bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New neurotensin analogue radiolabeled by 99m‐technetium as a potential agent for tumor identification
Authors: Emrarian Iman , Sadeghzadeh Nourollah , Abedi Seyed Mohammad , Abediankenari Saeid 
Published: August 2017

It has been shown that more than 75% of ductal pancreatic adenocarcinomas overexpressed neurotensin (NT) receptors. Overexpression of NT receptors has been reported in various human tumor types. Hence, a non‐invasive diagnosis and staging method could be very beneficial. In this work, we describe radiolabeling and evaluation of new neurotensin analogues to target neurotensin receptor‐positive tumors such as pancreatic carcinoma. Radiolabeling was performed at 95°C for 10 min using 99mTc in the presence of tricine/EDDA exchange labeling. Radiochemical yield analysis involved ITLC and HPLC methods. A binding assay test was carried out in nine different concentrations of labeled neurotensin analogues in HT‐29 cells. Radiopeptide‐specific binding and internalization were studied in NT receptors expressing HT‐29 cells. Biodistribution studies were performed in tumor‐free BALB/c mice and HT‐29 xenografted tumor‐bearing nude mice. The peptide was efficiently labeled by 99mTc with high radiochemical yields (>98%). The radioconjugate was thoroughly stable in the solution and human serum even for 24 hr. The radiolabeled peptide showed high affinity (32.66 ± 4.01 nm) and specificity internalization (>%18 after 4 hr) to HT‐29 cells. The radiopeptide efficiently showed tumor size and location in tumor‐bearing nude mice. In biodistribution, a receptor‐specific uptake of radiopeptide was observed in neurotensin receptor‐positive organs such as intestine. Uptake in the tumor was 4.59 ± 0.23% ID/g after 2 hr. Owing to excellent stability, high affinity, rapid blood clearance, low accumulation in non‐target organs, and high uptake in tumor, the 99mTc–HYNIC‐peptide is a potential agent for targeting of NTR‐overexpressing tumor cells in clinical surroundings. When successfully executed in the clinical surrounding, non‐invasive imaging of NTR‐positive tumors with 99mTc‐labeled new neurotensin analogues could facilitate therapy procedure and monitoring.
Characteristic elevation of soluble TNF receptor II : I ratio in macrophage activation syndrome with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Shimizu M , Inoue N , Mizuta M , Nakagishi Y , Yachie A 
Published: August 2017

Summary
To investigate the clinical significance of soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor (sTNF-R) II/I ratio as an indicator of the diagnosis of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) complicating systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (s-JIA), we measured the serum sTNF-RI and II levels in 117 patients with s-JIA, including 29 patients with MAS, 15 with Epstein–Barr virus-induced haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (EBV-HLH), 15 with Kawasaki disease (KD) and 28 healthy controls (HCs). We determined their correlation with measurements of disease activity and severity. Furthermore, we measured serum interleukin (IL)-18 levels in patients with EBV-HLH and compared these in levels in patients with MAS. The sTNF-RII/I ratio was elevated significantly in MAS and EBV-HLH patients compared with those in the acute phase of s-JIA and KD patients, whereas there were no significant differences between HCs and those in the acute phase of s-JIA. The sTNF-RII/I ratio increased profoundly as MAS developed and correlated positively with disease activity. Serum IL-18 levels were elevated significantly in MAS patients compared with EBV-HLH patients. The monitoring of serum IL-18 and sTNF-RII/I might be useful for the diagnosis of MAS and the differentiation between MAS and EBV-HLH.
Absorption and tolerability of taste‐masked hydrocortisone granules in neonates, infants and children under 6 years of age with adrenal insufficiency
Authors: Neumann Uta , Whitaker Martin J. , Wiegand Susanna , Krude Heiko , Porter John , Davies Madhu , Digweed Dena , Voet Bernard , Ross Richard J. , Blankenstein Oliver 
Published: August 2017

