bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous Course of Biliary Sludge Over 12 Months in Dogs with Ultrasonographically Identified Biliary Sludge
Authors: DeMonaco S.M. , Grant D.C. , Larson M.M. , Panciera D.L. , Leib M.S. 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundBiliary sludge is associated with gallbladder (GB) dysmotility and mucus hypersecretion suggesting a link between biliary sludge and the formation of GB mucoceles (GBM). If biliary sludge progresses to GBM, treatment to reduce the production and progression of sludge is warranted.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to determine the course of biliary sludge in dogs.AnimalsSeventy‐seven healthy, client‐owned dogs ≥4 years of age screened for biliary sludge; 45 affected dogs identified.MethodsProspective, observational design. Serial ultrasound examinations were evaluated at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months to monitor degree of sludge based on proportion of GB filled with sludge (mild [0.01–24.4%], moderate [24.5–49.4%], moderate to severe [49.5–74.4%], severe [74.5–100%]), gravity dependency of sludge, and GB dimensions.ResultsAfter 1 year of follow‐up, the degree of sludge was mild (34%), moderate (47%), moderate to severe (13%), severe (3%), or absent (3%). There was no significant difference in median degree of sludge over 1 year (P = .36). There were no significant changes in the gravity dependency of sludge over 1 year. A subset of dogs, 24%, with initial gravity‐dependent sludge developed a combination of nondependent and dependent sludge. Dogs had resolved (2%), decreased (19%), static (40%), increased (29%), or recurrent (10%) sludge at the conclusion of the study.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceBiliary sludge was prevalent, affected dogs remained asymptomatic, and it rarely resolves in healthy dogs over a period of 1 year. Some dogs developed nongravity‐dependent sludge within 1 year, which might indicate changes in consistency of sludge.
Effect of propranolol on survival in patients with decompensated cirrhosis: a nationwide study based Danish patient registers
Authors: Bang Ulrich C. , Benfield Thomas , Hyldstrup Lars , Jensen Jens‐Erik B. , Bendtsen Flemming 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackground & AimsWe assessed the impact of propranolol on death, risk of hepatorenal syndrome and peritonitis in patients with cirrhosis.MethodsThis study was a retrospective observational study and data were retrieved from Danish databases. We used our own criteria to stratify the patients into groups of patients with mildly decompensated cirrhosis or severely decompensated cirrhosis. A subgroup of patients with a history of peritonitis was also analyzed. Follow‐up time was limited to 2 years from cohort entry. The reported hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were based on a propensity score matched cohort.ResultsAmong 3719 patients, we found 3075 patients with mildly and 644 with severely decompensated cirrhosis. Propranolol was used by 20% of the patients. Among the patients with mildly decompensated cirrhosis, propranolol use vs. non‐propranolol was related with a HR of 0.7 (95% CI 0.6–0.9) and among the patients with severely decompensated cirrhosis, the HR was 0.6 (95% CI 0.4–0.9). Reduced mortality was found for doses of propranolol lower than 160 mg/day only. Among 361 patients with peritonitis, we found reduced mortality in the propranolol group with a HR of 0.5 (95% CI 0.3–0.8). The use of propranolol was associated with a HR of 0.4 (95% CI 0.2–0.9) for developing peritonitis during follow‐up among patients with severely decompensated cirrhosis.ConclusionsIn patients with decompensated cirrhosis, we found an association between propranolol use and reduced mortality risk for doses lower than 160 mg/day.
