bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of antenatal corticosteroids in special circumstances: a comprehensive review
Authors: Magann Everett F. , Haram Kjell , Ounpraseuth Songthip , Mortensen Jan H. , Spencer Horace J. , Morrison John C. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine, in pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), hypertension, intrauterine growth restriction, multi‐fetal gestations and pregnancies 23–26 weeks and ≥34 weeks’ gestation, whether antenatal corticosteroids benefit the fetus.Literature review using PubMed, Web of Science, Clinical trials.gov, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (1990–2015).Search terms linked special circumstances with corticosteroids. Randomized clinical trials, retrospective and prospective cohort studies, and case control studies were reviewed.In all, 468 abstracts were identified and 84 added from selected article bibliographies; of these, 503 abstracts were excluded, leaving 49 articles as the basis of review.The literature supports corticosteroids for PPROM up to 32–34 weeks without chorioamnionitis. Antenatal corticosteroids are beneficial for preterm infants of women with HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) syndrome/severe preeclampsia. Postpartum corticosteroid treatment of HELLP patients results in more rapid correction of liver enzymes, platelet counts, and urinary output, which can reduce maternal morbidity. Corticosteroids in twin pregnancies decrease respiratory distress syndrome but the effect is less than in singleton pregnancies. Corticosteroid effects on intrauterine growth restriction pregnancies are conflicting and steroid use should be individualized. Corticosteroid use for 23–26 weeks reduces neonatal mortality but not morbidity. In pregnancies of 34 weeks to 366/7 weeks, corticosteroids reduce respiratory distress syndrome, but follow‐up studies are unavailable. No long‐term adverse child developmental effects have been observed with one or two courses of corticosteroids, but three or more steroid courses lowers birthweight and organ weight, and there may be an increase in neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Longer follow up of corticosteroid‐treated fetuses is required.
Antibiotic prophylaxis does not reduce the infection rate following percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in infants and children
Authors: van Els Anne L. , van Driel J Joris , Kneepkens CM Frank , de Meij Tim G. J. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAimPercutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is the standard for placing gastrostomy in children needing long‐term enteral nutrition, with major and minor complications reported in up to 19% and 47.7% of children, respectively. We reviewed our experience with PEG, concentrating on the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis in reducing infectious complications.MethodsWe performed a retrospective, single‐centre study that comprised all children up to 18 years of age who underwent a first PEG procedure in the VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, from 2008 to 2012. All complications up to one month after PEG were recorded. Infection rates with and without antibiotic prophylaxis could be compared as a new protocol requiring the preprocedure administration of cefazolin was not followed consistently.ResultsWe enrolled 129 patients (78 male) with a mean age of 4.9 ± 4.8 years and median age of 2.9 years. Major complications were seen in seven patients (5.4%) and minor complications in 23 patients (17.8%). Antibiotic prophylaxis was administered to 99 of 129 children (76.7%). Infections occurred in 15 of 129 patients (11.6%); 14 of 99 with and 1 of 30 without prophylaxis developed infections (p = 0.106). Peristomal infections were the most frequent complication (10.1%).ConclusionPercutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was a safe procedure and antibiotic prophylaxis did not seem to decrease infectious complications.
Nephrologists need to play a key role in improving annual influenza vaccination rates in children with kidney disease
Authors: Scheuerman Oded , Zilber Eyal , Davidovits Miriam , Chodick Gabriel , Levy Itzhak 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAimThis study investigated the under‐researched area of annual influenza vaccination rates in children with chronic kidney disease and identified reasons for nonimmunisation.MethodsA prospective cross‐sectional study was conducted in the nephrology clinic and dialysis unit of a tertiary paediatric medical centre from August to October 2011 and September to October 2012. Parents were asked to complete a questionnaire on their child's immunisation against influenza.ResultsOf the 217 children studied, 45.6% were vaccinated against influenza. The major reason for nonimmunisation was because the parents had not received the necessary information from the primary physician or treating nephrologist. The nonvaccinated children were significantly more likely to be less than two years old and female and to have parents who did not believe in the benefits of vaccination (p < 0.05). Of the parents who did not vaccinate their child, 38% claimed they would have done so if the vaccine had been offered in the nephrology clinic.ConclusionChildren with kidney disease had a higher annual influenza vaccination rate than the general population, but it was still suboptimal. Nephrologists should be alerted to the need to provide parents with information on influenza vaccinations and they should be available in nephrology clinics.
