bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors and risk of adverse renal outcomes among patients with type 2 diabetes: A network and cumulative meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Tang Huilin , Li Dandan , Zhang Jingjing , Li Yufeng , Wang Tiansheng , Zhai Suodi , Song Yiqing 
Published: February 2017

AimTo compare the associations of individual sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors with adverse renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods
PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for studies published up to May 24, 2016, without language or date restrictions. Randomized trials that reported at least 1 renal‐related adverse outcome in patients with T2DM treated with SGLT2 inhibitors were included. Pairwise and network meta‐analyses were carried out to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and a cumulative meta‐analysis was performed to assess the robustness of evidence.ResultsIn total, we extracted 1334 composite renal events among 39 741 patients from 58 trials, and 511 acute renal impairment/failure events among 36 716 patients from 53 trials. Dapagliflozin was significantly associated with a greater risk of composite renal events than placebo (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.26‐2.13). Empagliflozin seemed to confer a lower risk than placebo (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.54‐0.72), canagliflozin (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.29‐0.82) and dapagliflozin (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.28‐0.51). With regard to acute renal impairment/failure, only empagliflozin was significantly associated with a lower risk than placebo (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.60‐0.86). The cumulative meta‐analysis indicated the robustness of our significant findings.ConclusionsThe present meta‐analysis indicated that dapagliflozin may increase the risk of adverse renal events, while empagliflozin may have a protective effect among patients with T2DM. Further data from large well‐conducted randomized controlled trials and a real‐world setting are warranted.
Targeted deletion of GD3 synthase protects against MPTP‐induced neurodegeneration
Authors: Akkhawattanangkul Y. , Maiti P. , Xue Y. , Aryal D. , Wetsel W. C. , Hamilton D. , Fowler S. C. , McDonald M. P. 
Published: February 2017

Parkinson's disease is a debilitating neurodegenerative condition for which there is no cure. Converging evidence implicates gangliosides in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting a potential new class of therapeutic targets. We have shown that interventions that simultaneously increase the neuroprotective GM1 ganglioside and decrease the pro‐apoptotic GD3 ganglioside – such as inhibition of GD3 synthase (GD3S) or administration of sialidase – are neuroprotective in vitro and in a number of preclinical models. In this study, we investigated the effects of GD3S deletion on parkinsonism induced by 1‐methyl‐4phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). MPTP was administered to GD3S−/− mice or controls using a subchronic regimen consisting of three series of low‐dose injections (11 mg/kg/day × 5 days each, 3 weeks apart), and motor function was assessed after each. The typical battery of tests used to assess parkinsonism failed to detect deficits in MPTP‐treated mice. More sensitive measures – such as the force‐plate actimeter and treadmill gait parameters – detected subtle effects of MPTP, some of which were absent in mice lacking GD3S. In wild‐type mice, MPTP destroyed 53% of the tyrosine‐hydroxylase (TH)‐positive neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and reduced striatal dopamine 60.7%. In contrast, lesion size was only 22.5% in GD3S−/− mice and striatal dopamine was reduced by 37.2%. Stereological counts of Nissl‐positive SNc neurons that did not express TH suggest that neuroprotection was complete but TH expression was suppressed in some cells. These results show that inhibition of GD3S has neuroprotective properties in the MPTP model and may warrant further investigation as a therapeutic target.
Mechanical characterization of parts produced by ceramic on‐demand extrusion process
Authors: Ghazanfari Amir , Li Wenbin , Leu Ming , Watts Jeremy , Hilmas Gregory 
Published: February 2017

