bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing cardiometabolic risk profile in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Curcó Neus , Barriendos Nuria , Barahona Maria José , Arteaga Carmen , García Mercedes , Yordanov Stanislav , De La Barrera Olimpia , Prat Carolina , Vives Pere , Giménez Nuria 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis has been associated with metabolic syndrome and with an increased cardiovascular risk especially in patients with severe disease. The goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and other cardiovascular risk factors and its association with the psoriasis severity, sex and age.MethodsConsecutive patients with psoriasis were enrolled in a prospective study over a 1‐year period. Blood samples were collected. Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) and body surface area scores and two dermatology quality of life (DQOL) questionnaires were used to evaluate psoriasis severity and the impact of the disease.ResultsAltogether 178 patients were included, of whom 44% had moderate–severe psoriasis. The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 30% (men 34%, women 26%) without significant differences between patients with severe and mild disease. Age and menopause appeared to increase the risk for metabolic syndrome. Patients with severe psoriasis smoked more heavily, were more likely to have diabetes or insulin resistance and had higher homocysteine and lower high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels than patients with mild psoriasis (P < 0.05). In women, a higher waist circumference was observed. Women had higher HDL‐C levels and lower smoking and alcohol consumption rates. In accordance with the systematic coronary risk evaluation system, 18% of the patients had a high 10‐year risk of fatal cardiovascular disease.ConclusionsPsoriasis severity was associated with diabetes, insulin‐resistance, smoking habit and higher cardiovascular risk. Metabolic syndrome was related to age and menopause but not to psoriasis severity.
Analysis of early hepatic artery thrombosis after liver transplantation
Authors: Xue Zhicheng , Chen Maogen , Zhang Xuzhi , Wang Guodong , He Xiaoshun , Wu Linwei , Ma Yi 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundHepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) is one of the deadliest complications after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). This study aimed to identify risk factors and summarize the experience of HAT management after OLT.MethodsClinical data of 407 adult patients who received OLT in our centres from July 2011 to December 2015 were retrospectively investigated.ResultsThe incidence rate of early HAT was 2.0% (8/407). Recipient/donor weight ratio ≥1.15 (P = 0.02), presence of hepatic arterial reconstruction (P < 0.001) and post‐operative blood transfusion (P = 0.001) were significantly associated with early HAT in the univariate analysis and the only independent risk factor (odds ratio = 28.49) in binary logistic regression was the presence of hepatic arterial reconstruction. Among patients with early HAT, five received interventional revascularization while two received surgical revascularization and the remaining one received re‐transplantation. Their liver grafts were functioning well with patent hepatic artery until their last follow‐up, whereas one died from tumor recurrence at 31st month after transplantation.ConclusionThe presence of hepatic arterial reconstruction, recipient/donor weight ratio ≥1.15 and post‐operative blood transfusion were the main risk factors associated with early HAT. Prompt recognition of these factors, strict surveillance protocols and selective anticoagulation for patients at risk need to be evaluated. For patients with early HAT occurring within a week after transplantation, surgical re‐arterialization is preferential while interventional revascularization is recommended when it occurs beyond 7 days after transplantation.
Assessing the growth of preterm infants using detailed anthropometry
Authors: Ashton James J. , Johnson Mark J. , Pond Jenny , Crowley Philippa , Dimitrov Borislav D. , Pearson Freya , Beattie R. Mark 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAimPreterm infants display altered body composition compared to term infants, and weight gain is a crude indicator body composition. Childhood mid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC) is a measure of nutritional status. This study investigates MUAC and mid‐thigh circumference (MTC) to monitor growth in preterm infants.MethodsPreterm infants (<30‐week gestation) were recruited. MUAC, MTC, weight, length and head circumference (HC) were measured at recruitment and weekly intervals until discharge. Descriptive, correlation and regression analyses were used.ResultsNinety‐three infants were recruited. Median measurement duration was eight weeks (1–19). Median gestational age was 27 weeks (23–29). Analysis by curve estimation displayed a mean increase of 2.58 mm/week (left MUAC) (p ≤ 0.0001), 2.56 mm/week (right MUAC) (p ≤ 0.0001), 4.16 mm/week (left MTC) (p ≤ 0.0001), 4.20 mm/week (right MTC) (p ≤ 0.0001). Coefficients of determination (R2) were calculated using a growth regression model for MUAC and MTC (0.866–0.917); measures were comparable to growth modelling of weight (0.913), length (0.945) and HC (0.928). High concordance between left and right MUAC and MTC generated a Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.999 (MUAC) (p ≤ 0.001) and 0.994 (MTC) (p ≤ 0.001).ConclusionData demonstrate the potential utility of MUAC and MTC as additional measures of growth in preterm infants that are reproducible over time. There is potential to gain insights to improve lean‐mass accretion in preterm infants.
Glucocorticoid‐deficient hypoadrenocorticism secondary to intravascular lymphoma in the adrenal glands of a dog
Authors: Buckley ME , Chapman PS , Walsh A 
Published: February 2017

