bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bronchoprotective tolerance with indacaterol is not modified by concomitant tiotropium in persistent asthma
Authors: Jabbal S. , Manoharan A. , Lipworth B. J. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryBackgroundTiotropium is a long acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), licensed as triple therapy with inhaled corticosteroid and long‐acting beta‐agonist (ICS/LABA). There may be a synergistic benefit between LAMA and LABA as a consequence of receptor cross‐talk, which in turn could modify beta‐2 receptor downregulation and associated tolerance induced by LABA.ObjectiveWe hypothesize this mechanism may result in a reduction of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) when using triple therapy.MethodsWe evaluated 14 non‐smoking asthmatics using an open‐label, randomized crossover design. ICS with Indacaterol and Tiotropium (IND/TIO) vs ICS with Indacaterol (IND) over 4 weeks with challenge performed after first and last doses at trough.ResultsWe found no significant difference in mannitol sensitivity, expressed as the provocative dose of mannitol required to reach a 15% drop in FEV1, or mannitol reactivity, expressed as the response dose ratio (RDR: max % fall in FEV1/cumulative dose), when comparing ICS/IND/TIO to ICS/IND. Geometric mean fold differences for RDR comparing single and chronic dosing were 3.26‐fold (95% CI 1.46‐7.29) and 2.51‐fold (95% CI 1.32‐4.79) for IND and IND/TIO, respectively. Furthermore, salbutamol recovery post‐challenge was significantly blunted after chronic compared to single dosing with either ICS/IND (P<.005) or ICS/IND/TIO (P<.05).Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceOur data suggest that concomitant tiotropium does not modify the bronchoprotective tolerance induced by Indacaterol, in turn suggesting that cross‐talk may not be clinically relevant when using triple therapy. This study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02039011.
Maternal thyroid function, prepregnancy obesity and gestational weight gain—The Generation R Study: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Collares Fernanda M. , Korevaar Tim I.M. , Hofman Albert , Steegers Eric A.P. , Peeters Robin P. , Jaddoe Vincent W.V. , Gaillard Romy 
Published: June 2017

SummaryObjectiveMaternal prepregnancy obesity and excessive gestational weight gain are associated with pregnancy complications. Thyroid function is related to differences in body mass index (BMI) in adult populations. We examined the associations of maternal thyroid function in early pregnancy with maternal BMI and weight gain during pregnancy.Design and methodsIn a population‐based prospective cohort study among 5726 mothers, we measured maternal TSH and FT4 levels at 13.5 weeks of gestation (95% range: 9.7‐17.6 weeks). Maternal weight was assessed before pregnancy and in each trimester.ResultsHigher maternal TSH levels were associated with higher prepregnancy BMI (difference: 0.18 kg/m2 [95% CI: 0.01, 0.36] per SD increase in maternal TSH level) and higher total gestational weight gain (difference: 0.02 kg/wk [95% CI: 0.01, 0.03] per SD increase in maternal TSH level). Higher maternal FT4 levels were associated with lower prepregnancy BMI (difference: −0.44 kg/m2 [95% CI: −0.63, −0.26] per SD increase in maternal FT4 level) and lower total gestational weight gain (difference: −0.01 kg/wk [95% CI: −0.02, −0.01] per SD increase in maternal FT4 level). The associations of maternal thyroid function with weight gain in early pregnancy were stronger than those with weight gain in mid and late‐pregnancy. Maternal hypothyroidism was associated with higher prepregnancy BMI and early pregnancy weight gain, whereas opposite effects were observed for maternal hyperthyroidism (P<.05).ConclusionsHigher maternal TSH level and lower FT4 level in early pregnancy are associated with higher prepregnancy BMI and higher gestational weight gain. Further studies are needed to explore maternal and foetal consequences.