X‐ray computed tomography imaging: A not‐so‐nondestructive technique
Authors: Sears Derek W. G. , Sears Hazel , Ebel Denton S. , Wallace Sean , Friedrich Jon M. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractX‐ray computed tomography has become a popular means for examining the interiors of meteorites and has been advocated for routine curation and for the examination of samples returned by missions. Here, we report the results of a blind test that indicate that CT imaging deposits a considerable radiation dose in a meteorite and seriously compromises its natural radiation record. Ten vials of the Bruderheim L6 chondrite were placed in CT imager and exposed to radiation levels typical for meteorite studies. Half were retained as controls. Their thermoluminescence (TL) properties were then measured in a blind test. Five of the samples had TL data unaltered from their original (~10 cps) while five had very strong signals (~20,000 cps). It was therefore very clear which samples had been in the CT scanner. For comparison, the natural TL signal from Antarctic meteorites is ~5000–50,000 cps. Using the methods developed for Antarctic meteorites, the apparent dose absorbed by the five test samples was calculated to be 83 ± 5 krad, comparable with the highest doses observed in Antarctic meteorites and freshly fallen meteorites. While these results do not preclude the use of CT scanners when scientifically justified, it should be remembered that the record of radiation exposure to ionizing radiations for the sample will be destroyed and that TL, or the related optically stimulated luminescence, are the primary modern techniques for radiation dosimetry. This is particularly important with irreplaceable samples, such as meteorite main masses, returned samples, and samples destined for archive.
Feasibility Study of Transthoracic Echocardiography for Coronary Slow Flow Phenomenon Evaluation: Validation by Coronary Angiography
Authors: Li Yijia , Fang Fang , Ma Ning , Li Rongjuan , Sun Qiwei , Yang Jiao , Nie Shaoping , Yu Cheuk‐man , Yang Ya 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to assess echocardiography parameters in CSFP evaluation.MethodsThis study enrolled 79 consecutive patients with CSFP validated by coronary angiography and control individuals with normal coronary flow. Coronary flow rates were determined by corrected CTFC. Clinical and coronary angiography data and coronary parameters assessed by echocardiography using the CFI were recorded.ResultsBaseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. Patients with CSFP were predominantly males, with higher BMI values, weights and triglyceride levels (p < 0.05), but lower platelet counts (p < 0.05). Conventional echocardiography parameters were similar in the two groups. However, echocardiographic measurements of the LAD, including PDV, MDV, PDP, MDP and VTI, in the CSFP group were lower compared with control values (p < 0.05). BMI was positively correlated with CSFP. LAD's CTFC showed strong inverse correlations with PDV, MDV, PDP, and MDP in CSFP groups. ROC curve analysis revealed that coronary artery flow‐related parameters occupied more than half of the AUC.ConclusionsCSFP could be identified with the help of echocardiography.
A new genus and species of demodecid mites from the tongue of a house mouse Mus musculus: description of adult and immature stages with data on parasitism
Authors: IZDEBSKA J. N. , ROLBIECKI L. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe study of the parasitofauna of the house mouse Mus musculus (Rodentia: Muridae) Linnaeus is particularly important owing to its multiple relationships with humans – as a cosmopolitan, synanthropic rodent, bred for pets, food for other animals or laboratory animal. This article proposes and describes a new genus and species of the parasitic mite based on adult and immature stages from the house mouse. Glossicodex musculi gen. n., sp. n. is a medium‐sized demodecid mite (adult stages on average 199 µm in length) found in mouse tissue of the tongue. It is characterized by two large, hooked claws on each tarsus of the legs; the legs are relatively massive, consisting of large, non‐overlapping segments. The palps consist of three slender, clearly separated, relatively narrow segments, wherein their coxal segments are also quite narrow and spaced. Also, segments of the palps of larva and nymphs are clearly isolated, and on the terminal segment, trident claws that resemble legs' claws can be found. On the ventral side, in immature stages, triangular scuta, topped with sclerotized spur, can be also observed. Glossicodex musculi was noted in 10.8% of mice with a mean infection intensity of 2.2 parasites per host.
Why is gynodioecy a rare but widely distributed sexual system? Lessons from the Lamiaceae
Authors: Rivkin L. Ruth , Case Andrea L. , Caruso Christina M. 
Published: March 2016

Summary

Gynodioecy, a sexual system where females and hermaphrodites co‐occur, is found in << 1% of angiosperm species. To understand why gynodioecy is rare, we need to understand why females are maintained in some lineages, but not in others.

