bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasmapheresis exerts a long‐lasting antipruritic effect in severe cholestatic itch
Authors: Krawczyk Marcin , Liebe Roman , Wasilewicz Michał , Wunsch Ewa , Raszeja‐Wyszomirska Joanna , Milkiewicz Piotr 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackground & AimsThe amelioration of refractory cholestatic pruritus after plasmapheresis has been reported in single patients. Here, we analyse the efficacy of plasmapheresis in a cohort of patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).MethodsSeventeen consecutive patients withPBC(age range 39‐85 years, 16 females, 9 with cirrhosis) and refractory pruritus underwent 129 plasmapheresis procedures during 40 admissions. Pruritus was quantified by the 10‐point numeric rating scale (NRS) before and after plasmapheresis, as well as ~30 and ~90 days later.ResultsThe mean pruritus before plasmapheresis did not differ between patients with and without cirrhosis (P>.05). Cirrhotics presented, however, with significantly higher serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin before plasmapheresis. Plasmapheresis decreased itching to NRS≤5 in all but five admissions: Mean pruritus decreased from 8.3±1.4 to 3.1±2.2 (P<.0001) in the entire cohort. It also led to a significant decrease in serumALT,ALP,AST,GGT(allP<.001) and bilirubin (P=.002). Antipruritic effect persisted throughout the 90‐days follow‐up (P<.0001). The amelioration of pruritus was not affected by the presence of cirrhosis.ConclusionsPlasmapheresis is a promising method for reducing intractable itch in a significant proportion ofPBCpatients regardless of liver fibrosis. Long‐lasting improvement of symptoms requires repeated procedures.
Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging for the assessment of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease severity
Authors: Pavlides Michael , Banerjee Rajarshi , Tunnicliffe Elizabeth M. , Kelly Catherine , Collier Jane , Wang Lai Mun , Fleming Kenneth A. , Cobbold Jeremy F. , Robson Matthew D. , Neubauer Stefan , Barnes Eleanor 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackground & AimsThe diagnosis of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and fibrosis staging are central to non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease assessment. We evaluated multiparametric magnetic resonance in the assessment of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and fibrosis using histology as standard in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease.MethodsSeventy‐one patients with suspected non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease were recruited within 1 month of liver biopsy. Magnetic resonance data were used to define the liver inflammation and fibrosis score (LIF 0‐4). Biopsies were assessed for steatosis, lobular inflammation, ballooning and fibrosis and classified as non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis or simple steatosis, and mild or significant (Activity ≥2 and/or Fibrosis ≥2 as defined by the Fatty Liver Inhibition of Progression consortium) non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. Transient elastography was also performed.ResultsMagnetic resonance success rate was 95% vs 59% for transient elastography (P<.0001). Fibrosis stage on biopsy correlated with liver inflammation and fibrosis (rs=.51, P<.0001). The area under the receiver operating curve using liver inflammation and fibrosis for the diagnosis of cirrhosis was 0.85. Liver inflammation and fibrosis score for ballooning grades 0, 1 and 2 was 1.2, 2.7 and 3.5 respectively (P<.05) with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.83 for the diagnosis of ballooning. Patients with steatosis had lower liver inflammation and fibrosis (1.3) compared to patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (3.0) (P<.0001); area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the diagnosis of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis was 0.80. Liver inflammation and fibrosis scores for patients with mild and significant non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease were 1.2 and 2.9 respectively (P<.0001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of liver inflammation and fibrosis for the diagnosis of significant non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease was 0.89.ConclusionsMultiparametric magnetic resonance is a promising technique with good diagnostic accuracy for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease histological parameters, and can potentially identify patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and cirrhosis.
Lonergan and Wittgenstein on the Dialectic of Methods
Authors: Friel Chris 
Published: October 2016

AbstractLindbeck's difficulties with Lonergan's account of religion stem from his radical methodological option in which he draws on Wittgenstein. I revisit ‘the dialectic of methods,’ by examining children's mistakes. I use Lonergan's distinction between ordinary and originary meaningfulness to argue that in Wittgenstein's account of rule‐following such mistakes highlight the publicity of norms in ordinary meaningfulness, but I show how alternatives can be cited in which originary meaningfulness is not obscured. I explain the core of Lonergan's foundational methodology and show how for Lonergan the desire to understand is an exigence which, as retorsion indicates, is difficult to deny. I conclude that in his account of religion Lonergan has an answer to a question posed by Wittgenstein on the purpose of thinking.