AbstractCeramic On‐Demand Extrusion (CODE) is an additive manufacturing process recently developed to produce dense three‐dimensional ceramic components. In this paper, the properties of parts produced using this freeform extrusion fabrication process are described. High solids loading (~60 vol%) alumina paste was prepared to fabricate parts and standard test methods were employed to examine their properties including the density, strength, Young's modulus, Weibull modulus, toughness, and hardness. Microstructural evaluation was also performed to measure the grain size and critical flaw size. The results indicate that the properties of parts surpass most other ceramic additive manufacturing processes and match conventional fabrication techniques.
Spectrum and clinical variants of giant cell elastolytic granuloma
Authors: Chen Wan‐Ting , Hsiao Pa‐Fan , Wu Yu‐Hung 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundGiant cell elastolytic granuloma, also known as annular elastolytic giant cell granuloma or actinic granuloma, is histologically characterized by elastophagocytosis. Recent studies have revealed various clinical presentations in both sun‐exposed and non‐sun‐exposed areas.ObjectivesTo clarify clinical characteristics based on case series observation.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients who fulfilled the pathological diagnosis criteria for giant cell elastolytic granuloma seen at Mackay Memorial Hospital from 2000 to 2014. Patient characteristics, clinical presentation, duration, associated diseases, treatment, and prognosis were analyzed.ResultsA total of 22 patients were analyzed and categorized into three major variants. Eight patients with the “annular form” showed large annular lesions, which were usually associated with sun exposure. Six patients with the “papular form” presented with small papules. Eight patients in the “mixed form” group exhibited both papules and smaller annular plaques. The papular form had the youngest age of onset and shortest disease duration. The known consequences in 19 patients were resolved in seven, improved in three, recurred in four, and persisted in five patients.ConclusionsThe term “giant cell elastolytic granuloma” is more appropriate because these were not completely related to actinic changes and may be nonannular. The papular form is not easily recognizable without a biopsy.
Melasma: systematic review of the systemic treatments
Authors: Zhou Linghong Linda , Baibergenova Akerke 
Published: February 2017

AbstractCurrently available treatment options for melasma include prevention of UV radiation, topical lightening agents, chemical peels, and light‐based and laser therapies. However, none have shown effective and sustained results, with incomplete clearance and frequent recurrences. There has been increasing interest recently in oral medications and dietary supplements in improving melasma. We sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety/tolerability of oral medications and dietary supplements for the treatment of melasma. Multiple databases were systematically searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating the use of oral medication for treatment of melasma alone or in combination with other treatments. A total of eight RCTs met inclusion criteria. Oral medications and dietary supplements evaluated include tranexamic acid, Polypodium leucotomos extract, beta‐carotenoid, melatonin, and procyanidin. These agents appear to have a beneficial effect on melasma improvement. In conclusion, oral medications have a role in melasma treatment and have been shown to be efficacious and tolerable with a minimal number and severity of adverse events. Therefore, dermatologists should keep oral medications and dietary supplements in their armamentarium for the treatment of melasma.
Spatial imprints of plate tectonics on extant richness of terrestrial vertebrates
Authors: Descombes Patrice , Leprieur Fabien , Albouy Camille , Heine Christian , Pellissier Loïc 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAimIn interaction with past climate changes, it is likely that plate tectonics contributed to the shaping of current global species diversity, but so far this has not been statistically quantified at the global level. Here, we tested whether plate tectonics since the breakup of Gondwana left an imprint on current patterns of species richness of amphibians, birds and mammals.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe reconstructed the absolute positions of continental plates since the Early Cretaceous and used this information to derive variables of latitudinal shifts and potential exchanges among landmasses that could have modulated species richness. Using a multi‐model inference approach combining both contemporary and historical variables, we quantified the relative importance of variables related to plate tectonics in explaining the spatial variation of the richness of amphibians, birds and mammals. Next, we employed a moving window approach to test whether plate tectonics left a more marked imprint in specific regions.ResultsPlate tectonics left an imprint on current patterns of vertebrate species richness in geologically singular regions, especially in the Indo‐Australian Archipelago and the region comprising eastern Africa and Madagascar. For birds and mammals, but not amphibians, we found a marked contrast in species richness across Australia and Southeast Asia and eastern Africa and Madagascar associated with plate tectonics. Moreover, the relationship between species richness and plate tectonics varied across taxonomic orders for birds and mammals.Main conclusionsWhile no general imprint of plate tectonics was detected at the global scale, our regional analysis highlighted a substantial role of geodynamics in shaping current patterns of vertebrate species richness in Southeast Asia and Madagascar. Future studies should integrate the full range of processes associated with plate tectonics, including orogeny, not considered here.
Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Defibrillators: Triggers, Treatment, and Implications
Authors: LINK MARK S. , BOCKSTALL KATY , WEINSTOCK JONATHAN , ALSHEIKH‐ALI ALAWI A. , SEMSARIAN CHRISTOPHER , ESTES N. A. MARK , SPIRITO PAOLO , HAAS TAMMY S. , ROWIN ETHAN J. , MARON MARTIN S. , MARON BARRY J. 
Published: February 2017

