bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Utility of speckle tracking echocardiography imaging in patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
Authors: Alizade Elnur , Yesin Mahmut , Tabakci Mehmet Mustafa , Avci Anıl , Bulut Mustafa , Acar Göksel , Şimşek Zeki , Izci Servet , Barutçu Süleyman , Pala Selçuk 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundArrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) is characterized by the progressive replacement of ventricular myocytes with variable amounts of fibrous and adipose tissue. Several studies have suggested that speckle tracking echocardiographic (STE) parameters such as strain (S) and strain rate (SR) may prove useful in the early detection of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate RV myocardial function using the STE method in both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with ARVD and to assess its potential role in the differential diagnosis of these two presentations.MethodsWe recruited 34 patients with ARVD. Seventeen patients were symptomatic, and seventeen were asymptomatic.ResultsThe RV free wall global longitudinal S and SR were significantly lower in symptomatic patients with ARVD than in asymptomatic patients. According to a cutoff value of 1.35 per seconds for RV global SR, the sensitivity and specificity for predicting ARVD were 88% and 77%, respectively. According to a cutoff value of 17.3% for RV S, the sensitivity and specificity for predicting ARVD were 82% and 77%, respectively.ConclusionIn conclusion, we present strong evidence that STE‐derived global S and SR in the RV free wall are decreased in symptomatic patients with ARVD compared with asymptomatic patients.
Diabetic cardiomyopathy: a clinical entity or a cluster of molecular heart changes?
Authors: Mizamtsidi Maria , Paschou Stavroula A. , Grapsa Julia , Vryonidou Andromachi 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundAlthough the increasing rate of cardiovascular mortality in patients with diabetes is thought to be due to the coronary atherosclerosis caused mainly by compounding factors such as dyslipidaemia and hypertension, it is now well documented that diabetes alone can lead to a vast array of molecular changes in the heart.DesignThe aim of this article was to comprehensively review the pathophysiological and molecular changes leading to diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), as well as to critically analyse the literature that offers evidence in favour and against the existence of the overt clinical expression of this entity.ResultsWe included in the discussion studies that have revealed the existence of diabetic cardiomyopathy with unique remodelling pattern when compared to other types of cardiomyopathies. On the other hand, several studies debate the existence of clinically discernible cardiomyopathy caused only by diabetes and were also presented and discussed in details.ConclusionClinicians should be aware of DCM when facing patients with diabetes in order both to recognize on time relevant symptoms and to intensively look for and treat other compounding factors, apart from optimal glucose control. Furthermore, the elucidation of the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to DCM could provide new therapeutic targets for heart disease, which will be wonderful for the good of our patients.
Mast cells are not associated with systemic insulin resistance
Authors: Einwallner Elisa , Kiefer Florian W. , Di Caro Giuseppe , Orthofer Michael , Witzeneder Nadine , Hörmann Gregor , Itariu Bianca , Zeyda Maximilian , Penninger Josef M. , Stulnig Thomas M. , Esterbauer Harald , Todoric Jelena 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundInfiltration of white adipose tissue (WAT) by inflammatory cells in obesity is considered to be a key event in the development of insulin resistance. Recently, mast cells (MCs) have been identified as new players in the pathogenesis of obesity. We aimed to investigate the relationship between MCs and various inflammatory markers in serum and WAT and to determine the role of MCs in the aetiology of insulin resistance.Materials and methodsGene expression was measured in WAT from 20 morbidly obese patients and 20 nonobese control subjects. Homoeostasis Model of Assessment‐Insulin Resistance (HOMA‐IR) was used to estimate insulin sensitivity. In addition, wild‐type and mast cell‐deficient mice were fed a high‐fat or low‐fat diet to study mast cell influence on inflammatory cell polarization in WAT and overall metabolic changes.ResultsWAT levels of MC‐specific TPSb2 transcript were increased in obesity and significantly positively correlated with TNF, CCL2, CCL5 and CD68 gene expression levels in our study subjects after adjustment for sex, age and BMI. Accordingly, MC deficiency abrogated increase in expression of pro‐inflammatory M1 macrophage marker genes in mouse WAT upon high‐fat diet feeding. However, MCs accumulated in obese human WAT independent of insulin resistance and systemic changes in inflammatory mediators.ConclusionsOur results suggest that MCs contribute to the local pro‐inflammatory state within WAT in obesity but do not play a primary role in causing insulin resistance.
