bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uric acid and clinical correlates of endothelial function in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Dahle Dag Olav , Jenssen Trond , Holdaas Hallvard , Åsberg Anders , Soveri Inga , Holme Ingar , Mjøen Geir , Eide Ivar A. , Pihlstrøm Hege , Dörje Christina , Halden Thea A. S. , Hartmann Anders 
Published: August 2014

AbstractUric acid is associated with increased mortality in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), but it is uncertain if this involves endothelial dysfunction. We hypothesized, first, that there was an association between uric acid and endothelial function, and second, that there were associations between endothelial function and cardiac and mortality risk scores.MethodsOne hundred and fifty‐two patients were examined 10 wk after kidney transplantation by two measures of endothelial function, the brachial artery flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) expressed as percent dilatation (FMD%), and fingertip peripheral arterial tone (PAT) expressed as log‐reactive hyperemia index (LnRHI). Risk scores were calculated from a recently validated formula. Other clinical correlates of endothelial function were described in stepwise linear regression models.ResultsUric acid was associated negatively with FMD% in an age‐ and gender‐adjusted model, while not in the multivariable model. No association was shown between uric acid and LnRHI. FMD% was associated negatively with risk scores in both crude and age‐ and gender‐adjusted models (p < 0.01). LnRHI was associated negatively with risk scores in the latter model only (p < 0.05).ConclusionsUric acid was neither associated with FMD% nor LnRHI in KTRs. There were significant associations between endothelial function indices and cardiac and mortality risk scores.
Propofol versus traditional sedative agents for endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Nishizawa Toshihiro , Suzuki Hidekazu , Matsuzaki Juntaro , Kanai Takanori , Yahagi Naohisa 
Published: August 2014

Background and AimPropofol has been suggested to be superior to benzodiazepines when used as a sedative agent for endoscopic examination. The aim of the present study was to systematically evaluate the safety and efficacy of propofol sedation for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).MethodsPubMed, the Cochrane library, and the Igaku‐Chuo‐Zasshi database were searched in order to identify randomized trials eligible for inclusion in the systematic review. Data from the eligible studies were combined to calculate pooled odds ratios (OR) of developing restlessness, full awakening at 1 h post‐ESD, hypoxia, and hypotension.ResultsWe identified three randomized trials (298 patients) from the database search. Compared with traditional sedative agents, the pooled OR of restlessness and full awakening at 1 h post‐ESD with propofol sedation were 0.41 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.21–0.81) and 8.59 (95% CI: 4.29–17.2), respectively, without significant heterogeneity. Compared with traditional sedative agents, the pooled OR of hypoxia and hypotension with propofol sedation were 1.13 (95% CI: 0.58–2.21) and 0.92 (95% CI: 0.25–3.41), respectively, indicating no significant differences between the groups.ConclusionPropofol sedation during ESD is more effective as compared with traditional sedative agent. The risk of complications is similar.
Endoscopic balloon dilatation for pharyngo‐upper esophageal stricture after treatment of head and neck cancer
Authors: Maejima Ryuhei , Iijima Katsunori , Koike Tomoyuki , Ara Nobuyuki , Uno Kaname , Hatta Waku , Ogawa Takenori , Watanabe Ken‐ichi , Katori Yukio , Shimosegawa Tooru 
Published: August 2014

Background and AimDysphagia caused by pharyngo‐upper esophageal stricture is a complication of treatment for head and neck cancer. Endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) is in widespread use as an effective and safe treatment for stricture in many areas of the gastrointestinal tract. In the present study, we investigated the efficacy and safety of EBD for pharyngo‐upper esophageal strictures that developed after treatment for head and neck cancer.MethodsFrom January 2010 to December 2013, the medical records and endoscopic findings of 19 consecutive patients with pharyngo‐upper esophageal strictures occurring after surgery and/or chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer were retrospectively examined.ResultsMean number of EBD sessions per patient was 6.6 (1–30), and mean maximum diameter of dilation was 15.8 (11–20) mm. Technical success was achieved in 16 of 19 (84.2%) patients, and only two major complications (bleeding and pha ryngeal edema) occurred in a total of 125 dilatation sessions (1.6%). Regarding the influence of chemoradiotherapy on the outcome of EBD, patients who had undergone chemoradiotherapy plus surgery experienced significantly more restenosis during the follow‐up period compared to those who had undergone surgery alone (50% vs 0%, P < 0.05).ConclusionsThis retrospective analysis demonstrated the efficacy and safety of exclusive EBD for pharyngo‐upper esophageal strictures occurring after treatment for head and neck cancer, indicating that the therapeutic application of EBD could be extended to such strictures. Patients who underwent chemoradiotherapy and surgery experienced more restenosis; hence, such patients should be carefully followed up after EBD treatment.
