bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Body length and occipitofrontal circumference may be good indicators of neurodevelopment in very low birthweight infants – secondary publication
Authors: Watanabe Yoshitaka , Itabashi Kazuo , Taki Motohiro , Miyazawa Tokuo , Nakano Yuya , Murase Masahiko 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to predict the neurological prognosis of very low birthweight (VLBW) infants. We examined the relationship between nutritional status, brain volume measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and anthropometric measurements of VLBW infants at term‐equivalent age (TEA).MethodsWe evaluated 27 VLBW infants, born at Showa University Hospital in Japan between April 2012 and August 2013, who underwent brain MRI at TEA. Based on their clinical data, we analysed their protein and energy intake.ResultsMedian values for the 27 VLBW infants were as follows: gestational age, 29.7 weeks; birthweight 1117 g; protein intake 2.7 g/kg/day and energy intake 97.9 kcal/kg/day. At TEA, the standard deviation scores (SDSs) of body weight, body length and the occipitofrontal circumference (OFC) were −0.8, −1.4 and 0.7, respectively. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the SDSs of body length and the OFC at TEA were significant determinants of white matter volume, but that the SDS of body weight at TEA was not.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the SDSs of body length and the OFC at TEA may be better indicators than body weight for predicting the development of the central nervous system in VLBW infants receiving nutritional management.
Randomised controlled trial of diazoxide for small for gestational age neonates with hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia provided early hypoglycaemic control without adverse effects
Authors: Balachandran Binesh , Mukhopadhyay Kanya , Sachdeva Naresh , Walia Rama , Attri Savita Verma 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimHyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia (HH) is a very common cause of hypoglycaemia in small for gestational age (SGA) neonates. We compared using early oral diazoxide or a placebo for this patient group.MethodsThis was a randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial that focused on SGA neonates born at at least 32 weeks of gestation with HH during the first five days of life. Neonates with severe perinatal asphyxia, sepsis or contraindications for oral feeds were excluded. The primary outcome was the hours taken to achieve hypoglycaemic control, with a glucose infusion rate of ≤4 mg/kg/min. The secondary outcomes were the duration of intravenous fluids, sepsis episodes, time to achieve full feeds and mortality.ResultsWe screened 490 neonates and 30 neonates were eligible for randomisation and completed the trial. Half received diazoxide and half received a placebo. The median time to achieve hypoglycaemia control (40 vs 71.5 hours, p = 0.015), the total duration of intravenous fluids (114 vs 164 hours, p = 0.04) and time to achieve full feeds (74 vs 124 hours, p = 0.02) were significantly lower in the diazoxide group, with no adverse effects attributed to the drug.ConclusionUsing oral diazoxide for SGA neonates with HH provided early hypoglycaemic control with no apparent adverse effects.
National data showed that delayed sleep in six‐year‐old children was associated with excessive use of electronic devices at 12 years
Authors: Kato Tsuguhiko , Yorifuji Takashi , Yamakawa Michiyo , Inoue Sachiko 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimCross‐sectional studies have shown associations between adolescent sleep problems and the use of electronic devices, such as mobile phones, but longitudinal studies remain scarce. We explored any association between delayed bedtimes at six years old and the excessive use of electronic devices at 12 years of age. Texting was a prime focus.MethodsWe analysed 9607 adolescents who owned mobile phones in 2013 using the Japanese Longitudinal Survey of Newborns in the 21st Century, which started in 2001. The outcomes were daily excessive use of a mobile phone, television (TV) and video games.ResultsDelayed bedtime at the age of six years was associated with excessive texting at weekends. The adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals obtained from logistic regression analyses were 1.88 (1.14–3.10) for the 10–11 pm group and 1.98 (1.08–3.63) for the after 11 pm group, compared with the before 9 pm group. Later bedtimes were also associated with increased risks of excessive TV viewing and video game use.ConclusionOur study indicated that six‐year‐olds who regularly stayed up late at night used electronic devices more frequently, or for longer, at the age of 12. Parents need to be more aware of links between sleep issues and electronic devices.
