bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cognitive network reorganization following surgical control of seizures in Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome
Authors: Warren Aaron E. L. , Harvey A. Simon , Abbott David F. , Vogrin Simon J. , Bailey Catherine , Davidson Andrew , Jackson Graeme D. , Archer John S. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryWe previously observed that adults with Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome (LGS) show abnormal functional connectivity among cognitive networks, suggesting that this may contribute to impaired cognition. Herein we report network reorganization following seizure remission in a child with LGS who underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) before and after resection of a cortical dysplasia. Concurrent electroencephalography (EEG) was acquired during presurgical fMRI. Presurgical and postsurgical functional connectivity were compared using (1) graph theoretical analyses of small‐world network organization and node‐wise strength; and (2) seed‐based analyses of connectivity within and between five functional networks. To explore the specificity of these postsurgical network changes, connectivity was further compared to nine children with LGS who did not undergo surgery. The presurgical EEG‐fMRI revealed diffuse activation of association cortex during interictal discharges. Following surgery and seizure control, functional connectivity showed increased small‐world organization, stronger connectivity in subcortical structures, and greater within‐network integration/between‐network segregation. These changes suggest network improvement, and diverged sharply from the comparison group of nonoperated children. Following surgery, this child with LGS achieved seizure control and showed extensive reorganization of networks that underpin cognition. This case illustrates that the epileptic process of LGS can directly contribute to abnormal network organization, and that this network disruption may be reversible.
Trehalose activates autophagy and decreases proteasome inhibitor‐induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative stress‐mediated cytotoxicity in hepatocytes
Authors: Honma Yuichi , Sato‐Morita Miyuki , Katsuki Yuka , Mihara Hitomi , Baba Ryoko , Harada Masaru 
Published: March 2017

AimEndoplasmic reticulum stress is associated with the pathophysiology of various liver diseases. Endoplasmic reticulum stress mediates the accumulation of abnormal proteins and leads to oxidative stress, cytoplasmic inclusion body formation, and apoptosis in hepatocytes. Autophagy is a bulk degradation pathway for long‐lived cytoplasmic proteins or damaged organelles and is also a major degradation pathway for many aggregate‐prone and disease‐causing proteins. We previously reported that rapamycin, a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor, activated autophagy and decreased proteasome inhibitor‐mediated ubiquitinated protein accumulation, cytoplasmic inclusion body formation, and apoptosis in hepatocytes. Trehalose is a non‐reducing disaccharide that has been shown to activate autophagy. It has been reported to decrease aggregate‐prone proteins and ameliorate cytotoxicity in neurodegenerative disease models. However, the effects of trehalose in hepatocytes are unclear.MethodsWe show here that trehalose activated autophagy and reduced endoplasmic reticulum stress, cytoplasmic inclusion body formation, and apoptosis in proteasome inhibitor‐treated liver‐derived cultured cells.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first report showing that trehalose activates autophagy and has cytoprotective effects in hepatocytes. Our findings suggest that trehalose can become a therapeutic agent for endoplasmic reticulum stress‐related liver diseases.
Influence of microstructure properties and layer thickness on strength and permeance of ceramic membranes
Authors: Guan Kang , Liu Yang , Zhu Weiya , Chu Yanhui , Peng Cheng , Lv Ming , Sun Qian , Rao Pinggen , Wu Jianqing 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWe numerically predict the microstructure properties of ceramic membranes and the coupling effects of microstructure properties and layer thickness on the strength and permeance of ceramic membranes. It is found that particle size is the most important factor, followed by thickness and finally by microstructure parameters. The general design principle for strength and permeance are and respectively, with σ, h, and K the strength, thickness and permeability, while the subscript s and t represent the support and sintered layer, respectively.