Prognostic implication of BRAF and TERT promoter mutation combination in papillary thyroid carcinoma—A meta‐analysis
Authors: Vuong Huy Gia , Altibi Ahmed M.A. , Duong Uyen N.P. , Hassell Lewis 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIntroductionThe use of molecular markers, especially BRAF and TERT promoter mutations, for risk stratification in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is subject to continuing debate. In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinicopathological implication of each genotype when combining BRAF and TERT promoter mutations in PTCs.MethodsWe searched four electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Virtual Health Library for relevant studies. Pooled estimates of odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated using random‐effect model.ResultsFrom 111 results, we finally included 11 studies with 3911 PTC patients for meta‐analyses. Our results demonstrated that PTCs with concurrent BRAF and TERT promoter mutations were associated with increased tumour aggressiveness in comparison with PTCs harbouring BRAF or TERT promoter mutation alone. The combination of BRAF and TERT promoter mutations could classify PTCs into four distinct risk groups with decreasing aggressiveness as follows: coexisting BRAF and TERT > TERT alone=BRAF alone > no mutations.ConclusionThe risk stratification of PTC based on these four genotypes can help improve the clinical management of PTCs by identifying the group of PTCs with the highest aggressiveness.
Circulating MicroRNA in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Lai Clare T. M. , Ng Enders K. O. , Chow Pak‐cheong , Kwong Ava , Cheung Yiu‐fai 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundEmerging data suggest that heart‐related microRNAs (miRs) may serve as circulating biomarkers of myocardial injury. We aimed to determine the circulating profile of miRs in patients with volume‐overloaded right ventricles after repair of tetralogy (TOF).Materials and methodsA total of 104 TOF patients and 70 controls were recruited. The study was conducted in two phases: (1) determination of circulating heart‐related miRs described in left heart diseases (miR‐1, miR‐133a, miR‐208a, miR‐208b and miR423‐5p) by quantitative real‐time PCR in 49 patients and 30 controls and followed by validation in an independent cohort of 55 patients and 40 controls; (2) expression profiling of serum samples from eight patients and eight controls, followed by validation. Alteration in circulating miRNA expression was related to cardiac functional indices as assessed by 2D speckle tracking and 3D echocardiography.ResultsNo significant differences in serum levels of left heart‐associated miRNAs were found between patients and controls. Of the candidate 19 miRNAs identified by profiling, upregulation of miR‐99b and down‐regulation of miR‐766 were validated. However, no correlations were found between miRs levels and echo indices.ConclusionIn young adults with repaired TOF and volume‐overloaded right ventricles, circulating levels of miR‐99b and miR‐766, but not left heart‐associated miRNAs, were significantly altered.
Top predators determine how biodiversity is partitioned across time and space
Authors: Van Allen Benjamin G. , Rasmussen Nick L. , Dibble Christopher J. , Clay Patrick A. , Rudolf Volker H. W. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractNatural ecosystems are shaped along two fundamental axes, space and time, but how biodiversity is partitioned along both axes is not well understood. Here, we show that the relationship between temporal and spatial biodiversity patterns can vary predictably according to habitat characteristics. By quantifying seasonal and annual changes in larval dragonfly communities across a natural predation gradient we demonstrate that variation in the identity of top predator species is associated with systematic differences in spatio‐temporal β‐diversity patterns, leading to consistent differences in relative partitioning of biodiversity between time and space across habitats. As the size of top predators increased (from invertebrates to fish) habitats showed lower species turnover across sites and years, but relatively larger seasonal turnover within a site, which ultimately shifted the relative partitioning of biodiversity across time and space. These results extend community assembly theory by identifying common mechanisms that link spatial and temporal patterns of β‐diversity.
Standardised exercise testing in 17 reining horses: Musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiac and clinicopathological findings
Authors: Navas de Solis C. , Sampson S. N. , McKay T. , Whitfield‐Cargile C. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryExercise testing can be useful to evaluate poor performance, as a preventative medicine tool, and in the assessment of training progression. A comprehensive exercise testing protocol that simultaneously evaluates common causes of poor performance has not been described in reining horses. The objective of this study was to describe the results of a standardised exercise testing protocol in reining horses. Seventeen reining horses that were part of a western performance intercollegiate team and had met the trainer's expectations during the athletic season were evaluated using a comprehensive standardised exercise test. Systems assessed included musculoskeletal system, upper respiratory tract, lower respiratory tract and cardiovascular system. These systems were assessed by means of historical questionnaires, general physical examinations, subjective lameness examinations, gait analysis using digital body mounted inertial sensors, resting and dynamic upper airway endoscopy, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytology, echocardiograms, resting and exercising electrocardiography, and laboratory tests (packed cell volume, lactate, creatine kinase and serum amyloid A). Subclinical abnormalities were detected frequently. The musculoskeletal system was the most commonly affected system, but cardiovascular and upper and lower airway abnormalities were also detected in some horses. These results suggest that exercise tests may be useful to detect subclinical abnormalities in horses used for reining. Further evaluation of both normally and poorly performing horses is necessary to determine if exercise testing can improve the health, performance and welfare of horses used for reining.