SummaryObjectivesThere is no licensed, dose‐appropriate formulation of hydrocortisone for children with adrenal insufficiency (AI) and patients rely on compounded adult medication. The aim of this study was to evaluate the absorption, palatability and safety of Infacort®, an immediate‐release, granule formulation of hydrocortisone with taste masking.Study designSingle site with satellites attended by a “flying” doctor from investigator site.Open‐label, single‐dose study in three consecutive child cohorts (n = 24) with AI; Cohort 1, children aged 2 to <6 years (n = 12); Cohort 2, infants aged 28 days to <2 years (n = 6); Cohort 3, neonates aged 1 to <28 days (n = 6).MethodsFasted children were given a single dose of Infacort® as dry granules administered directly from a capsule or spoon followed by a drink. The primary end‐point was the maximum serum cortisol concentration up to 240 minutes after Infacort® administration. Secondary end‐points were palatability and adverse events (AEs).ResultsAll children showed an increase in cortisol above baseline after Infacort® (P < .0001), with geometric mean ± SD cortisol concentration at 60 minutes of 575.8 ± 299.5 nmol L−1. There was no failure in administration of Infacort®, and 95.5% of parents/carers preferred Infacort® to their child's current medication. In 7 children who completed the palatability questionnaire, 80% of responses were very good or neutral, and 20% were adverse. No serious or severe treatment‐emergent AEs were reported.ConclusionsInfacort® is well tolerated, easy to administer to neonates, infants and children and shows good absorption, with cortisol levels at 60 minutes after administration similar to physiological cortisol levels in healthy children.
Diagnostic performance of unenhanced computed tomography and 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in indeterminate adrenal tumours
Authors: Delivanis Danae A , Bancos Irina , Atwell Thomas D , Schmit Grant D , Eiken Patrick W , Natt Neena , Erickson Dana , Maraka Spyridoula , Young William F , Nathan Mark A 
Published: August 2017