Validation of noninvasive methods to predict the presence of gastroesophageal varices in a cohort of patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease
Authors: Llop Elba , Lopez Marta , de la Revilla Juan , Fernandez Natalia , Trapero Maria , Hernandez Marta , Fernández‐Carrillo Carlos , Pons Fernando , Martinez Jose Luis , Calleja Jose Luis 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackground and AimThe aim was to validate noninvasive methods to predict the presence of gastroesophageal varices (GEV) in patients with suspected compensated advanced chronic liver disease.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed clinical and radiological data collected prospectively between September 2013 and September 2015. We reviewed 442 consecutive patients with suspected compensated advanced chronic liver disease measured by transient elastography (TE) and a gastroscopy. We evaluated platelets, spleen diameter, TE, liver stiffness × spleen size/platelets (LSPS), variceal risk index (VRI), Baveno VI strategy, and Augustin algorithm.ResultsOne hundred sixty‐one out of 442 patients were included. Patients with GEV were compared with patients without GEV and showed statistically significant differences in platelet count (117 SD 51 vs 149 SD 62; P = 0.02), spleen diameter (13.0 SD 1.9 vs 11.5 SD 2; P = 0.003), and TE (28 SD 15 vs 19 SD 10; P = 0.001). Single methods (platelet count and TE) diagnosed correctly 51% and 71.4% of patients. Combined methods (LSPS, VRI, Baveno VI, and Augustin algorithm) diagnosed correctly 78%, 83.6%, 45.3%, and 57.1% of patients. Patients with GEV misdiagnosed: platelets 5/161 (3.1%), TE 6/161 (3.7%), LSPS 16/159 (10%), VRI 18/159 (11.3%), Baveno VI 3/161 (1.8%), and Augustin algorithm 6/161 (3.7%). Rate of unnecessary gastroscopies: platelets 46%, TE 25%, LSPS 13%, VRI 6%, Baveno VI 53%, and Augustin algorithm 39.1%.ConclusionsA significant number of patients were classified correctly using TE, LSPS, and VRI; however, LSPS and VRI had unacceptable rates of misdiagnoses. TE is the best noninvasive single method and the Baveno VI strategy the best combined method.
Albumin‐Bilirubin grade predicts prognosis of HCC patients with sorafenib use
Authors: Kuo Yuan‐Hung , Wang Jing‐Houng , Hung Chao‐Hung , Rau Kun‐Ming , Wu I‐Pei , Chen Chien‐Hung , Kee Kwong‐Ming , Hu Tsung‐Hui , Lu Sheng‐Nan 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackground and AimThe Albumin‐Bilirubin (ALBI) grade is a new index to assess objectively liver function and prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to elucidate the application of ALBI grade in baseline and sorafenib‐end in advanced HCC patients who received sorafenib.MethodsA total of 415 consecutive advanced HCC patients in Child–Pugh A received sorafenib in our hospital. Sorafenib was terminated when radiologic tumor progression or clinical liver function deterioration (LD) occurred in the reassessment bimonthly. Patients who failed with sorafenib monotherapy were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsA total of 260 (62.6%) patients were enrolled, including 98 (37.7%) ALBI grade I and 162 (62.3%) grade II in baseline. More patients in ALBI grade II stopped sorafenib because of LD than in grade I (33.3% vs 14.3%, P < 0.001). Those who in baseline ALBI grade I had a superior overall survival than in grade II (8.5 months vs 4.4 months, P = 0.003). Cox regression analysis confirmed that baseline ALBI grade II (P < 0.001) and ALBI grade increase during treatment (P < 0.001) strongly contributed to the mortality of HCC patients who received sorafenib. After sorafenib failure, those with post‐sorafenib treatment had a better post‐sorafenib survival than those without (9.3 vs 1.6 months, P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis indicated that sorafenib‐end ALBI grade and LD occurrence were the only two predictors of post‐sorafenib treatment after sorafenib failure.ConclusionsIn clinical practice, we firstly demonstrated that not only ALBI grade in baseline but also ALBI grade change during treatment could predict the prognosis of advanced HCC patients who received sorafenib.
