bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Semaphorin 3A inhibitor SM-345431 preserves corneal nerve and epithelial integrity in a murine dry eye model
Authors: Yamazaki Risa , Yamazoe Katsuya , Yoshida Satoru , Hatou Shin , Inagaki Emi , Okano Hideyuki , Tsubota Kazuo , Shimmura Shigeto 
Published: November 2017

AbstractDry eye disease (DED) is a common disorder causing discomfort and ocular fatigue. Corneal nerves are compromised in DED, which may further cause loss of corneal sensation and decreased tear secretion. Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) is expressed by the corneal epithelium under stress, and is known as an inhibitor of axonal regeneration. Using a murine dry eye model, we found that topical SM-345431, a selective Sema3A inhibitor, preserved corneal sensitivity (2.3 ± 0.3 mm versus 1.4 ± 0.1 mm in vehicle control, p = 0.004) and tear volume (1.1 ± 0.1 mm versus 0.3 ± 0.1 mm in vehicle control, p < 0.001). Fluorescein staining area of the cornea due to damage to barrier function was also reduced (4.1 ± 0.9% in SM-345431 group versus 12.9 ± 2.2% in vehicle control, p < 0.001). The incidence of corneal epithelial erosions was significantly suppressed by SM-345431 (none in SM-345431 group versus six (21%) in vehicle control, p = 0.01). Furthermore, sub-epithelial corneal nerve density and intraepithelial expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) were significantly preserved with SM-345431. Our results suggest that inhibition of Sema3A may be an effective therapy for DED.
Fetal cardiac cine magnetic resonance imaging in utero
Authors: Chaptinel Jerome , Yerly Jerome , Mivelaz Yvan , Prsa Milan , Alamo Leonor , Vial Yvan , Berchier Gregoire , Rohner Chantal , Gudinchet François , Stuber Matthias 
Published: November 2017

AbstractFast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) led to the emergence of ‘cine MRI’ techniques, which enable the visualization of the beating heart and the assessment of cardiac morphology and dynamics. However, established cine MRI methods are not suitable for fetal heart imaging in utero, where anatomical structures are considerably smaller and recording an electrocardiogram signal for synchronizing MRI data acquisition is difficult. Here we present a framework to overcome these challenges. We use methods for image acquisition and reconstruction that robustly produce images with sufficient spatial and temporal resolution to detect the heart contractions of the fetus, enabling a retrospective gating of the images and thus the generation of images of the beating heart. To underline the potential of our approach, we acquired in utero images in six pregnant patients and compared these with their echocardiograms. We found good agreement in terms of diameter and area measurements, and low inter- and intra- observer variability. These results establish MRI as a reliable modality for fetal cardiac imaging, with a substantial potential for prenatal evaluation of congenital heart defects.
Macroscale multimodal imaging reveals ancient painting production technology and the vogue in Greco-Roman Egypt
Authors: Delaney John K. , Dooley Kathryn A. , Radpour Roxanne , Kakoulli Ioanna 
Published: November 2017

AbstractMacroscale multimodal chemical imaging combining hyperspectral diffuse reflectance (400–2500 nm), luminescence (400–1000 nm), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF, 2 to 25 keV) data, is uniquely equipped for noninvasive characterization of heterogeneous complex systems such as paintings. Here we present the first application of multimodal chemical imaging to analyze the production technology of an 1,800-year-old painting and one of the oldest surviving encaustic (“burned in”) paintings in the world. Co-registration of the data cubes from these three hyperspectral imaging modalities enabled the comparison of reflectance, luminescence, and XRF spectra at each pixel in the image for the entire painting. By comparing the molecular and elemental spectral signatures at each pixel, this fusion of the data allowed for a more thorough identification and mapping of the painting’s constituent organic and inorganic materials, revealing key information on the selection of raw materials, production sequence and the fashion aesthetics and chemical arts practiced in Egypt in the second century AD.