We modelled the evolution of gynodioecy in the Lamiaceae, and investigated whether transition rates between gynodioecious and nongynodioecious states varied across the family. We also investigated whether the evolution of gynodioecy was correlated with the evolution of a herbaceous growth form and temperate distribution.

Transition rates differed between Lamiaceae subfamilies. In the Nepetoideae, there were many transitions towards gynodioecy (n = 11), but also many reversions to nongynodioecy (n = 29). In addition, a herbaceous growth form, but not a temperate distribution, affected the rate of transitions both towards and away from gynodioecy; transitions towards gynodioecy occurred ˜16 times more frequently and transitions away from gynodioecy occurred ˜11 times more frequently in herbaceous lineages than in woody lineages.

Within the Lamiaceae, lineages in which gynodioecy has frequently evolved also have a high rate of reversions to the nongynodioecious state. Consequently, to understand why gynodioecy is rare, we need to understand why sexual systems are more evolutionarily labile in some lineages than in others.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of workplace intervention strategies to reduce sedentary time in white‐collar workers
Authors: Chu A. H. Y. , Ng S. H. X. , Tan C. S. , Win A. M. , Koh D. , Müller‐Riemenschneider F. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryProlonged sedentary behaviour has been associated with various detrimental health risks. Workplace sitting is particularly important, providing it occupies majority of total daily sedentary behaviour among desk‐based employees. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to examine the effectiveness of workplace interventions overall, and according to different intervention strategies (educational/behavioural, environmental and multi‐component interventions) for reducing sitting among white‐collar working adults. Articles published through December 2015 were identified in five online databases and manual searches. Twenty‐six controlled intervention studies published between 2003 and 2015 of 4568 working adults were included. All 26 studies were presented qualitatively, and 21 studies with a control group without any intervention were included in the meta‐analysis. The pooled intervention effect showed a significant workplace sitting reduction of −39.6 min/8‐h workday (95% confidence interval [CI]: −51.7, −27.5), favouring the intervention group. Multi‐component interventions reported the greatest workplace sitting reduction (−88.8 min/8‐h workday; 95% CI: −132.7, −44.9), followed by environmental (−72.8 min/8‐h workday; 95% CI: −104.9, −40.6) and educational/behavioural strategies −15.5 min/8‐h workday (95% CI:−22.9,−8.2). Our study found consistent evidence for intervention effectiveness in reducing workplace sitting, particularly for multi‐component and environmental strategies. Methodologically rigorous studies using standardized and objectively determined outcomes are warranted. © 2016 World Obesity
Comparison of six disease severity scores for allergic rhinitis against pollen counts a prospective analysis at population and individual level
Authors: Florack Jakob , Brighetti Maria Antonia , Perna Serena , Pizzulli Antonio , Pizzulli Antje , Tripodi Salvatore , Costa Corrado , Travaglini Alessandro , Pelosi Simone , Bianchi Annamaria , Tsilochristou Olympia , Gabrielli Francesca , Matricardi Paolo Maria 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundMany different symptom (medication) scores are nowadays used as measures of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis severity in individual patients and in clinical trials. Their differences contribute to the heterogeneity of the primary end‐point in meta‐analyses, so that calls for symptom (medication) score harmonization have been launched.ObjectiveTo prospectively compare six different severity scores for allergic rhinitis (AR) against pollen counts at both population and individual levels.MethodsTwo groups of children with seasonal AR and grass pollen sensitization were recruited in Ascoli, Italy (n = 76) and Berlin, Germany (n = 29). Symptoms and drug intake were monitored daily for 40 and 30 days of the grass pollen season in 2011 (Ascoli) and 2013 (Berlin), respectively, through an Internet‐based platform (AllergyMonitor™, TPS Production srl, Rome, Italy). From the gathered data, the informatics platform automatically generated one symptom score (RTSS) and five symptom–medication scores (RC‐ACS©, ACS, RTSS[LOCF], RTSS[WC] and AdSS). Values were then statistically normalized for reciprocal comparison and matched against the daily variations of local grass pollen counts (Spearman's rank correlation).ResultsThe grass pollen counts were higher in Ascoli than in Berlin (peak values 194 vs. 59 grains/m3). At population level, the trajectories of the normalized average values of the six scores differed only slightly in both studies and correlated well with the pollen counts (ranges r2: 0.38–0.50 in Ascoli, 0.41–0.56 in Berlin). By contrast, in individual patients, trajectories of different scores were often quite heterogeneous. The RTSS[WC] had a very low discriminatory power and generated in many patients long, flat horizontal segments.ConclusionsDisease severity scores for seasonal AR, as evaluated via an Internet‐based platform, tend to provide similar results at population level but can often produce heterogeneous slopes in individual patients. The choice of the disease severity score might have only a low impact on the outcome of a very large clinical trial, but it may be crucial in the management of individual patients.