Action‐semantic and syntactic deficits in subjects at risk for Huntington's disease
Authors: García Adolfo M. , Bocanegra Yamile , Herrera Eduar , Pino Mariana , Muñoz Edinson , Sedeño Lucas , Ibáñez Agustín 
Published: March 2017

Frontostriatal networks play critical roles in grounding action semantics and syntactic skills. Indeed, their atrophy distinctively disrupts both domains, as observed in patients with Huntington's disease (HD) and Parkinson's disease, even during early disease stages. However, frontostriatal degeneration in these conditions may begin up to 15 years before the onset of clinical symptoms, opening avenues for pre‐clinical detection via sensitive tasks. Such a mission is particularly critical in HD, given that patients’ children have 50% chances of inheriting the disease. Against this background, we assessed whether deficits in the above‐mentioned domains emerge in subjects at risk to develop HD. We administered tasks tapping action semantics, object semantics, and two forms of syntactic processing to 18 patients with HD, 19 asymptomatic first‐degree relatives, and sociodemographically matched controls for each group. The patients evinced significant deficits in all tasks, but only those in the two target domains were independent of overall cognitive state. More crucially, relative to controls, the asymptomatic relatives were selectively impaired in action semantics and in the more complex syntactic task, with both patterns emerging irrespective of the subjects’ overall cognitive state. Our findings highlight the relevance of these dysfunctions as potential prodromal biomarkers of HD. Moreover, they offer theoretical insights into the differential contributions of frontostriatal hubs to both domains while paving the way for innovations in diagnostic procedures.
Factors Influencing Resident Choice of Prosthodontic Residency Program
Authors: Wojnarwsky Pandora Keala Lee , Wang Yan , Shah Kumar , Koka Sreenivas 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPurposeThe decision by prosthodontic residency program directors to employ the Match process highlights the need to understand applicant priorities that influence their choice of which programs to rank highly. The purpose of this study is to determine the factors that were most important to residents when choosing from among nonmilitary based prosthodontics dental residency programs in the United States.Materials and MethodsFollowing completion of a pilot study, all currently enrolled prosthodontic residents at nonmilitary residency programs were invited to participate via the internet. The study consisted of a survey instrument asking residents to rank 26 possible factors that might impact an applicant's choice of residency program. In addition, the instrument collected other possible influencing variables including gender and debt load. Mean rank scores were compared to determine the most and least important factors. Kruskal‐Wallis test was used to compare specific factors between the possible influencing variables.ResultsTwo hundred and thirty residents completed the survey instrument, representing a 54.1% response rate of possible participants. With regard to factors influencing program choice, reputation of the residency program was the factor ranked the highest by participants, followed in descending order by the program director's personality, curriculum content, access to use of the latest digital technology, and opportunities for dental implant placement. Quality of schools for children, community outreach opportunities, and the ability to moonlight were ranked as the least important factors. Male and female residents ranked factors such as tuition/stipend, curriculum content, and community outreach opportunities significantly differently. Depending on debt load, residents ranked the factors tuition/stipend, ability to moonlight, curriculum content, and safety of the area where the program is differently.ConclusionsCurrent prosthodontic residents valued the reputation of the program as the most important factor when applying to residency. Participant gender and debt load influence the factors chosen by residents as more or less important. These data will assist prosthodontic educators position their programs in the best possible light to attract applicants to their programs.
Fire frequency filters species by bark traits in a savanna–forest mosaic
Authors: Charles‐Dominique Tristan , Midgley Guy F. , Bond William J. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimsSavanna and forest biomes co‐occur across many subtropical landscapes in Africa, and can be differentiated by their fire regime: fires are more frequent in savannas compared to forests. Bark thickness is a key trait of savanna trees, promoting their survival in this context. The rate of bark production (increment·yr−1) should therefore be critical for determining how quickly a developing sapling would be protected or bark could regenerate between two fires. Despite this, the rate of bark production has seldom been measured in studies of fire‐tolerant vs fire‐intolerant species.LocationHluhluwe‐iMfolozi Game reserve, South Africa.MethodsWe examined the distribution of woody species in a South African park over 253 sites, stratified by biome. We described the bark traits of the 63 most abundant species and related them to the fire frequencies of the sites where they occur.ResultsBark growth rate was a good predictor of woody plant persistence in fire‐prone savanna ecosystems. A key exception was root‐suckering species, which have their structure physically protected underground and can thus survive frequent fires while producing little bark.ConclusionSpecies of different forest types and savanna have different bark characteristics, highlighting the important role played by fire in shaping biome distribution.