Effects of discrete dynamic-conductivity fractures on the transient pressure of a vertical well in a closed rectangular reservoir
Authors: Luo Wanjing , Liu Pengcheng , Tian Qing , Tang Changfu , Zhou Yinfang 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWith the extraction of hydrocarbons from reservoirs, fractures will gradually close and their permeabilities will be reduced. Therefore, fracture conductivity will change dynamically during hydrocarbon extraction. The main objective of this study is to develop a new semi-analytical model to simulate the flow inside a homogenous porous medium containing discretely distributed fractures with dynamic conductivities. Based on a dynamic-conductivity model, the pressure and pressure-derivative characteristics of a well on or near discrete dynamic-conductivity fractures were simulated. The results show that four flow regimes can be identified for a well near a dynamic-conductivity fracture. Dips in the pressure-derivative curves in the transitional flow period were observed as soon as pressure disturbances reached a fracture. In addition, humps caused by the effects of dynamic conductivity were observed after the transitional flow period. Wider and deeper dips were found on the pressure/pressure-derivative curves of a well surrounded by multiple fractures. The novel model presented here can provide a tool for elucidating the flow mechanisms of fluids in closed rectangular reservoirs with discretely dynamic-conductivity fractures.
Microalbuminuria as a simple predictor of incident diabetes over 8 years in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES)
Authors: Jung Dong-Hyuk , Byun Young-Sup , Kwon Yu-Jin , Kim Gwang-Sil 
Published: November 2017

AbstractMicroalbuminuria (MAU) is a common subclinical disease and related with cardiovascular outcome both in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. However, there is rare data about the effect of MAU on the development of diabetes. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether MAU is associated with the development of incident diabetes. A total of 3385 subjects without diabetes (1503 men and 1882 women; mean age, 53 years) who participated in the Ansung–Ansan cohort study from 2001–2002 (baseline) to 2011–2012 (fifth follow-up visit) were followed for a mean of 8 years. The prevalence of MAU at baseline was 10.8% (365 patients), and the incidence of newly developed diabetes during the follow-up period was 15.3% (56 patients) in subjects with MAU. The hazard ratio (HR) for development of diabetes was 1.43 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–1.91, p-value 0.016), independent of traditional risk factors for diabetes including pre-diabetes, age, obesity, and family history. The impact of MAU on diabetes was also significant in the non-pre-diabetic population (HR 2.08, 95% CI 1.07–4.03, p-value 0.031). In conclusion, our results show that incident MAU is associated with future development of diabetes and could be an early marker for diabetes, even in the non-prediabetic population.
The genomic landscape of Nepalese Tibeto-Burmans reveals new insights into the recent peopling of Southern Himalayas
Authors: Gnecchi-Ruscone Guido A. , Jeong Choongwon , De Fanti Sara , Sarno Stefania , Trancucci Michela , Gentilini Davide , Di Blasio Anna M. , Sherpa Mingma G. , Sherpa Phurba T. , Marinelli Giorgio , Di Marcello Marco , Natali Luca , Peluzzi Davide , Pettener Davide , Di Rienzo Anna , Luiselli Donata , Sazzini Marco 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWhile much research attention has focused on demographic processes that enabled human diffusion on the Tibetan plateau, little is known about more recent colonization of Southern Himalayas. In particular, the history of migrations, admixture and/or isolation of populations speaking Tibeto-Burman languages, which is supposed to be quite complex and to have reshaped patterns of genetic variation on both sides of the Himalayan arc, remains only partially elucidated. We thus described the genomic landscape of previously unsurveyed Tibeto-Burman (i.e. Sherpa and Tamang) and Indo-Aryan communities from remote Nepalese valleys. Exploration of their genomic relationships with South/East Asian populations provided evidence for Tibetan admixture with low-altitude East Asians and for Sherpa isolation. We also showed that the other Southern Himalayan Tibeto-Burmans derived East Asian ancestry not from the Tibetan/Sherpa lineage, but from low-altitude ancestors who migrated from China plausibly across Northern India/Myanmar, having experienced extensive admixture that reshuffled the ancestral Tibeto-Burman gene pool. These findings improved the understanding of the impact of gene flow/drift on the evolution of high-altitude Himalayan peoples and shed light on migration events that drove colonization of the southern Himalayan slopes, as well as on the role played by different Tibeto-Burman groups in such a complex demographic scenario.
Imaging of Liver Metastases
Authors: Wagle Pratik , Ananthakrishnan Lakshmi , Coppa Christopher 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe evaluation of liver metastases using computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and positron emission tomography-CT (PET-CT) is discussed in this article. PET-MR and multienergy CT are newer techniques gaining appeal in the assessment of liver metastases and have also been reviewed.
