natural history of dcSSc where skin involvement can spontaneously improve, randomized, placebo‐controlled studies are required to confirm whether improvement can be attributed to MMF therapy.
Clinical features and long‐term outcomes of 105 granulomatosis with polyangiitis patients: A single center experience from north India
Authors: Sharma Aman , Naidu Godasi S. R. S. N. K. , Rathi Manish , Verma Roshan , Modi Manish , Pinto Benzeeta , Sharma Kusum , Dhir Varun , Singhal Manphool , Prakash Mahesh , Nada Ritambhra , Panda Naresh K. , Minz Ranjana W. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimTo describe the clinical features, treatment and long‐term outcomes in north Indian patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA).MethodsClinical details, Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS‐v3), laboratory data, histopathology findings, treatment details and outcomes of all consecutive patients diagnosed as having GPA between April 2005 and April 2016 were retrieved. European Vasculitis Study Group definitions were used to classify patients into localized, early systemic, generalized, severe and refractory categories. The findings were compared with large single center cohorts from USA, Germany and France.ResultsOne hundred and five patients (median age 40 years; 60 females and 45 males) were diagnosed as having GPA. Median duration of follow up was 28 months. Upper respiratory tract, renal and lung involvement were seen in 76.19%, 51.43% and 67.62% of patients, respectively. Ocular, ear, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, heart, gastrointestinal and skin involvement were seen in 40.95%, 18.1%, 26.67%, 11.43%, 5.71%, 12.38% and 29.52%, respectively. The median BVAS v3 score was 17. Localized, early systemic, generalized, severe and refractory disease were seen in three, 44, 38, 17 and one patient, respectively. Eighteen patients expired and the cause of death was disease activity in 11, disease activity plus sepsis in four and sepsis alone in three patients. Twenty‐six patients experienced relapses. No hemorrhagic cystitis or bladder cancers were observed; however, one patient developed myelodysplastic syndrome during follow up.ConclusionIndian patients are younger and have less arthritis, renal and peripheral nerve involvement as compared to the patients in Western cohorts.
Potential of nanostructured alumina for leaf‐cutting ants Acromyrmex lobicornis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) management
Authors: Buteler Micaela , Lopez Garcia Guillermo , Stadler Teodoro 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe present study assessed the contact toxicity of nanostructured alumina (NSA) and compared it to that of diatomaceous earth (DE) on workers of Acromyrmex lobicornis. Laboratory and field bioassays were also conducted to assess whether ants avoid NSA particles. Nanostructured alumina was more toxic to ants than DE (LC50 for NSA = 0.14 mg/g; CI 0.12–0.17; LC50 for DE = 0.36 mg/g; CI 0.25–0.77). The laboratory bioassays results showed that ants were not repelled by NSA. The average repellence percentage observed in the Petri dish bioassay was 0.66 ± 3.1. No repellence was observed in field tests either, given that ants collected oat flakes treated with NSA (12.7 ± 1.2 oat flakes) in similar amounts to control oats (13.9 ± 1.6 oat flakes) after 2 h. Scanning electron microscope pictures showed that NSA was more effective than DE in attaching to the cuticle of exposed insects.This study reports for the first time the toxicity of NSA on leaf‐cutting ants and shows that it has greater efficacy than DE in killing A. lobicornis at all the concentrations tested. Thus, NSA shows potential to be used as a dust insecticide that could be applied directly at the nest to induce mortality of worker ants. Further studies should address the effect of NSA on the symbiotic fungus, as well as its potential as carrier for other insecticides or fungicides.
Expression of TWIST in the first‐trimester trophoblast and decidual tissue of women with recurrent pregnancy losses
Authors: Ahn Jin Hee , Park Hye Ran , Park Chan‐Woo , Park Dong‐Wook , Kwak‐Kim Joanne 
Published: March 2017

