bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for biopsy‐proven advanced non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Patel Y. A. , Gifford E. J. , Glass L. M. , McNeil R. , Turner M. J. , Han B. , Provenzale D. , Choi S. S. , Moylan C. A. , Hunt C. M. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryBackgroundWith its increasing incidence, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is of particular concern in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).AimsTo evaluate risk factors for advanced fibrosis in biopsy‐proven NAFLD in the VHA, to identify patients at risk for adverse outcomes.MethodsIn randomly selected cases from VHA databases (2005‐2015), we performed a retrospective case‐control study in adults with biopsy‐defined NAFLD or normal liver.ResultsOf 2091 patients reviewed, 399 met inclusion criteria. Normal controls (n = 65) had normal liver function. The four NAFLD cohorts included: NAFL steatosis (n = 76), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) without fibrosis (n = 68), NAFLD/NASH stage 1‐3 fibrosis (n = 82), and NAFLD/NASH cirrhosis (n = 70). NAFLD with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was separately identified (n = 38). Most patients were older White men. NAFLD patients with any fibrosis were on average severely obese (BMI>35 kg/m2). Diabetes (54.4%‐79.6%) and hypertension (85.8%‐100%) were more common in NAFLD with fibrosis or HCC. Across NAFLD, 12.3%‐19.5% were enrolled in diet/exercise programs and 0%‐2.6% had bariatric surgery. Hispanics exhibited higher rates of NASH (20.6%), while Blacks had low NAFLD rates (1.4%‐11.8%), particularly NAFLD cirrhosis and HCC (1.4%‐2.6%). Diabetes (OR 11.8, P < .001) and BMI (OR 1.4, P < .001) were the most significant predictors of advanced fibrosis.ConclusionsIn the VHA, diabetes and severe obesity increased risk for advanced fibrosis in NAFLD. Of these patients, only a small proportion (~20%) had enrolled in diet/exercise programs or had bariatric surgery (~2%). These results suggest that providers should focus/tailor interventions to improve outcomes, particularly in those with diabetes and severe obesity.
Exotic plant invasion in agricultural landscapes: A matter of dispersal mode and disturbance intensity
Authors: Boscutti Francesco , Sigura Maurizia , De Simone Serena , Marini Lorenzo 
Published: November 2017

AbstractQuestionDoes dispersal mode and/or disturbance intensity affect the spread of exotic species across agricultural landscapes?LocationFriuli Venezia Giulia, NE Italy.MethodsWe analysed α‐ and β‐diversity of native and exotic plants in 128 plots distributed in four habitats (viz. woods, hedgerows, field boundaries and meadows), in four agricultural areas in northeast Italy, along a gradient of increasing cover of arable land in the landscape. We used a multi‐model inference approach to explore the relationships between species diversity and landscape variables (i.e. agricultural disturbance), testing the role of dispersal mode (i.e. biotic, abiotic) for both native and exotic plants. For each habitat and plant trait combination, distance‐decay of similarity was assessed by regression on distance matrices.ResultsSpecies diversity of exotic and native plants was related to the degree of disturbance (cover of crop) and proximity to disturbance (distance to crop), with different responses according to dispersal mode and habitat type. In most of the habitats, the number of species dispersed by biotic vectors decreased when disturbance was higher. We further found that in woods and hedgerows the interaction between disturbance and dispersal mode drove the exotic richness. Exotic species were less dispersal‐limited than native species showing a weaker distance‐decay of similarity.ConclusionsThe spread of exotic species in semi‐natural habitats was driven by agricultural disturbance at the landscape scale. The effect of disturbance on exotic species richness was further shaped by species dispersal mode. Most initiatives related to preventing and controlling invasions are conducted at the local scale, whereas the influence of the land‐use dynamics in the landscape is seldom explored. Our contribution provides useful information to identify the most susceptible semi‐natural habitats to exotic plant invasions according to intrinsic local resistance and large‐scale processes such as invasiveness from the surrounding landscape.