Case reportA 2‐year‐old neutered male German Shepherd dog was presented with weakness, poor appetite and weight loss. Glucocorticoid‐deficient hypoadrenocorticism was diagnosed with undetectable pre‐ and post‐ACTHcortisol concentrations but normal sodium and potassium concentrations. Despite appropriate supplementation with glucocorticoids, the patient's weakness progressed and neurological deficits developed. The patient was euthanased. Histopathological analysis of multiple organs, including the adrenal glands, showed an accumulation of neoplastic lymphocytes within blood vessels, consistent with a diagnosis of intravascular lymphoma. Histologically, in both adrenal glands, the architecture of the zona fasciculata and reticularis was disrupted by blood vessels congested with a neoplastic population of T‐lymphocytes; the zona glomerulosa remained intact.ConclusionThis is the first report of intravascular lymphoma causing glucocorticoid‐deficient hypoadrenocorticism in a dog.
Population pharmacokinetics of rituximab in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma and association with clinical outcome
Authors: Rozman Samo , Grabnar Iztok , Novaković Srdjan , Mrhar Ales , Jezeršek Novaković Barbara 
Published: February 2017

AimsPharmacokinetic (PK) studies suggest that there is a room for improvement in clinical use of rituximab through more individualized treatment. The objective of this study was to characterize rituximab PK in 29 newly diagnosed patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma treated with rituximab in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and methylprednisolone every 3 weeks. We also evaluated the association of rituximab PK with clinical outcome.MethodsRituximab serum levels were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and evaluated by a population PK analysis applying nonlinear mixed effects modelling.ResultsThe data were best described by a two‐compartment model comprising linear nonspecific clearance of 0.252 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.227–0.279] l day–1 and time‐varying specific clearance of 0.278 (95% CI: 0.181–0.390) l day–1, corresponding to target‐mediated drug disposition of rituximab. Nonspecific clearance was lower in older patients and those with lower body weight. Additionally, volume of the central compartment was higher in males. A clear association of clinical response with rituximab PK has been observed. Rate constant of specific clearance decay was 0.143 day−1 (95% CI: 0.0478–0.418) in patients with no disease progression, while in patients with disease progression it was 82.2% lower (95% CI: 33.4–95.0).ConclusionsThis finding indicates that time‐changes in clearance could serve as a predictive marker of response to rituximab. Our report demonstrates the rationale for studies evaluating higher doses of rituximab in selected patients.
Buried amber finds in the coastal deposits of Saaremaa Island, eastern Baltic Sea – their sedimentary environment and possible use by Bronze Age islanders
Authors: Nirgi Triine , Rosentau Alar , Ots Mirja , Vahur Signe , Kriiska Aivar 
Published: February 2017

