bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between kidney findings and systemic vascular damage in elderly hypertensive patients without overt cardiovascular disease
Authors: Geraci Giulio , Mulè Giuseppe , Paladino Gabriella , Zammuto Marta Maria , Castiglia Antonella , Scaduto Emilia , Zotta Federica , Geraci Calogero , Granata Antonio , Mansueto Pasquale , Cottone Santina 
Published: November 2017

Few studies have investigated the influence of age on the relationships between systemic vascular damage, kidney dysfunction, and intrarenal hemodynamic changes in patients with hypertension without overt cardiovascular disease. The authors enrolled 126 elderly patients with hypertension (aged ≥65 years) and 350 nonelderly patients with hypertension (aged <65 years). Carotid intima‐media thickness, renal resistive index, and aortic pulse wave velocity were performed in all patients. Elderly patients with hypertension had lower estimated glomerular filtration rates and higher albuminuria, renal resistive index, carotid intima‐media thickness, and aortic pulse wave velocity compared with nonelderly patients with hypertension (P < .001). Carotid intima‐media thickness independently correlated with renal resistive index and estimated glomerular filtration rate in nonelderly patients with hypertension, whereas it was significantly related to renal resistive index only in elderly patients with hypertension. Aortic pulse wave velocity was independently associated with albuminuria in nonelderly patients with hypertension, whereas it did not independently correlate with any indexes of renal damage in elderly patients with hypertension. Age is an important modifier of the relationships between renal function and renal hemodynamics with subclinical vascular involvement in elderly persons without cardiovascular disease.
Lip repositioning for the treatment of excess gingival display: A systematic review
Authors: Tawfik Omnia K , El‐Nahass Hani E. , Shipman Peter , Looney Stephen W. , Cutler Christopher W. , Brunner Mark 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundLip repositioning is a conservative surgical technique used to treat excess gingival display. An array of modifications has been introduced to the technique over time and as studies show the technique and its modifications to be successful, there is little standardized information for clinicians to make informed decisions when choosing this technique for the treatment of patients with excessive gingival display (EGD).ObjectivesTo review the current literature on the topic of lip repositioning for the treatment of excessive EGD, exploring outcome, and result longevity.MethodsA structured systematic search was carried out using the Ovid database and Web of Science to identify published studies on lip repositioning technique. Search was restricted to studies in the English language, describing a surgical intervention. Case reports were included as the number of published studies was limited.ResultsThe electronic search identified 93 articles, hand search identified 1 article, and reference search identified 1 article. After excluding duplicates and screening articles, a total of 22 articles met the inclusion criteria. An estimated mean improvement of 3.4 mm (95% confidence interval, 3.0‐3.8 mm) was found possible with lip repositioning. Data analysis was performed using only 4 studies, amounting to a total of 33 patients. Potential risk of bias was identified in some of the studies included.ConclusionsDespite the limited available studies on lip repositioning, an estimated mean improvement of 3.4 mm was found to be possible with surgical lip repositioning, suggesting that the technique could be used successfully to treat EGD. However, more studies are necessary to properly evaluate the treatment approach and stability of the technique.Clinical significanceRecently, the demand for esthetics has significantly increased, driven by increased patient awareness and the search for an ideal smile. Creating the perfect smile is an intricate process that requires a multidisciplinary approach, with careful consideration of the lips and the gingival outline. Excess gingival display results in an unaesthetic smile, lip repositioning offers a comparatively simple solution for this problem. While the quality literature on this topic is limited statistical analysis of collected studies show that an estimated mean improvement of 3.4 mm can be achieved with surgical lip repositioning.