Prevalence of potentially serious drug–drug interactions among South African elderly private health sector patients using the Mimica Matanović/Vlahović-Palčevski protocol
Authors: van Heerden Julandi A , Burger Johanita R , Gerber Jan J , Vlahović-Palčevski Vera 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Objectives
To determine the prevalence of potentially serious drug–drug interactions (DDIs) and their relationship with gender and age, among elderly in South Africa.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted using pharmaceutical claims data for 2013, for a total of 103 420 medical scheme beneficiaries’ ≥65 years. All medications dispensed within one calendar month where the days’ supply of medication dispensed overlapped, were grouped as one prescription. DDIs per prescription were then identified using the Mimica Matanović/Vlahović-Palčevski DDI protocol. Results were interpreted using effect sizes, that is Cramér’s V, Cohen’s d and Cohen’s ƒ2.

Key findings
A total of 331 659 DDIs were identified on 235 870 (25.8%, N = 912 713) prescriptions (mean 0.36 (SD 0.7) (95% CI, 0.36 to 0.37)). Women encountered 63.5% of all DDIs. Effect sizes for the association between DDIs and age group (Cramér’s V = 0.06), and gender (Cramér’s V = 0.05) was negligible. There was no difference between men and women regarding the mean number of DDIs identified per prescription (Cohen’s d = 0.10). The number of medicine per prescription (ƒ2 = 0.51) was the biggest predictor of the DDIs. The most frequent interacting drug combinations were between central nervous system medicines (30.6%).

Conclusion
Our study is the first to report the prevalence of potentially serious DDIs among an elderly population in the South African private health sector utilising the Mimica Matanović/Vlahović-Palčevski DDI protocol. Overall, we identified DDIs in approximately 26% of the prescriptions in our study. Age and gender were not found to be predictors of potentially serious DDIs.
Ga2S3‐Sb2S3‐CsI chalcohalide glasses for mid‐infrared applications
Authors: Qiu Jiahua , Yang Anping , Zhang Mingjie , Li Lei , Zhang Bin , Tang Dingyuan , Yang Zhiyong 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIn this study, a new chalcohalide glass system, Ga2S3‐Sb2S3‐CsI, is reported. It has a glass‐forming domain composed of ~0‐35 mol% Ga2S3, ~15‐95 mol% Sb2S3, and ~0‐55 mol% CsI. The glasses have a wide transparent window of ~0.7‐13.5 μm, high third‐order nonlinear refractive indices of ~1.7‐8.7×10−14 cm2/W @ 1.55 μm, and relatively short zero group‐velocity‐dispersion wavelengths of 3.8‐5.15 μm. The glasses can dissolve more than 2 mol% active ions (e.g., Dy3+), and the doped glasses show intense emissions in the mid‐infrared. These superior properties demonstrate their good potentials for mid‐infrared applications such as thermal imaging, nonlinear photonics and lasers.
Mixed modifier effect in lithium‐calcium borosilicate glasses
Authors: Shih Yueh‐Ting , Jean Jau‐Ho 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe mixed modifier effect (MME) in the lithium‐calcium borosilicate glasses, which have a composition of 0.4[(1−x)Li2O–xCaO]–0.6[(1−y)B2O3–ySiO2] with x in the range of 0~1 and y in the range of 0.33~0.83, is investigated. The MME manifests itself as a positive deviation from linearity in the activation energy of electrical conductivity (Eaσ) and as a negative deviation from linearity in the fraction of four‐coordinated boron (N4), glass transition temperature (Tg), dilatometric softening temperature (Td), Vickers microhardness (Hv), dielectric constant (ε), and dielectric loss (tanδ). Moreover, the deviation, which exhibits a maximum at [CaO]/([CaO]+[Li2O])=0.5, is enhanced with increasing [SiO2]/[B2O3] ratio in the glass network. The observed MME in Tg, Td, and Hv are attributed to the bond weakening in the network; however, the MME in ε, tanδ, and Eaσ are caused by the obstruction of modifier transport in the glass network.