Review of glucocorticoid therapy in horses. Part 2: Clinical use of systemic glucocorticoids in horses
Authors: Mora Pereira M. , Groover E. , Wooldridge A. , Caldwell F. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryThis article is the second in a review series about the use of glucocorticoids to treat medical and musculoskeletal conditions in horses. This segment in the series summarises reported dosages, methods of administration and the efficacy of glucocorticoids for various systemic diseases in equids. The most common use of systemic glucocorticoids reported in the literature for management and treatment of alterations of the respiratory, integumentary, immune and neurological systems are included.
Ant assemblages have darker and larger members in cold environments
Authors: Bishop Tom R. , Robertson Mark P. , Gibb Heloise , van Rensburg Berndt J. , Braschler Brigitte , Chown Steven L. , Foord Stefan H. , Munyai Thinandavha C. , Okey Iona , Tshivhandekano Pfarelo G. , Werenkraut Victoria , Parr Catherine L. 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTAimIn ectotherms, the colour of an individual's cuticle may have important thermoregulatory and protective consequences. In cool environments, ectotherms should be darker, to maximize heat gain, and larger, to minimize heat loss. Dark colours should also predominate under high UV‐B conditions because melanin offers protection. We test these predictions in ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) across space and through time based on a new, spatially and temporally explicit, global‐scale combination of assemblage‐level and environmental data.LocationAfrica, Australia and South America.MethodsWe sampled ant assemblages (n = 274) along 14 elevational transects on three continents. Individual assemblages ranged from 250 to 3000 m a.s.l. (minimum to maximum range in summer temperature of 0.5–35 °C). We used mixed‐effects models to explain variation in assemblage cuticle lightness. Explanatory variables were average assemblage body size, temperature and UV‐B irradiation. Annual temporal changes in lightness were examined for a subset of the data.ResultsAssemblages with large average body sizes were darker in colour than those with small body sizes. Assemblages became lighter in colour with increasing temperature, but darkened again at the highest temperatures when there were high levels of UV‐B. Through time, temperature and body size explained variation in lightness. Both the spatial and temporal models explained c. 50% of the variation in lightness.Main conclusionsOur results are consistent with the thermal melanism hypothesis, and demonstrate the importance of considering body size and UV‐B radiation exposure in explaining the colour of insect cuticle. Crucially, this finding is at the assemblage level. Consequently, the relative abundances and identities of ant species that are present in an assemblage can change in accordance with environmental conditions over elevation, latitude and relatively short time spans. These findings suggest that there are important constraints on how ectotherm assemblages may be able to respond to rapidly changing environmental conditions.
Is social partnership the way forward for Indian trade unions? Evidence from public services
Authors: BADIGANNAVAR Vidu 
Published: September 2016

AbstractSince the start of economic reforms in 1991, India's trade unions have found themselves increasingly excluded from the political process and marginalized in collective bargaining. Using survey and interview data from the Maharashtra affiliates of two national union federations, this article examines whether social partnership with employers is a viable option for Indian unions to regain influence and protect workers' interests, as some analysts have advocated. Its findings indicate that despite Maharashtra's supportive regulatory framework, which in theory should facilitate cooperative industrial relations, the realities of workplace employment relations – coupled with state indifference and adverse judicial interventions – weaken labour's prospects for meaningful social partnership.