First report of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus in tank cultured dusky kob (Argyrosomus japonicus), and evaluation of three phenotypic methods in the detection of MRSA
Authors: Fri Justine , Ndip Roland Ndip , Njom Henry Akum , Clarke Anna Maria 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis study was conducted to ascertain the occurrence of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in marine finfish (Argyrosomus japonicus) harvested from the wild and two re‐circulatory aquaculture systems, and evaluating the reliability of three phenotypic methods in the detection of methicillin resistance. A total of 120 dusky kob fish were sampled for S. aureus detection using conventional methods and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the nuc gene. Methicillin resistance was determined by molecular detection of the mecA gene. Using mecA as the defining standard, the specificities and sensitivities of cefoxitin disc diffusion, oxacillin screen agar, and growth of S. aureus on Brilliance MRSA II Agar were evaluated. A total of 321 presumptive S. aureus isolates were recovered by culture, out of which 202 (62.9%) were confirmed by PCR. Of these, 33 (16.3%) strains were mecA positive while 169 (83.7%) were mecA negative. The sensitivities and specificities of MRSA detection was 93.9 and 91.7%, 81.8 and 92.3%, and 87.9 and 94.1% for cefoxitin disc, oxacillin screen agar test, and Brilliance MRSA II agar, respectively. This is so far the first report of MRSA in dusky kob aquaculture in South Africa. In the absence of molecular techniques, cefoxitin disc diffusion test is recommended along with any other phenotypic method to improve MRSA detection from samples of veterinary origin.Practical implicationsMethicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus currently presents one of the greatest challenges for medical research worldwide, as well as is one of the most important causes of bacteria gastroenteritis due to preformed toxins in foods. There is a dearth of knowledge on marine foods as carriers/sources of MRSA infection. There are also major discrepancies obtained with MRSA detection methods, making effective detection of this pathogen complicated. The results from this study show that healthy aquaculture fish are reservoirs of MRSA, thus it is necessary to regularly monitor marine foods. Cefoxitin disc diffusion test is recommended as the preferred method for detection of MRSA from fish/food samples where molecular methods are lacking.
Novel endoscopic categorization for prediction of chemoradiotherapy response in locally advanced esophageal cancer
Authors: Cho Charles J , Kang Hyo Jeong , Park Se Jeong , Kim Ga Hee , Park Seong Hwan , Eo Soo‐Heang , Kim Min‐Ju , Kim Yong‐Hee , Park Sook Ryun , Kim Jong Hoon , Ahn Ji Yong , Kim Do Hoon , Choi Kee Don , Song Ho June , Jung Hwoon‐Yong , Park Young Soo , Lee Gin Hyug 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackground and AimPreoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by esophagectomy is a well‐known treatment modality for patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer (EC). This study developed an algorithm to predict pathological complete response (CR) in these patients using post‐CRT endoscopic category with biopsy and validated the proposed algorithm.MethodsA retrospective review of 141 consecutive patients who completed preoperative CRT and underwent surgical resection for locally advanced EC was performed. The post‐CRT endoscopic findings of each patient were stratified into five categories.ResultsThe distribution of post‐CRT endoscopic categories was significantly different between the pathological CR and non‐pathological CR groups (P < 0.001). About 76.8% (73/95) of patients in category 0, 1, or 2 achieved pathological CR. In contrast, 91.3% (42/46) of endoscopic categories 3 and 4 patients did not achieve pathological CR. Sensitivity of post‐CRT biopsy was 11.1%. Therefore, an algorithm combining biopsy results and dichotomized post‐CRT endoscopic category (category 0, 1, or 2 vs category 3 or 4) was developed. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in predicting pathological CR by the proposed algorithm were 64.8%, 95.9%, and 82.8%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, the proposed algorithm remained a significant negative factor of survival (P < 0.001).ConclusionsAlgorithm using post‐CRT endoscopic category with biopsy may help identify locally advanced EC patients who achieved pathological CR after preoperative CRT. Modalities to accurately detect subepithelial remnant EC may further aid in predicting pathological CR.