Angle of Progression on Ultrasound in the Second Stage of Labor and Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery
Authors: Rouse Caroline , Cantonwine David , Little Sarah , McElrath Thomas , Robinson Julian , Bibbo Carolina 
Published: November 2017

Objective The objective of this study was to assess the association between the angle of progression (AoP) measured by transperineal ultrasound and mode of delivery and duration of the second stage.
Study Design This is a prospective observational study of nulliparous women with a singleton gestation at term in which serial transperineal ultrasound examinations were obtained during the second stage of labor. Multivariable logistic regression and adjusted survival models were used for the analysis.
Results A total of 137 patients were included in the analysis and median AoP for the study group was 153 degrees. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of requiring an operative delivery was 2.6 times higher for those patients who had an AoP < 153 degrees and the aOR of requiring a cesarean delivery was almost six times higher when compared with those patients who had an AoP ≥ 153 degrees (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0, 6.2; p = 0.04; aOR: 5.8, 95% CI: 1.2–28.3; p = 0.03, respectively). Those patients with an AoP < 153 degrees were at a higher hazard of staying pregnant longer (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2–2.8, p = 0.005).
Conclusion The AoP has the potential to predict spontaneous vaginal delivery and the duration of the second stage of labor which may be useful in counseling patients and managing their labor.
Cannabinoide in der Behandlung der Parkinson-Erkrankung
Authors: Gandor Florin , Ebersbach Georg 
Published: November 2017

ZusammenfassungAufgrund der Legalisierung von medizinischem Cannabis und Derivaten in zahlreichen Ländern gelangt diese Behandlungsoption zunehmend in die wissenschaftliche und öffentliche Debatte. Zunehmend häufig werden Behandler von Patienten mit idiopathischer Parkinson-Erkrankung mit der Frage nach Cannabis als Behandlungsalternative insbesondere bei Levodopa-resistenten Symptomen konfrontiert. Im Gegensatz zu zahlreichen positiven Einzelfallberichten und Fallserien bieten die wenigen Placebo-kontrollierten Studien nur wenige Hinweise auf eine positive Wirkung von Cannabinoiden auf Parkinson-Symptome. Lediglich in einer Arbeit konnte eine leichte Reduktion von Levodopa-induzierten Dyskinesien nachgewiesen werden, die drei anderen Arbeiten zeigen keinen Effekt auf motorische Symptome. Diese Arbeit soll einen Überblick über die Wirkungsweise von Cannabis und Forschungsergebnisse zu Cannabinoiden in der Behandlung der idiopathischen Parkinson-Erkrankung geben.
Potential of colonoscopy as a treatment for intussusception in children
Authors: Tafner Edmar , Tafner Philipe , Mittledorf Cornelius , Pinhata Jose , Silva Ana , Pilli Simone , da Silva José , Hassegawa Renato , Maruta Luis , Christiano Celso , Andrada Lincoln 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Background and study aims Invagination, which can occur in any part of the intestine, usually affects children and is the second most common cause of intestinal obstruction after pyloric stenosis. The cause of these intussusceptions in children is usually unknown and they typically occur within the ileocolic region. Management of pediatric patients with the condition often consists of surgical intervention. However, this retrospective study from the University Hospital of the University of São Paulo, Brazil, reports a series of cases of intussusception in children in whom a colonoscopy was used to reverse the intussusception.
Patients and methods From April 2010 to January 2015, 30 pediatric patients underwent a colonoscopy as an noninvasive method for treatment of children’s intestinal intussusception.
Results Overall, treatment with colonoscopy was successful in reversing invagination in 66.7 % of the patients. However, 33.3 % of patients required surgery to resolve the intussusception.
Conclusion Noninvasive colonoscopy is a potential treatment for intussusception in children.
Gesundheitscoach – Niedrigschwellige Begleitung von psychisch belasteten Arbeitslosengeld II Empfängern: Darstellung des Gütersloher Pilotprojekts
Authors: Wabnitz Pascal , Hemkendreis Bruno , Ostermann Silke , Kronmüller Klaus-Thomas , Erdsiek Rolf , Nienaber André 
Published: November 2017

Zusammenfassung
Ziel der Studie Psychische Belastungen bei Arbeitssuchenden sind häufig und können bei den Betroffenen zu Beeinträchtigungen in unterschiedlichen Lebensbereichen führen. Programme zur Unterstützung Betroffener, v. a. von Langzeitarbeitslosen, erfahren in jüngster Zeit zunehmend Beachtung. Vorbehalte sowie strukturelle Barrieren stellen jedoch Hindernisse für deren Inanspruchnahme dar. Im Folgenden wird ein Kooperationsprojekt zwischen einem Jobcenter und einer psychiatrischen Klinik mit dem Ziel der niedrigschwelligen Begleitung und etwaigen Weitervermittlung psychisch belasteter Langzeitarbeitsloser vorgestellt und die Evaluation des Projektes beschrieben.