“What's going to happen when we're gone?” Family caregiving capacity for older people with an intellectual disability in Ireland
Authors: Brennan Damien , Murphy Rebecca , McCallion Philip , McCarron Mary 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundChanging family sociodemographic factors, increased life expectancy for people with an intellectual disability, deinstitutionalization and policy prioritization of the family as the principal care provider, presents new challenges to care sustainability.MethodA qualitative study design was employed, entailing focus groups and semistructured interviews, with purposive sampling via the parent study population of the Intellectual Disability Supplement to The Irish Longitudinal Database on Ageing.ResultsThe traditional sociodemographic facilitators of family caregiving are in rapid decline. Families perceived limited support from services and limited future care options. Few future care plans have been formulated. A strong possibility exists of placement of older family members with an intellectual disability in out‐of‐family home care.ConclusionTo anticipate and provide for quality care supports, there is a need to establish proactive initiatives, for both people with an intellectual disability and their families’, to facilitate the early formation of long‐term care plans.
YB‐1 orchestrates onset and resolution of renal inflammation via IL10 gene regulation
Authors: Wang Jialin , Djudjaj Sonja , Gibbert Lydia , Lennartz Vera , Breitkopf Daniel M. , Rauen Thomas , Hermert Daniela , Martin Ina V. , Boor Peter , Braun Gerald S. , Floege Jürgen , Ostendorf Tammo , Raffetseder Ute 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe Y‐box‐binding protein (YB)‐1 plays a non‐redundant role in both systemic and local inflammatory response. We analysed YB‐1‐mediated expression of the immune regulatory cytokine IL‐10 in both LPS and sterile inflammation induced by unilateral renal ischaemia–reperfusion (I/R) and found an important role of YB‐1 not only in the onset but also in the resolution of inflammation in kidneys. Within a decisive cis‐regulatory region of the IL10 gene locus, the fourth intron, we identified and characterized an operative YB‐1 binding site via gel shift experiments and reporter assays in immune and different renal cells. In vivo, YB‐1 phosphorylated at serine 102 localized to the fourth intron, which was paralleled by enhanced IL‐10 mRNA expression in mice following LPS challenge and in I/R. Mice with half‐maximal expression of YB‐1 (Yb1+/−) had diminished IL‐10 expression upon LPS challenge. In I/R, Yb1+/− mice exhibited ameliorated kidney injury/inflammation in the early‐phase (days 1 and 5), however showed aggravated long‐term damage (day 21) with increased expression of IL‐10 and other known mediators of renal injury and inflammation.In conclusion, these data support the notion that there are context‐specific decisions concerning YB‐1 function and that a fine‐tuning of YB‐1, for example, via a post‐translational modification regulates its activity and/or localization that is crucial for systemic processes such as inflammation.