Impact of providing patients with copies of their medical correspondence: a randomised controlled study
Authors: Fenton C. , Al‐Ani A. , Trinh A. , Srinivasan A. , Marion K. , Hebbard G. 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundIn Australia, correspondence is routinely sent to general practitioners following a specialist consultation. Written communication is an important way to enhance patient experiences and understanding, yet most patients do not receive copies of their medical correspondence.AimsTo determine whether providing clinic correspondence and endoscopy reports to patients leads to improved understanding, satisfaction or anxiety.MethodsThis is a prospective, randomised controlled study conducted at an Australian tertiary hospital from October 2013 to February 2015. New adult referrals to the general gastroenterology clinic requiring an urgent endoscopic procedure were eligible for the study. The intervention group received a copy of their clinic correspondence and endoscopy report, while the control group received neither. Participants completed questionnaires, including visual analogue scales and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, at three time points. Primary outcomes were patient understanding, anxiety and satisfaction.ResultsA total of 70 participants was included in the study. There was no reduction in anxiety levels (P = 0.52), no increase in understanding (P = 0.73) or any increase in satisfaction (P = 0.33) in participants receiving correspondence. However, 97% of participants indicated that they wished to receive correspondence in the future, and 94% of participants in the correspondence group reported that receiving correspondence had helped them to understand their medical condition.ConclusionPatients wish to receive copies of their correspondence and feel it improves their understanding of their medical condition. Although we were unable to demonstrate a measurable reduction in anxiety, increase in understanding or satisfaction, we recommend that patients be offered the choice of receiving copies of their clinic correspondence and endoscopy reports.
Amelioration of experimental colitis after short‐term therapy with glucocorticoid and its relationship to the induction of different regulatory markers
Authors: Sales‐Campos Helioswilton , de Souza Patrícia R. , Basso Paulo J. , Nardini Viviani , Silva Angelica , Banquieri Fernanda , Alves Vanessa B. F. , Chica Javier E. L. , Nomizo Auro , Cardoso Cristina R. B. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryThe clinical benefits of short‐term therapy with glucocorticoids (GC) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are widely known. However, the effects of this treatment towards the re‐establishment of the regulatory network in IBD are not fully explored. We have evaluated the immunological effects of the abbreviated GC therapy in experimental colitis induced by 3% dextran sulphate sodium in C57BL/6 mice. Treatment with GC improved disease outcome, constrained circulating leucocytes and ameliorated intestinal inflammation. The control of the local inflammatory responses involved a reduction in the expression of interferon‐γ and interleukin‐1β, associated with augmented mRNA levels of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (α and γ) in intestine. Furthermore, there was a reduction of CD4+ T cells producing interferon‐γ, together with an increased frequency of the putative regulatory population of T cells producing interleukin‐10, in spleen. These systemic alterations were accompanied by a decrease in the proliferative potential of splenocytes of mice treated in vivo with GC. Notably, treatment with GC also led to an increase in the frequency of the regulatory markers GITR, CTLA‐4, PD‐1, CD73 and FoxP3, more prominently in spleen. Taken together, our results pointed to a role of GC in the control of leucocyte responsiveness and re‐establishment of a regulatory system, which probably contributed to disease control and the restoration of immune balance. Finally, this is the first time that GC treatment was associated with the modulation of a broad number of regulatory markers in an experimental model of colitis.
An exploratory investigation of sexual health screening in the first 12 weeks of case management in populations with severe mental illness
Authors: Corbett Rebecca , Elsom Stephen , Sands Natisha , Prematunga Roshani 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe sexual health of people with mental illness is commonly overlooked, neglected or inadequately addressed in mental health care, despite evidence showing that people with severe mental illness are more vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections (including HIV), sexual side‐effects, and sexual dysfunction than the general population. This article reports a study that investigated sexual health screening in five community mental health clinics within a large a regional health service in Victoria, Australia. The aim of the study was to examine the extent to which sexual health screening is currently undertaken on newly admitted case‐managed consumers, and to identify the types of screening undertaken. An exploratory design using retrospective file audit was used in the study. A total of 186 medical records met the study inclusion criteria. The study found that less than 40% of consumers were provided with sexual health screening during their first 12 weeks of case management. The study also found that sexual side‐effects, issues of fertility, sexual self‐esteem, safe sexual practices, and sexual dysfunction were rarely screened for. Poor sexual health screening has implications for the safety and quality of mental health care and requires targeted research to improve understandings and approaches to care.
