bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between progressive hepatic morphology changes on serial MR imaging and clinical outcome in primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Kitzing Yu Xuan , Whitley Siobhan A , Upponi Sara S , Srivastava Brijesh , Alexander Graeme JM , Lomas David J 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIntroductionHepatic morphology changes are well described in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and characterised by a combination of atrophy and hypertrophy changes. This study investigates the relationship between progression of these changes over time and clinical outcome in patients with PSC.MethodsFifty‐three patients with PSC (mean age 44, 28 males and 25 females) who underwent serial MRI liver studies at least one year apart were identified. The first and the last MRI studies were selected for the retrospective analysis. Three radiologists reviewed and compared both studies for changes in hepatic morphology, specifically atrophy and/or hypertrophy. The imaging findings were correlated with adverse clinical outcomes defined as death or liver transplantation and with serum bilirubin.ResultsThere was a mean interval of 60 months between MRI examinations and a mean clinical follow‐up period thereafter of 22 months. Thirty‐three (62.3%) patients had stable hepatic morphology, whilst 20 (37.7%) patients showed hepatic morphology changes (atrophy: 13 patients, 24%; hypertrophy: 16 patients, 30%). Eleven patients (21%) died or underwent liver transplantation. There was a significant correlation between interval hepatic atrophy and adverse clinical outcomes (P = 0.001). Significant correlations were found between increasing serum bilirubin level and interval hepatic atrophy, hepatic hypertrophy and combined changes (P = 0.025, P = 0.022, P = 0.027, respectively).ConclusionHepatic morphology changes over time in patients with PSC are heterogeneous with some patients developing atrophy and/or hypertrophy whilst other patients remain stable. In this retrospective study, progressive hepatic atrophy showed significant association with adverse clinical outcome defined by either death or liver transplantation.
Specificity and sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging findings in the diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Bacchi Stephen , Chim Ivana , Patel Sandy 
Published: April 2017

SummaryProgressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a neurodegenerative condition that can only be diagnosed conclusively on pathological examination. Currently, the diagnosis is based upon the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the Society for PSP criteria. These criteria consist of purely clinical findings. Elements of brain MRI that are being investigated for this role include identifying structural features on conventional MRI, volume changes, signal abnormalities and diffusion changes. The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic search to identify which MRI findings have evidence to support their sensitivity/specificity/accuracy in the diagnosis of PSP. A search was conducted of Pubmed and Medline on July 5th–6th 2016 using the medical subject headings progressive supranuclear palsy and MRI. Seventy articles were identified which assessed the sensitivity/specificity/accuracy of MRI signs for the diagnosis of PSP. There were 13 studies that identified MRI features that had ≥95% sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of PSP. Four of these studies identified the magnetic resonance parkinsonism index as highly sensitive and specific. There were only four studies which assessed how effective given MRI features are at predicting the pathological diagnosis of PSP. Several markers, such as the magnetic resonance parkinsonism index, have been demonstrated to be both specific and sensitive for PSP. However, many studies assessing these markers have common weaknesses including small sample size and lacking autopsy correlation.
A new modality for the estimation of corrected flow time via electrocardiography as an alternative to Doppler ultrasonography
Authors: Hossein‐Nejad Hooman , Mohammadinejad Payam , Zeinoddini Atefeh , Seyedhosseini Davarani Seyedhossein , Banaie Mohsen 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundEvaluation of corrected flow time (FTc) via ultrasonography is one of the suggested modalities for the assessment of intravascular volume status. This study aimed to compare the results of FTc of carotid artery measured via ultrasonography, as a measure of mechanical outcome of the cardiac cycle, with the results of FTc estimation from a new modified formula via electrocardiography (ECG), as a measure of electrical function of the cardiac cycle.MethodsHealthy volunteers were evaluated before and after a passive leg raising (PLR) maneuver. FTc was measured concurrently before and after PLR via a modified method from ECG and via ultrasonography of the carotid artery.ResultsA total number of 98 healthy volunteers (51 women and 47 men) with a mean age of 30.69 ± 6.28 years were included. There was a significant correlation between FTc measured by ultrasonography and estimated by ECG both before PLR and after PLR (r = .878, p < .0001 and r = .797, p < .0001, respectively). Changes in FTc were slightly higher in measurements by ultrasonography compared to estimations by ECG (22.33 ± 17.15 ms0.5 vs. 15.86 ± 14.25 ms0.5, p = .001).ConclusionEstimation of FTc via ECG is potentially an effective and feasible method for the assessment of volume status at the clinical settings. Further investigations should determine the significance of differences that may be observed between ultrasonography and ECG in patients with either dehydration or volume overload and in the need of real‐time volume status assessment.