Current Status of Malignant Neuropathic Pain in Chinese Patients with Cancer: Report of a Hospital‐based Investigation of Prevalence, Etiology, Assessment, and Treatment
Authors: Lu Fan , Song Li , Xie Tian , Tian Jie , Fan Yuchao , Liu Hui 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectivesThis study investigated the prevalence, etiology, assessment, treatment of pain in patients with cancer as well as their quality of life (QOL).MethodsPatients at the West China Hospital Cancer Center were invited to complete a questionnaire under the guidance of pain specialists. The questionnaire included general information, cancer pain status, its assessment, use of analgesics, and the effects of pain on QOL.ResultsIn total, 1,050 patients were enrolled in the study. Of these, valid data were collected from 919 patients, among whom 454 (49.4%) suffered from pain, including 333 (36.2%) patients who had neuropathic pain symptoms. On average, the visual analog scale (VAS) score of patients with cancer pain was 3.30 ± 1.68. Significant differences in the VAS score and pain frequency between patients with nociceptive and neuropathic pain were observed (both P < 0.05). Dull pain ranked first (64, 52.9%) among the patients with nociceptive pain, whereas pins and needles pain (97, 64.7%) was the most common type of pain in patients with neuropathic pain. There was a significant difference in QOL between the nociceptive and neuropathic pain groups (P < 0.05). Only 183 of 454 patients with cancer pain used analgesics. Compared with the patients with pain not using any analgesics, those receiving analgesics had a significantly lower average pain relief rate (P = 0.027). Adjuvant analgesics were inadequately used (9.3%) in patients with neuropathic cancer pain.ConclusionThis study revealed the prevalence of neuropathic cancer pain in Chinese patients with cancer. Malignant neuropathic pain significantly impaired the patients' QOL. Insufficient assessment and inadequate analgesia still exist. These require more awareness and attention from both doctors and patients.
Establishing Clinically Relevant Severity Levels for the Central Sensitization Inventory
Authors: Neblett Randy , Hartzell Meredith M. , Mayer Tom G. , Cohen Howard , Gatchel Robert J. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to create and validate severity levels for the central sensitization inventory (CSI), a valid and reliable patient‐reported outcome instrument designed to identify patients whose presenting symptoms may be related to a central sensitivity syndrome (CSS; eg, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome), with a proposed common etiology of central sensitization (CS).MethodsBased on CSI score means and standard deviations from previously published subject samples, the following CSI severity levels were established: subclinical = 0 to 29; mild = 30 to 39; moderate = 40 to 49; severe = 50 to 59; and extreme = 60 to 100. The concurrent validity of the CSI severity levels was then confirmed in a separate chronic pain patient sample (58% with a CSS diagnosis and 42% without) by demonstrating associations between CSI scores and (1) the number of physician‐diagnosed CSSs; (2) CSI score distributions in both CSS and non‐CSS patient samples; (3) patient‐reported history of CSSs; and (4) patient‐reported psychosocial measures, which are known to be associated with CSSs.ResultsCompared to the non‐CSS patient subsample, the score distribution of the CSS patient subsample was skewed toward the higher severity ranges. CSI mean scores moved into higher severity levels as the number of individual CSS diagnoses increased. Patients who scored in the extreme CSI severity level were more likely to report previous diagnoses of fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, temporomandibular joint disorder, tension/migraine headaches, and anxiety or panic attacks (P < 0.01). CSI severity levels were also associated with patient‐reported depressive symptoms, perceived disability, sleep disturbance, and pain intensity (P ≤ 0.02).ConclusionThis study provides support for these CSI severity levels as a guideline for healthcare providers and researchers in interpreting CSI scores and evaluating treatment responsiveness.