Advanced Electrocardiogram Analysis in the Amitriptyline‐poisoned Pig Treated with Activated Charcoal Haemoperfusion
Authors: Jansen Tejs , Hoegberg Lotte C. G. , Eriksen Thomas , Haarmark Christian , Dalhoff Kim , Belhage Bo 
Published: November 2017

AbstractCoated activated charcoal haemoperfusion (CAC‐HP) does not reduce the plasma concentration in amitriptyline (AT)‐poisoned pigs. The aim of this non‐blinded, randomized, controlled animal trial was to determine if CAC‐HP reduces the pathological ECG changes caused by AT poisoning. Fourteen female Danish Landrace pigs (mean weight 27.7 kg, range 20–35 kg (CAC‐HP) and 24.4 kg, range 18–30 kg (control group, CG), n = 7 in each group) were included. After randomization, the pigs were anaesthetized and intravenously poisoned with AT. The intervention group underwent 4 hr of CAC‐HP plus standard care (oral activated charcoal). Intervention was compared to standard care alone. From each pig, a 12‐lead ECG and haemodynamic variables were obtained at baseline, at full AT loading dose, before and during CAC‐HP. Baseline ECG variables (RR, PR, QRS, QTc, QTp, QTe, TpTe and TpTe/QT) for lead II, v2 and v5 were not significantly different (F = 0.035–0.297, p‐values 0.421–0.919). Differences within groups over time and between groups were tested by anova repeated measures. For all variables, the time‐plus‐group level of significance revealed a p‐value > 0.05. Severe cardiovascular arrhythmias occurred in both groups with 3 in the CAC‐HP group versus 1 incident with premature death in the CG. The attenuating effect of CAC‐HP to orally instilled activated charcoal alone on AT‐induced ECG alterations did not differ significantly. We conclude that the use of modern CAC‐HP as an adjunctive treatment modality in AT‐poisoned pigs is inadequate.
Unraveling the biology of bipolar disorder using induced pluripotent stem‐derived neurons
Authors: Miller Nathaniel D , Kelsoe John R 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesBipolar disorder has been studied from numerous angles, from pathological studies to large‐scale genomic studies, overall making moderate gains toward an understanding of the disorder. With the advancement of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell technology, in vitro models based on patient samples are now available that inherently incorporate the complex genetic variants that largely are the basis for this disorder. A number of groups are starting to apply iPS technology to the study of bipolar disorder.MethodsWe selectively reviewed the literature related to understanding bipolar disorder based on using neurons derived from iPS cells.ResultsSo far, most work has used the prototypical iPS cells. However, others have been able to transdifferentiate fibroblasts directly to neurons. Others still have utilized olfactory epithelium tissue as a source of neural‐like cells that do not need reprogramming. In general, iPS and related cells can be used for studies of disease pathology, drug discovery, or stem cell therapy.ConclusionsPublished studies have primarily focused on understanding bipolar disorder pathology, but initial work is also being done to use iPS technology for drug discovery. In terms of disease pathology, some evidence is pointing toward a differentiation defect with more ventral cell types being prominent. Additionally, there is evidence for a calcium signaling defect, a finding that builds on the genome‐wide association study results. Continued work with iPS cells will certainly help us understand bipolar disorder and provide a way forward for improved treatments.
Self‐regulation as a function of perceived leadership and cohesion in small group online collaborative learning
Authors: Xie Kui , Hensley Lauren C. , Law Victor , Sun Zhiru 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe present study examined the relationships between perceived leadership, group cohesion, online engagement, self‐regulation and learning outcomes. Data included surveys and online discussion logs from 171 students in an undergraduate online course. Through correlation analysis and structural equation modeling, the results revealed unique contributions of task and relationship leadership in small group collaborative learning. Each form of leadership may translate into greater use of self‐regulation strategies that align with students’ focus on either the instrumental or interpersonal resources related to academics but may bring about a corresponding lower utilization of other types of self‐regulation strategies. Further, results indicate that students’ perceptions of group cohesion provided the most robust and multifaceted positive associations with learning engagement.