Methodik Darstellung des methodischen und klinischen Vorgehens sowie der Evaluation der Pilotphase.
Ergebnisse In den ersten 12 Monaten konnten insgesamt 57 Arbeitslosengeld-II (ALG-II) Empfänger im Rahmen des Projektes begleitet werden. Die psychische Belastung der Teilnehmenden war hoch und entspricht der bisherigen Datenlage. Die niedrigschwellige Begleitung wurde gut angenommen und führte bei einem Großteil der Teilnehmenden (n=37) zu einer Weitervermittlung in das Gesundheitssystem.
Schlussfolgerung Psychische Belastungen bei Arbeitssuchenden sind häufig und können bei den Betroffenen zu erheblichen Einschränkungen in unterschiedlichen Lebensbereichen führen. Bestehende Angebote der Gesundheitsversorgung zielen bisher zu wenig auf diese Gruppe und erreichen die Betroffenen nicht. Niedrigschwellige Unterstützungs- und Beratungsangebote sind gut geeignet, um möglichen Barrieren der Inanspruchnahme auf Seite der Betroffenen und des Versorgungsystems entgegenzuwirken und Betroffenen die Aufnahme einer bedarfsgerechten, psychosozialen Versorgung zu ermöglichen.
Effect of Diabetes on the Assessment Role of 2-Oxoglutarate to the Severity of Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Chen Pingan , Hou Lina , Luo Yishan , Chen Lushan , Li Shaonan , Lei Xiaoming , Huang Jiankai , Wu Daihong 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Background Serum 2-oxoglutarate can reflect the severity of chronic heart failure (CHF) in patients without diabetes. Whether this predictive role persists in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients is unclear. In this study, we investigated this predictive role in T2DM patients and whether 2-oxoglutarate can indicate the diastolic or systolic function of left ventricle.
Methods One hundred eighty CHF patients (76 with T2DM) and 66 healthy controls were studied. 2-Oxoglutarate was assayed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. Echocardiographic parameters, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and other parameters were measured.
Results 2-Oxoglutarate was increased in CHF patients with or without T2DM compared with controls (both P<0.01). Patients with a lower left ventricular ejection fraction or a higher NT-proBNP or left ventricular end-diastolic volume index had higher levels of 2-oxoglutarate (median, 18.77 μg/mL versus 11.25 μg/mL; median, 14.06 µg/ml versus 9.39 µg/ml; median, 18.06 µg/mL versus 11.60 µg/mL, all P<0.05) in nondiabetic patients but not in T2DM patients. In multiple logistic regression analysis, NT-proBNP (OR=3.445, 95% CI=1.098 to 10.816, P=0.034) and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (OR=2.544, 95% CI=1.033 to 6.268, P=0.042) were independently associated with increased 2-oxoglutarate in nondiabetic patients.
Conclusions The levels of 2-oxoglutarate can reflect the clinical severity of CHF in nondiabetic patients but not in those with T2DM, and it can be used as a potential indicator of the systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle.
The Effects of Flaxseed Oil Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation on Metabolic Status of Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Mirmasoumi Golara , Fazilati Mohammad , Foroozanfard Fatemeh , Vahedpoor Zahra , Mahmoodi Samaneh , Taghizadeh Mohsen , Esfeh Nazanin Kazemi , Mohseni Maryam , Karbassizadeh Hassan , Asemi Zatollah 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Objective This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of flaxseed oil omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on metabolic status of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Methods This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 60 women with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria aged 18–40 years old. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups to receive either 1,000 mg flaxseed oil omega-3 fatty acids (n=30) or placebo (n=30) twice a day for 12 weeks. Metabolic, endocrine, inflammatory factors were quantified at baseline and after the 12-week intervention.
