bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regional differences in the incidence of tuberculosis among patients with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yang Bo Ram , Kang Young Ae , Heo Eun Young , Koo Bo Kyung , Choi Nam‐Kyong , Hwang Seung‐sik , Lee Chang‐Hoon 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectiveThere are regional differences in the burden of tuberculosis (TB). Although these differences might be explained by regional differences in the risk factors of TB, whether such risk factors are actually associated with the regional differences in the TB burden remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the risk factors of and regional differences in TB incidence.MethodsA cohort study applying nationwide claims database in Republic of Korea included patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in 2009. The main outcome was the incidence of TB defined based on the diagnostic codes combined with anti‐tuberculosis treatment repeated within 90 days. Sixteen regions were categorized into 3 groups according to the age‐ and sex‐standardized TB incidence rates. Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for risk factors was performed to identify the determinants of the regional differences in TB incidence.ResultsAmong 331 601 participants newly diagnosed with type 2 DM and with no history of previous TB, 1216 TB cases were observed. The regional TB incidence rates ranged between 2.3 and 5.9/1000 patients. Multivariate analyses did not identify any determinants of regional differences in the TB incidence among the various risk factors, including age, sex, health care utilization, co‐morbidities, medication and treatment and complications of DM. Similarly, temperature, humidity and latent TB infection rate also did not affect the results.ConclusionsAlthough substantial regional differences in the TB incidence rate were observed among patients with newly diagnosed DM, no determinants of regional difference were identified among the risk factors.
Sleep quality and quality of life in patients with moderate to very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Akinci Buket , Aslan Gökşen Kuran , Kiyan Esen 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIntroductionChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is highly associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Poor sleep quality is found to be related with decreased quality of life (QoL) in patients with COPD but no study assessed this relationship on the basis of nocturnal sleep parameters.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to explore the relationships between sleep quality, daytime sleepiness and QoL in patients suffering from moderate to very severe COPD with and without sleep apnea assessed objectively and to compare sleep quality, QoL and daytime sleepiness in patients suffering from COPD with and without sleep apnea.MethodsFifty‐one patients with stable moderate to very severe COPD (mean age, 59.8 ± 8.1 years) included in the study. The parameters of polygraphic sleep studies (Stardust II, Philips‐Respironics) were noted. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), The Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea and SF‐36 Health Quality Survey were performed.ResultsThe rate of OSA was 74.5% (Apnea‐Hypopnea Index, >5). out of all the patients, 94% had poor sleep quality (PSQI, >5). Negative correlations were found between PSQI and physical role, social function and mental health of SF‐36 subgroups (P < .05). There was no correlation between PSQI, ESS, SF‐36, dyspnea and polygraphic parameters (P > .05). In the comparison of patients with or without OSA, the vitality of SF‐36 subgroup was found lower in patients with OSA (P < .05).ConclusionsIn conclusion, irrespective of OSA, patients with COPD are suffering from poor sleep quality and poor sleep quality negatively affects the QoL. Also, COPD and OSA association causes worsened vitality in the terms of health‐related QoL.
The liver recipient with acute renal dysfunction: A single institution evaluation of the simultaneous liver‐kidney transplant candidate
Authors: Yadav Kunal , Serrano Oscar K. , Peterson Kent J. , Pruett Timothy L. , Kandaswamy Raja , Bangdiwala Ananta , Ibrahim Hassan , Israni Ajay , Lake John , Chinnakotla Srinath 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe Organ Procurement Transplant Network (OPTN) listing criteria for simultaneous liver‐kidney transplant (SLK) are not well defined. Concerns remain about rising numbers of SLKs, which divert quality kidneys from candidates awaiting kidney transplants (KT). We performed a retrospective review of liver transplants (LTs) at our center from 2004 to 2014; 127 recipients (liver transplant alone; 102 LTA, 25 SLK) were identified with short‐term preoperative kidney dysfunction (creatinine >4 mg/dL or preoperative hemodialysis [HD] for <6 weeks). Both cohorts had comparable baseline demographic characteristics with the exception of higher model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score in the LTA group (41.4 vs 32.9, P < .0001) and higher incidence of pre‐LT diabetes in the SLK cohort (52% vs 26.5%, P = .0176). Duration of pre‐LT HD was higher in SLK recipients, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = .39). Renal nonrecovery (RNR) rate in LTA cohort was low (<5%). No significant difference was noted in 1‐year mortality, liver graft rejection/failure, or length of stay (LOS) between the cohorts. Thus, it appears that liver recipients with short‐term (<6 weeks) HD or AKI without HD have comparable outcomes between LTA and SLK. With provisions for a KT safety net, as proposed by OPTN, LTA may be the most adequate option for these patients.