Effects of nitrogen fertilizer and harvesting stage on photosynthetic pigments and phytol contents of Italian ryegrass silage
Authors: Lv Renlong , EL‐Sabagh Mabrouk , Obitsu Taketo , Sugino Toshihisa , Kurokawa Yuzo , Kawamura Kensuke 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the effects of nitrogen (N) fertilizer application and harvesting stage on the contents of chlorophyll, phytol and carotenoids (β‐carotene and lutein) in Italian ryegrass herbage before and after ensiling, and the extent of phytol preservation after ensiling. Three rates of N fertilizer (0, 60 and 120 kg N/ha) were applied by top‐dressing as an additional fertilizer. The herbage harvested at booting stage (27 weeks of age) or heading stage (29 weeks of age) were wilted for 1 day, then ensiled for 60 days using a small‐scale pouch system. In the pre‐ensiled herbages, increasing N fertilizer application increased the contents of crude protein and photosynthetic pigments, and these contents were also higher at the booting stage compared with the heading stage. In the silage, increasing N fertilizer application also increased the contents of crude protein, the photosynthetic pigments and their derivatives (pheophytin and pheophorbide), while harvesting stage did not affect the contents of β‐carotene, chlorophylls or pheophorbide. Nitrogen fertilizer application and early harvesting of herbage increased lutein and phytol contents in Italian ryegrass silage. Lutein and phytol in Italian ryegrass herbage are indicated to be well preserved during ensiling.
Lateral line scale types and review of their taxonomic distribution
Authors: Voronina Elena P. , Hughes Dianne R. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe trunk canal of fishes is contained within a series of lateral line (LL) scales. To categorise LL scale structural types, and determine their distribution, an analysis of original data was undertaken using light and scanning electron microscopy in combination with a literature survey from over 1,000 species representative of most orders of bony fishes. Our categorisation of LL scales is based on the relationship between the tube, or ossified trunk canal segment, and associated scale. Tubular‐Scalar LL scales consist of a distinguishable tube and elasmoid scale in scale pockets. Four types occur only in species with elasmoid scales. Integrated LL scales do not develop in scale pockets, and their tube is enclosed or extended by a non‐elasmoid scale or spines. Integrated 1 and 2 LL scales co‐occur with ganoid and calcidermoid scales, and Integrated 3 LL scales occur when common scales are absent or elasmoid. Tubular LL scales are tubes only, occurring mainly in scaleless species or with calcidermoid and elasmoid scales. Non‐Tubular LL scales are composed only of a scale, co‐occurring mainly with cycloid scales. There is consistency of LL scale type in many orders, families and genera and the presence of different types within taxa can be meaningful.
Tenapanor administration and the activity of the H+‐coupled transporter PepT1 in healthy volunteers
Authors: Johansson Susanne , Rosenbaum David P. , Palm Johan , Stefansson Bergur , Knutsson Mikael , Lisbon Eleanor A. , Hilgendorf Constanze 
Published: April 2017

AimTenapanor (RDX5791/AZD1722), an inhibitor of gastrointestinal Na+/H+ exchanger NHE3, is being evaluated for the treatment of patients with constipation‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome and the treatment of hyperphosphataemia in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis. By reducing intestinal H+ secretion, inhibition of NHE3 by tenapanor could indirectly affect H+‐coupled transporter activity, leading to drug–drug interactions. We investigated the effect of tenapanor on the activity of the H+‐coupled peptide transporter PepT1 via assessment of the pharmacokinetics of cefadroxil – a compound transported by PepT1 – in healthy volunteers.MethodsIn this open‐label, two‐period crossover, phase 1 study (NCT02140281), 28 volunteers received in random order: a single dose of cefadroxil 500 mg for 1 day; and tenapanor 15 mg twice daily over 4 days followed by single doses of both cefadroxil 500 mg and tenapanor 15 mg on day 5. There was a 4‐day washout between treatment periods.ResultsCefadroxil exposure was similar when administered alone or in combination with tenapanor {geometric least‐squares mean ratios [(cefadroxil + tenapanor)/cefadroxil] (90% confidence interval): area under the concentration–time curve 93.3 (90.6–96.0)%; maximum concentration in plasma 95.9 (89.8–103)%}. Tenapanor treatment caused a softening of stool consistency and an increase in stool frequency, consistent with its expected pharmacodynamic effect. No safety concerns were identified and tenapanor was not detected in plasma.ConclusionsThese results suggest that tenapanor 15 mg twice daily does not have a clinically relevant impact on the activity of the H+‐coupled transporter PepT1 in humans. This may guide future research on drug–drug interactions involving NHE3 inhibitors.