Scaling biodiversity responses to hydrological regimes
Authors: Rolls Robert J. , Heino Jani , Ryder Darren S. , Chessman Bruce C. , Growns Ivor O. , Thompson Ross M. , Gido Keith B. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTOf all ecosystems, freshwaters support the most dynamic and highly concentrated biodiversity on Earth. These attributes of freshwater biodiversity along with increasing demand for water mean that these systems serve as significant models to understand drivers of global biodiversity change. Freshwater biodiversity changes are often attributed to hydrological alteration by water‐resource development and climate change owing to the role of the hydrological regime of rivers, wetlands and floodplains affecting patterns of biodiversity. However, a major gap remains in conceptualising how the hydrological regime determines patterns in biodiversity's multiple spatial components and facets (taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic). We synthesised primary evidence of freshwater biodiversity responses to natural hydrological regimes to determine how distinct ecohydrological mechanisms affect freshwater biodiversity at local, landscape and regional spatial scales. Hydrological connectivity influences local and landscape biodiversity, yet responses vary depending on spatial scale. Biodiversity at local scales is generally positively associated with increasing connectivity whereas landscape‐scale biodiversity is greater with increasing fragmentation among locations. The effects of hydrological disturbance on freshwater biodiversity are variable at separate spatial scales and depend on disturbance frequency and history and organism characteristics. The role of hydrology in determining habitat for freshwater biodiversity also depends on spatial scaling. At local scales, persistence, stability and size of habitat each contribute to patterns of freshwater biodiversity yet the responses are variable across the organism groups that constitute overall freshwater biodiversity. We present a conceptual model to unite the effects of different ecohydrological mechanisms on freshwater biodiversity across spatial scales, and develop four principles for applying a multi‐scaled understanding of freshwater biodiversity responses to hydrological regimes. The protection and restoration of freshwater biodiversity is both a fundamental justification and a central goal of environmental water allocation worldwide. Clearer integration of concepts of spatial scaling in the context of understanding impacts of hydrological regimes on biodiversity will increase uptake of evidence into environmental flow implementation, identify suitable biodiversity targets responsive to hydrological change or restoration, and identify and manage risks of environmental flows contributing to biodiversity decline.
Potential utility of a longitudinal relative dose intensity of molecularly targeted agents in phase 1 dose‐finding trials
Authors: Hirakawa Akihiro , Yonemori Kan , Kinoshita Fumie , Kobayashi Yumiko , Okuma Hitomi S. , Kawachi Asuka , Tamura Kenji , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Rubinstein Larry , Harris Pamela Jo , Takebe Naoko 
Published: November 2017

Phase 1 trials of molecularly targeted agents (MTA) often do not use toxicity data beyond the first cycle of treatment to determine a recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D). We investigated the potential utility of longitudinal relative dose intensity (RDI) that may be a better new way of determining a more accurate RP2D as a lower dose that is presumably more tolerable over the long term without compromising efficacy. All consecutive patients who were initially treated using a single MTA at the conventional RP2D or at one level lower dose (OLLD) of that RP2D in 9 phase 1 trials sponsored by the National Cancer Institute were included. The associations between longitudinal RDI, time to first progression, and response rate were analyzed. The RDI of the conventional RP2D group were maintained a rate of ≥70% throughout 10 cycles, and were higher than those of the OLLD group, although in both groups the RDI gradually decreased with additional treatment cycles. The RP2D group was similar to the OLLD group with respect to time to first progression and response rate. In both groups, however, the decreasing RDI over time was significantly associated with shorter time to first disease progression; therefore, the longitudinal RDI, which takes into account lower grade toxicity occurrences, may be useful in determining a more desirable dose to use in phase 2 and 3 studies.
Parental Sexual Orientation and Children's Psychological Well‐Being: 2013–2015 National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Calzo Jerel P. , Mays Vickie M. , Björkenstam Charlotte , Björkenstam Emma , Kosidou Kyriaki , Cochran Susan D. 
Published: November 2017

Debate persists about whether parental sexual orientation affects children's well‐being. This study utilized information from the 2013 to 2015 U.S., population‐based National Health Interview Survey to examine associations between parental sexual orientation and children's well‐being. Parents reported their children's (aged 4–17 years old, N = 21,103) emotional and mental health difficulties using the short form Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Children of bisexual parents had higher SDQ scores than children of heterosexual parents. Adjusting for parental psychological distress (a minority stress indicator) eliminated this difference. Children of lesbian and gay parents did not differ from children of heterosexual parents in emotional and mental health difficulties, yet, the results among children of bisexual parents warrant more research examining the impact of minority stress on families.