First‐time success with needle procedures was higher with a warm lidocaine and tetracaine patch than an eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine cream
Authors: Cozzi Giorgio , Borrometi Fabio , Benini Franca , Neri Elena , Rusalen Francesca , Celentano Loredana , Zanon Davide , Schreiber Silvana , Ronfani Luca , Barbi Egidio 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAimMore than 50% of children report apian during venepuncture or intravenous cannulation and using local anaesthetics before needle procedures can lead to different success rates. This study examined how many needle procedures were successful at the first attempt when children received either a warm lidocaine and tetracaine patch or an eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine (EMLA) cream.MethodsWe conducted this multicentre randomised controlled trial at three tertiary‐level children's hospitals in Italy in 2015. Children aged three to 10 years were enrolled in an emergency department, paediatric day hospital and paediatric ward and randomly allocated to receive a warm lidocaine and tetracaine patch or EMLA cream. The primary outcome was the success rate at the first attempt.ResultsThe analysis included 172 children who received a warm lidocaine and tetracaine patch and 167 who received an EMLA cream. The needle procedure was successful at the first attempt in 158 children (92.4%) who received the warm patch and in 142 children (85.0%) who received the cream (p = 0.03). The pain scores were similar in both groups.ConclusionThis study showed that the first‐time needle procedure success was 7.4% higher in children receiving a warm lidocaine and tetracaine patch than EMLA cream.
Optimum Designs for Non-Linear Mixed Effects Models in the Presence of Covariates
Authors: Bogacka Barbara , Latif Mahbub A. H. M. , Gilmour Steven G. , Youdim Kuresh 
Published: January 2017

SummaryIn this article, we present a new method for optimizing designs of experiments for non-linear mixed effects models, where a categorical factor with covariate information is a design variable combined with another design factor. The work is motivated by the need to efficiently design preclinical experiments in enzyme kinetics for a set of Human Liver Microsomes. However, the results are general and can be applied to other experimental situations where the variation in the response due to a categorical factor can be partially accounted for by a covariate. The covariate included in the model explains some systematic variability in a random model parameter. This approach allows better understanding of the population variation as well as estimation of the model parameters with higher precision.
MicroRNA‐155‐5p promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by suppressing PTEN through the PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Fu Xiao , Wen Hongqing , Jing Li , Yang Yujuan , Wang Wenjuan , Liang Xuan , Nan Kejun , Yao Yu , Tian Tao 
Published: January 2017

MicroRNA‐155‐5p (miR‐155‐5p) has been reported to play an oncogenic role in different human malignancies; however, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression is not clearly understood. In this study, we used real‐time PCR in 20 rats with chemically‐induced HCC, 28 human HCC tissues, and the matched paracarcinoma tissues, and HCC cell lines to determine the expression patterns of miR‐155‐5p and PTEN mRNA. Algorithm‐based and experimental strategies, such as dual luciferase gene reporter assays, real‐time PCR and western blots were used to identify PTEN as a candidate miR‐155‐5p target. Gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experiments and administration of a PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitor (wortmannin) were used to identify the effects of miR‐155‐5p and PTEN in MTT assays, flow cytometric analysis, wound healing assays and transwell assays. The results showed that miR‐155‐5p was highly overexpressed; however, PTEN was underexpressed in the HCC rat models, human HCC tissues and cell lines. In addition, miR‐155‐5p upregulation and PTEN downregulation were significantly associated with TNM stage (P < 0.05). Through in vitro experiments, we found that miR‐155‐5p promoted proliferation, invasion and migration, but inhibited apoptosis in HCC by directly targeting the 3′‐UTR of PTEN. Western blots showed that miR‐155‐5p inactivated Bax and caspase‐9, but activated Bcl‐2 to inhibit apoptosis, and it activated MMP to promote migration and invasion via the PI3K/Akt pathway. A xenograft tumor model was used to demonstrate that miR‐155‐5p targets PTEN and activates the PI3K/Akt pathway in vivo as well. Our study highlighted the importance of miR‐155‐5p and PTEN associated with aggressive HCC both in vitro and in vivo.