No other species can replace them: evidence for the key role of dominants in an alpine Festuca varia grassland
Authors: Elumeeva Tatiana G. , Onipchenko Vladimir G. , Werger Marinus J.A. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractQuestionsFestuca varia grasslands occupy extensive areas in the alpine belt of the Caucasus. In the Teberda Reserve the dominant, narrow‐leaved grasses Festuca varia and Nardus stricta contribute up to 56% and 22%, respectively, to the total biomass of the community. How does community composition and structure change after removal of the dominant, and is any species able to replace dominants in abundance and function?LocationTeberda State Biosphere Reserve, northwestern Caucasus, Russia.MethodsWe experimentally removed F. varia and N. stricta (as single dominants and both together). After 20 yr of treatment we compared the expected increase in species richness per plot, above‐ground phytomass, community biomass‐weighted mean SLA and leaf DMC, as well as the inter‐annual dynamics of functional groups and the most abundant species.ResultsDominant removal led to a decrease in litter after removal of F. varia and of both dominants, and a decrease in total phytomass after removal of both dominants. Biomass of dominants did not respond to the treatments, however N. stricta increased shoot number after F. varia removal. Non‐dominant narrow‐leaved grasses increased in all the treatments, both in biomass and shoot number. Community biomass‐weighted SLA increased in all the treatments, and leaf DMC decreased.ConclusionsDominants play a key role in alpine F. varia grasslands and determine the functional structure and composition of the community. Species from other functional groups and, remarkably, species from the same group, are not able to completely replace them. Traits of F. varia, as the main dominant, control community‐weighted leaf traits and litter accumulation.
Interviewers’ approaches to questioning vulnerable child witnesses: The influences of developmental level versus intellectual disability status
Authors: Brown Deirdre , Lewis Charlie , Stephens Emma , Lamb Michael 
Published: March 2017

PurposeChildren with intellectual disabilities (CWIDs) are vulnerable to victimization, but we know little about how to interview them about possible maltreatment. We examined whether interviewers used proportionally more direct and option‐posing, and fewer open questions, with CWID than with typically developing (TD) children or with less mature children regardless of disability, taking into account the contribution of the amount of information conveyed by the child.MethodOne hundred and twelve children (4–12 years) participated in a staged event and were interviewed 1 week later using the NICHD Investigative Interview Protocol. We examined the proportions of different interview prompts posed to CWID of either mild (CWID‐Mild) or moderate (CWID‐Moderate) severity compared with typically developing children matched for chronological (CA) and mental (MA) age.ResultsEven when controlling for the amount that the child said, the overall number and relative proportions of each question type posed to each group varied. Interviewers asked more cued invitations and fewer direct questions of CA‐matched children than younger TD participants or both CWID groups. Option‐posing questions comprised a larger proportion of the interviews with both ID groups than with CA matches. The few suggestive questions were posed more to CWID‐Moderate.ConclusionsAlthough research has shown that CWID and young TD children can provide reliable information in response to very open prompting, interviewers tend not to ask such questions. Interviewing strategy was influenced by both developmental level and intellectual disability status, in conjunction with children's individual contributions to the interview, emphasizing the importance of interviewers’ understanding the capacities and vulnerabilities of the children they interview from both a developmental and cognitive perspective.
Non‐selective beta‐blockers are not associated with increased mortality in cirrhotic patients with ascites
Authors: Onali Simona , Kalafateli Maria , Majumdar Avik , Westbrook Rachel , O'Beirne James , Leandro Gioacchino , Patch David , Tsochatzis Emmanuel A. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackground & AimsControversy exists on the impact of non‐selective beta‐blockers (NSBBs) on survival in patients with ascites. We assessed whether NSBB treatment affects survival in a cohort of 316 consecutive patients with ascites undergoing evaluation for liver transplantation.MethodsConsecutive patients with cirrhosis and ascites assessed for liver transplantation between 2011 and 2014 were retrospectively evaluated. Competing risk Cox regression analysis in the whole population and in propensity score matched patients were performed to identify predictors of survival.ResultsThree hundred and sixteen patients were evaluated: males 229 (73%), mean age 54 years, median follow‐up: 7 months. Refractory ascites was diagnosed in 124 (39%) patients. Patients receiving NSBBs (n=128, 40.5%) had a higher frequency of previous spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (27% vs 17%, P=.025), lower frequency of refractory ascites (32% vs 44%, P=.03) but similar MELD and UKELD scores. Overall 80 (25%) patients died: 20 (16%) in the NSBB group vs. 60 (32%) in the non‐NSBB group (P=.002). In multivariate competing risk Cox regression analysis, NSBB use was associated with reduced mortality (HR=0.55, 95% CI=0.33‐0.94) along with prophylactic antibiotic use (HR=0.33, 95% CI=0.14‐0.74), MELD score (HR=1.10, 95% CI=1.06‐1.14) and sodium levels (HR=0.94, 95% CI: 0.89‐0.98). No impact on survival was found when considering only patients with refractory ascites (NSBB use: HR=0.43, 95% CI=0.20‐1.11).ConclusionsPatients with ascites on NSBBs did not have impaired survival compared to those not receiving NSSBs and interestingly this observation was also confirmed in the subgroup with refractory ascites. Our results suggest that NSBBs are not detrimental, but instead seem safe even in more advanced stages of cirrhosis in patients on a transplant waiting list.