Ventricular Arrhythmias in HCMIntroductionTriggers and ICD interventions of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) offer insight into mechanisms and treatment.Methods and ResultsIntracardiac ICD electrograms from 71 HCM patients in the HCM I and II studies were analyzed by three individuals. Rhythms were defined as VF (polymorphic ventricular arrhythmia), VT (monomorphic ventricular tachycardia), and ventricular flutter (VFL; VT ≥ 240 bpm). Physical activity and rhythm preceding the arrhythmia were ascertained. Of 149 arrhythmias, VF was present in 74, VT in 57, and VFL in 18. In those whose activity was known, moderate or intense physical activity was associated with over 50% of the tachycardias (57 of 111). Rhythms preceding ventricular arrhythmias were often sinus tachycardia (49 of 149; 33%) or rapid atrial fibrillation (7 of 149; 5%). VF and VFL were more likely preceded by supraventricular rhythms >100 bpm (30 of 68 with VF; 44%; 12 of 16 with VFL 75%, vs. 14 of 50 with VT 28%; P = 0.001). Antitachycardia pacing (ATP) was successful in 39 of 53 (74%). Multiple shocks were more often required to terminate VFL (10 of 18; 56%) compared to VF (10 of 72; 14%) and VT (2 of 25; 8%; P < 0.0001). Of arrhythmias requiring more than one shock to terminate, 16 of 22 were preceded by sinus tachycardia and/or moderate or extreme physical activity.ConclusionsRapid supraventricular rhythms, and at least moderate activity, frequently precede VT and VF, and when they occur in these situations often require multiple ICD shocks to restore sinus rhythm. ATP is successful in terminating VT and VFL, and should be a programmed in all HCM patients with ICDs.
Performance of Orius insidiosus on alternative foods
Authors: Bernardo A. M. G. , de Oliveira C. M. , Oliveira R. A. , Vacacela H. E. , Venzon M. , Pallini A. , Janssen A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractOrius insidiosus is economically important for biological control of pests of vegetable and ornamental crops. To improve pest control with this predator, its densities in the crops can be enhanced by the provision of alternative foods, especially when prey are scarce. We therefore compared the performance of O. insidiosus on three alternative foods (Ricinus sp. pollen, bee pollen and the mixed stages of the astigmatid prey Tyrophagus putrescentiae) that are cheaper than frozen eggs of Ephestia kuehniella. Juvenile development was significantly shorter on E. kuehniella and T. putrescentiae than on Ricinus sp. pollen and on bee pollen and lowest without food. Female bugs had a higher oviposition rate when fed either E. kuehniella or T. putrescentiae, but produced fewer eggs when feeding on bee pollen and Ricinus sp. pollen. This shows that T. putrescentiae can possibly be used as cheap alternative food to boost predator populations in periods of low prey densities.
Isolation and characterization of an atypical Siberian sturgeon herpesvirus strain in Russia: novel North American Acipenserid herpesvirus 2 strain in Europe?
Authors: Doszpoly A , Kalabekov I M , Breyta R , Shchelkunov I S 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSiberian sturgeon herpesvirus (SbSHV) was isolated in Russia for the first time in 2006. Nine SbSHV isolates were recovered from different fish hatcheries producing the same cytopathic effect in cell cultures, the same clinical signs and mortality kinetics in virus‐infected fish and the same virus neutralization pattern and shared identical nucleotide sequences. In 2011, a new isolate was recovered from juvenile sturgeon, which caused completely different cytopathic effect. That isolate was not readily neutralized by Siberian sturgeon hyperimmune antisera, and its DNA was not recognized by the routine PCR developed for SbSHV detection. Molecular study of the novel isolate revealed that it was more closely related to North American Acipenserid herpesvirus 2 (AciHV‐2) isolates from white sturgeon, while the genome sequences of the former SbSHV isolates showed high similarity to the AciHV‐2 isolated from shortnose sturgeon. While clinical signs and mortality caused by the novel isolate in infected Siberian sturgeon were similar to those of the formerly described SbSHV isolates, the incubation period and mean time to death produced by the novel isolate were twice as long. The differences between the former isolates and the recent one suggest that a novel SbSHV strain emerged in Europe and the molecular findings imply its North American origin.
Inappropriate Medication in Non‐Hospitalized Patients With Renal Insufficiency: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dörks Michael , Allers Katharina , Schmiemann Guido , Herget‐Rosenthal Stefan , Hoffmann Falk 
Published: February 2017