Glymphatic stasis at the site of the lamina cribrosa as a potential mechanism underlying open‐angle glaucoma
Authors: Wostyn Peter , Killer Hanspeter Esriel , De Deyn Peter Paul 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe underlying pathophysiology of primary open‐angle glaucoma remains unclear, but the lamina cribrosa seems to be the primary site of injury, and raised intraocular pressure is a major risk factor. In recent years, a decreased intracranial pressure, leading to an abnormally high trans‐lamina cribrosa pressure difference, has gained interest as a new risk factor for glaucoma. New research now lends support to the hypothesis that a paravascular transport system is present in the eye analogous to the recently discovered ‘glymphatic system’ in the brain, which is a functional waste clearance pathway that promotes elimination of interstitial solutes, including β‐amyloid, from the brain along paravascular channels. Given that β‐amyloid has been reported to increase by chronic elevation of intraocular pressure in glaucomatous animal models and to cause retinal ganglion cell death, the discovery of a paravascular clearance system in the eye may provide powerful new insights into the pathophysiology of primary open‐angle glaucoma. In this review, we provide a new conceptual framework for understanding the pathogenesis of primary open‐angle glaucoma, present supporting preliminary data from our own post‐mortem study and hypothesize that the disease may result from restriction of normal glymphatic flow at the level of the lamina cribrosa owing to a low intracranial pressure and/or a high trans‐lamina cribrosa pressure gradient. If confirmed, this viewpoint could offer new perspectives for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for this devastating disorder.
The importance of incorporating functional habitats into conservation planning for highly mobile species in dynamic systems
Authors: Webb Matthew H. , Terauds Aleks , Tulloch Ayesha , Bell Phil , Stojanovic Dejan , Heinsohn Robert 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe distribution of mobile species in dynamic systems can vary greatly over time and space. Estimating their population size and geographic range can be problematic and affect the accuracy of conservation assessments. Scarce data on mobile species and the resources they need can also limit the type of analytical approaches available to derive such estimates. We quantified change in availability and use of key ecological resources required for breeding for a critically endangered nomadic habitat specialist, the Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor). We compared estimates of occupied habitat derived from dynamic presence‐background (i.e., presence‐only data) climatic models with estimates derived from dynamic occupancy models that included a direct measure of food availability. We then compared estimates that incorporate fine‐resolution spatial data on the availability of key ecological resources (i.e., functional habitats) with more common approaches that focus on broader climatic suitability or vegetation cover (due to the absence of fine‐resolution data). The occupancy models produced significantly (P < 0.001) smaller (up to an order of magnitude) and more spatially discrete estimates of the total occupied area than climate‐based models. The spatial location and extent of the total area occupied with the occupancy models was highly variable between years (131 and 1498 km2). Estimates accounting for the area of functional habitats were significantly smaller (2–58% [SD 16]) than estimates based only on the total area occupied. An increase or decrease in the area of one functional habitat (foraging or nesting) did not necessarily correspond to an increase or decrease in the other. Thus, an increase in the extent of occupied area may not equate to improved habitat quality or function. We argue these patterns are typical for mobile resource specialists but often go unnoticed because of limited data over relevant spatial and temporal scales and lack of spatial data on the availability of key resources. Understanding changes in the relative availability of functional habitats is crucial to informing conservation planning and accurately assessing extinction risk for mobile resource specialists.