Prophylactic Atropine Administration Prevents Vasovagal Response Induced by Cryoballoon Ablation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: SUN LIPING , DONG JIAN‐ZENG , DU XIN , BAI RONG , LI SONGNAN , SALIM MOHAMED , MA CHANG‐SHENG 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundCryoballoon (CB) ablation of pulmonary vein ostia often induces a vagal response. This prospective study was designed to assess the effectiveness of prophylactic intravenous administration of atropine on hemodynamic impairment induced by CB ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation.MethodsTwenty‐five patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation undergoing CB ablation were prospectively enrolled and assigned to one of two groups. First 12 patients (trial group) were administered 1 mg of atropine before deflation of the CB, while the following 13 patients (control group) were given atropine only after the onset of the hemodynamic variation (decrease in heart rate and/or blood pressure). Treatment was considered effective when the hemodynamic variations were restored.ResultsIn the trial group, three patients with transient hypotension did not require supportive care throughout the procedures, and one patient with hypotension required supportive care. In the control group, hypotension, bradycardia, and mixed bradycardia with hypotension requiring supportive care occurred in six, three, and three patients, respectively. Overall, the rate of marked vagal responses was significantly lower when prophylactic atropine was administrated (4/12 patients vs 12/13 patients, respectively; P < 0.01).ConclusionsAtropine is significantly effective in the prevention of all types of vasovagal responses induced by CB ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Premature Trigger of ERI in Medtronic EnRhythm Devices
Authors: MIDDELDORP MELISSA E. , MAHAJAN RAJIV , ELLIOTT ADRIAN D. , PATHAK RAJEEV K. , TWOMEY DARRAGH , WILSON LAUREN , STOLCMAN SIMON , MUNAWAR DIAN A. , KUMAR SHARATH , LAU DENNIS H. , SANDERS PRASHANTHAN 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundMedical technology has made significant advances over the last few decades with smaller and more dynamic pacemakers. However, technical failures leading to premature replacement is a cause of concern. We present a series of Medtronic EnRhythm devices that reached premature elective replacement indicator (ERI).MethodsThe database of Centre of Heart Rhythm Disorders was searched for EnRhythm device implantation from 2006 to 2011. Battery depletion <8.5 years was considered premature considering the projected average longevity to be 8.5–10.5 years. An unexpected premature ERI was defined when it was reached within 3 months of last normal check. Device follow‐up was conducted every 3 months after advisory.ResultsA total of 88 EnRhythm pacemakers were implanted. Over a median follow‐up of 6.2 years (range: 0.3–9.2), 39 (44.3%) EnRhythm devices reached premature ERI. In 11 (28%), ERI was not recognized and patients were being investigated for other causes of unsteadiness or dyspnea prior to device check. Notably, three (7%) patients had premature ERI < 3.5 years. Ten (25.6%) had sudden and unexpected premature ERI. While asynchronous pacing was observed, there were no cases of absence of pacing.ConclusionsThe rate of premature ERI for EnRhythm devices was 44.3%, significantly higher than reported by the manufacturer. Of concern, a sizeable proportion occurred unexpectedly, warranting more frequent reviews and empirical replacement in some patients. With the experience of the EnRhythm, appropriate monitoring strategies are recommended for future advisories.