bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum viral load at the virological relapse predicts subsequent clinical flares in chronic hepatitis B patients off entecavir therapy
Authors: Hsu Yao‐Chun , Mo Lein‐Ray , Chang Chi‐Yang , Wu Ming‐Shiang , Yang Tzeng‐Huey , Kao Jia‐Horng , Chen Chieh‐Chang , Tseng Cheng‐Hao , Tai Chi‐Ming , Lin Chih‐Wen , Wu Chun‐Ying , Lin Jaw‐Town 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackground and AimTherapeutic duration of nucleos(t)ide analogues for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is not indefinite in many parts of the world. Viral reactivation is common off therapy, but the risk of subsequent clinical outcome remains unclear and unpredictable. We aimed to quantify the incidence of and explore the predictors for clinical flare following virological relapse in CHB patients who discontinue entecavir therapy.MethodsThis multicenter cohort study prospectively monitored 133 CHB patients who were HBeAg‐negative and viral DNA‐undetectable when discontinuing entecavir after at least 3 years on therapy. Following virological relapse (viral DNA >2,000 IU/mL) that occurred in 92 patients, the incidences of subsequent clinical flare and persistent (unremittent for 3 months) or severe hepatitis (with jaundice or coagulopathy) were determined, and risk factors were explored. Patients did not resume antiviral therapy until occurrence of persistent or severe hepatitis.ResultsThe cumulative incidence of clinical hepatitis 2 years after virological relapse was 61.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 49.9–72.3%) and that of persistent or severe hepatitis was 53.0% (95% CI, 40.9–66.2%). Serum viral load at the virological relapse was associated with both clinical hepatitis (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.31 per log IU/mL; 95% CI, 1.07–1.60) and persistent or severe hepatitis (adjusted HR, 1.63 per log IU/mL; 95% CI, 1.27–2.10), after adjustment for serum aminotransferase and alfa‐fetoprotein levels in the multivariate analysis. Viral DNA >100 000 IU/mL predicted a nearly inevitable occurrence of clinical flare (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsA high viral load at the virological relapse predicts subsequent clinical hepatitis in CHB patients who discontinue entecavir.
Serotonin 5‐HT7 receptor increases the density of dendritic spines and facilitates synaptogenesis in forebrain neurons
Authors: Speranza Luisa , Labus Josephine , Volpicelli Floriana , Guseva Daria , Lacivita Enza , Leopoldo Marcello , Bellenchi Gian Carlo , di Porzio Umberto , Bijata Monika , Perrone‐Capano Carla , Ponimaskin Evgeni 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPrecise control of dendritic spine density and synapse formation is critical for normal and pathological brain functions. Therefore, signaling pathways influencing dendrite outgrowth and remodeling remain a subject of extensive investigations. Here, we report that prolonged activation of the serotonin 5‐HT7 receptor (5‐HT7R) with selective agonist LP‐211 promotes formation of dendritic spines and facilitates synaptogenesis in postnatal cortical and striatal neurons. Critical role of 5‐HT7R in neuronal morphogenesis was confirmed by analysis of neurons isolated from 5‐HT7R‐deficient mice and by pharmacological inactivation of the receptor. Acute activation of 5‐HT7R results in pronounced neurite elongation in postnatal striatal and cortical neurons, thus extending previous data on the morphogenic role of 5‐HT7R in embryonic and hippocampal neurons. We also observed decreased number of spines in neurons with either genetically (i.e. 5‐HT7R‐knock‐out) or pharmacologically (i.e. antagonist treatment) blocked 5‐HT7R, suggesting that constitutive 5‐HT7R activity is critically involved in the spinogenesis. Moreover, cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 and small GTPase Cdc42 were identified as important downstream effectors mediating morphogenic effects of 5‐HT7R in neurons. Altogether, our data suggest that the 5‐HT7R‐mediated structural reorganization during the postnatal development might have a crucial role for the development and plasticity of forebrain areas such as cortex and striatum, and thereby can be implicated in regulation of the higher cognitive functions.