Comparative evaluation of salivary hepatocyte growth factor in smokers and non‐smokers with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Guru Sanjeela , Sam Sheena Elizabeth , Rajan Sukanya , Padmanabhan Shyam 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimHepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a multifunctional cytokine with a wide range of actions, and plays a role in periodontal disease (PD) progression. Smoking significantly increases the risk for PD progression. Thus, aim of the present study was to estimate salivary HGF levels of non‐smokers and smokers with chronic periodontitis (CP) and to compare its levels before and after therapy.MethodsA total of 75 participants were recruited and divided into three groups: group 1 included 25 healthy participants, group 2 included 25 non‐smokers with CP, and group 3 included 25 smokers with CP. Salivary HGF levels were estimated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and correlated with clinical parameters before and after treatment.ResultsSalivary HGF levels of non‐smokers and smokers with CP were significantly higher than the control group. There was a significant reduction in salivary HGF in smokers and non‐smokers with CP after non‐surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT).ConclusionSalivary HGF levels positively correlated with PD progression and smoking status. A significant reduction in HGF levels was seen after NSPT. Thus, within limits, it can be suggested that HGF plays a role in PD progression and can be used as a diagnostic biomarker to detect disease activity. Salivary HGF levels could also be useful to monitor response to periodontal therapy.
A substitution mutation in OsPELOTA confers bacterial blight resistance by activating the salicylic acid pathway
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Bo , Feng Bao‐Hua , Wang Hui‐Mei , Xu Xia , Shi Yong‐Feng , He Yan , Chen Zheng , Sathe Atul Prakash , Shi Lei , Wu Jian‐Li 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWe previously reported a spotted‐leaf mutant pelota (originally termed HM47) in rice displaying arrested growth and enhanced resistance to multiple races of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. Here, we report the map‐based cloning of the causal gene OsPELOTA (originally termed splHM47). We identified a single base substitution from T to A at position 556 in the coding sequence of OsPELOTA, effectively mutating phenylalanine to isoleucine at position 186 in the translated protein sequence. Both functional complementation and over‐expression could rescue the spotted‐leaf phenotype. OsPELOTA, a paralogue to eukaryotic release factor 1 (eRF1), shows high sequence similarity to Drosophila Pelota and also localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane. OsPELOTA is constitutively expressed in roots, leaves, sheaths, stems, and panicles. Elevated levels of salicylic acid and decreased level of jasmonate were detected in the pelota mutant. RNA‐seq analysis confirmed that genes responding to salicylic acid were upregulated in the mutant. Our results indicate that the rice PELOTA protein is involved in bacterial leaf blight resistance by activating the salicylic acid metabolic pathway.
What Aspects of Rural Life Contribute to Rural‐Urban Health Disparities in Older Adults? Evidence From a National Survey
Authors: Cohen Steven A. , Cook Sarah K. , Sando Trisha A. , Sabik Natalie J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPurposeRural‐urban health disparities are well‐documented and particularly problematic for older adults. However, determining which specific aspects of rural or urban living initiate these disparities remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to assess associations between place‐based characteristics of rural‐urban status and health among adults age 65+.MethodsData from the 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were geographically linked to place‐based characteristics from the American Community Survey. Self‐reported health (SRH), obesity, and health checkup within the last year were modeled against rural‐urban status (distance to nearest metropolitan area, population size, population density, percent urban, Urban Influence Codes [UIC], Rural‐Urban Continuum Codes [RUCC], and Rural‐Urban Commuting Area [RUCA]) using generalized linear models, accounting for covariates and complex sampling, overall, and stratified by area‐level income.FindingsIn general, increasing urbanicity was associated with a reduction in negative SRH for all 7 measures of rural‐urban status. For low‐income counties, this association held for all measures and characteristics of rural‐urban status except population density. However, for high‐income counties, the association was reversed—respondents living in areas of increasing urbanicity were more likely to report negative SRH for 4 of the 7 measures (RUCC, UIC, RUCA, and percent urban). Findings were mixed for the outcome of obesity, where rural areas had higher levels, except in low‐income counties, where the association between rurality and obesity was reversed (OR 1.033, 95%CI: 1.002‐1.064).ConclusionThese results suggest that rural‐urban status is both a continuum and multidimensional. Distinct elements of rural‐urban status may influence health in nuanced ways that require additional exploration in future studies.