Variation in common preschool sleep problems as an early predictor for depression and anxiety symptom severity across time
Authors: Whalen Diana J. , Gilbert Kirsten E. , Barch Deanna M. , Luby Joan L. , Belden Andy C. 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundChild and adolescent psychopathology has been linked to increased sleep problems, but there has been less investigation of this relationship in younger samples with early‐onset psychopathology. This study examined three specific but commonly observed aspects of sleep behaviors in young children – (i) Sleep onset latency, (ii) Refusal to sleep alone, and (iii) Nighttime awakenings – measured during preschool, and investigated whether these sleep problems predicted anxiety and/or depression across the next 6 years until school age (ages 9–13).MethodsData were analyzed from N = 292 participants from a prospective longitudinal study of preschool‐age children (ages 3–6). At baseline, parent‐reported clinical interviews of psychiatric symptoms, as well as sleep problems were conducted using the Preschool‐Age Psychiatric Assessment (PAPA). Follow‐up clinical interviews were also conducted annually through school age using the Childhood and Adolescent Psychiatric Assessment (CAPA).ResultsParent‐reported sleep onset latency and refusal to sleep alone were significant independent predictors of MDD and anxiety severity, but not ADHD severity across time, even after controlling for family income‐to‐needs ratio and maternal internalizing psychopathology. In exploratory analyses using only healthy preschoolers, parent‐reported sleep onset latency and refusal to sleep alone also predicted anxiety severity.ConclusionsWe demonstrate that specific, yet relatively common sleep problems predict diagnostic severity of depression and anxiety across time, but not ADHD. Increased clinical attention to and screening for sleep onset latency and refusal to sleep alone during preschool may be warranted.
Successful monotherapy of pemphigus vegetans with minocycline and nicotinamide
Authors: von Köckritz A. , Ständer S. , Zeidler C. , Metze D. , Luger T. , Bonsmann G. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundPemphigus vegetans is a rare variant of pemphigus vulgaris, accounting for 1–2% of all pemphigus diseases. Systemic corticosteroids are the therapy of first choice in combination with immunosuppressants as steroid‐sparing agents.ObjectiveTo highlight the exceptional but successful use of minocycline/nicotinamide monotherapy in pemphigus vegetans.MethodsA review of the literature to date about pemphigus vegetans with special emphasis on therapy was performed. Due to its rarity, multiple anecdotal reports without long‐term follow‐up are available and prospective controlled trials are lacking. Only one retrospective study from Tunisia includes 17 patients with pemphigus vegetans.ResultsWe present a 76‐year‐old woman with pemphigus vegetans achieving complete response to a minocycline/nicotinamide monotherapy at onset and at relapse of the disease. Treatment has been discontinued after repeated direct immunofluorescence (DIF) of previously affected normal skin and anti‐desmoglein 3 antibodies had become negative. In addition, DIF of previously involved oral mucosa was negative. During long‐term follow‐up clinical remission has been maintained for more than 5 years. Up to now, negative results of serial performed indirect immunofluorescence and desmoglein ELISA testing also predict immunological remission.ConclusionIn our patient and in a case with oesophageal involvement, published more than 20 years ago, clearly the benefit of minocycline/nicotinamide monotherapy was demonstrated. We propose to consider minocycline/nicotinamide as first‐line monotherapy in pemphigus vegetans, especially in elderly patients with comorbidities and contraindications to standard therapy, as it avoids the toxicities of systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.