Consistent increase in the prevalence and female ratio of multiple sclerosis over 15 years in northern Japan
Authors: Houzen H. , Kondo K. , Horiuchi K. , Niino M. 
Published: November 2017

Background and purposeThe prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered to be lower in East Asia than in Western countries. An increasing trend has been reported globally for the prevalence of MS. We investigated the changes in the prevalence and clinical characteristics of MS in the Tokachi province of Hokkaido, northern Japan from 2001 to 2016.MethodsPrevalence was determined on 31 March 2016. Data‐processing sheets were collected from all MS‐related institutions in Tokachi province. We applied Poser's diagnostic criteria for MS as used in our previous three studies. Cases of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders were excluded.ResultsIn 2016, the crude MS prevalence was 18.6/100 000 (95% confidence interval, 14.3–23.8) in northern Japan. Over the last 15 years, the prevalence of MS in the same area was 8.1, 12.6 and 16.2 in 2001, 2006 and 2011, respectively. The female:male ratio was 3.57, which increased from 2.63 in 2001. The ratios of primary progressive, relapsing–remitting and secondary progressive MS types were 2%, 84% and 14%, respectively.ConclusionOur results demonstrated a consistent increase in MS prevalence among the northern Japanese population, particularly in females, and relatively lower rates of progressive MS in northern Japan than in Western countries.
Influence of glutamate‐evoked pain and sustained elevated muscle activity on blood oxygenation in the human masseter muscle
Authors: Suzuki Shunichi , Arima Taro , Kitagawa Yoshimasa , Svensson Peter , Castrillon Eduardo 
Published: November 2017

This study aimed to investigate the effect of glutamate‐evoked masseter muscle pain on intramuscular oxygenation during rest and sustained elevated muscle activity (SEMA). Seventeen healthy individuals participated in two sessions in which they were injected with glutamate and saline in random order. Each session was divided into three, 10‐min periods. During the first (period 1) and the last (period 3) 10‐min periods, participants performed five intercalated 1‐min bouts of masseter SEMA with 1‐min periods of ‘rest’. At onset of the second 10‐min period, glutamate (0.5 ml, 1 M; Ajinomoto, Tokyo, Japan) or isotonic saline (0.5 ml; 0.9%) was injected into the masseter muscle and the participants kept the muscle relaxed in a resting position for 10 min (period 2). The hemodynamic characteristics of the masseter muscle were recorded simultaneously during the experiment by a laser blood‐oxygenation monitor. The results demonstrated that glutamate injections caused significant levels of self‐reported pain in the masseter muscle; however, this nociceptive input did not have robust effects on intramuscular oxygenation during rest or SEMA tasks. Interestingly, these findings suggest an uncoupling between acute nociceptive activity and hemodynamic parameters in both resting and low‐level active jaw muscles. Further studies are needed to explore the pathophysiological significance of blood‐flow changes for persistent jaw‐muscle pain conditions.