NONUNION EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATION: THEORY AND THE GERMAN EXPERIENCE WITH MANDATED WORKS COUNCILS
Authors: JIRJAHN Uwe , SMITH Stephen C. 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTTheories of how nonunion employee representation impacts firm performance, affects market equilibria, and generates externalities on labor and society are synthesized. Mandated works councils in Germany provide a particularly strong form of nonunion employee representation. A systematic review of research on the German experience with mandated works councils finds generally positive effects, though these effects depend on a series of moderating factors and some impacts remain ambiguous. Finally, key questions for empirical research on nonunion employee representation, which have previously been little analyzed in the literature, are reviewed.
A clinically relevant decrease in abiraterone exposure associated with carbamazepine use in a patient with castration‐resistant metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Benoist Guillemette E. , van der Doelen Maarten J. , ter Heine Rob , van Erp Nielka P. , Mehra Niven 
Published: January 2018

Adverse EventDecreased abiraterone exposure after introducing carbamazepine.Drugs ImplicatedAbiraterone acetate and carbamazepine.The PatientA 65‐year‐old man with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer, was treated with abiraterone acetate and prednisolone, and received concomitant carbamazepine for treatment of facial neuropathy.Evidence that Links the Drug to the EventThe interaction was confirmed by a decrease in abiraterone exposure >2‐fold (area‐under‐the‐curve and trough levels). After discontinuation of carbamazepine therapy, the abiraterone exposure normalized. No alternative causes were found that explain the decrease in abiraterone exposure.MechanismInduction of CYP3A and potentially phase I metabolism (SULT2A1) by carbamazepine.Implications for TherapyClinicians and pharmacists should be aware of this clinically relevant interaction. The national drug–drug interaction checker does not warn for this interaction, whereas both the Lexicomp® and Micromedex® advice to avoid if possible or to increase the abiraterone dose frequency to twice daily. Carbamazepine should not be combined with abiraterone to avoid underexposure and suboptimal therapy. Therapeutic drug monitoring of abiraterone is useful to guide therapy when drug–drug interactions cannot be avoided.
Platelets at the crossroads of thrombosis, inflammation and haemolysis
Authors: Vogel Sebastian , Thein Swee Lay 
Published: January 2018

SummaryPlatelets play a critical role at the interphase of thrombosis and inflammation, key features in haemolysis‐associated disorders. Exercising this role requires expression of pattern recognition receptors by platelets, including toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nucleotide‐binding domain leucine rich repeat containing protein 3 (NLRP3), the latter forming intraplatelet multiprotein inflammasome complexes. Platelets are a potential target of various damage‐associated molecular pattern (DAMP) molecules, such as free haem, a degradation by‐product of haemoglobin oxidation during haemolysis, and high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a DNA‐binding protein released by dying or stressed cells and activated platelets. We have recently identified platelet TLR4, NLRP3, and Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) as critical regulators of platelet aggregation and thrombus formation, suggesting that the BTK inhibitor ibrutinib is a potential therapeutic target. Increasing evidence suggests that these and other DAMP‐driven signalling mechanisms employed by platelets might be key in mediating inflammation and thrombosis encountered in haemolytic disorders. However, the precise regulatory triggers and their clinical relevance are poorly understood. We provide new insights into these less‐well characterised platelet mechanisms, which are potentially targetable in haemolytic disorders.