SummaryObjectiveEvidence on the diagnostic performance of adrenal imaging is limited. We aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of unenhanced computed tomography (CT) and 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT imaging in a high‐risk population for adrenal malignancy using an optimal reference standard.DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsImaging studies of patients with adrenal nodules who underwent adrenal biopsy and/or adrenalectomy between 1994 and 2014 were reviewed and compared to the reference standard of histology. Eighty % of patients presented with known or suspected extra‐adrenal malignancy.ResultsUnenhanced abdominal CT was performed in 353 patients with adrenal lesions; median size was 3 (0.7‐15) cm and median radiodensity was 33 (−21‐78) Hounsfield units (HU). Radiodensity of >10 HU diagnosed malignancy with a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 33%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 72% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%. 18FDG‐PET/CT was performed in 89 patients; median tumour size was 2.1 (0.7‐9.2) cm. Maximum standardized uptake (SUV max) was higher in malignant lesions when compared to benign lesions (median=10 [2.3‐29.4] vs 3.7 [1.4‐24.5], respectively, P<.0001). Similarly, median SUV max lesion to SUV max liver ratio (ALR) in malignant lesions was higher than in benign lesions (median=3 [0.74‐13.4] vs 1.2 [0.5‐6.6], respectively, P<.0001). 18FDG‐PET/CT ALR >1.8 diagnosed malignancy with a sensitivity of 87%, specificity of 84%, PPV of 85% and NPV of 86%.ConclusionNoncontract CT radiodensity of ≤10 HU excludes malignancy even in a high‐risk population. For indeterminate adrenal lesions, given a superior specificity, 18FDG‐PET/CT could be considered as a second stage imaging study.
Health‐related quality of life in randomized controlled trials of lorcaserin for obesity management: what mediates improvement?
Authors: Kolotkin R. L. , Crosby R. D. , Wang Z. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryLorcaserin, plus diet and exercise, has demonstrated significant weight loss and improved cardiometabolic parameters vs. placebo in patients with overweight/obesity in three randomized, placebo‐controlled trials. We examined whether lorcaserin is also associated with greater improvements in health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and whether these improvements are wholly attributable to weight loss. Pooled data from Behavioral Modification and Lorcaserin for Overweight and Obesity Management (BLOOM), Behavioral Modification and Lorcaserin Second Study for Obesity Management (BLOSSOM) and BLOOM‐Diabetes Mellitus (BLOOM‐DM) trials were analysed (n = 5624). HRQOL was assessed at baseline and 52 weeks using the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life‐Lite (IWQOL‐Lite) questionnaire. Multiple mediation analyses were conducted to evaluate the mechanisms underlying improved HRQOL. Greater HRQOL improvements were observed at 52 weeks in lorcaserin vs. placebo (P < 0.0001). A greater percentage of lorcaserin patients (54.1%) experienced meaningful improvements in IWQOL‐Lite total score than placebo patients (48.2%) (P < 0.001). Body mass index (BMI) reduction was the primary driver of improved HRQOL (P < 0.0001), with depressive symptoms and total cholesterol also playing a role (P < 0.05). Improved HRQOL varied by gender, age, race and presence of diabetes and other comorbidities. Lorcaserin treatment significantly improves HRQOL compared with placebo. Although BMI reduction accounts for the majority of these improvements, improvement in depressive symptoms and total cholesterol are contributing factors.
Understanding implications of consumer behavior for wildlife farming and sustainable wildlife trade
Authors: Nuno A. , Blumenthal J. M. , Austin T. J. , Bothwell J. , Ebanks‐Petrie G. , Godley B. J. , Broderick A. C. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractUnsustainable wildlife trade affects biodiversity and the livelihoods of communities dependent upon those resources. Wildlife farming has been proposed to promote sustainable trade, but characterizing markets and understanding consumer behavior remain neglected but essential steps in the design and evaluation of such operations. We used sea turtle trade in the Cayman Islands, where turtles have been farm raised for human consumption for almost 50 years, as a case study to explore consumer preferences toward wild‐sourced (illegal) and farmed (legal) products and potential conservation implications. Combining methods innovatively (including indirect questioning and choice experiments), we conducted a nationwide trade assessment through in‐person interviews from September to December 2014. Households were randomly selected using disproportionate stratified sampling, and responses were weighted based on district population size. We approached 597 individuals, of which 37 (6.2%) refused to participate. Although 30% of households had consumed turtle in the previous 12 months, the purchase and consumption of wild products was rare (e.g., 64–742 resident households consumed wild turtle meat [i.e., 0.3–3.5% of households] but represented a large threat to wild turtles in the area due to their reduced populations). Differences among groups of consumers were marked, as identified through choice experiments, and price and source of product played important roles in their decisions. Despite the long‐term practice of farming turtles, 13.5% of consumers showed a strong preference for wild products, which demonstrates the limitations of wildlife farming as a single tool for sustainable wildlife trade. By using a combination of indirect questioning, choice experiments, and sales data to investigate demand for wildlife products, we obtained insights about consumer behavior that can be used to develop conservation‐demand‐focused initiatives. Lack of data from long‐term social–ecological assessments hinders the evaluation of and learning from wildlife farming. This information is key to understanding under which conditions different interventions (e.g., bans, wildlife farming, social marketing) are likely to succeed.
Should I stay or should I go? Modelling year‐round habitat suitability and drivers of residency for fin whales in the California Current