TNF stimulates IL‐6, CXCL8 and VEGF secretion from human keratinocytes via activation of mTOR, inhibited by tetramethoxyluteolin
Authors: Patel Arti B. , Tsilioni Irene , Weng Zuyi , Theoharides Theoharis C. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPsoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease characterized by keratinocyte hyperproliferation and chronic inflammation. The pathogenesis of psoriasis involves proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), but the mechanism of keratinocyte activation is not well understood. Here, we show that TNF (10 or 50 ng/mL) stimulates a significant (P < .0001) gene expression and secretion of proinflammatory IL‐6, CXCL8 and VEGF from both cultured human HaCaT and normal epidermal human keratinocytes (NHEKs). This effect occurs via activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling complex as shown by Western blot analysis and phospho‐ELISAs. Pretreatment with the novel natural flavonoid tetramethoxyluteolin (10‐100 μmol L−1) significantly (P < .0001) inhibits gene expression and secretion (P < .0001) of all 3 mediators in a concentration‐dependent manner. Moreover, tetramethoxyluteolin (50 μmol L−1) appears to be a potent inhibitor of the phosphorylated mTOR substrates (pmTORSer2448, pp70S6KThr389 and p4EBP1Thr37/46) as compared to known mTOR inhibitors in keratinocytes. The present findings indicate that TNF stimulates skin inflammation via mTOR signalling. Inhibition by tetramethoxyluteolin may be used in the treatment for psoriasis.
Distinguishing Characteristics of Headache in Nontraumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Mac Grory Brian , Vu Linh , Cutting Shawna , Marcolini Evadne , Gottschalk Christopher , Greer David 
Published: November 2017

IntroductionSubarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a life‐threatening emergency that is frequently missed due to its varied and often subtle presentation. The most common presentation of SAH is with a severe headache. The classical adjective used in SAH is “thunderclap”; however, this has not been well defined in the literature, rendering it a challenge to triage patients in clinical practice presenting with severe headache.MethodsWe undertook a prospective, observational study at a tertiary academic medical center examining the clinical characteristics of the presenting headache in SAH. We enrolled patients through the emergency department and from the neurosciences intensive care unit, and documented clinical features of the headache including the time to peak intensity, location, associated symptoms, and activities that caused worsening.ResultsOne hundred and fifty‐eight subjects were enrolled, of whom 20 patients had SAH and 138 did not. Notable distinguishing features on history included occipital location (55% in the SAH group vs 22% in the non‐SAH group, P < .001), “stabbing” quality (35% in the SAH group vs 5% in the non‐SAH group, P < .001), presence of prior headache (50% in the SAH group vs 83% in the non‐SAH group, P = .002), and associated meningismus (80% in the SAH group and 42% in the non‐SAH group, P = .002). Sixty‐five percent of patients with SAH reported that their headache peaked within 1 second of onset, compared with only 10% of those without SAH (P < .001).ConclusionThis is the first study that has sought to examine in detail the clinical characteristics of the presenting headache in SAH. Our study suggests that the clinical features of headache with SAH are distinct from those associated with other headache syndromes, and that this may prove useful in the acute care setting in triaging patients with a chief complaint of headache.
Openness, inclusion and transparency in the practice of public involvement in research: A reflective exercise to develop best practice recommendations
Authors: Brown Laura J.E. , Dickinson Tommy , Smith Stuart , Brown Wilson Christine , Horne Maria , Torkington Kate , Simpson Paul 
Published: November 2017

AbstractContextReflective accounts of public involvement in research (PI) are important for helping researchers plan and deliver more effective PI activities. In particular, there is a need to address power differentials between team members that can prohibit effective and meaningful involvement.ObjectiveTo critically reflect on the PI practices that underpinned our research project on intimacy and sexuality in care homes, to develop a series of recommendations for improving future PI activities.SettingThe research team comprised five academics from nursing, public health, sociology and psychology, and two members of the public with experience of sex education, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans issues in older populations. In order to address power differentials within the group, we developed an approach to PI practice that was grounded in values of openness, inclusion and transparency.MethodReflective commentaries on the strengths and weaknesses of the team's approach to PI were gathered through interviews and open‐ended questionnaires with research team members. These views were collated and discussed at a workshop comprising research team members and an additional member of the public to generate recommendations for future PI practice.ResultsA number of strengths and limitations of our approach to PI were identified. Clear recommendations for improving PI practice were developed for three broad areas of identified difficulty: (i) communication within and between meetings; (ii) the roles and responsibilities of team members; and (iii) PI resources and productivity.Discussion and conclusionThese recommendations add to the developing body of guidance for conducting effective PI.