Thoracentesis in advanced cancer patients with severe thrombocytopenia: Ultrasound guide improves safety and reduces bleeding risk
Authors: Orlandi Elena , Citterio Chiara , Seghini Pietro , Di Nunzio Camilla , Mordenti Patrizia , Cavanna Luigi 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundPatients with severe thrombocytopenia are considered at risk for bleeding during invasive procedures as thoracentesis. The use of ultrasound (US) significantly reduces the rate of pneumothorax from thoracentesis, but there is a lack of data on safety and efficacy of US guidance in reducing bleeding complications in thoracentesis performed on patients with severe thrombocytopenia.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed the efficacy and safety of thoracentesis in cancer patients with severe thrombocytopenia. From January 2005 to December 2011, 462 patients underwent thoracentesis. Procedures were divided into 2 groups: performed without or with US guidance. All procedures were evaluated for bleeding complications as defined by the National Institutes of Health Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events.ResultsA total of 436 consecutive evaluable thoracentesis were analysed. Thoracentesis was performed with US guidance in 310 cases. Forty‐one patients (9.40%) had severe thrombocytopenia. In 32 of these 41 patients, thoracentesis was performed under US guidance while in 9 cases the procedure was performed without US guidance. Three mild haemorrhagic complications (0.69% of the procedures performed) were observed and all occurred in group of the 9 (33.33%) patients with severe thrombocytopenia who underwent thoracentesis without US guidance. No haemorrhagic complications were recorded in the 427 patients, including the 32 patients with severe thrombocytopenia, in whom thoracentesis was performed with US guidance.ConclusionsUS guided thoracentesis is a safe and effective approach in cancer patients with severe thrombocytopenia. Our results indicate that this procedure, when US‐guided, can be safety performed even in patients with platelet count below 30 × 109/L.
Clinical and radiological features of pulmonary artery sarcoma: A report of nine cases
Authors: Pu Xin , Song Man , Huang Xiaoyong , Zhu Guangfa , Chen Dong , Gan Huili , Huang Lianjun 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo improve our understanding and facilitate early diagnosis of pulmonary artery sarcoma (PAS).Patients and MethodsThe clinical and radiological features of 9 histopathologically confirmed patients with PAS were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsOur PAS cohort consisted of 5 males and 4 females, with insidious presentation, the main symptoms were dyspnea (88.9%), syncope (33.3%), palpitations (22.2%), chest pain (22.2%), hemoptysis (11.1%) and constitutional symptoms, including fever (44.4%), fatigue (55.6%) and weight loss (55.6%). Elevated serum inflammatory markers, including an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, lactate dehydrogenase and C‐reactive protein, were recorded in 9 (100%), 7 (77.8%) and 8 (88.9%) patients, respectively. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) indicated that 8 (88.9%) patients had intraluminal defects, appearing as rounded, bulging or lobulated masses that display uneven signal intensification in contract‐enhanced scans in the pulmonary arteries (PAs). Three (33.3%) of the patients had metastases outside of the PA. Before surgery, 7 patients had been misdiagnosed as pulmonary thromboembolic diseases (PTD), 2 as others, with mean misdiagnosis duration of 7.2 ± 7.1 months. All patients had received thrombolytic and/or anticoagulation therapy and their diseases progressed until receiving pulmonary endarterectomy.ConclusionsThe clinical features of PAS that may help to differentiate it from PTD are its insidious onset, constitutional symptoms, increased serum inflammatory marker levels, lack of predisposing factors and unresponsiveness to thrombolytic and/or anticoagulation therapy. Typical CTPA features are crucial for suspicion of PAS. Early biopsy or surgery should be performed to confirm the diagnosis of PAS and improve its prognosis.