Mitral annular motion in patients after transcatheter MitraClip and mitral valve surgery
Authors: Toyama Kentaro , Rader Florian , Ayabe Kengo , Kar Saibal , Trento Alfredo , Nishioka Toshihiko , De Robertis Michele A. , Siegel Robert J. 
Published: January 2017

BackgroundLongitudinal motion of the mitral annulus is an index that reflects left ventricular (LV) function. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of transcatheter mitral valve (MV) repair and open heart surgery for mitral regurgitation (MR) on mitral annular motion (MAM).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed in total 115 patients who underwent isolated transcatheter MV repair using MitraClip (n=50) or surgical MV interventions (n=65, 50 repairs and 15 replacements) for MR. MAM was assessed by two‐dimensional B‐mode echocardiography in the four‐ and two‐chamber views. MAM was measured before and within 1 month after the mitral procedure.ResultsCompared with patients undergoing MV surgery, patients undergoing the MitraClip procedure were older and had more comorbidities. MR grade improved significantly in both groups after MV intervention. MAM decreased significantly in the surgery group (12.0±3.1 to 8.1±2.2 mm, P<.01), whereas MAM did not change in the MitraClip group (8.8±2.6 to 8.6±2.5 mm, P=.59). In multivariate analysis, mitral surgery was associated with a decrease in MAM when compared to the MitraClip procedure. Furthermore, LV ejection fraction (EF) decreased to a greater degree in patients undergoing surgery than those undergoing MitraClip placement (MV surgery; −10.1±7.6% vs MitraClip; −3.0±10.5%, P<.01).ConclusionsMitraClip therapy does not adversely influence MAM and is associated with less postprocedural EF reduction compared to surgical intervention. Our results suggest that patients with reduced LV systolic function may benefit from the MitraClip procedure compared to mitral surgery.
Time to electroencephalography is independently associated with outcome in critically ill neonates and children
Authors: Sánchez Fernández Iván , Sansevere Arnold J. , Guerriero Rejean M. , Buraniqi Ersida , Pearl Phillip L. , Tasker Robert C. , Loddenkemper Tobias 
Published: January 2017

SummaryObjectiveTo identify factors associated with in‐hospital mortality in neonates and children undergoing continuous electroencephalography (cEEG) monitoring in the intensive care unit (ICU).MethodsWe performed a retrospective observational study in patients from birth to 21 years of age who underwent clinically indicated cEEG in the ICU from 2011 to 2013. The main outcome measure was in‐hospital mortality.ResultsSix‐hundred and twenty‐five patients (54.2% male) met eligibility criteria, of whom 211 were neonates (55% male, 24.8% premature) and 414 were pediatric patients (53.9% male). Electrographic seizures occurred in 176 patients (28.2%) and status epilepticus (SE) occurred in 20 (11.4%). The time from ICU admission to cEEG initiation was 16.7 (5.1–94.4) h. Eighty‐nine patients (14.2%) (30 [14.2%] neonates, and 59 [14.3%] pediatric patients) died in the hospital. In neonates—after controlling for gender and prematurity—independent factors associated with mortality were prematurity (odds ratio [OR] 2.63. 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–6.5, p = 0.037), presence of status epilepticus (SE); OR 8.82, 95% CI 1.74–44.57, p = 0.008), and time from ICU admission to initiation of cEEG (OR 1.002, 95% CI 1.001–1.004 per hour, p = 0.008]. In pediatric patients—after controlling for gender and age—independent factors associated with mortality were the absence of seizures factors associated with mortality were absence of seizures (OR = 4.3, (95% CI: 1.5–12.4), p = 0.007), the presence of SE (OR 7.76, 95% CI 1.47–40.91, p = 0.016), and the time from ICU admission to initiation of cEEG (OR 1.001, 95% CI 1.0002–1.001, per hour, p = 0.005].SignificanceBoth presence of electrographic SE and time from ICU admission to cEEG initiation were independent factors associated with mortality in neonates and pediatric patients with cEEG in the ICU.