Perinatal outcomes among young Indigenous Australian mothers: A cross‐sectional study and comparison with adult Indigenous mothers
Authors: Steenkamp Malinda , Boyle Jacqueline , Kildea Sue , Moore Vivienne , Davies Michael , Rumbold Alice 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe teenage pregnancy rate is high among Indigenous Australian women, yet little is known about their pregnancy outcomes. Moreover, against a background of extreme social disadvantage, the relative importance of age as a risk factor for adverse outcomes among Indigenous pregnancies is unclear. We compared perinatal outcomes for Indigenous teenagers (<20 years) with adult Indigenous women (20‐34 years), and described outcomes in subgroups of teenagers.MethodsData were analyzed for 2421 singleton births to Indigenous women aged <35 years in Australia's Northern Territory from 2003 to 2005. Regression was used to assess the effect of young maternal age on normal birth, healthy baby, preterm birth, low birthweight, special care admission, and mean birthweight, adjusting for covariates.ResultsThree‐quarters of teenagers and 62% of adult mothers lived in remote areas. Smoking rates were around 50% in both groups. Teenagers were more likely to have a normal birth than adults (adjusted odds ratio 1.78 [95% CI 1.35‐2.34]). The groups did not differ for healthy baby, preterm birth, or low birthweight. Babies of teenagers weighed 135 g less than those of adults; however, adjustment for covariates eliminated this difference. Examination of teenage subgroups (≤16 years and 17‐19 years) revealed risk behaviors being higher for 17‐19 years olds than for the younger group, and more prevalent among urban‐based mothers.DiscussionYoung maternal age is not a risk factor for adverse perinatal outcomes among Indigenous women. Rather, they are having babies in disadvantaged circumstances within a system challenged to support them socially and clinically.
Prevalence of and risk factors for symptomatic urinary tract infection after endoscopic incision for the treatment of ureterocele in children
Authors: Moriya Kimihiko , Nakamura Michiko , Nishimura Yoko , Kanno Yukiko , Kitta Takeya , Kon Masafumi , Shinohara Nobuo 
Published: April 2017

ObjectiveTo clarify the impact of endoscopic incision (EI) for ureterocele as an initial procedure, by performing a retrospective chart review, focusing on the prevalence of and risk factors for symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI) after EI.Materials and MethodsIn the present study we included children with ureterocele, managed between September 1994 and April 2016, who were observed conservatively without additional surgical management after EI. Ureterocele was categorized as intravesical or ectopic. Symptomatic UTI was defined as either recurrent non‐febrile or febrile UTI. The prevalence of and risk factors for symptomatic UTI were analysed using Cox proportional hazard models or Kaplan–Meier curves, and the log‐rank test.ResultsA total of 36 children met the inclusion criteria. The median age of the participants at EI was 8.9 months. Eleven children had symptomatic UTIs (febrile, n = 9; recurrent non‐febrile, n = 2) during the median follow‐up of 75.5 months. Initial symptomatic UTI in each child occurred <25 months after EI. The symptomatic UTI‐free rate after EI was 65.6%. The risk factors for symptomatic UTI were female gender, duplex system, ectopic ureterocele, and unchanged hydronephrosis after EI.ConclusionsThe present study determined the critical period and risk factors for symptomatic UTI after EI for the treatment of ureterocele. The results suggest that when conservative management is indicated after EI, patients, especially those with risk factors, should be followed carefully at least for 25 months after EI for symptomatic UTI.