ObjectivesRenal insufficiency is common among older patients and, accordingly, renally excreted drugs may require an adjustment in dosage for them. Rates of non‐adherence to renal dosing guidelines range from 19% to 70% across all settings, with the highest rate occurring in outpatient care. However, there is a paucity of research in this field. The main objective of this systematic review is to assess how often drugs are inappropriately prescribed in non‐hospitalized patients with renal insufficiency.DesignA systematic literature search was performed. Data were identified from three electronic databases: PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus. Studies were included if they reported quantitative data on inappropriate drug use with respect to renal function in non‐hospitalized patients.ResultsOur search strategy resulted in 2,403 hits, of which 18 articles satisfied the criteria for inclusion. Mean estimated glomerular filtration rate ranged from 36.0 to 60.4 mL/min. Prevalence of renally inappropriate drug use ranged from 1% to 37% in outpatient settings other than nursing homes, and from 6% to 43% in nursing homes. Eight of the studies we included identified predictors for use of drugs inappropriate for kidney function. Most frequently determined risk factors were increasing age and a high number of prescribed drugs.ConclusionLack of dose adjustment for renal impairment seems to be a common problem, even in outpatients. However, the differences in methodologies used in these studies hampered any direct comparison. Accepted and comparable standards regarding the drugs included in the studies as well as estimation of renal function would be beneficial.
‘Who's actually gonna read this?’ An evaluation of staff experiences of the value of information contained in written care plans in supporting care in three different dementia care settings
Authors: Drummond C. , Simpson A. 
Published: February 2017

Accessible summaryWhat is known on the subject?

A written plan is designed to improve communication and co‐ordinate care between mental health inpatient wards and community settings.

Reports of care plan quality issues and staff and service user dissatisfaction with healthcare bureaucracy have focused on working age mental health or general hospital settings.

Little is known about mental health staff perspectives on the value of written care plans in supporting dementia care.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

Competing demands on staff time and resources to meet administrative standards for care plans caused a tension with their own professional priorities for supporting care.

Mental health staff face difficulties using electronic records alongside other systems of information sharing.

Further exploration is needed of the gap between frontline staff values and those of the local organization and managers when supporting good dementia care.

What are the implications for practice?

Frontline staff should be involved in designing new information systems including care plans.

Care plan documentation needs to be refocused to ensure it is effective in enabling staff to communicate amongst themselves and with others to support people with dementia.

Practice‐based mentors could be deployed to strengthen good practice in effective information sharing.