Authors: Scales Kylie L. , Schorr Gregory S. , Hazen Elliott L. , Bograd Steven J. , Miller Peter I. , Andrews Russel D. , Zerbini Alexandre N. , Falcone Erin A. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAimUnderstanding the spatial ecology of endangered species is crucial to predicting habitat use at scales relevant to conservation and management. Here, we aim to model the influence of biophysical conditions on habitat suitability for endangered fin whales Balaenoptera physalus, with a view to informing management in a heavily impacted ocean region.LocationWe satellite‐tracked the movements of 67 fin whales through the California Current System (CCS), a dynamic eastern boundary upwelling ecosystem in the Northeast Pacific.MethodsWe use a multi‐scale modelling framework to elucidate biophysical influences on habitat suitability for fin whales in the CCS. Using generalized additive mixed models, we quantify the influence of a suite of remotely sensed variables on broadscale patterns of occupancy and present the first year‐round, high‐resolution predictions of seasonal habitat suitability. Further, we model the influence of contemporaneous biophysical conditions on individual‐level residence times in high‐use habitat.ResultsWe present evidence of year‐round habitat suitability in the southern California Current System, robust to interannual variability, establishing that North Pacific fin whales do not follow the canonical baleen whale migration model. Within the high‐use habitat in the Southern California Bight (SCB), individual‐level residency in localized areas (n = 16 for >30 days; n = 4 for >6 months) was associated with warm, shallow, nearshore waters (>18°C, <500 m), with cool waters (14–15°C) occurring over complex seafloor topographies and with convergent (sub)mesoscale structures at the surface.Main ConclusionsBiophysical conditions in the southern CCS generate productive foraging habitats that can support the fin whale population year‐round and allow for extended periods of residency in localized areas. High‐use habitats for fin whales are colocated with areas of intense human use, including international shipping routes and a major naval training range. Seasonal habitat suitability maps presented here could inform the management of anthropogenic threats to endangered baleen whales in this globally significant biodiversity hotspot.
Metacommunity structure, additive partitioning and environmental drivers of woody plants diversity in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Marcilio‐Silva Vinicius , Zwiener Victor P. , Marques Márcia C. M. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAimTo assess the metacommunity structure of woody plants in the Atlantic Forest (AF), compare the structure across its different forest types and evaluate the contribution of multiple scales and environmental drivers for the total biodiversity, providing theoretical basis for efficient conservation of this important hotspot.LocationSouth America, Brazilian Atlantic Forest.MethodsWe compiled the occurrence of 2,071 woody plants in 177 sites across the Brazilian AF. We assessed the elements of metacommunity structure (species coherence, turnover and boundary clumping) to identify which idealized structure (checkerboard, nestedness, Clementsian, Gleasonian, evenly spaced or random) characterizes the AF and its forest types. We used the additive partition of diversity to determine the main spatial scales promoting biodiversity in the AF, that is local (within sites, α‐diversity), regional (among sites in each forest type, β1) or geographical (between forest types, β2), and examined environmental variables driving the metacommunity of the AF and forest types using canonical ordinations.ResultsThe AF and its forest types presented positive coherence, negative turnover and large boundary clumping values which best‐fit the nested subsets metacommunity structure with clumped species loss. The diversity within sites (α‐diversity) and among types (β2) was higher than expected by chance. The climatic gradient driving the species composition differed in the AF. Temperature variation affected the entire AF, particularly Dense and Seasonal forests, whereas precipitation affected mostly the Mixed forest.Main conclusionsDespite the similar structure underlying AF metacommunities, the main environmental gradient in each forest differs, highlighting ecological differences among communities at geographical scale. These differences are determinant for the high levels of biodiversity found in the AF. Conservation efforts should encompass all the AF ecosystems, considering its unique characteristics and prioritizing species‐rich sites given that they adequately represent the regional species pool.
Sedentary but not dispersing wolvesCanis lupusrecolonizing western Poland (2001–2016) conform to the predictions of a habitat suitability model
Authors: Nowak Sabina , Mysłajek Robert W. , Szewczyk Maciej , Tomczak Patrycja , Borowik Tomasz , Jędrzejewska Bogumiła 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAimTo compare predictions of the habitat suitability model (HSM) for wolvesCanis lupusin Poland with actual wolf distribution in western Poland after 15 years of recolonization.LocationWestern Poland (WPL,ca. 136,000 km2), west of the 18°48′E meridian.MethodsData on wolf occurrence (8,057 records) were gathered in 2001–2016. Wolf presence in 10 × 10 km cells was classified as follows: (1) permanent occurrence with reproduction, (2) permanent occurrence with no reproduction and (3) sporadic occurrence (interpreted as dispersing individuals). These cells were compared to all 10 × 10 km cells inWPLwith respect to the probability of wolf occurrence as predicted by theHSMand habitat variables important for wolves. For temporal analysis, data were divided into two 8‐year subsets: the initial and later phases of wolf recovery.ResultsWolves were recorded in 259 cells (19.8% of the study area). The pairs and packs settled in areas predicted by theHSMto have good and very good habitat, in cells characterized by high forest cover and low densities of roads. Wolf groups that reproduced were found in the best‐quality habitats characterized by denser forest cover and markedly lower shares of anthropogenic structures. Dispersing individuals were mostly recorded in unsuitable and suboptimal habitats, and they avoided both the poorest and the best habitats. In the initial phase of wolf recovery, cells selected by wolves for settling down and those used by dispersing wolves did not differ in their habitat parameters. However, in the later phase, asWPLbecame more saturated with wolf packs, dispersing individuals were recorded in less suitable habitats.Main conclusionsTheHSMfor Polish wolves predicted with high accuracy the areas later occupied by wolf groups in the western part of the country. A similar approach may also be useful to predict the future distribution of wolves in the lowlands of central and western Europe where environmental conditions are comparable and recolonizing wolves originate from the same source population.
Functional electrical stimulation of the ankle dorsiflexors during walking in spastic cerebral palsy: a systematic review
Authors: Moll Irene , Vles Johannes S H , Soudant Dan L H M , Witlox Adhiambo M A , Staal Heleen M , Speth Lucianne A W M , Janssen‐Potten Yvonne J M , Coenen Marcel , Koudijs Suzanne M , Vermeulen R Jeroen 
Published: August 2017