Profiling microRNA from nephrectomy and biopsy specimens: predictors of progression and survival in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Kowalik Casey G. , Palmer Drew A. , Sullivan Travis B. , Teebagy Patrick A. , Dugan John M. , Libertino John A. , Burks Eric J. , Canes David , Rieger‐Christ Kimberly M. 
Published: April 2017

ObjectiveTo identify microRNA (miRNA) characteristic of metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and those indicative of cancer‐specific survival (CSS) in nephrectomy and biopsy specimens. We also sought to determine if a miRNA panel could differentiate benign from ccRCC tissue.Materials and MethodsRNA was isolated from nephrectomy and kidney biopsy specimens (n = 156 and n = 46, respectively). Samples were grouped: benign, non‐progressive, and progressive ccRCC. MiRNAs were profiled by microarray and validated by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Biomarker signatures were developed to predict cancer status in nephrectomy and biopsy specimens. CSS was examined using Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses.ResultsMicroarray analysis revealed 20 differentially expressed miRNAs comparing non‐progressive with progressive tumours. A biomarker signature validated in nephrectomy specimens had a sensitivity of 86.7% and a specificity of 92.9% for differentiating benign and ccRCC specimens. A second signature differentiated non‐progressive vs progressive ccRCC with a sensitivity of 93.8% and a specificity of 83.3%. These biomarkers also discriminated cancer status in biopsy specimens. Levels of miR‐10a‐5p, ‐10b‐5p, and ‐223‐3p were associated with CSS.ConclusionThis study identified miRNAs differentially expressed in ccRCC samples; as well as those correlating with CSS. Biomarkers identified in this study have the potential to identify patients who are likely to have progressive ccRCC, and although preliminary, these results may aid in differentiating aggressive and indolent ccRCC based on biopsy specimens.
Preparation, characterization, and in vivo study of rhein solid lipid nanoparticles for oral delivery
Authors: Feng Haiyang , Zhu Yuping , Fu Zhixuan , Li Dechuan 
Published: April 2017

In this study, rhein‐SLNs were successfully produced by hot homogenization followed by ultrasonication. Precirol ATO5 in which rhein exhibited higher partition coefficient was selected for preparation of SLNs. In the dynamic light scattering, the rhein‐SLNs showed a smaller size with a mean value of 120.8 ± 7.9 nm and with zeta potential of −16.9 ± 2.3 mV. SLNs exhibited a good stability during the period of 2 months. The SLNs indicated faster drug release with a burst release within 2 hr and followed by a sustained release with a biphasic drug‐release pattern. Comparing with the same concentration (free drug), the cellular cytotoxicity of rhein‐loaded SLNs increased significantly at the same incubation condition. In vivo, the AUC0‐t of rhein in the form of SLNs was significantly increased and was 2.06‐fold that of suspensions group. The results showed an increased oral absorption and improved the oral bioavailability of rhein by the formulation of SLNs.
Sucking behaviour in infants born preterm and developmental outcomes at primary school age
Authors: Wolthuis‐Stigter Mechteld I , Da Costa Saakje P , Bos Arend F , Krijnen Wim P , Van Der Schans Cees P , Luinge Margreet R 
Published: April 2017

AimTo determine the association between sucking in infants born preterm and developmental outcomes at 5 years.MethodThirty‐four infants were included (mean gestational age 30wks 4d, mean birthweight 1407g). The Neonatal Oral‐Motor Assessment Scale was used longitudinally from 37 to 50 weeks postmenstrual age. At 5 years, we assessed motor skills, intelligence, language, verbal memory, and behavioural problems. Linear regression analyses were performed to test whether aspects of sucking behaviour predicted these developmental outcomes. Where linear regression was not appropriate, Spearman's correlation coefficients were calculated between sucking and developmental outcomes.ResultsSucking was associated with total motor skills (B [unstandardized correlation coefficient for normally distributed data]=22.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.61 to 38.71), balance (Spearman's ρ=0.64, p<0.001), total intelligence (B=−1.16, 95% CI −1.89 to −0.44, B=10.48, 95% CI 0.39 to 20.71, B=−2.22, 95% CI −3.42 to −1.02), verbal intelligence (B=−0.95; 95% CI −1.83 to −0.07, B=−2.02; 95% CI −3.55 to −0.49), performance intelligence (B=−1.34, 95% CI −2.13 to −0.54, B=12.36, 95% CI 1.13 to 23.60, B=−2.37, 95% CI −3.75 to −0.96), and language (B=−1.78, 95% CI −3.36 to −0.19). All associations were in the same direction: the better the sucking, the higher the test scores. Verbal memory and behavioural problems were not associated with sucking.InterpretationAbnormal sucking between 42 weeks and 50 weeks postmenstrual age may reflect abnormal neurological functioning in children born preterm.