Higher level of GGT during mid‐pregnancy is associated with increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kong Man , Liu Chaoqun , Guo Yanfang , Gao Qing , Zhong Chunrong , Zhou Xuezhen , Chen Renjuan , Xiong Guoping , Yang Xuefeng , Hao Liping , Yang Nianhong 
Published: January 2018

SummaryObjectiveThis study was to explore the link between gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels during early‐middle pregnancy and subsequent risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).MethodsIn a prospective cohort study, pregnant women enrolled prior to 16 weeks of gestation were followed up until delivery. GGT, AST and ALT levels were tested during weeks 14‐18 of gestation and oral glucose tolerance test was conducted during 24‐28 weeks to screen GDM.ResultsThe GDM rate was 8.1% (122/1512). Mean GGT level was higher in GDM than non‐GDM women (18.7 ± 13.0 vs 14.5 ± 7.0, P < .001). The higher GGT level was 26.9~74.0 U/L, which was significantly associated with increased risk of GDM. The adjusted RR (95% CI) comparing higher GGT level versus lower was 5.40 (3.36‐8.68). No significant correlation was found between ALT or AST levels and the risk of GDM.ConclusionsThe results suggest that pregnant women with higher serum GGT during early‐middle pregnancy have higher risk of developing GDM. A GGT level >26.9 U/L may indicate an increased risk of developing GDM later and should be further concerned.
Attractive males produce high‐quality daughters in the bean bugRiptortus pedestris
Authors: Suzaki Yû , Katsuki Masako , Okada Kensuke 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThere are numerous studies on the genetic benefit of female mate choice. Fisherian benefits are detected frequently, in which attractive males benefit females by increasing the mating success of sons. In contrast, good‐genes benefits are relatively small or undetectable, especially as males often face a trade‐off between the expression of secondary sexual traits and viability. In this situation, the effects of good genes might be masked in their sons and, therefore, should be investigated in daughters. A previous study has shown that attractive males produce attractive sons (i.e., Fisherian benefit); the present study aimed to verify the existence of good‐genes benefits by revealing whether attractive males of the bean bugRiptortus pedestris(Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Alydidae) produced high‐quality daughters. Male attractiveness was measured using courtship latency, and the fitness of the females and their offspring was measured based on their lifetime reproductive success as well as the longevity of the daughters. There was no evidence that females directly benefited from mating with attractive males. Whereas male attractiveness (i.e., courtship latency) did not affect nymphal viability or the longevity of daughters, the attractive males with lower courtship latency could produce the daughters with higher lifetime reproductive success. These results suggest that female mating preference inR.pedestrisevolved via Fisherian and good‐genes benefits.
Larval host plant influences male body size and mating success in a tephritid fruit fly
Authors: Shelly Todd E. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn phytophagous insects, the larval host plant may have a profound effect on the biology of the adult stage. This influence has been most widely studied in females, where larval diet may affect their fecundity and survival. Males have been less well studied, with focus on host plant effects on (1) male size and the consequences of variable male size on male mating success, ejaculate, and/or nuptial gifts, or (2) male‐produced chemical signals important in sexual communication. The melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a world‐wide agricultural pest that infests plants of the family Cucurbitaceae primarily but also attacks hosts in other unrelated families. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether larval host influenced female choice in Z. cucurbitae and, in particular, test for random mating using adults (Z flies) whose larvae fed on a cucurbit host (zucchini, Cucurbita pepo L.) and adults (P flies) whose larvae fed on a non‐cucurbit host (papaya, Carica papaya L., Caricaceae). In field tent trials, both Z and P females mated more often with Z males than P males, and in no‐choice laboratory cage trials, mating latency was generally shorter for Z than for P males. Wing vein measurements, made both within and between generations, showed that Z males were consistently larger than P males. Further observations of fly trios — one female plus one large and one small male — revealed that large males dominated in aggressive encounters and exhibited wing fanning (signaling) more often than their smaller counterparts. Although olfactory signals associated with wing fanning were not investigated in the present study, the observed host‐mediated difference in male size is, if not solely responsible, certainly an important determinant of the mating patterns described.
Do facultative symbionts affect fitness of pea aphids in the sexual generation?