Spectrophotometry and Ultracentrifugation for Measurement of Plasma Lipids in Dogs with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Seage E.C. , Drobatz K.J. , Hess R.S. 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundThere are conflicting reports of plasma lipoprotein lipid content in dogs with diabetes mellitus (DM).ObjectivesTo determine lipoprotein lipid content of plasma of dogs with DM by spectrophotometry and ultracentrifugation; to compare lipoprotein lipid content in diabetic and healthy dogs; and to quantify apolipoprotein B‐100 (ApoB) in dogs with DM.Animals22 dogs with DM and 9 healthy dogs.MethodsCross‐sectional study. Triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) concentrations were measured by spectrophotometry. Very low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL‐C) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) concentrations were calculated after ultracentrifugation. Non‐HDL‐C cholesterol was calculated by subtracting HDL‐C from TC. ApoB was quantified by ELISA. The Mann‐Whitney test was used for comparison of median lipoprotein concentrations, and Spearman's correlation was used to assess associations between ApoB and lipoprotein fractions.ResultsAll values are reported in mg/dL. Median TG (122), TC (343.5), HDL‐C, (200), VLDL‐C, (27) LDL‐C (68), non‐HDL‐C (114), and ApoB (320) were significantly higher in dogs with DM, compared to healthy dogs (57, 197, 168, 12, 16, 31, and 258, respectively, P‐values 0.0079, <0.001, 0.029, 0.011, <0.001, <0.001, 0.025, respectively). A significant association was found between ApoB and LDL‐C (Spearman's rho = 0.41, P = 0.022) and between ApoB and non‐HDL‐C (Spearman's rho = 0.40, P = 0.027).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceDyslipidemia of dogs with DM is characterized by pronounced increases in LDL‐C and non‐HDL‐C concentrations, although all lipoprotein fractions are significantly increased. Knowledge of specific lipoprotein fraction alterations in dogs with DM can enhance treatment options for diabetic dyslipidemia in dogs.
Ethanol‐mediated suppression of IL‐37 licenses alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Grabherr Felix , Grander Christoph , Adolph Timon E. , Wieser Verena , Mayr Lisa , Enrich Barbara , Macheiner Sophie , Sangineto Moris , Reiter Andreas , Viveiros Andre , Zoller Heinz , Bufler Philip , Moschen Alexander R. , Dinarello Charles A. , Tilg Herbert 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackground & AimsChronic alcohol consumption and alcoholic liver disease (ALD) afflicts individuals with substantial morbidity and mortality with limited treatment options available. Hepatic inflammation, triggered by activated Kupffer cells, is a driving force in alcoholic liver disease. Interleukin 37 (IL‐37) exerts anti‐inflammatory effects in hepatic diseases, however, the impact of Interleukin 37 on alcoholic liver disease is unknown. In this study, we addressed the role of Interleukin 37 in alcoholic liver disease.MethodsWe utilized Interleukin 37 expressing transgenic mice and human recombinant Interleukin 37 in models of alcoholic liver disease. Interleukin 37 expression was measured in liver samples of 20 alcoholic steatohepatitis and 36 non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease patients.ResultsInterleukin 37 transgenic mice are not protected against hepatic injury and inflammation in alcoholic liver disease. Ethanol suppressed Interleukin 37 expression in transgenic mice. Alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) patients similarly exhibited reduced Interleukin 37 expression when compared to non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. Human recombinant Interleukin 37 ameliorated hepatic inflammation in a binge drinking model of alcoholic liver disease.ConclusionWe provide evidence for an exogenous noxae that suppresses Interleukin 37 expression which limits its anti‐inflammatory effects in alcoholic liver disease.
Impacts of Nile Perch, Lates niloticus, introduction on the ecology, economy and conservation of Lake Victoria, East Africa
Authors: Aloo Peninah A. , Njiru J. , Balirwa J. S. , Nyamweya C. S. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractNile perch were secretly introduced into Lake Victoria in the 1950s, and officially in the 1960s, amid unresolved controversy. Proponents were of the view that the introduction would improve fisheries production and sport fishing. Although the former objective was achieved, the side effects were dire, including extinction of many native species, especially the ecologically important haplochromines, because of predation. The introduction also changed the habitat, trophic dynamics and water clarity. The change in water clarity is thought to be responsible for hybridization of haplochromines, further contributing to the loss of species diversity among cichlids. The establishment and expansion of the Nile perch also altered the fishery and socio‐economic settings characterizing the lake. A local economy which, until the early 1980s, was based on native fish species has been replaced by an export‐oriented exotic fish processing industry that destroyed the once‐cherished traditional resource. Other socio‐economic issues associated with Nile perch include the high HIV/AIDS prevalence among fishers, and border conflicts attributable to the migratory and transboundary nature of the fishery resource. Conservation measures for the fishery should include establishment of co‐management units that have so far registered both successes and challenges. Other efforts include establishment of the Nile perch Fisheries Management Plans that focus on curbing overfishing and eradicating illegal fishing.