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Prothymosin alpha‐deficiency enhances anxiety‐like behaviors and impairs learning/memory functions and neurogenesis
Authors: Ueda Hiroshi , Sasaki Keita , Halder Sebok Kumar , Deguchi Yuichi , Takao Keizo , Miyakawa Tsuyoshi , Tajima Atsushi 
Published: January 2017

AbstractProthymosin alpha (ProTα) is expressed in various mammalian organs including the neuronal nuclei in the brain, and is involved in multiple functions, such as chromatin remodeling, transcriptional regulation, cell proliferation, and survival. ProTα has beneficial actions against ischemia‐induced necrosis and apoptosis in the brain and retina. However, characterizing the physiological roles of endogenous ProTα in the brain without stress remains elusive. Here, we generated ProTα‐deficiency mice to explore whether endogenous ProTα is involved in normal brain functions. We successfully generated heterozygous ProTα knockout (ProTα+/−) mice, while all homozygous ProTα knockout (ProTα−/−) offspring died at early embryonic stage, suggesting that ProTα has crucial roles in embryonic development. In the evaluation of different behavioral tests, ProTα+/− mice exhibited hypolocomotor activity in the open‐field test and enhanced anxiety‐like behaviors in the light/dark transition test and the novelty induced hypophagia test. ProTα+/− mice also showed impaired learning and memory in the step‐through passive avoidance test and the KUROBOX test. Depression‐like behaviors in ProTα+/− mice in the forced swim and tail suspension tests were comparable with that of wild‐type mice. Furthermore, adult hippocampal neurogenesis was significantly decreased in ProTα+/− mice. ProTα+/− mice showed an impaired long‐term potentiation induction in the evaluation of electrophysiological recordings from acute hippocampal slices. Microarray analysis revealed that the candidate genes related to anxiety, learning/memory‐functions, and neurogenesis were down‐regulated in ProTα+/− mice. Thus, this study suggests that ProTα has crucial physiological roles in the robustness of brain.
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Comparison between types of dressing following catheter insertion and early exit‐site infection in peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Figueiredo Ana Elizabeth , de Mattos Carolina , Saraiva Cristine , Olandoski Marcia , Barretti Pasqual , Pecoits Filho Roberto , de Moraes Thyago Proença ,   all BRAZPD II Investigators
Published: January 2017

Aims and objectivesTo investigate whether the type of dressing used (occlusive vs. semi‐occlusive) impacts on exit‐site infection.BackgroundThe exit‐site infections are a major predisposing factor for peritoneal dialysis‐related peritonitis, the main cause of technique failure and an important cause of mortality. The care taken in exit‐site dressing is considered an important procedure for the prevention of trauma and contamination of this area. Nevertheless, to our knowledge, no study has yet analysed the impact of different dressing types on early exit‐site infection (up to two months after catheter insertion).DesignA prospective observational study involving the BRAZPD II (Brazilian Peritoneal Dialysis Multicenter Study) cohort.MethodsAll incident patients with data available for dressing type applied following peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion were included in the study. A multilevel logistic regression model was used to compare the log‐odds of exit‐site infections between groups.ResultsA total of 2460 incident patients were included. Occlusive and semi‐occlusive dressings were applied in 82·6% (n = 2031) and 17·4% (n = 427) of patients, respectively. Exit‐site infection incidence was not affected by the type of dressing used, with a logit for occlusive dressing of 2·15 (95% CI 0·81–5·70). The combined outcome of exit‐site infection and tunnel infection also showed no significance between the groups (logit 1·46, 95% CI 0·72–2·97).ConclusionOur results indicate that the type of exit‐site dressing used during the healing phase following peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion has no impact on early exit‐site infection rates.Relevance to clinical practiceProvides evidence to support the similarity between occlusive and semi‐occlusive dressing regarding infection rates in exit site of peritoneal dialysis catheter, therefore allowing the choice to be made accordingly to routine or availability.