AbstractBackgroundReports of increased healthcare bureaucracy and concerns over care plan quality have emerged from research and surveys into staff and service user experiences. Little is known of mental health staff perspectives on the value of written care plans in supporting dementia care.AimTo investigate the experiences and views of staff in relation to care planning in dementia services in one National Health Service (NHS) provider Trust in England.MethodGrounded Theory methodology was used. A purposive sample of 11 multidisciplinary staff were interviewed across three sites in one NHS Trust. Interviews were transcribed, coded and analysed using the constant comparative method.FindingsFive themes were identified and are explored in detail below: (1) Repetition; (2) the impact of electronic records on practice; (3) ambivalence about the value of paperwork; (4) time conflicts; and (5) alternative sources of information to plan care.DiscussionParticipants perceived that written care plans did not help staff with good practice in planning care or to support dementia care generally. Staff were frustrated by repetitive documentation, inflexible electronic records and conflicting demands on their time.Implications for practiceFrontline staff should be involved in designing new information systems including care plans.
Standardization of a Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Protocol to Investigate Dysphagia in Dogs
Authors: Harris R.A. , Grobman M.E. , Allen M.J. , Schachtel J. , Rawson N.E. , Bennett B. , Ledyayev J. , Hopewell B. , Coates J.R. , Reinero C.R. , Lever T.E. 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundVideofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) is the gold standard for diagnosis of dysphagia in veterinary medicine but lacks standardized protocols that emulate physiologic feeding practices. Age impacts swallow function in humans but has not been evaluated by VFSS in dogs.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo develop a protocol with custom kennels designed to allow free‐feeding of 3 optimized formulations of contrast media and diets that address limitations of current VFSS protocols. We hypothesized that dogs evaluated by a free‐feeding VFSS protocol would show differences in objective swallow metrics based on age.AnimalsHealthy juvenile, adult, and geriatric dogs (n = 24).MethodsProspective, experimental study. Custom kennels were developed to maintain natural feeding behaviors during VFSS. Three food consistencies (thin liquid, pureed food, and dry kibble) were formulated with either iohexol or barium to maximize palatability and voluntary prehension. Dogs were evaluated by 16 swallow metrics and compared across age groups.ResultsDevelopment of a standardized VFSS protocol resulted in successful collection of swallow data in healthy dogs. No significant differences in swallow metrics were observed among age groups. Substantial variability was observed in healthy dogs when evaluated under these physiologic conditions. Features typically attributed to pathologic states, such as gastric reflux, were seen in healthy dogs.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceDevelopment of a VFSS protocol that reflects natural feeding practices may allow emulation of physiology resulting in clinical signs of dysphagia. Age did not result in significant changes in swallow metrics, but additional studies are needed, particularly in light of substantial normal variation.
The role of plant functional traits in shrub distribution around alpine frost hollows
Authors: Lim Felix K.S. , Pollock Laura J. , Vesk Peter A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIntroduction/AimsFunctional traits aid understanding of species distribution and community composition along environmental gradients. However, studies that detail trait measurements along fine‐scale environmental gradients are lacking for many vulnerable ecosystems. In this paper, we quantify how plant traits might explain the composition of shrubs in one such vulnerable system – frost hollows.LocationBogong High Plains, Victoria, Australia.MethodsWe measured species composition and a suite of traits (shrub height, stem specific density, leaf area and SLA, xylem vessel area and density, and leaf bud traits) for shrub species in three, 10 m × 10 m quadrats located across transition from hilltops down into frost hollows. We used ordinal regression to model vegetation transitions by relating the changes in shrub species occurrence along frost hollow gradients to each trait, and across multiple traits. We also assessed intraspecific trait variations along gradients.ResultsSeveral traits explained the position of species along a gradient of cold air accumulation (slopes leading into frost hollows). The most important traits were maximum shrub height, leaf area and xylem traits, which were clearly related to species location on the slopes in single trait models. More complex relationships were revealed with multi‐trait models, which indicated that shorter species, those with smaller leaves and larger buds for their leaf size, and those with lower vessel density were more likely to be found toward the bottom of the slope. Within species, taller individuals and those with denser stems were also more common up‐slope.ConclusionOur results suggest a shift in ecological strategies in frost hollows: the advantages of being taller and having large leaves may be diminished in these stressful environments. Shrubs that are shorter and have smaller leaves may also be better at avoiding the risk of frost damage. Our study shows how the fine‐scale turnover of shrub species composition around frost hollows relates to plant functional traits, and captures the allocation trade‐offs between coping with environmental stress and being competitive within these plant communities.