Does a Hermeneutical Clarification of “Presence” Advance O'Collins’ Christology?
Authors: Orji Cyril 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe theme of “presence” holds an ambivalent place in Gerald O'Collins’ Christology. On the one hand the theme is O'Collins’ “most creative contribution to contemporary Christology” and on the other hand the notion itself is a difficult and stubborn concept that can be best understood in an evolutionary way. This deeper analysis of “presence,” which is not offered by O'Collins, occupies a center stage in Bernard Lonergan's Christology. This essay mediates O'Collins’ account of “presence” with Lonergan's evolutionary understanding of the term—a scientific theological account Lonergan worked out in dialogue with phenomenology and the sciences. The paper argues that such a mediation is necessitated by the fact that the meaning of “presence” is key to understanding the Chalcedonian definition of the union of the two natures of Christ, an important Christian dogmatic teaching that both O'Collins and Lonergan consider sacrosanct, and that a clarification of this meaning advances not only Christian understanding of Christ's presence in history, but also Christ's presence in non‐Christian religions.
Biochar‐stimulated plant performance is strongly linked to microbial diversity and metabolic potential in the rhizosphere
Authors: Kolton Max , Graber Ellen R. , Tsehansky Ludmila , Elad Yigal , Cytryn Eddie 
Published: October 2016

Summary

The ‘biochar effect’ depicts a phenomenon in which biochar soil amendment enhances plant performance by promoting growth and suppressing disease. Although this phenomenon has been observed in numerous studies, the mode of action that explains it is currently unknown.

In order to elucidate mechanisms responsible for the ‘biochar effect’, we comprehensively monitored tomato plant development and resistance to the foliar fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea, in biochar‐amended and nonamended soils using native biochar and washed biochar, striped of labile chemical constituents. We concomitantly assessed bacterial community succession in the rhizosphere by high‐throughput 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and carbon‐source utilization profiling.

Biochar had little impact on plant physiological parameters. However, both native and washed biochar treatments were characterized by higher rhizosphere bacterial diversity and enhanced carbohydrate and phenolic compound utilization rates coupled to stimulation of bacteria known to degrade phenolic compounds.

This study indicates that the ‘biochar effect’ is at least partially dictated by increased diversity and changes in metabolic potential in the rhizosphere microbiome, which is primarily triggered by the recalcitrant carbon backbone of the biochar and tightly bound compounds. It corresponds to the growing consensus that soil amendments which enhance microbial diversity have important benefits to ecosystem functioning.
Long‐Term Stability and Clinical Utility of Amplified Atrial Electrograms in a Single‐Lead ICD System with Floating Atrial Electrodes
Authors: WORDEN NICOLE E. , ALQASRAWI MUSAB , MAZUR ALEXANDER 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundAvailable atrial electrograms in implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) improve arrhythmia diagnosis, allow monitoring for atrial fibrillation, and may reduce the risk of inappropriate therapies. A recently introduced ICD system using a single‐lead with floating atrial electrodes provides diagnostic capability of a dual‐chamber system without placing an additional lead. Data on long‐term clinical performance of this system are limited.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data from 35 consecutive patients implanted with Biotronik VR‐T DX devices and LinoxSmart DX leads. (Biotronik, SE & Co., Berlin, Germany)ResultsOf 35 patients (77% male, age 52 ± 11.28 years), 32 were followed for a mean of 432 ± 197 days (range 56–765). During implantation, average preamplified and amplified sinus P‐wave amplitudes were 2.61 ± 1.39 mV (range 0.9–6.8 mV) and 8.7 ± 4.51 mV (range 1.4–18 mV), respectively. Despite statistically significant variations, the amplified P‐wave amplitude measurements (calculated mean values over 3 months) remained within a clinically acceptable range during follow‐up (5.4–8.7 mV). R‐wave amplitude and ventricular pacing threshold measurements were stable over time. A total of 13 stored arrhythmia events (three ventricular tachycardia, eight supraventricular tachycardia, two atrial fibrillation) were reviewed. All of them showed readily interpretable atrial electrograms. Eight out of 10 (80%) supraventricular events were correctly classified by the device. Three patients received inappropriate ICD therapies.ConclusionThe single‐lead ICD system using a floating atrial dipole provides reliable recording of atrial signals during sinus rhythm and arrhythmias. Our data suggest that the system may offer diagnostic advantages of a dual‐chamber device without potential risks of an additional atrial lead.