Here, we present new sedimentary data of the amber bearing layer from the Holocene coastal plain on the SW Saaremaa Island where amber is not known in sedimentary successions but is common in Stone Age and Bronze Age archaeological sites. A layer of buried organic matter (BOM), sandwiched between sandy coastal deposits and containing pieces of natural amber, was discovered during fieldwork and analysed in detail. Results show that the BOM layer is buried under approximately 90‐cm‐thick sandy coastal deposits and consists of the remains of different coastal plants. Palaeogeographical reconstructions and sediment compositions indicate that the layer was deposited in the coastal zone and buried quickly by sandy marine sediments. According to AMS radiocarbon dating of knotgrass seeds (Polygonum lapathifolium), deposition of the BOM layer took place in the Late Bronze Age; about 2.7–2.5 cal. ka BP. Infrared spectra and isotopic composition of the analysed amber from the BOM layer indicate Baltic amber, also known as succinite. The stable isotope ratio indicates the origin of the amber to be south of Estonia. Therefore, it is proposed that the amber was probably transported to Saaremaa within organic matter (along the main SW–NE orientated current flows) from the SE coast of the Baltic Sea where secondary Baltic amber deposits are known to exist widely. Amber items are common in Late Bronze Age settlement sites and burials in Saaremaa and are considered to originate from present‐day Latvia, Lithuania, Kaliningrad district (Russia) and Poland. The current study shows that during the Late Bronze Age natural amber accumulated in the coastal zone of Saaremaa Island and that the islanders could collect it. Therefore, the possibility exists that some Bronze Age archaeological amber objects could be made of local material as opposed to being a result of trade with southern neighbours, as formerly thought.
Diversity and significance of core preparation in the Developed Oldowan technology: reconstructing the flaking processes at SHK and BK (Middle‐Upper Bed II, Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania)
Authors: Sánchez‐Yustos Policarpo , Diez‐Martín Fernando , Domínguez‐Rodrigo Manuel , Duque Javier , Fraile Cristina , Baquedano Enrique , Mabulla Audax 
Published: February 2017

Core preparation has been documented in Developed Oldowan assemblages dated between 1.5–1.3 Ma. However, its correct identification and significance is a matter of debate. In order to shed light on this issue, this paper attempts to reconstruct the flake production processes of the lithic assemblages currently recovered in SHK and BK at Olduvai Gorge (Tanzania). The methodological approach applied for the study of these two classical Developed Oldowan sites is based on the analysis and classification of flaking cores through detailed diacritical and technological descriptions, regardless of aprioristic morphological considerations. The flake production processes identified in both assemblages exhibit great technological homogeneity. The most remarkable difference between them is linked with divergences in flake size production. Core rotation and elongation of the perimeter of the flaked surface were the main technical actions implemented to manage core reduction, and seem to be related to reduction intensity. Core preparation, specifically striking platform preparation, was also applied, but to a minor extent, and was linked with a more effective management of blank reduction. It was not carried out through rigid technical and geometric schemes, and the products obtained were not predetermined. Nevertheless, its mere presence in Developed Oldowan sites is very suggestive, as it confirms a strong relationship between the Developed Oldowan and early Acheulean assemblages.
Protein phosphatase 2A regulation of markers of extracellular matrix remodelling in hepatocellular carcinoma cells: functional consequences for tumour invasion
Authors: Ward M P , Spiers J P 
Published: February 2017

Background and PurposeA hallmark of tumour invasion is breakdown of the extracellular matrix due to dysregulation of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) system. While our understanding of how this is regulated by kinase signalling pathways is well established, its counter‐regulation by protein phosphatases (PP) is poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the effect of PP inhibition on markers of extracellular remodelling and how PP2A activity modulated MMP‐9 abundance and function of Hep3B cells.Experimental ApproachCells were exposed to okadaic acid (OA), tautomycetin and cyclosporin A, and the expression profile determined using PCR. Effects of OA and a protein inhibitor of PP2A, CIP2A, on MMP‐9 abundance, PP2A activity and cell migration were investigated using ELISA, promoter constructs, siRNA knockdown and transwell migration assays.Key ResultsOA increased expression and abundance of MMP‐9 and the tissue inhibitor of MMP, TIMP‐1, without affecting other MMPs, TIMPs and ADAMs. The effect on MMP‐9 was mimicked by CIP2A overexpression and knockdown of the PPP2CA catalytic, but not PPP2R1A scaffolding, subunit. Cyclosporin A and PPP1CA silencing did not alter MMP‐9 expression, while tautomycetin transiently increased it. Mutation of AP‐1, but not NF‐κB, binding sites inhibited OA‐mediated MMP‐9 transcriptional activity. OA and CIP2A decreased PP2A activity and increased cell migration.Conclusion and ImplicationsOA increased MMP‐9 by decreasing PP2A activity and PP2Ac, through AP‐1 binding sites on the MMP‐9 promoter. The functional consequence of this and CIP2A overexpression was increased cell migration. Hence, PP2A inhibition induced a metastatic phenotype through alterations in MMP‐9 in Hep3B cells.
Inhibition of 6‐phosphofructo‐2‐kinase suppresses fibroblast‐like synoviocytes‐mediated synovial inflammation and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Zou Yaoyao , Zeng Shan , Huang Mingcheng , Qiu Qian , Xiao Youjun , Shi Maohua , Zhan Zhongping , Liang Liuqin , Yang Xiuyan , Xu Hanshi 
Published: February 2017