Authors: McLean Ailsa H.C. , Ferrari Julia , Godfray H. Charles J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMany aphids carry one or more facultative symbiotic bacteria which can provide a variety of fitness benefits for their hosts. They have chiefly been investigated in asexually reproducing aphids, with studies of the sexual generation limited to investigation of transmission rates and the potential for sex ratio manipulation. The effects of two facultative symbionts on the mating success of pea aphids, Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris (Hemiptera: Aphididae, Macrosiphini), were investigated in a no‐choice experiment. We compared the fitness of aphids with natural infections of either Regiella insecticola Moran et al. or Hamiltonella defensa Moran et al. with that of aphids from genetically identical cured lines. Female fecundity was unaffected by the presence of facultative symbionts. However, females mated to males cured of H. defensa laid fewer eggs on average than females mated to males carrying H. defensa; in one case the percentage of melanized eggs (eggs that were either not fertilized or in which early death occurred) was also smaller with cured compared to naturally infected males. In addition, males with H. defensa suffered higher mortality during the experiment than cured males. Four of the aphid lines used also hosted Spiroplasma infections, a symbiont previously reported to cause male‐killing in pea aphids. Despite this, three of the Spiroplasma‐infected lines produced males, two at high numbers. We conclude that removing a natural symbiont infection may have a negative fitness effect on male aphids in some aphid clones, whereas sexual females from the same clones are largely unaffected.
Chronic lymphoproliferative disorder of NK‐cells: A single‐institution review with emphasis on relative utility of multimodality diagnostic tools
Authors: Kurt Habibe , Jorgensen Jeffrey L. , Amin Hesham M. , Patel Keyur P. , Wang Sa A. , Lin Pei , Kanagal‐Shamanna Rashmi , Loghavi Sanam , Thakral Beenu , Khogeer Haitham A. , Jabbour Elias J. , Li Shaoying , Yin C. Cameron , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Khoury Joseph D. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundChronic lymphoproliferative disorder of NK‐cells (CLPD‐NK) manifests as a persistent increase (≥2 × 109/L, for > 6 months) of mature NK‐cells in peripheral blood with an indolent clinical course. The disease is rare, and only limited case series have been published.MethodsWe retrospectively studied 11 patients with CLPD‐NK diagnosed at our institution between 2005 and 2017.ResultsPatients included 7 men and 4 women with a median age of 60 years (range, 25‐89 years). Ten patients (91%) had cytopenias. Bone marrow involvement by CLPD‐NK ranged from 5‐15%. The most commonly detected antigenic aberrancies by low cytometry immunophenotyping were as follows: CD7decreased/dim (30%), CD8uniform+ (36%), CD56−/partial (73%), CD94bright (55%), and KIR restriction (100%). JAK/STAT pathway mutations were detected in 8 of 10 (80%) patients and involved STAT3 (n = 7) and JAK3 (n = 1). The presence of mutations tended to correlate with the occurrence of other cytopenias (anemia/thrombocytopenia) and requirement for treatment. Seven patients received single‐agent therapy, with amelioration of symptoms; 4 patients were observed. There were no disease‐associated deaths or progression to more aggressive disease during the follow‐up interval (median, 17 months).ConclusionsPatients with CLPD‐NK have an indolent clinical course and frequent hematologic manifestations that are responsive to single‐agent therapy. Mutations in STAT3 are common and portend more pronounced clinical manifestations.