Health care as perceived by persons with inflammatory bowel disease – a focus group study
Authors: Lesnovska Katarina Pihl , Hollman Frisman Gunilla , Hjortswang Henrik , Hjelm Katarina , Börjeson Sussanne 
Published: January 2017

Aims and objectivesThe aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of health care among persons living with inflammatory bowel disease.BackgroundThe quality of care plays an important role in the life of persons with a chronic disease. To define what persons with inflammatory bowel disease perceive as high‐quality care, greater focus must be placed on the individual's own perspective of living with the condition.DesignA qualitative exploratory study was conducted based on focus groups.MethodsFive focus groups were conducted with adult persons living with inflammatory bowel disease, 14 men and 12 women aged 19–76 years. The interviews were performed between January–June 2014.ResultsThe perceptions of health care from the perspective of persons living with inflammatory bowel disease were summarised in two categories: ‘professional attitudes of healthcare staff’ and ‘structure of the healthcare organisation’. Persons with inflammatory bowel disease want to be encountered with respect, experience trust and obtain information at the right time. They also expect shared decision‐making, communication and to encounter competent healthcare professionals. Furthermore, the expectations on and perceptions of the structure of the healthcare organisation comprise access to care, accommodation, continuity of care, as well as the pros and cons of specialised care.ConclusionThe findings show the importance of establishing a respectful and trusting relationship, facilitating healthcare staff and persons with inflammatory bowel disease to work as a team in fulfilling individual care needs – but there is room for improvement in terms of quality of care.Relevance to clinical practiceA person‐centred approach, which places the individual and her/his family at the centre, considering them experts on their own health and enabling them to collaborate with healthcare staff, seems important to reach a high‐quality healthcare organisation for patients with Inflammatory bowel disease.
Customized Cheek Plumper with Friction Lock Attachment for a Completely Edentulous Patient to Enhance Esthetics: A Clinical Report
Authors: Bhushan Prem , Aras Meena A. , Coutinho Ivy , Rajagopal Praveen , Mysore Ashwin R. , Kumar Swati 
Published: January 2017

AbstractProsthetic rehabilitation of a completely edentulous patient should never be restricted to the replacement of missing teeth. The ultimate aim of complete denture treatment should be restoration of the full range of oral functions and esthetics. Slumped cheeks are always a concern for esthetically demanding complete denture patients. This article describes a simple, scientific, cost‐effective technique to improve facial esthetics in a completely edentulous patient with the help of a cheek plumper. The technique used here implements the concept of neutral zone to precisely determine the amount of space available for the cheek plumper. The simple friction lock attachments that retained the cheek plumpers on the prosthesis were also fabricated after determining the space available in the appropriate areas. Thus an effort was made to keep the cheek plumpers unobtrusive yet effective to ensure complete integration of the prosthesis into the stomatognathic system.
The sensory impact of salt replacers and flavor enhancer in reduced sodium processed meats is matrix dependent
Authors: Gaudette Nicole J. , Pietrasik Zeb 
Published: January 2017

AbstractSodium reduction remains an important and ongoing initiative for the meat industry, especially for processed meats. Sodium reduction strategies, including the use of commercial salt replacers and flavor enhancers, are currently available to the food industry, however; their application toward processed meats, and subsequent impact on the sensory profile, has yet to be fully understood. In comparison to control and low salt formulations, two salt replacers (OF45, OF60) and one flavor enhancer (savory powder [SP]) were evaluated for their ability to effectively reduce sodium, while maintaining the sensory properties of restructured hams and smoked turkey sausages. Taste, odor, in‐mouth aroma, and textural properties were evaluated by trained sensory panelists using a hybrid method combining Quantitative Descriptive Analysis® and Texture Profile Analysis®. Formulations with salt replacers were perceived as less salty and more bitter compared to control, especially for OF45, where an off aroma‐induced enhancement of bitterness is postulated. SP elicited lower levels of flavor in restructured ham but may have a flavor enhancing effect in smoked turkey sausages. Processed meat systems with additional flavors may be more optimal for use of salt replacers due to a potential masking effect of bitterness.Practical applicationsSodium chloride is required for the functionality, shelf stability, and eating quality of processed meats. While sodium chloride plays an important role in processed meat, reduction strategies remain relevant for the industry as they continue to meet the consumer demand for low sodium foods. Current approaches for sodium reduction in processed meats include the use of salt replacers and/or flavor enhancers. This study shows that these ingredients can impact textural sensory attributes in some processed meat products. This work also demonstrates that salt replacers can potentially substitute sodium chloride in processed meats that have complex flavor profiles (e.g., addition of spices, smoke), while meats with simple flavor profiles may require further flavor optimization; however, further flavor optimization through the application of flavor modifying ingredients may be required to suppress undesirable levels of bitterness or other off flavors elicited by these ingredients. Flavor enhancers can provide additional complexity to the sensory profile, but this may be more apparent in complex flavored meat matrices.