Alcohol consumption among first‐ and second‐generation immigrant and native adolescents in 23 countries: Testing the importance of origin and receiving country alcohol prevalence rates
Authors: Barsties Lisa S. , Walsh Sophie D. , Huijts Tim , Bendtsen Pernille , Molcho Michal , Buijs Thomas , Vieno Alessio , Elgar Frank J. , Stevens Gonneke W. J. M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIntroduction and AimsThis internationally comparative study examines differences in alcohol consumption between first‐ and second‐generation immigrant and native adolescents. We also investigate to what extent origin and receiving country alcohol per capita consumption (APCC) rates and proportions of heavy episodic drinkers (HED) are associated with immigrant adolescents’ alcohol consumption.Design and MethodsWe used cross‐sectional survey data from the 2013/2014 Health Behaviour in School‐aged Children study. Applying multilevel regression analyses, we investigated the lifetime frequency of alcohol use and drunkenness in 69 842 13‐ to 15‐year‐olds in 23 receiving countries, with immigrants from over 130 origin countries (82% natives, 6% first‐generation immigrants and 12% second‐generation immigrants).ResultsThe lifetime frequency of alcohol use was higher among natives than among first‐ and second‐generation immigrants, while no differences were found between the latter two. Lifetime drunkenness was more frequent among first‐generation immigrants than among natives and second‐generation immigrants. Higher origin country APCC and HED were associated with more frequent lifetime alcohol use and drunkenness among immigrant adolescents. Cross‐level interactions revealed that for lifetime frequency of alcohol use, the origin country HED effects were stronger for first‐ than for second‐generation immigrant adolescents. Further, especially for first‐generation immigrants, a higher receiving country HED was related to lower lifetime frequencies of alcohol use and drunkenness.Discussion and ConclusionsOur results suggest differences in lifetime frequencies of alcohol use and drunkenness between natives and first‐ and second‐generation immigrant adolescents. Origin country APCC and HED seem to affect immigrant adolescents’ alcohol consumption differently than receiving country APCC and HED.
Pulmonary arterial pressure detects functional mitral stenosis after annuloplasty for primary mitral regurgitation: An exercise stress echocardiographic study
Authors: Samiei Niloufar , Tajmirriahi Marzieh , Rafati Ali , Pasebani Yeganeh , Rezaei Yousef , Hosseini Saeid 
Published: November 2017

IntroductionThe restrictive mitral valve annuloplasty (RMA) is the treatment of choice for degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR), but postoperative functional mitral stenosis remains a matter of debate. In this study, we sought to determine the impact of mitral stenosis on the functional capacity of patients.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional study, 32 patients with degenerative MR who underwent RMA using a complete ring were evaluated. All participants performed treadmill exercise test and underwent echocardiographic examinations before and after exercise.ResultsThe patients’ mean age was 50.1 ± 12.5 years. After a mean follow‐up of 14.1 ± 5.9 months (6–32 months), the number of patients with a mitral valve peak gradient >7.5 mm Hg, a mitral valve mean gradient >3 mm Hg, and a pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) ≥25 mm Hg at rest were 50%, 40.6%, and 62.5%, respectively. 13 patients (40.6%) had incomplete treadmill exercise test. All hemodynamic parameters were higher at peak exercise compared with at rest levels (all P < .05). The PAP at rest and at peak exercise as well as peak transmitral gradient at peak exercise were higher in patients with incomplete exercise compared with complete exercise test (all P < .05). The PAP at rest (a sensitivity and a specificity of 84.6% and 52.6%, respectively; area under the curve [AUC] = .755) and at peak exercise (a sensitivity and a specificity of 100% and 47.4%, respectively; AUC = .755) discriminated incomplete exercise test.ConclusionThe RMA for degenerative MR was associated with a functional stenosis and the PAP at rest and at peak exercise discriminated low exercise capacity.
Altered States of Consciousness: Evaluation of a voice‐hearing simulation during an immersive art exhibition
Authors: Riches Simon , Maskey Rich , Waddingham Rachel , Benjamin Jonny , Dishman Patrick , Tebrook Charlie , Mundy Eve , Roberts Phoebe , Fisher Helen L. 
Published: November 2017

AimTo improve public understanding of the subjective experience of auditory hallucinations and increase empathy towards individuals who hear voices and have other unusual sensory experiences.MethodsThis pilot study developed a new immersive art exhibition, Altered States of Consciousness, which gave members of the public an individualized voice‐hearing simulation experience in 2 real‐world settings—an art gallery and the London Underground. A total of 150 visitors completed visual analogue scales immediately before and after their experience of the exhibition.ResultsPost‐exhibition, there were significant increases in understanding what it feels like to hear voices, compassion towards voice hearers, and comfort in talking about these experiences. Participants enjoyed the simulation, felt they learned from their involvement, and did not find it stressful.ConclusionsThe exhibition and voice‐hearing simulation has further potential for public engagement and stigma reduction.