Changes in the relationship between asthma and associated risk factors over fifty years
Authors: Barnish Maxwell S. , Tagiyeva Nara , Devereux Graham , Aucott Lorna , Turner Steve 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundChildhood asthma is a common condition whose prevalence is changing. We hypothesized that the relationship between asthma and associated risk factors has changed over a 50‐year period.MethodsAn ecological study design was used. Children aged 8–13 attending schools in Aberdeen city were surveyed on seven occasions between 1964 and 2014. The following were determined: history of asthma, history of eczema, parental smoking, parental asthma, sex and socio‐economic status. Analysis was by a structural change model with two knots. The outcome reported was the change in odds ratio between asthma and a given risk factor during a given period.ResultsThere were 23,241 questionnaires distributed and 17,439 returned (75%). The odds ratio (OR) for a child with asthma to have eczema increased between 1989 and 1999 by 1.031 [95% CI 1.028, 1.035] and by 1.042 between 2004 and 2014 [1.038, 1.047]. The OR for a child with asthma to have a parent who smoked rose by 1.032 [1.028, 1.036] between 1989 and 1999 and by 1.043 [1.038, 1.047] between 2004 and 2014), and to have a parent with asthma (1.027 [1.022, 1.031] for 1994–99 and 1.042 [1.037, 1.048] for 2004–2014). The OR for a child with asthma being male, but not and being from the most deprived communities, rose between 1989–1999 and 2004–2014.ConclusionsThe relationship between asthma prevalence and particular risk factors changed over the 50‐year period of study, and this might reflect changes in children's environment and/or susceptibility.
Long‐term safety and efficacy of perinatal probiotic intervention: Evidence from a follow‐up study of four randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials
Authors: Lundelin Krista , Poussa Tuija , Salminen Seppo , Isolauri Erika 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundSocieties worldwide are faced with a progressive increase in immune‐mediated health problems such as allergic, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases, as well as obesity. Perinatal administration of specific probiotic bacteria is an attractive approach in reducing the risk of these conditions, but long‐term efficacy and safety data are lacking. The aim here was to evaluate the clinical benefit and long‐term safety of specific probiotics administered during the perinatal period.MethodsThe probiotic strains used were Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium lactis Bb‐12, Lactobacillus paracasei ST11, and Bifidobacterium longum BL999. The children involved have subsequently undergone prospective long‐term follow‐up. In addition to physical examination, data were collected by structured questionnaires on non‐communicable diseases and continued probiotic use, and growth data from welfare clinics and school nurses.ResultsAltogether 303 mother–infant pairs were included in the analysis. Seventy‐six of 163 (47%) children receiving perinatal probiotics had developed allergic disease compared with 79 of 140 (56%) receiving placebo (OR 0.67, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.43–1.06, p = 0.09). Fifty‐nine of 133 (44%) children receiving L. rhamnosus GG perinatally had developed allergic disease, OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.38–0.99, p = 0.047, as compared to placebo. We found no differences in growth or non‐communicable disease prevalence between children receiving perinatally probiotics or placebo.ConclusionsPerinatal probiotic administration is safe in long‐term follow‐up. Children receiving L. rhamnosus GG perinatally tended to have decreased allergy prevalence.