AimTo assess the effect of functional electrical stimulation (FES) of ankle dorsiflexors in children and adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) during walking.MethodA systematic review was performed using the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine methodology and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Six databases were searched for studies applying interventions to patients aged younger than 20 years. Outcomes were classified according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).ResultsSeven hundred and eighty abstracts were found, 35 articles were fully screened, and 14 articles were used for analysis. Only five articles (three studies) were of level I to III evidence. At ICF participation and activity level, there is limited evidence for a decrease in self‐reported frequency of toe‐drag and falls. At ICF body structure and function level, there is clear evidence (I–III) that FES increased (active) ankle dorsiflexion angle, strength, and improved selective motor control, balance, and gait kinematics, but decreased walking speed. Adverse events include skin irritation, toleration, and acceptation issues.InterpretationThere are insufficient data supporting functional gain by FES on activity and participation level. However, evidence points towards a role for FES as an alternative to orthoses in children with spastic CP.What this paper adds

Effects of functional electrical stimulation (FES) point towards a potential role as an alternative to orthoses for patients with spastic cerebral palsy (CP).

Some evidence for a decrease in self‐reported frequency of toe‐drag and falls with the use of FES in spastic CP.

Limited evidence for improvements in activity and participation in patients with spastic CP using FES.
Age‐related reference values for the pediatric Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia: a multicentre study
Authors: Lawerman Tjitske F , Brandsma Rick , Burger Huibert , Burgerhof Johannes G M , Sival Deborah A ,   the Childhood Ataxia and Cerebellar Group of the European Pediatric Neurology Society
Published: August 2017

AimFor reliable assessment of ataxia severity in children, the Childhood Ataxia and Cerebellar Group of the European Pediatric Neurology Society aimed to validate the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) according to age.MethodTwenty‐two pediatric ataxia experts from 15 international institutions scored videotaped SARA performances in 156 typically developing children (4–16y: m/f=1; 12 children per year of age; including nine different nationalities). We determined age‐dependency and reliability of pediatric SARA scores by a mixed model.ResultsIn typically developing children, age was the only variable that revealed a relationship with SARA scores (p<0.001). The youngest children revealed the highest scores and the highest variation in scores (<8y; p<0.001). After 11 years of age, pediatric scores approached adult outcomes. The interobserver agreement of total SARA scores was substantial with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.63 (95% confidence interval 0.56–0.69; p<0.001).InterpretationIn typically developing European children, both SARA scores and interobserver agreement are age‐dependent. For reliable interpretation of pediatric SARA scores, consideration of the underlying test construct appears prudent. These data will hopefully contribute to a correct and uniform interpretation of longitudinal SARA scores from childhood to adulthood.