Topographic principles of cortical fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery signal in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Adler Sophie , Hong Seok‐Jun , Liu Min , Baldeweg Torsten , Cross J. Helen , Bernasconi Andrea , Bernhardt Boris C. , Bernasconi Neda 
Published: January 2018

SummaryObjectiveIn drug‐resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), relative to the large number of whole‐brain morphological studies, neocortical T2 changes have not been systematically investigated. The aim of this study was to assess the anatomical principles that govern the distribution of neocortical T2‐weighted fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) signal intensity and uncover its topographic principles.MethodsUsing a surface‐based sampling scheme, we mapped neocortical FLAIR intensity of 61 TLE patients relative to 38 healthy controls imaged at 3 T. To address topographic principles of the susceptibility to FLAIR signal changes in TLE, we assessed associations with normative data on tissue composition using 2 complementary approaches. First, we evaluated whether the degree of TLE‐related FLAIR intensity changes differed across cytoarchitectonic classes as defined by Von Economo‐Koskinas taxonomy. Second, as a proxy to map regions with similar intracortical composition, we carried out a FLAIR intensity covariance paradigm in controls by seeding systematically from all cortical regions, and identified those networks that were the best spatial predictors of the between‐group FLAIR changes.ResultsIncreased intensities were observed in bilateral limbic and paralimbic cortices (hippocampus, parahippocampus, cingulate, temporopolar, insular, orbitofrontal). Effect sizes were highest in periallocortical limbic and insular classes as defined by the Von Economo‐Koskinas cytoarchitectonic taxonomy. Furthermore, systematic FLAIR intensity covariance analysis in healthy controls revealed that similarity patterns characteristic of limbic cortices, most notably the hippocampus, served as sensitive predictors for the topography of FLAIR hypersignal in patients. FLAIR intensity findings were robust against correction for morphological confounds. Patients with a history of febrile convulsions showed more marked signal changes in parahippocampal and retrosplenial cortices, known to be strongly connected to the hippocampus.SignificanceFLAIR intensity mapping and covariance analysis provide a model of TLE gray matter pathology based on shared vulnerability of periallocortical and limbic cortices.
Successful surgical management of eosinophilic granuloma on the urethral process of a gelding associated with Habronema spp. infection
Authors: Tyrnenopoulou P. , Diakakis N. , Psalla D. , Traversa D. , Papadopoulos E. , Antonakakis M. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryHabronemiasis, otherwise known as summer sores, is a parasitic disease of horses, donkeys and other equids, commonly encountered in subtropical and tropical regions. It occurs as a result of nematode infestation of the skin and typically manifests as ulcerative granulating lesions or masses. Habronema muscae, Habronema microstoma and Draschia megastoma are the usual invaders, usually transmitted by house flies, face flies and stable flies. In this case report, an eosinophilic granuloma on the urethral process of a 15‐year‐old gelding is presented, followed by successful surgical excision without further medical treatment. To the authors’ knowledge, equine eosinophilic granuloma on the urethral process associated with habronemiasis has not previously been documented in southern Europe and should be considered as a potential differential diagnosis for penile masses.
Validation of contralateral premolars as the substrate for endodontic comparison studies
Authors: Johnsen G. F. , Sunde P. T. , Haugen H. J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimTo use micro‐CT technology and metrology software to validate the use of contralateral premolars as samples in endodontic comparison studies by comparing them before and after canal instrumentation with one instrumentation system. Furthermore, to determine whether contralateral premolar roots (CPRs) will yield non‐significantly different outcomes regarding shaping ability (volume), degree of twisting and three‐dimensional shape changes. The null‐hypothesis (H0) is that there are no differences between the CPRs pre‐ or post‐instrumentation.MethodologyTwenty‐eight extracted human contralateral premolars (n = 44 contralateral roots) from 12 donor patients were scanned with microcomputed tomography before and after instrumentation. Root canal lengths (RCLs) were measured visually using a dental‐operating microscope, electronic apex locator and micro‐CT scans. Data were analysed statistically for differences between pre‐ and post‐instrumentation.ResultsInstrumentation increased the volume of the canals significantly (P < 0.05). Degree of twisting for a majority (83%) of the contralateral roots pairs did not change significantly (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the shape deviation analysis between contralateral pairs. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) for RCL between the contralateral pairs for any of the three endometric methods.ConclusionContralateral premolar root canals were associated with similar changes in terms of volume, three‐dimensional shape and degree of twisting from pre‐ to post‐instrumentation. There was no difference between the CPR pairs pre‐ and post‐instrumentation, and the study validates contralateral premolars as samples for root canal comparison studies. The null‐hypothesis (H0) could not be rejected.