Dynamic quantitative trait loci underlies isoflavone accumulation in soybean seed
Authors: Han Yingpeng , Li Dongmei , Zhao Guiyun , Zhao Xue , Jiang Zhenfeng , Hu Haibo , Wu Lin , Wang Yan , Gao Yuan , Li Yongguang , Zeng Guoliang , Meng Fanli , Teng Weili , Li Wenbin 
Published: March 2016

AbstractMost of quantitative trait loci (QTL) underlying soybean seed isoflavone contents were derived from the harvest stage of plant development, which uncover the genetic effects that were expressed in earlier seed developmental stages. The aim of this study was to detect conditional QTL associated with isoflavone accumulation during the entire seed development. A total of 112 recombinant inbred lines developed from the cross between ‘Zhongdou 27’ (higher seed isoflavone content) and ‘Jiunong 20’ (lower seed isoflavone content) were used for the conditional QTL analysis of daidzein (DZ), genistein (GT), glycitein (GC) and total isoflavone (TI) accumulations through composite interval mapping with mixed genetic model. The results indicated that the number and type of QTL and their additive effects for individual and total isoflavone accumulations were different among R3 to R8 developmental stages. Three unconditional QTL and six conditional QTL for DZ, four unconditional QTL and five conditional QTL for GT, six unconditional QTL and five conditional QTL for GC, six unconditional QTL and seven conditional QTL for TI were identified at different developmental stages, respectively. Unconditional and conditional QTL that affect individual and total isoflavone accumulations exhibited multiple expression patterns, implying that some QTL are active for long period and others are transient. Two genomic regions, Satt144‐Satt569 in linkage group F (LG F; chromosome 13, chr 13) for DZ, GC, GT and TI accumulations and Satt540‐Sat_240 in LG M (chr 07) for TI and GC accumulations, were found to significantly affect individual and total isoflavone accumulations in multiple developmental stages, suggesting that the accumulation of soybean seed isoflavones is governed by time‐dependent gene expression.
Altitudinal and climatic associations of seed dormancy and flowering traits evidence adaptation of annual life cycle timing in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Vidigal Deborah S. , Marques Alexandre C. S. S. , Willems Leo A. J. , Buijs Gonda , Méndez‐Vigo Belén , Hilhorst Henk W. M. , Bentsink Leónie , Picó F. Xavier , Alonso‐Blanco Carlos 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe temporal control or timing of the life cycle of annual plants is presumed to provide adaptive strategies to escape harsh environments for survival and reproduction. This is mainly determined by the timing of germination, which is controlled by the level of seed dormancy, and of flowering initiation. However, the environmental factors driving the evolution of plant life cycles remain largely unknown. To address this question we have analysed nine quantitative life history traits, in a native regional collection of 300 wild accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana. Seed dormancy and flowering time were negatively correlated, indicating that these traits have coevolved. In addition, environmental–phenotypic analyses detected strong altitudinal and climatic clines for most life history traits. Overall, accessions showing life cycles with early flowering, small seeds, high seed dormancy and slow germination rate were associated with locations exposed to high temperature, low summer precipitation and high radiation. Furthermore, we analysed the expression level of the positive regulator of seed dormancy DELAY OF GERMINATION 1 (DOG1), finding similar but weaker altitudinal and climatic patterns than seed dormancy. Therefore, DOG1 regulatory mutations are likely to provide a quantitative molecular mechanism for the adaptation of A. thaliana life cycle to altitude and climate.