Effect of tofacitinib withdrawal and re‐treatment on patient‐reported outcomes: results from a Phase 3 study in patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis
Authors: Griffiths C.E.M. , Vender R. , Sofen H. , Kircik L. , Tan H. , Rottinghaus S.T. , Bachinsky M. , Mallbris L. , Mamolo C. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundTofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor being investigated for psoriasis. A Phase 3 withdrawal/re‐treatment study (NCT01186744; OPT Retreatment) showed tofacitinib re‐treatment was effective in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis.ObjectivesTo describe the effects of tofacitinib withdrawal/re‐treatment on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and disease symptoms measured by patient‐reported outcomes (PROs).MethodsThe study was divided into initial treatment, treatment withdrawal, and re‐treatment periods. Initial treatment: patients were randomized to receive tofacitinib 5 (n = 331) or 10 mg (n = 335) BID for 24 weeks. Treatment withdrawal: patients who achieved both ≥ 75% reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score from baseline and Physician's Global Assessment of ‘clear’/‘almost clear’ at Week (W)24 received placebo (withdrawal) or the previous dose (continuous treatment). Re‐treatment: at relapse (> 50% loss of W24 PASI response) or at W40, patients received their initial tofacitinib dose. PROs included: Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Itch Severity Item (ISI), Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) and Patient's Global Assessment (PtGA).ResultsAfter initial treatment with tofacitinib 5 and 10 mg BID, substantial and significant improvements were reported for mean DLQI (baseline: 12.6 and 12.6; W24: 5.1 and 2.6) and ISI (baseline: 6.7 and 6.9; W24: 2.9 and 1.6). Patients continuously treated with tofacitinib 5 and 10 mg BID maintained those improvements through Week 56 (DLQI: 3.0 and 2.1; ISI: 2.3 and 1.4). By W40, patients withdrawn from tofacitinib 5 and 10 mg BID showed worsening in DLQI (5.0 and 6.2) and ISI (3.7 and 4.0) scores; improvements were regained upon re‐treatment (W56, DLQI: 3.4 and 2.4; ISI: 2.2 and 1.6). Similar results were reported for PtGA and SF‐36.ConclusionContinuous tofacitinib treatment provided sustained improvement in HRQoL and disease symptoms. Patients randomized to treatment withdrawal lost initial improvements. Upon re‐treatment, improvements were recaptured to levels comparable to those seen with continuous treatment.
Top‐100 cited articles on Guillain‐Barré syndrome: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Kim Jee‐Eun , Kim Jong Kuk , Park Kang Min , Kim Yerim , Yoon Dae Young , Bae Jong Seok 
Published: September 2016

AbstractSince the first description of Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) 100 years ago, the concept of this syndrome has changed remarkably. The purpose of our study was to identify and characterize the most‐cited articles that have contributed to advancing the understanding of GBS. Based on the database of Journal Citation Reports, we selected 554 journals that were considered as potential sources of reports on studies related to clinical neurology and general medicine. The Web of Science search tools were used to identify the most‐cited articles relevant to GBS or other variants in the selected journals. Of the selected articles, 18 were review articles and the remainder were original articles or included only a few case series. Among the original articles, 13 described basic research associated with immunological pathogenesis involving anti‐ganglioside antibodies. Most of the original studies (42/64, 66%) published after 1990 evaluated anti‐ganglioside antibodies that mediated axonal GBS or Miller Fisher syndrome, with only a small number of the papers involving electrodiagnostic medicine (n = 4). Our bibliometric analysis has yielded a detailed list of the top‐100 cited articles in the field of GBS.
Guillain‐Barré syndrome in Bangladesh: validation of Brighton criteria
Authors: Islam Mohammad B. , Islam Zhahirul , Farzana Kaniz S. , Sarker Sumit K. , Endtz Hubert P. , Mohammad Quazi D. , Jacobs Bart C. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractGuillain‐Barré syndrome has a diverse clinical phenotype related to geographical origin. To date, the majority of large‐scale studies on Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) have been conducted in developed countries. We aimed to evaluate the key diagnostic features and assess the suitability of the Brighton criteria in 344 adult GBS patients from Bangladesh. All patients fulfilled the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke (NINDS) diagnostic criteria. Standardized data on demographic characteristics and clinical features, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and nerve conduction study (NCS) results were elaborated to measure the sensitivity of Brighton criteria. Most patients (88%) were admitted to hospital after the nadir weakness. Symmetrical weakness and reduced reflexes were found in 98% of patients. CSF albuminocytologic dissociation was detected in 238/269 (89%) cases and abnormal nerve physiology in 258/259 (>99%) cases. Only 27 (8%) patients received either intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) or plasmapheresis. In total, 200 (58%) patients met level 1 of the Brighton criteria; 97 (28%) patients met level 2; 42 (12%) patients met level 3; and 5 (2%) patients met level 4. This analysis showed that despite the heterogeneity of GBS in Bangladesh, the Brighton criteria showed a high sensitivity in the diagnosis of GBS.