Longitudinal physical activity and sedentary behaviour in preschool‐aged children with cerebral palsy across all functional levels
Authors: Keawutan Piyapa , Bell Kristie L , Oftedal Stina , Ware Robert S , Stevenson Richard D , Davies Peter S W , Boyd Roslyn N 
Published: April 2017

AimTo investigate longitudinal changes of habitual physical activity (HPA) and sedentary time in children with cerebral palsy (CP) aged 1 year 6 months to 5 years across all functional abilities.MethodAt study entry, 95 children (62 males, 33 females) were classified using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) at levels I (50), II (9), III (16), IV (6), and V (14). Physical activity was recorded on a total of 159 occasions at four possible time points: 1 year 6 months to 2 years; 2 years 6 months to 3 years; 4 years; and 5 years using ActiGraph for 3 days. Mixed‐effects regression models were used for analyses.ResultsParticipants classified at GMFCS levels I and II had stable HPA as they aged. HPA significantly decreased at 5 years in children classified at GMFCS levels III to V. Sedentary time significantly increased at 4 years and 5 years in all participants. Annual HPA significantly reduced in children classified at GMFCS levels III to V (−123 counts/min, 95% confidence interval [CI] −206 to −40) while annual sedentary time significantly increased in all participants (GMFCS levels I–II: 2.4%, 95% CI 0.7–4.1; GMFCS levels III–V: 6.9%, 95% CI 4.6–9.2).InterpretationChildren with CP at all GMFCS levels should be encouraged to be physically active from early childhood as HPA levels start to decline from 4 years. Breaks in sedentary time are required for all children with CP from the age of 3 years.
Variability in HbA1c, blood pressure, lipid parameters and serum uric acid, and risk of development of chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ceriello Antonio , De Cosmo Salvatore , Rossi Maria Chiara , Lucisano Giuseppe , Genovese Stefano , Pontremoli Roberto , Fioretto Paola , Giorda Carlo , Pacilli Antonio , Viazzi Francesca , Russo Giuseppina , Nicolucci Antonio ,   on behalf of the AMD‐Annals Study Group
Published: April 2017

AimVariability in HbA1c and blood pressure is associated with the risk of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). No evidence exists on the role of variability in lipids or serum uric acid (UA), or the interplay between the variability of different parameters, in renal outcomes.MethodsWithin the AMD Annals database, we identified patients with ≥5 measurements of HbA1c, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), total‐, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐ and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐cholesterol, triglycerides, and UA. Patients were followed‐up for up to 5 years. The impact of measures of variability on the risk of DKD was investigated by Cox regression analysis and recursive partitioning techniques.ResultsFour‐thousand, two‐hundred and thirty‐one patients were evaluated for development of albuminuria, and 7560 for decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; <60 mL/min/1.73 m2). A significantly higher risk of developing albuminuria was associated with variability in HbA1c [upper quartile hazard ratio (HR) = 1.3; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1‐1.6]. Variability in SBP, DBP, HDL‐C, LDL‐C and UA predicted the decline in eGFR, the association with UA variability being particularly strong (upper quartile HR = 1.8; 95% CI 1.3‐2.4). The concomitance of high variability in HbA1c and HDL‐C conferred the highest risk of developing albuminuria (HR = 1.47; 95% CI 1.17‐1.84), while a high variability in UA (HR = 1.54; 95% CI 1.19‐1.99) or DBP (HR = 1.47; 95% CI 1.11‐1.94) conferred the highest risk of decline in eGFR.ConclusionThe variability of several parameters influences the development of DKD, having a different impact on albuminuria development and on the decline in GFR.