ProblemIn this study, we aim to investigate if the expression of TWIST in the first‐trimester placenta and decidua has any association with spontaneous abortion (SAB) and recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL).MethodsExpression of TWIST was measured in the first‐trimester trophoblast and decidual tissues using RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry. Women with a pregnancy loss comprised the study group (AB group) including women with two or more recurrent pregnancy loses (RPL group), and women with a spontaneous abortion who had no history of previous pregnancy losses (SAB group). Controls were women with elective abortion of normal pregnancy (NP group).ResultsIn in‐vitro culture study of endometrial cells, expression of TWIST was detected with the induction of decidualization. In syncytiotrophoblast, expression of TWIST in NP group was significantly higher than that of AB group. RPL group had no expression of TWIST, both in the nucleus and cytoplasm of syncytiotrophoblast. In decidual tissue, majority of TWIST was expressed on the decidual stromal cells. NP group showed significantly higher expression of TWIST in cytoplasm and nucleus as compared with those of SAB group.ConclusionThis suggests that TWIST may have a functional role in decidualization of endometrial cells and syncytialization of cytotrophoblast cells.
A pilot study of ultrasound evaluation of gastric emptying in patients with end‐stage renal failure: a comparison with healthy controls
Authors: Chen C. , Liu L. , Wang C. Y. , Choi S.‐W. , Yuen V. M. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryThis prospective study was designed to evaluate gastric volume and content in patients with renal failure and healthy controls after an overnight fast, immediately after a light meal and at 6 h after the meal. Thirty subjects in each group were recruited. At each scanning session, gastric antral cross‐sectional area was measured in the supine recumbent and right lateral decubitus positions, and a qualitative assessment of gastric contents was made using the Perlas three‐point grading system. Six hours after the meal, the mean (SD) antral cross‐sectional area in the supine position was 471 (195) mm2 in patients with renal failure and 319 (106) mm2 in healthy controls (p = 0.028), whereas in the right lateral position it was 756 (320) and 521 (180) mm2, respectively (p = 0.21). In terms of the qualitative assessments of gastric contents, all subjects had an empty stomach after an overnight fast. Five patients with renal failure and no controls had Perlas grade 2 images, indicating significant gastric contents, 6 h after a meal (p = 0.026). This study supports the use of bedside gastric ultrasound as a point‐of‐care test for patients with known risk factors for delayed gastric emptying.
Perspectives on risk: Assessment of risk profiles and outcomes among women planning community birth in the United States
Authors: Bovbjerg Marit L. , Cheyney Melissa , Brown Jennifer , Cox Kim J. , Leeman Lawrence 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundThere is little agreement on who is a good candidate for community (home or birth center) birth in the United States.MethodsData on n=47 394 midwife‐attended, planned community births come from the Midwives Alliance of North America Statistics Project. Logistic regression quantified the independent contribution of 10 risk factors to maternal and neonatal outcomes. Risk factors included: primiparity, advanced maternal age, obesity, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, postterm pregnancy, twins, breech presentation, history of cesarean and vaginal birth, and history of cesarean without history of vaginal birth. Models controlled additionally for Medicaid, race/ethnicity, and education.ResultsThe independent contributions of maternal age and obesity were quite modest, with adjusted odds ratios (AOR) less than 2.0 for all outcomes: hospital transfer, cesarean, perineal trauma, postpartum hemorrhage, low/very‐low Apgar, maternal or neonatal hospitalization, NICU admission, and fetal/neonatal death. Breech was strongly associated with morbidity and fetal/neonatal mortality (AOR 8.2, 95% CI, 3.7‐18.4). Women with a history of both cesarean and vaginal birth fared better than primiparas across all outcomes; however, women with a history of cesarean but no prior vaginal births had poor outcomes, most notably fetal/neonatal demise (AOR 10.4, 95% CI, 4.8‐22.6). Cesarean births were most common in the breech (44.7%), preeclampsia (30.6%), history of cesarean without vaginal birth (22.1%), and primipara (11.0%) groups.DiscussionThe outcomes of labor after cesarean in women with previous vaginal deliveries indicates that guidelines uniformly prohibiting labor after cesarean should be reconsidered for this subgroup. Breech presentation has the highest rate of adverse outcomes supporting management of vaginal breech labor in a hospital setting.
Adolescent externalizing behaviour, psychological control, and peer rejection: Transactional links and dopaminergic moderation
Authors: Janssens Annelies , Van Den Noortgate Wim , Goossens Luc , Verschueren Karine , Colpin Hilde , Claes Stephan , Van Heel Martijn , Van Leeuwen Karla 
Published: March 2017

This study investigated (1) reciprocal links among parental psychological control, peer rejection, and adolescent externalizing (aggressive and rule‐breaking behaviour), and (2) the moderating effect of an adolescent genetic factor (biologically informed polygenic score for dopamine signalling). Three‐year longitudinal data from 1,116 adolescents (51% boys; M age = 13.79) and their parents included psychological measures (adolescent‐reported psychological control, peer‐reported rejection, and parent‐reported aggressive and rule‐breaking behaviour). Cross‐lagged analyses showed bidirectional effects between psychological control and both aggressive and rule‐breaking behaviour and a unidirectional effect of peer rejection on both forms of problem behaviour over time. Multigroup structural equation modelling revealed genetic moderation only for rule‐breaking behaviour: for adolescents with intermediate levels of dopamine signalling significant environmental effects were present, whereas adolescent effects of rule‐breaking behaviour on psychological control were significant for adolescents with both intermediate and high profiles and effects on peer rejection only for adolescents with high dopamine profiles.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Parental psychological control is related to adolescent externalizing problems.