Investigating social motivations, opportunity and ability to participate in communities of virtual co‐creation
Authors: Bettiga Debora , Lamberti Lucio , Noci Giuliano 
Published: November 2017

AbstractCommunities of virtual co‐creation are emerging as a new form of consumer engagement, where through a collaborative and interactive process, ideas and knowledge from consumer are applied differently to create new value for the consumers themselves, the company and all stakeholders. The aim of this paper is to explore the drivers, namely motivation, opportunity and ability, of consumer willingness to participate in communities of virtual co‐creation. The role of social motivations, that is, altruism and social reputation, particularly relevant inside online communities, is investigated. Data were collected through an online survey on 180 consumers from diverse nationalities. The unit of analysis was a virtual co‐creation activity for food products. Findings show that consumer motivation and ability have a relevant influence on willingness to participate in co‐creation projects, while opportunity has not. In particular, ability showed to be the most relevant factor, suggesting that virtual co‐creation initiatives should be properly designed to facilitate the engagement of consumers. Further, results indicate that consumers' motivations are driven by both altruism and social reputation, where altruism plays a greater role. This confirms that social relations are key motivational drivers in virtual communities, where value is created through interaction with like‐minded people, exchange of information and experiences, provision of support.
The maternal 14 bp Ins/Del polymorphism in HLA‐G is not associated with preeclampsia risk
Authors: Ferreira L. C. , Lopes T. P. B. , Guimarães T. B. , Gomes C. E. M. , Jeronimo S. M. B. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryThe effect of HLA‐G 14 bp Ins/Del polymorphism (rs371194629) on the risk of preeclampsia has been assessed in several populations, yet the results are still conflicting. Lack of power due to small sample sizes is a common cause of inconsistencies in genetic association studies. We aimed to test whether the maternal polymorphism is associated with preeclampsia, eclampsia or HELLP syndrome (acronym for Hemolysis, Elevation of Liver enzymes, Low Platelets). To achieve a statistical power greater than 0.90, a total of 741 women (332 controls, 246 preeclampsia, 57 eclampsia and 106 HELLP) were genotyped for the 14‐bp Ins/Del polymorphism. The genetic association with disease status was assessed by Fisher's exact test and odds ratio (OR) estimates using logistic regression model adjusted for maternal age and parity status. Allele and genotype distributions were the same between control and case groups (p > .05). The polymorphism was not associated with the risk of developing preeclampsia [OR = 0.93 (0.72–1.19); p = .541], or eclampsia [OR = 0.90 (0.60–1.38); p = .628] nor HELLP syndrome [OR = 0.92 (0.66–1.28); p = .628]. This well‐powered study clearly demonstrates that the maternal HLA‐G 14‐bp Ins/Del polymorphism is not associated with preeclampsia risk. However, as the offspring genotypes were not evaluated here, we could not rule out the effect of the foetal genotype on the preeclampsia pathogenesis.
Cyclophosphamide‐induced tolerance in kidney transplantation avoids long‐term immunosuppressive therapy
Authors: Takeuchi Ario , Kato Koji , Akashi Koichi , Eto Masatoshi 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThere has recently been remarkable progress in immunosuppressive agents, such as tacrolimus and cyclosporine. Therefore, the rate of organ establishment has improved in transplantation. However, immunosuppressive agents generally suppress the function of T cells. Thus, opportunistic infections, such as cytomegalovirus infection, are still a major problem in kidney transplantation. Induction of specific tolerance to avoid immunosuppressive drug therapy after kidney transplantation is considered as the ultimate goal of transplantation. Various factors induce tolerance that involves establishment of hematopoietic chimerism and various cell subsets. In particular, we have carried out various studies regarding the cyclophosphamide‐induced tolerance system. Tolerance is induced after establishment of hematopoietic chimerism after donor bone marrow transplantation. At the clinical stage, kidney transplantation before administration of cyclophosphamide after transfusion of bone marrow to create hematopoietic chimera is considered to be one of the most successful protocols. Furthermore, recent studies have shown the involvement of multiple populations of immune cells in preserving immunological tolerance and promoting long‐term renal grafts. The present review focuses on how cyclophosphamide and other immune factors induce tolerance in kidney transplantation.