With adaptation, the WHO guidelines on calcium supplementation for prevention of pre‐eclampsia are adopted by pregnant women
Authors: Omotayo Moshood O. , Martin Stephanie L. , Stoltzfus Rebecca J. , Ortolano Stephanie E. , Mwanga Erick , Dickin Katherine L. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe World Health Organization (WHO) recommends calcium supplementation for prevention of pre‐eclampsia, but factors affecting adoption and acceptability of the recommendations among pregnant women have not been examined. We explored adoption of the WHO guidelines in Kenya, using the trials of improved practices. We recruited 38 pregnant women and assigned participants to three regimens representing potential trade‐offs among daily dose, bioavailability, and acceptability. Participants were provided with supplements, requested to select preferred product type, counselled on how to take them, and interviewed 4 times over 6 weeks to assess their experiences. We tracked bottle opening with electronic monitors, as proxy for supplement consumption. We analysed interview transcripts thematically. All participants were willing to try the supplements. Average daily consumption ranged from 77 to 1,577 mg/d. Most participants (74%) chose the chewable product. Participants preferred its “sweet taste” and liked the ability to consume it without water. Women in the 2‐dose regimen were least likely to switch; however, women assigned to the 3‐dose regimen, or who switched to the 3‐dose regimen, consumed the most calcium per day. Difficulties with the 4‐dose regimen included afternoon doses when women were likely to forget and having to wait hours after supper for last dose. Use of an illustrated calendar, keeping supplements in conspicuous locations and requesting support from relatives were strategies that supported adherence. Pregnant women are likely to adopt Ca supplementation, with appropriate programmatic adaptations. Careful attention to product attributes, regimen complexity, and strategies for reassuring and reminding women are needed to adapt the WHO guidelines.
Site‐specific gene expression analysis from archived human intestine samples combining laser‐capture microdissection and multiplexed color‐coded probes
Authors: Braun A. , Martinez C. , Schmitteckert S. , Röth R. , Lasitschka F. , Niesler B. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundAlterations of site‐specific gene expression profiles in disease‐relevant networks within the different layers of the intestinal wall may contribute to the onset and clinical course of gastrointestinal disorders. To date, no systematic analysis has assessed and compared sub‐regional gene expression patterns in all distinct layers of the gut using fresh frozen human samples. Our aim was to establish an optimized protocol for site‐specific RNA isolation in order to achieve maximum RNA quality and amount for subsequent gene expression analysis combining laser‐capture microdissection (LCM) with a probe‐based technology, the NanoString nCounter Analysis system.MethodsFour full‐thickness colon samples from patients who underwent surgery due to pathological conditions were processed and separated into epithelium, lamina propria, myenteric plexus, submucosa, and tunica muscularis by LCM. Site‐specific marker expression by nCounter technology was performed on total RNA from each sub‐region, respectively.Key ResultsCollecting ~10 mm² (~100 000‐250 000 cells) of tissue from the epithelial layer, lamina propria, and myenteric plexus provided sufficient amounts of RNA of appropriate quality for subsequent analyses. In contrast, ~40 mm² (~250 000‐650 000 cells) of tissue were dissected from the less cell‐rich submucosal and tunica muscularis layer. nCounter analysis revealed a site‐specific expression pattern of marker genes in the different layers of the colonic wall which were highly correlating (r > .9).Conclusions and InferencesLCM in combination with nCounter expression analysis enables site‐specific, sensitive, reliable detection, and quantification of mRNA from histologically heterogeneous tissues.