Identification, distribution, and quantification of biominerals in a deciduous forest
Authors: Krieger C. , Calvaruso C. , Morlot C. , Uroz S. , Salsi L. , Turpault M.‐P. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBiomineralization is a common process in most vascular plants, but poorly investigated for trees. Although the presence of calcium oxalate and silica accumulation has been reported for some tree species, the chemical composition, abundance, and quantification of biominerals remain poorly documented. However, biominerals may play important physiological and structural roles in trees, especially in forest ecosystems, which are characterized by nutrient‐poor soils. In this context, our study aimed at investigating the morphology, distribution, and relative abundance of biominerals in the different vegetative compartments (foliage, branch, trunk, and root) of Fagus sylvatica L. and Acer pseudoplatanus L. using a combination of scanning electron microscopy and tomography analyses. Biomineral crystallochemistry was assessed by X‐ray diffraction and energy‐dispersive X‐ray analyses, while calcium, silicon, and oxalic acid were quantified in the compartments and at the forest scale. Our analyses revealed that biominerals occurred as crystals or coating layers mostly in bark and leaves and were identified as opal, whewellite, and complex biominerals. In both tree species, opal was mostly found in the external tissues of trunk, branch, and leaves, but also in the roots of beech. In the stand, opal represents around 170 kg/ha. Whewellite was found to suit to conductive tissues (i.e., axial phloem parenchyma, vascular bundles, vessel element) in all investigated compartments of the two tree species. The shape of whewellite was prismatic and druses in beech, and almost all described shapes were seen in sycamore maple. Notably, the amount of whewellite was strongly correlated with the total calcium in all investigated compartments whatever the tree species is, suggesting a biologic control of whewellite precipitation. The amount of whewellite in the aboveground biomass of Montiers forest was more important than that of opal and was around 1170 kg/ha. Therefore, biominerals contribute in a substantial way to the biogeochemical cycles of silicon and calcium.
Aspartate transaminase–platelet ratio and Fibrosis‐4 indices as effective markers for monitoring esophageal varices in HIV/hepatitis C virus co‐infected patients due to contaminated blood products for hemophilia
Authors: Natsuda Koji , Takatsuki Mitsuhisa , Tanaka Takayuki , Soyama Akihiko , Adachi Tomohiko , Ono Shinichiro , Hara Takanobu , Baimakhanov Zhassulan , Imamura Hajime , Okada Satomi , Hidaka Masaaki , Eguchi Susumu 
Published: January 2017

AimWe examined the feasibility of the aspartate transaminase (AST)–platelet ratio index (APRI) and Fibrosis‐4 (FIB4) score, which are well‐established markers for liver fibrosis, as indicators for monitoring esophageal varices in patients who were co‐infected with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) due to contaminated blood products for hemophilia in Japan.MethodsForty‐three HIV/HCV co‐infected patients were enrolled. All were hemophilic men (median age 41 years; range, 29–66 years). We analyzed the correlations between fibrosis indices (APRI, FIB4) and various liver function tests, fibrosis markers, liver stiffness measured by acoustic radiation force impulse elastography, and the findings of gastrointestinal endoscopy.ResultsBoth APRI and FIB4 were well correlated with several of the factors related to liver fibrosis and the existence of esophageal varices in the patients. The cut‐off values for detecting esophageal varices estimated as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.85 for APRI and 1.85 for FIB4.ConclusionIn patients co‐infected with HIV/HCV due to contaminated blood products for hemophilia, APRI and FIB4 are effective for monitoring esophageal varices, even among patients who are apparently doing well with good liver function as Child–Pugh grade A.