Differences in activation and tissue homing markers of natural killer cell subsets during acute dengue infection
Authors: Keawvichit Rassamon , Khowawisetsut Ladawan , Lertjuthaporn Sakaorat , Tangnararatchakit Kanchana , Apiwattanakul Nopporn , Yoksan Sutee , Chuansumrit Ampaiwan , Chokephaibulkit Kulkanya , Ansari Aftab A. , Onlamoon Nattawat , Pattanapanyasat Kovit 
Published: November 2017

SummaryDengue virus (DENV) infection is considered one of the most important mosquito‐borne diseases. It causes a spectrum of illness that could be due to qualitative and/or quantitative difference(s) of the natural killer (NK) cell responses during acute DENV infection. This view prompted us to perform a detailed phenotypic comparative characterization of NK cell subsets from DENV‐infected patients with dengue fever (DF), patients with dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) and healthy controls. The activation/differentiation molecules, CD69 and CD57 and a variety of tissue homing molecules were analysed on the CD56hi CD16− and CD56lo CD16+ NK cells. Although there was no increase in the frequency of the total NK cells during DENV infection compared with the healthy individuals, there was a significant increase in the frequency of the CD56hi CD16− subset and the frequency of CD69 expression by both NK cell subsets during the febrile phase of infection. We also found an increase in the frequencies of cells expressing CD69 and CD57 in the CD56lo CD16+ subset compared with those in the CD56hi CD16− subset. Moreover, although the CD56lo CD16+ subset contained a high frequency of cells expressing skin‐homing markers, the CD56hi CD16− subset contained a high frequency of cells expressing bone marrow and lymph node trafficking markers. Interestingly, no differences of these NK cell subsets were noted in samples from patients with DF versus those with DHF. These findings suggest that activation and differentiation and the patterns of tissue homing molecules of the two major NK cell subsets are different and that these might play a critical role in the immune response against acute DENV infection.
A critical comparison of 3D experiments and simulations of tricalcium silicate hydration
Authors: Bullard Jeffrey W. , Hagedorn John , Ley M. Tyler , Hu Qinang , Griffin Wesley , Terrill Judith E. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAdvances in nano‐computed X‐ray tomography (nCT), nano X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry (nXRF), and high‐performance computing have enabled the first direct comparison between observations of three‐dimensional nanoscale microstructure evolution during cement hydration and computer simulations of the same microstructure, using HydratiCA. nCT observations of a collection of triclinic tricalcium silicate () particles reacting in a calcium hydroxide solution are reported and compared to simulations that duplicate, as nearly as possible, the thermal and chemical conditions of those experiments. Particular points of comparison are the time dependence of the solid phase volume fractions, spatial distributions, and morphologies. Comparisons made at 7 hours of reaction indicate that the simulated and observed volumes of consumed by hydration agree to within the measurement uncertainty. The location of simulated hydration product is qualitatively consistent with the observations, but the outer envelope of hydration product observed by nCT encloses more than twice the volume of hydration product in the simulations at the same time. Simultaneous nXRF measurements of the same observation volume imply calcium and silicon concentrations within the observed hydration product envelope that are consistent with Ca(OH)2 embedded in a sparse network of calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) that contains about 70% occluded porosity in addition to the amount usually accounted as gel porosity. An anomalously large volume of Ca(OH)2 near the particles is observed both in the experiments and in the simulations, and can be explained as originating from the hydration of additional particles outside the field of view. Possible origins of the unusually large amount of observed occluded porosity are discussed.