Background and PurposeAbnormal glycolytic metabolism contributes to joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aims of this study were to investigate the role of 6‐phosphofructo‐2‐kinase/fructose‐2,6‐bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3), a bifunctional enzyme that controls the glycolytic rate, in regulating fibroblast‐like synoviocyte (FLS)‐mediated synovial inflammation and invasiveness in RA.Experimental ApproachA specific inhibitor of PFKFB3, PFK15, and siRNA were used to evaluate the role of PFKFB3. Protein expression was measured by Western blotting or immunofluorescence staining. The expression of cytokines was determined by quantitative real‐time PCR. Migration and invasion were measured using a Boyden chamber assay. A mouse model of collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) was used to evaluate the in vivo effect of PFK15.Key ResultsPFKFB3 expression was increased in the synovial tissue and FLSs from RA patients compared with osteoarthritis patients. PFKFB3 inhibition decreased the expression of IL‐8, IL‐6, CCL‐2 and CXCL‐10 and the proliferation, migration and invasion of RA FLSs. PFK15 suppressed TNF‐α‐induced activation of NF‐κB and p38, JNK and ERK MAPK signals in RA FLSs. PFK15 treatment also suppressed glucose uptake and lactate secretion. Lactate reversed the inhibitory effect of PFK15 or PFKFB3 siRNA on cytokine expression and migration of RA FLSs. Lactate was also involved in PFKFB3‐mediated activation of NF‐κB and MAPKs. Intraperitoneal injection of PFK15 in mice with CIA attenuated joint inflammation.Conclusion and ImplicationsElevated PFKFB3 expression might contribute to synovial inflammation and aggressive behaviours of RA FLSs, suggesting a novel strategy of targeting PFKFB3 to prevent synovial inflammation and joint destruction in RA.
Fathers' Infant‐Directed Speech in a Small‐Scale Society
Authors: Broesch Tanya , Bryant Gregory A. 
Published: February 2017

When speaking to infants, mothers often alter their speech compared to how they speak to adults, but findings for fathers are mixed. This study examined interactions (N = 30) between fathers and infants (Mage ± SD = 7.8 ± 4.3 months) in a small‐scale society in Vanuatu and two urban societies in North America. Fundamental frequency (F0) and speech rate were measured in infant‐directed and adult‐directed speech. When speaking to infants, fathers in both groups increased theirF0range, yet only Vanuatu fathers increased their averageF0. Conversely, North American fathers slowed down their speech rate to infants, whereas Vanuatu fathers did not. Behavioral traits can vary across distant cultures while still potentially solving similar communicative problems.
The significance of blue color in dermatoscopy
Authors: Popadić Mirjana , Sinz Christoph , Kittler Harald 
Published: February 2017

SummaryBackground and objectivesSkin lesions with blue color are frequently excised to rule out malignancy. The objective of the present study was to investigate the significance of blue color.MethodsWe retrospectively scanned dermatoscopic images for blue color and classified them according to pattern analysis.ResultsOf 1,123 pigmented skin lesions, 144 (12.8 %) showed blue color, 92 of which (63.9 %) were malignant. Among lesions with blue color, the most common benign diagnoses were nevi (n = 35, 24.3 %) and seborrheic keratoses (n = 8, 5.6 %). Of 103 (71.5 %) lesions with a structureless blue pattern, eight (7.8 %) were entirely blue and 95 (92.2 %) were partly blue, of which 81 (78.6 %) showed peripheral or patchy and 14 (13.6 %) central blue color. Most lesions with peripheral or patchy blue color were melanomas (n = 47, 58 %), whereas most lesions with central blue color were nevi (n = 9, 64.3 %). Of 28 lesions with blue clods, 17 (60.7 %) were basal cell carcinomas. With respect to malignancy, the positive predictive value of blue color was 63.9 % (95 % CI: 56.0–71.8 %).ConclusionsAmong malignant lesions with blue color, structureless peripheral or patchy blue color is a clue for melanoma, while blue clods point to basal cell carcinoma. Pitfalls include seborrheic keratoses, which may show blue color, as well as some nevi, especially combined nevi.
Combining the G‐protein‐coupled receptor 40 agonist fasiglifam with sitagliptin improves glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes with or without metformin: A randomized, 12‐week trial
Authors: Peng Xuejun V. , Marcinak John F. , Raanan Marsha G. , Cao Charlie 
Published: February 2017

AimsTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of fasiglifam, an orally active G‐protein‐coupled receptor 40 agonist, in combination with the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor sitagliptin, in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with diet/exercise (± metformin).Materials and methodsIn this randomized, double‐blind, phase II study, 368 patients received once‐daily placebo, sitagliptin 100 mg, fasiglifam 25 or 50 mg, or the combination of sitagliptin 100 mg plus fasiglifam 25 or 50 mg. The primary endpoint was change from baseline glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) at 12 weeks; a key secondary endpoint was change in fasting plasma glucose (FPG).ResultsThe fasiglifam 25 and 50 mg combination regimens produced significantly greater HbA1c reductions than sitagliptin (treatment differences of −0.45% and −0.61%; P < .01, respectively) or respective doses of fasiglifam monotherapy (−0.43% and −0.48%; P < .01) and significantly greater FPG reductions than sitagliptin (−1.1 mmol/L for both combination regimens; P < .01). Improved glycaemic control occurred by week 1 for FPG and week 4 for HbA1c in all groups. Hypoglycaemia rates were low (≤3.3%) and similar across treatments. Liver enzymes >3 × upper limit of normal occurred in four patients (fasiglifam 25 mg, n = 1; fasiglifam 50 mg, n = 2; 1 fasiglifam/sitagliptin 50/100 mg, n = 1).ConclusionsCombination of fasiglifam and sitagliptin provided significant additional effects on glycaemic control, with hypoglycaemia rates similar to placebo with or without metformin. This study provides supportive clinical evidence for the complementary mechanism of actions of this GPR40 agonist and DPP‐4 inhibitor.
The effect of viewing video clips of paediatric local anaesthetic administration on the confidence of undergraduate dental students
Authors: Kenny K. P. , Alkazme A. M. , Day P. F. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIntroductionDental treatment for children requires not only technical skills, but also the knowledge and confidence to provide behaviour management to support children of differing ages and stages of development. It is not surprising then that dental students find treating children especially stressful. Paediatric dentistry training is therefore a vital element of the undergraduate dental curriculum.Materials and MethodsEighty‐six fourth‐year undergraduate dental students received standard lectures and seminars about behaviour management techniques for children having local anaesthetic. The students were then randomly divided into groups using cluster randomisation. The intervention group received an intervention‐based around video clips (VCs) demonstrating behaviour management techniques (BMTs) for children receiving local anaesthetic The intervention and control groups completed self‐administered questionnaires to determine their level of confidence in managing local anaesthetic for children.ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference in the level of confidence between the groups immediately after the teaching intervention (P=.003) and at 4 months (P=.001) in favour of the video group.DiscussionPrevious studies on the use of video as a teaching aid have reported favourable results in terms of both student attitudes and learning outcomes. The results from this study confirm the benefits of this style of teaching paediatric behaviour skills in the undergraduate dental curriculum, and the benefits were maintained at 4 months.ConclusionThis study has demonstrated that VCs as an additional teaching aid are an effective method in improving students’ confidence for BMTs when delivering local anaesthetic.
Community fluctuations and local extinction in a planktonic food web
Authors: Segura A. M. , Calliari D. , Lan B. L. , Fort H. , Widdicombe C. E. , Harmer R. , Arim M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractDetermining statistical patterns irrespective of interacting agents (i.e. macroecology) is useful to explore the mechanisms driving population fluctuations and extinctions in natural food webs. Here, we tested four predictions of a neutral model on the distribution of community fluctuations (CF) and the distributions of persistence times (APT). Novel predictions for the food web were generated by combining (1) body size–density scaling, (2) Taylor's law and (3) low efficiency of trophic transference. Predictions were evaluated on an exceptional data set of plankton with 15 years of weekly samples encompassing c. 250 planktonic species from three trophic levels, sampled in the western English Channel. Highly symmetric non‐Gaussian distributions of CF support zero‐sum dynamics. Variability in CF decreased while a change from an exponential to a power law distribution of APT from basal to upper trophic positions was detected. Results suggest a predictable but profound effect of trophic position on fluctuations and extinction in natural communities.