Comparative efficacy of topical application of tacrolimus and clotrimazole in the treatment of pityriasis versicolor: A single blind, randomised clinical trial
Authors: Sepaskhah Mozhdeh , Sadat Maryam Sadat , Pakshir Keyvan , Bagheri Zahra 
Published: January 2017

SummaryBackgroundPityriasis versicolor (PV) is a common superficial fungal disease. Possibility of emergence of resistant strains to azoles, and difficulty in differentiation of hypopigmented PV and early vitiligo, encouraged us to evaluate the efficacy of topical tacrolimus (a calcineurin inhibitor agent with proven in vitro anti‐Malassezia effect) for PV treatment generally and its effect on PV‐induced hypopigmentation specifically.ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of topical tacrolimus on pityriasis versicolor. Patients/Methods: Fifty PV patients were randomly allocated into two equal groups applying either topical clotrimazol or tacrolimus twice daily for 3 weeks. They were evaluated at the beginning of study, in the third and fifth weeks clinically and mycologically (direct smear).ResultsAlthough both treatments resulted in global, clinical, and mycological cure of PV, there was no significant difference regarding the mentioned aspects of cure between tacrolimus and clotrimazole treated patients. (P‐value: .63, .45, and .26, respectively) Tacrolimus had no significant effect on hypopigmentation in the fifth week follow‐up. (P‐value: .62).ConclusionsIn spite of the lack of efficacy of tacrolimus on PV‐induced hypopigmentation, the therapeutic effect on PV introduces tacrolimus as a therapeutic option for PV, especially when early vitiligo is among the differential diagnoses without concerning the aggravating effect of topical corticosteroids on PV.
Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome and Hairy Skin Patches
Authors: Notay Manisha , Kamangar Faranak , Awasthi Smita , Fazel Nasim 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWe report a case of an increasing number of discrete patches of darkly pigmented terminal hair in a patient with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome. This case adds to a small case series of three patients which have previously reported this observation. We report this case to highlight hairy patches as an important clinical feature associated with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome.
Analysis of gene expression in granulosa cells post‐maturation to evaluate oocyte culture systems in the domestic cat
Authors: Zahmel J , Mundt H , Jewgenow K , Braun BC 
Published: January 2017

ContentsMaturation of oocytes is a prerequisite for successful embryo development. The fertilization competence of in vivo derived oocytes is significantly higher than that of oocytes matured in vitro. Commonly evaluated morphological criteria for oocyte maturation do not reflect the complexity and quality of maturation processes. Oocytes and granulosa cells are communicating closely in a bidirectional way during follicular growth and maturation. Assessing the mRNA expression of specific genes in granulosa cells could be a non‐invasive way to evaluate the conditions of in vitro oocyte maturation. The objective of this study was to elucidate the influence of two different FSH additives on the in vitro maturation rate and gene expression of cumulus–oocytes complexes in domestic cat. Feline oocytes were matured in a medium, supplemented with LH and 0.02 IU/ml porcine FSH versus 0.02 IU or 1.06 IU/ml human FSH. Granulosa cells were separated from oocytes directly after 24 hr of maturation or after additional 12 hr of in vitro fertilization. Gene expression levels were analysed by quantitative PCR for aromatase, antimullerian hormone, follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) and prostaglandin E synthase. Neither oocyte maturation rate nor gene expression levels differed after 24 or 36 hr in all three groups. However, variations were discovered in correlations of expression levels, for instance for FSHR and LHCG, indicating differences in the fine‐tuning of in vitro maturation processes under varying FSH supplementations. We suppose that correlation between gene expressions of selected genes suggests a superior maturation quality of feline oocytes.