The effect of general anesthesia for ambulatory dental treatment on children in Chongqing, Southwest China
Authors: Chao Zhang , Gui Jin Huang , Cong Yu 
Published: October 2016

SummaryBackgroundThe incidence of early childhood caries shows a significant increasing trend. Often, children younger than 6 years need additional help to finish the dental treatment. Therefore, general anesthesia (GA) could help to provide a successful environment for pediatric dental treatment.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the effect of dental treatment under general anesthesia (DGA) on the patients’ oral health in Chongqing, Southwest China using the P‐CPQ and the FIS questionnaires.MethodsWe collected the hospital's records of the children who received DGA from 2013 to 2014 and the questionnaires answered by their parents or caregivers before and after the treatment. Then the data were integrated and analyzed to assess the effect of DGA on the children and their family, the incidence of the complications during or after DGA, and the satisfaction of their parents.ResultsWe collected 659 patients’ records including 55.4% boys and 44.6% girls. There were 443 children younger than 4 years, and 216 children older than 4 years. The main reason why they chose DGA was the patients’ fear for the treatment (95.1%). The mean cost of DGA almost reached a half (61.5%) or a third (15.3%) of the family's monthly earning. The mean P‐CPQ score and FIS score significantly decreased after DGA. The highest incidence of complications was emergence agitation, headache, and nausea/vomiting. The incidence of emergence agitation and headache was related to the operation time. The majority of families reported a high degree of satisfaction.ConclusionsChildren's oral health‐related quality of life after DGA improved significantly. Meanwhile DGA showed a positive effect on the whole family and majority of families reported a high degree of satisfaction to it.
Mortality following congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair: the role of anesthesia
Authors: Goonasekera Chulananda , Ali Kamal , Hickey Ann , Sasidharan Lekshmi , Mathew Malcolm , Davenport Mark , Greenough Anne 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundMortality following surgical repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) remains high. The volume and type of perioperative intravenous fluid administered, baro‐trauma, oxygen toxicity, and the duration of anesthesia are thought to affect outcome in surgical populations.AimsThe aim of this retrospective observational study was to determine whether the perioperative volume or type of fluids and/or the duration of anesthesia were associated with postoperative mortality and if mortality was predicted by the oxygenation index (OI) prior to or following CDH surgical repair.MethodsThe records of infants with a left‐sided CDH and without other congenital anomalies, who underwent surgical repair between April 2009 and March 2015, were examined. The oxygenation index was used to “quantify” the severity of lung function abnormality and reported as the best OI on day 1 after birth (OIBEST), the OI immediately prior to surgery (OIPRE) and at 1, 6, 12, and 24 h postsurgery (OI1h, OI6h, OI12h, OI24h), respectively. The change in the OI index (delta OI) was calculated by subtracting OIPRE from postoperative OIs.ResultsThe records of 37 CDH infants (median gestational age 35.8, range 31.5–41.4 weeks) were assessed; six died postoperatively. Neither the duration of anesthesia, the volume of crystalloids or colloids administered, nor the peak inflation pressures used during surgical repair were significantly correlated with postoperative mortality. Neither fetal tracheal occlusion nor use of a parietal patch significantly influenced mortality. The postoperative OI1h, OI6h, OI12h showed weak evidence for a difference between survivors and nonsurvivors. An OI24h of ≥5.5 predicted mortality with 100% sensitivity (95% CI, confidence intervals (CI) 40–100) and 93.1% specificity (95% CI, 77–99).ConclusionNeither the volume of intraoperative fluids administered nor the duration of anesthesia was associated with postoperative death. The OI 24 h postsurgery was the best predictor of an increased risk of mortality.