Global Material Flows and Resource Productivity: Forty Years of Evidence
Authors: Schandl Heinz , Fischer‐Kowalski Marina , West James , Giljum Stefan , Dittrich Monika , Eisenmenger Nina , Geschke Arne , Lieber Mirko , Wieland Hanspeter , Schaffartzik Anke , Krausmann Fridolin , Gierlinger Sylvia , Hosking Karin , Lenzen Manfred , Tanikawa Hiroki , Miatto Alessio , Fishman Tomer 
Published: June 2017

SummaryThe international industrial ecology (IE) research community and United Nations (UN) Environment have, for the first time, agreed on an authoritative and comprehensive data set for global material extraction and trade covering 40 years of global economic activity and natural resource use. This new data set is becoming the standard information source for decision making at the UN in the context of the post‐2015 development agenda, which acknowledges the strong links between sustainable natural resource management, economic prosperity, and human well‐being. Only if economic growth and human development can become substantially decoupled from accelerating material use, waste, and emissions can the tensions inherent in the Sustainable Development Goals be resolved and inclusive human development be achieved. In this paper, we summarize the key findings of the assessment study to make the IE research community aware of this new global research resource. The global results show a massive increase in materials extraction from 22 billion tonnes (Bt) in 1970 to 70 Bt in 2010, and an acceleration in material extraction since 2000. This acceleration has occurred at a time when global population growth has slowed and global economic growth has stalled. The global surge in material extraction has been driven by growing wealth and consumption and accelerating trade. A material footprint perspective shows that demand for materials has grown even in the wealthiest parts of the world. Low‐income countries have benefited least from growing global resource availability and have continued to deliver primary materials to high‐income countries while experiencing few improvements in their domestic material living standards. Material efficiency, the amount of primary materials required per unit of economic activity, has declined since around 2000 because of a shift of global production from very material‐efficient economies to less‐efficient ones. This global trend of recoupling economic activity with material use, driven by industrialization and urbanization in the global South, most notably Asia, has negative impacts on a suite of environmental and social issues, including natural resource depletion, climate change, loss of biodiversity, and uneven economic development. This research is a good example of the IE research community providing information for evidence‐based policy making on the global stage and testament to the growing importance of IE research in achieving global sustainable development.
Utilization of integrated correlative light and electron microscopy (iCLEM) for imaging sedimentary organic matter
Authors: HACKLEY PAUL C. , VALENTINE BRETT J. , VOORTMAN LENARD M. , VAN OOSTEN SLINGELAND DAAN S.B. , HATCHERIAN JAVIN 
Published: June 2017

SummaryWe report here a new microscopic technique for imaging and identifying sedimentary organic matter in geologic materials that combines inverted fluorescence microscopy with scanning electron microscopy and allows for sequential imaging of the same region of interest without transferring the sample between instruments. This integrated correlative light and electron microscopy technique is demonstrated with observations from an immature lacustrine oil shale from the Eocene Green River Mahogany Zone and mid‐oil window paralic shale from the Upper Cretaceous Tuscaloosa Group. This technique has the potential to allow for identification and characterization of organic matter in shale hydrocarbon reservoirs that is not possible using either light or electron microscopy alone, and may be applied to understanding the organic matter type and thermal regime in which organic nanoporosity forms, thereby reducing uncertainty in the estimation of undiscovered hydrocarbon resources.
Medication prescribed by Australian paediatricians: Psychotropics predominate
Authors: Efron Daryl , Danchin Margie H , Cranswick Noel E , Gulenc Alisha , Hearps Stephen , Hiscock Harriet 
Published: June 2017

AimThe aims of this study were to examine: (i) medications prescribed by Australian general and community paediatricians, (ii) predictors of prescribing (child age, gender) and (iii) changes in medication prescription between 2008 and 2013.MethodsTwo patient‐level practice national audits were conducted by the Australian Paediatric Research Network in 2008 and 2013. General and community paediatricians in outpatient clinics and private practices recorded demographic data, diagnoses and medications prescribed for all patients seen over a 2‐week period.ResultsIn 2008, 199 paediatricians submitted data on 8345 consultations, and in 2013, 180 paediatricians submitted data on 7102 consultations. The most frequently prescribed drug class was psychotropics, prescribed for 46.8% of patients with developmental–behavioural/mental health (DB/MH) diagnoses in 2008 and 49.8% in 2013 (P = 0.015). Within this class, in 2013, the stimulants were prescribed in 35.3% of DB/MH consultations, antidepressants in 7.8% and antipsychotics in 5.6%. The next most frequently prescribed drug classes were laxatives (4.6% of all consultations in 2013), asthma preventers (4.1%), melatonin (3.7%), asthma relievers (2.6%) and proton‐pump inhibitors (2.2%), topical corticosteroids (1.8%) and antihistamines (1.4%). Medication prescription was predicted by patient age (P < 0.001, both audits) and male gender (P < 0.01, both audits) but not by measured prescriber variables. The rates of prescribing of psychotropics, melatonin, laxatives and enuresis medications increased between 2008 and 2013.ConclusionsAustralian paediatricians prescribe mostly psychotropic medications, and the amount prescribed appears to be increasing. Paediatricians need good training and professional development in mental health diagnosis and management and the rational prescribing of psychotropic medications.