Experiencing peer rejection reinforces aggressive and rule‐breaking behaviour.

Single‐gene studies show that dopaminergic genes influence externalizing problems directly or in interaction with the environment.

What does this study add?

Parental psychological control and adolescent aggressive and rule‐breaking behaviour exacerbate one another longitudinally.

Longitudinal associations between peer rejection and both subtypes of externalizing behaviour are unidirectional.

With a polygenic approach, dopaminergic moderation is present for rule‐breaking behaviour only.
Pharmacovigilance database search discloses ClC‐K channels as a novel target of the AT1 receptor blockers valsartan and olmesartan
Authors: Imbrici Paola , Tricarico Domenico , Mangiatordi Giuseppe Felice , Nicolotti Orazio , Lograno Marcello Diego , Conte Diana , Liantonio Antonella 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackground and PurposeHuman ClC‐K chloride channels are highly attractive targets for drug discovery as they have a variety of important physiological functions and are associated with genetic disorders. These channels are crucial in the kidney as they control chloride reabsorption and water diuresis. In addition, loss‐of‐function mutations of CLCNKB and BSND genes cause Bartter's syndrome (BS), whereas CLCNKA and CLCNKB gain‐of‐function polymorphisms predispose to a rare form of salt sensitive hypertension. Both disorders lack a personalized therapy that is in most cases only symptomatic. The aim of this study was to identify novel ClC‐K ligands from drugs already on the market, by exploiting the pharmacological side activity of drug molecules available from the FDA Adverse Effects Reporting System database.Experimental ApproachWe searched for drugs having a Bartter‐like syndrome as a reported side effect, with the assumption that BS could be causatively related to the block of ClC‐K channels. The ability of the selected BS‐causing drugs to bind and block ClC‐K channels was then validated through an integrated experimental and computational approach based on patch clamp electrophysiology in HEK293 cells and molecular docking simulations.Key ResultsValsartan and olmesartan were able to block ClC‐Ka channels and the molecular requirements for effective inhibition of these channels have been identified.Conclusion and ImplicationsThese results suggest additional mechanisms of action for these sartans further to their primary AT1 receptor antagonism and propose these compounds as leads for designing new potent ClC‐K ligands.
Rational drug design of indazole‐based diarylurea derivatives as anticancer agents
Authors: Chu Yan‐yan , Cheng He‐juan , Tian Zhen‐hua , Zhao Jian‐chun , Li Gang , Chu Yang‐yang , Sun Chang‐jun , Li Wen‐bao 
Published: March 2017

A series of novel indazole‐based diarylurea derivatives targeting c‐kit were designed by structure‐based drug design. The derivatives were prepared, and their antiproliferative activities were evaluated against human colon cancer HCT‐116 cell line and hepatocellular carcinoma PLC/PRF/5 cell line. The antiproliferative activities demonstrated that six of nine compounds exhibited comparable activities with sorafenib against HCT‐116. The structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis indicated that the indazole ring part tolerated different kinds of substituents, and the N position of the central pyridine ring played key roles in antiproliferative activity. The SAR and interaction mechanisms were further explored using molecular docking method. Compound 1i with N‐(2‐(pyrrolidin‐1‐yl)ethyl)‐carboxamide possessed improved solubility, 596.1 ng/ml and best activities, IC50 at 1.0 μm against HCT‐116, and 3.48 μm against PLC/PRF/5. It is a promising anticancer agent for further development.
Contrasting Social and Cognitive Accounts on Overimitation: The Role of Causal Transparency and Prior Experiences
Authors: Schleihauf Hanna , Graetz Sabine , Pauen Sabina , Hoehl Stefanie 
Published: March 2017

Three experiments (N = 100) examine the influence of causal information on overimitation. In Experiment 1, a transparent reward location reveals that the reward is unaffected by nonfunctional actions. When 5‐year‐olds observe an inefficient and subsequently an efficient strategy to retrieve a reward, they show overimitation in both phases—even though the reward is visible. In Experiment 2, children observe first the efficient then the inefficient strategy. The latter is always demonstrated communicatively, whereas the efficient strategy is presented communicatively (2a) or noncommunicatively (2b). Regardless of whether the efficient strategy is emphasized through communication or not, most children do not switch from the efficient to the inefficient strategy. Depending on the situation, children base their behavior on social motivations or causal information.