Oral morphine dosing predictions based on single dose in healthy children undergoing surgery
Authors: Dawes Joy M. , Cooke Erin M. , Hannam Jacqueline A. , Brand Katherine A. , Winton Pamela , Jimenez‐Mendez Ricardo , Aleksa Katarina , Lauder Gillian R. , Carleton Bruce C. , Koren Gideon , Rieder Michael J. , Anderson Brian J. , Montgomery Carolyne J. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundOral morphine has been proposed as an effective and safe alternative to codeine for after‐discharge pain in children following surgery but there are few data guiding an optimum safe oral dose.AimsThe aim of this study was to characterize the absorption pharmacokinetics of enteral morphine in order to simulate time–concentration profiles in children given common oral morphine dose regimens.MethodsChildren (2–6 years, n = 34) undergoing elective surgery and requiring opioid analgesia were randomized to receive preoperative oral morphine (100 mcg·kg−1, 200 mcg·kg−1, 300 mcg·kg−1). Blood sampling for morphine assay was performed at 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 min. Morphine serum concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using nonlinear mixed effects models. Current data were pooled with published time–concentration profiles from children (n = 1059, age 23 weeks postmenstrual age – 3 years) administered intravenous morphine, to determine oral bioavailability (F), absorption lag time (TLAG), and absorption half‐time (TABS). These parameter estimates were used to predict concentrations in children given oral morphine (100, 200, 300, 400, 500 mcg·kg−1) at different dosing intervals (3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12 h).ResultsThe oral morphine formulation had F 0.298 (CV 36.5%), TLAG 0.45 (CV 63.6%) h and TABS 0.71 (CV 55%) h. A single‐dose morphine 100 mcg·kg−1 achieved a mean CMAX 10 mcg·l−1. Repeat 4‐hourly dosing achieved mean steady‐state concentration 13–18 mcg·l−1; concentrations associated with good analgesia after intravenous administration. Serum concentration variability was large ranging from 5 to 55 mcg·l−1 at steady state.ConclusionsOral morphine 200 mcg·kg−1 then 100 mcg·kg−1 4 h or 150 mcg·kg−1 6 h achieves mean concentrations associated with analgesia. There was high serum concentration variability suggesting that respiration may be compromised in some children given these doses.
Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome with Prolonged Course Complicated by Parvovirus Infection
Authors: Coughlin Carrie C. , Jen Melinda V. , Boos Markus D. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractDrug hypersensitivity syndrome (DHS) is a severe medication reaction involving multiple organ systems that is characterized by rash, lymphadenopathy, and laboratory aberrations, including hepatic enzyme changes. Viral reactivation in the setting of DHS can significantly affect the course of disease. We report two children in whom parvovirus infection prolonged and complicated their course of DHS. Most other DHS‐complicating viruses are herpesviruses; this report broadens the scope of DHS‐modifying infections to include activation of Parvoviridae.
Do young children preferentially trust gossip or firsthand observation in choosing a collaborative partner?
Authors: Haux Lou , Engelmann Jan M. , Herrmann Esther , Tomasello Michael 
Published: October 2016

AbstractFrom early on in ontogeny, young children hear things being said about particular individuals. Here we investigate the ways in which testimony with social content, that is, gossip, influences children's decision‐making. We explored whether five‐year‐old (N = 72) and seven‐year‐old (N = 72) children trust gossip or firsthand observation in a partner choice setting. Seven‐year‐old children preferentially trusted what they had seen firsthand over gossip; five‐year‐old children, in contrast, did not differentiate between these two sources of information. However, five‐year‐old children (but not seven‐year‐olds) generally gave negative information more weight, that is, they showed a “negativity bias.” These results suggest that at around school age, young children become more “epistemically vigilant” about gossip.
Transcriptome analysis of equine sarcoids
Authors: Semik E. , Gurgul A. , Ząbek T. , Ropka‐Molik K. , Koch C. , Mählmann K. , Bugno‐Poniewierska M. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractEquine sarcoids are the most commonly detected skin tumours in Equidae. In the present research, a comparative transcriptomic analysis was performed which aimed at looking inside a tumour biology and identification of the expression profile as a potential source of cancer specific genes useful as biomarkers. We have used Horse Gene Expression Microarray data from matched equine sarcoids and tumour‐distant skin samples. In total, 901 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between lesional and healthy skin samples have been identified (fold change ≥ 2; P < 0.05). The large subset of DEGs, with decreased expression, was associated with a suppression of malignant transformation, whereas several overexpressed genes were involved in the processes associated with growth and progression of a tumour or immune system activity. Our results, as a first to date, showed comprehensive transcriptome analysis of skin tumour in horses and pinpointed significant pathways and genes related with oncogenesis processes.