Rare variant of MAP2K7 is associated with increased risk of COPD in southern and eastern Chinese
Authors: Qiu Fuman , Li Yinyan , Lu Xiaoxiao , Xie Chenli , Nong Qingqing , Wu Di , Chen Jiansong , Yang Lei , Zhou Yifeng , Lu Jiachun 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT
Background and objectiveA wide range of common loci have been extensively screened and evaluated for their associations with various complex diseases; however, the relevance of rare variants causing missense substitutions in the protein‐coding genes in human diseases is still poorly understood.MethodsIn this study, we conducted a two‐stage retrospective study of a total of 1791 patients with COPD and 1940 controls in southern and eastern Chinese to test relevancies of five rare variants (i.e. p.Glu116Lys, p.Asn118Ser, p.Arg138Cys, p.Ala195Thr and p.Leu259Phe) of human mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 7 (MAP2K7) to COPD susceptibility. The effects of these loci on lung function were further estimated.ResultsThe p.Glu116Lys rare variant had significant associations with COPD risk. Compared to individuals with Glu/Glu wild‐genotype, those with 116Lys rare variants (Lys/Glu+Lys/Lys) had an increased risk of COPD (OR = 3.83, 95% CI: 2.64–5.56; P = 1.45 × 10−12). Meanwhile, the carriers with 116Lys rare variants (Lys/Glu+Lys/Lys) had lower pre‐forced expiratory volume in 1 s (pre‐FEV1
: 1.74 ± 0.70 vs 2.00 ± 0.68; P = 3.97 × 10−5) and lower pre‐FEV1
to pre‐forced vital capacity ratio (pre‐FEV1
/FVC: 0.68 ± 0.14 vs 0.75 ± 0.12; P = 2.40 × 10−10) than those with Glu/Glu genotype. However, for other rare variants, no significant association with either COPD risk or lung function was observed.ConclusionOur data strongly suggest that the p.Glu116Lys rare variant in MAP2K7 predisposes its carriers to develop COPD, which would provide a useful genetic biomarker for COPD susceptibility in Chinese.
Is Private Saving in Latin America and the Caribbean Different?
Authors: Grigoli Francesco , Herman Alexander , Schmidt‐Hebbel Klaus 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPrivate saving and economic growth are intimately linked, and low saving rates in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) have often been held responsible for disappointing growth in the region. Thus, identifying factors that spur saving is critical. This paper surveys previous empirical studies onLAC, highlighting contradictions, omissions and in some cases inconclusiveness of findings. Relying on a large dataset and a nested econometric framework, it analyzes private saving patterns and explores the role of its determinants inLAC, acrossLACsub‐regions and compared with other regions. While the results highlight great heterogeneity in private saving rates withinLACand compared with the rest of the world, saving determinants are broadly the same notwithstanding some differences in sensitivity and contributions' sizes, and include its lag, income, demographics and public saving.
‘Soft’ forms of direct democracy: Explaining the occurrence of referendum motions and advisory referendums in Finnish local government
Authors: Jäske Maija 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis study investigates ‘soft’ forms of direct democracy and identifies factors that explain their occurrence. Soft direct democracy refers to non‐binding referendum motions and advisory referendums, which the literature on direct democracy has largely ignored. Strategic motives have dominated previous explanations of the occurrence of initiatives and referendums, but are less useful in exploring non‐binding procedures of direct democracy. The article distinguishes four types of factors – socio‐structural, party system, political support and learning – and tests hypotheses on their effects with sub‐national data from Finland. The data enable us to compare two different types of instruments – non‐binding referendum motions and advisory referendums – while controlling for many unobserved factors. The findings show that erosion of political support, participatory traditions and policy diffusion explain the occurrence of bottom‐up referendum motions, while the last two together with small population and party system factors predict the occurrence of advisory government‐initiated referendums.