Results After the 12-week intervention, compared to the placebo, flaxseed oil omega-3 supplementation significantly decreased insulin values (−2.6±7.7 vs.+1.3±3.9 µIU/mL, P=0.01), homeostasis model of assessment-estimated insulin resistance (−0.7±1.7 vs.+0.3±0.9, P=0.01), mF-G scores (−1.2±1.7 vs. -0.1±0.4, P=0.001), and increased quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+0.01±0.02 vs. −0.01±0.02, P=0.01). In addition, supplementation with flaxseed oil omega-3 resulted in significant decreases in serum triglycerides (−5.1±20.9 vs.+9.7±26.1 mg/dL, P=0.01), VLDL-cholesterol (−1.0±4.2 vs.+1.9±5.2 mg/dL, P=0.01) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (−1.6±3.1 vs.+0.2±1.5 mg/L, P=0.004) compared to the placebo. We did not see any significant effect of flaxseed oil omega-3 supplementation on hormonal and other lipid profiles, and plasma nitric oxide levels.
Conclusions Overall, flaxseed oil omega-3 supplementation for 12 weeks in women with PCOS had beneficial effects on insulin metabolism, mF-G scores, serum triglycerides, VLDL-cholesterol and hs-CRP levels, but did not affect hormonal and other lipid profiles, and plasma nitric oxide levels.
Direct-acting antiviral agents in the treatment of chronic Hepatitis C – “Real-life” experience from an academic centre and two specialized clinical practices
Authors: Groß Manuel , Härter Georg , Backhus Johanna , Zizer Eugen , Seufferlein Thomas , Ludwig Leopold , Dikopoulos Nektarios 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe introduction of the new direct antiviral agents has revolutionized the therapy of chronic hepatitis C. Today we are able to cure the vast majority of our patients with an 8- to 12-week therapy course of an antiviral combination therapy with an excellent safety profile. Real-life data are very important to further develop our experience with the new therapeutics and help us to improve the care of our patients in our everyday clinical practice.In our study, we present the retrospective analysis of a representative German cohort of 344 patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with the new direct antiviral agents. The patients were recruited in an academic center of southern Germany (University Clinic of Ulm, Clinic of Internal Medicine I) and in 2 highly specialized clinical practices in the city center and the near region of Ulm. Within this in-detail characterized study cohort, we analyzed the efficacy and safety of antiviral therapy under real-life conditions.In 322 patients, we could document SVR12 data and found an excellent overall SVR12 rate of 97.8 % across all genotypes. In more detail, we could show comparable SVR12 results of 99 % and 99.2 % in patients with the hepatitis C virus subtypes 1a and 1b of and an excellent SVR12 rate of 93.1 % in genotype 3 patients without liver cirrhosis. Nevertheless, SVR12 rates tend to be lower in patients with the presence of liver cirrhosis, especially in genotype 3 patients with the lowest SVR12 rate in the whole study group of only 80 %. In general, there were no major safety issues except of 1 patient treated with a protease-inhibitor-based regimen who developed a generalized skin reaction and needed hospitalization and premature end of antiviral therapy.In summary, our analysis of this well characterized representative cohort of 344 patients adds more information in the field of real-life experience with the new antiviral therapeutics and could therefore contribute to improve the care of our patients. Together with the existing real-life data, we now can proceed in achieving the aim of viral eradication of hepatitis C virus within our population.
The Fishery Resources of the Mississippi River: A Model for Conservation and Management
Authors: Schramm Harold L. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The Mississippi River is a multijurisdictional and multiuse resource that has been variously altered and is foremost managed for navigation and flood control throughout much of its 3,734-km passage from its origin at Lake Itasca, Minnesota, to its outlet at the Gulf of Mexico. Despite alterations summarized herein, the native fish fauna remains largely intact and only five nonnative species have colonized segments of the river. Diverse habitats still remain, but loss of habitat, declining habitat suitability, and reduced floodplain functionality warrant concern. Fisheries monitoring and assessment, ecological research, and habitat rehabilitation vary from adequate in the upper reaches of the river to minimal in the lower reaches of the river, and these efforts parallel the recreational use, local values, and visibility of the river. A conceptual model is proposed to depict the value of the social, economic, and many ecosystem services the Mississippi River ecosystem offers that can be used to achieve the social and economic support needed to conserve and restore this valuable fishery resource.