Prevalence of non‐polypoid colorectal neoplasms in southernBrazil
Authors: dos Santos Carlos Eduardo Oliveira , Malaman Daniele , Mönkemüller Klaus , dos Santos Carvalho Tiago , Lopes César Vivian , Pereira‐Lima Júlio Carlos 
Published: August 2014

Background and AimSeveral studies suggest that non‐polypoid lesions (NPL) show higher aggressiveness than polypoid lesions, particularly depressed lesions. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence ofNPLand the presence of advanced histology in aBrazilian population.MethodsTwo thousand and sixty‐seven superficial neoplastic lesions diagnosed in 1135 patients were analyzed. Lesions were classified as polypoid and non‐polypoid (flat and depressed) types, and evaluated for site, size, and histology (adenoma with grade of dysplasia, or early cancer).ResultsPrevalence ofNPLwas 46.5%.NPLpredominated in the right colon (62.9%), whereas polypoid lesions were detected mainly in the left colon (53.2%) (P < 0.001).NPLhad a 34% higher probability of occurring in the right colon than polypoid lesions (P < 0.001).NPLwere smaller than polypoid lesions (P = 0.03). There were 208 lesions >10 mm, of which 40 (19.2%) had advanced histology: 13% (18/138) of polypoid lesions; 27.3% (18/66) of flat lesions; and 100% (4/4) of depressed lesions (P < 0.001). Among 1859 neoplasms ≤10 mm, only 18 (1%) had advanced histology, and 15 of them were depressed lesions (P < 0.001). Advanced histology was more commonly detected inNPLthan in polypoid lesions (P = 0.007), with significant difference in size (P < 0.001).NPLshowed more advanced histology than polypoid lesions (OR2.06;P = 0.01), especially depressed lesions (OR36.35;P < 0.001). Among all neoplasms, the prevalence of depressed lesions was 2.2%.ConclusionNPLshowed high prevalence and higher aggressiveness than polypoid lesions, especially the depressed type.
Examining gender difference in adult‐onset psychosis in Hong Kong
Authors: Hui Christy L.‐M. , Leung Chung‐Ming , Chang Wing‐Chung , Chan Sherry K.‐W. , Lee Edwin H.‐M. , Chen Eric Y.‐H. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimGender‐specific treatment strategies for psychosis have been suggested in recent years. Data on gender difference were largely consistent regarding premorbid functioning, age of onset and negative symptoms; however, results regarding neurocognitive function and duration of untreated psychosis were mixed and inconclusive. In this study, we aimed at a thorough examination on the gender differences in 360 Chinese patients with first‐episode psychosis in Hong Kong.MethodsFrom June 2009 to August 2011, participants were consecutively recruited from a population‐based territory‐wide study of early psychosis targeting first‐episode psychosis in Hong Kong. Comprehensive data on basic demographics, premorbid functioning and schizoid and schizotypal traits, clinical, functioning, medication side effects and a battery of neurocognitive measures were collected upon entry into the service.ResultsIn 360 patients with first‐episode psychosis aged between 26 and 55 years, 43.6% (n = 157) were male and 56.4% (n = 203) were female. Males had poorer premorbid functioning and adjustment, earlier age of onset, more negative symptoms and poorer functioning in terms of work productivity, independent living and immediate social network relationships at presentation of first‐episode psychosis. Interestingly, our data indicate that males tend to be more educated, and also characterized by higher IQ, better neurocognitive performance on visual domain compared with females. Duration of untreated psychosis was not different between the two genders.ConclusionData from this homogeneous cohort of Chinese populations enabled tailored and culturally sensitive recommendation on gender‐specific treatment strategies, hence improving patients' care and facilitate better diagnostic and interventional decisions for patients with psychosis.
Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta) Use Posture to Assess Level of Threat From Snakes
Authors: Etting Stephanie F. , Isbell Lynne A. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractOnce prey animals have detected predators, they must make decisions about how to respond based on a cost‐benefit analysis of their risk level. The threat sensitivity hypothesis predicts that prey animals match their response to the level of risk, with high‐risk predator encounters eliciting stronger evasive responses than low‐risk encounters. Primates are known prey of snakes, yet they vary their responses toward snakes. We predicted that primates match their response to the threat level from snakes by assessing posture, with striking postures indicating greater risk than coiled postures and coiled postures indicating greater risk than extended sinusoidal postures. We tested this prediction in a series of experimental trials in which captive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) were exposed to snake models in those postures. Results supported the predictions: macaques responded more strongly to a snake model in a striking posture than in a coiled posture and more to a snake model in a coiled posture than to an extended sinusoidal snake model. We also examined responses of macaques to a partially exposed snake model to mimic the condition of incomplete information, as snakes are often occluded by vegetation. The occluded snake model evoked a response comparable to that of the striking snake. These findings support the threat sensitivity hypothesis. Rhesus macaques use the posture of snakes as a cue in threat assessment, responding more intensely as threat increases, and they also behave as if risk is elevated when their information about snakes is incomplete.
Multifactor Models and their Consistency with the ICAPM: Evidence from the European Stock Market
Authors: Lutzenberger Fabian T. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis paper conducts a European investigation of eight multifactor models that have been previously tested using US data. Many results confirm the US evidence: Most of the eight multifactor models investigated do a good job explaining the cross‐section of our testing portfolios, but most models are not justifiable by the Intertemporal CAPM (ICAPM). Carhart's four‐factor model shows the best empirical performance and consistency with the ICAPM. Nevertheless, some results counter the US evidence: Fama and French's three‐factor model is inconsistent with the ICAPM and the models of Hahn and Lee (2006) and Koijen et al. (2010) show low explanatory power.
Occurrence of Treponema DNA in equine hoof canker and normal hoof tissue
Authors: Sykora S. , Brandt S. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryReasons for performing studyEquine hoof canker is a chronic pododermatitis of still unknown aetiology. Recent findings reported for 3 canker‐bearing individuals are suggestive for Treponema spp. having a role in disease pathogenesis.ObjectivesBased on this hypothesised association, we assessed a larger number of DNA samples from hooves with canker and normal hooves for the presence of treponemal DNA.Study designRetrospective survey of archived material.MethodsThe study involved 71 archival, PCR‐compatible DNA extractions purified from 59 canker samples obtained from 26 equine cases and from 12 hoof biopsies taken from 9 canker‐free control horses. Presence of treponemal DNA was assessed by qualitative PCR using 4 different primer pairs recognising in sum a broad range of Treponema ssp. Obtained amplification products were identified by bidirectional sequencing and BLAST alignment.ResultsTreponemal DNA was detected in 37 of 59 canker DNA samples from 19 of 26 cases and in 9 of 12 hoof DNA samples from 7 of 9 healthy individuals. Canine oral Treponema sp. and Treponema medium ssp. bovis were the most frequently detected treponemal sequences in hoof canker, while control tissues were mainly shown to harbour Treponema refringens‐like or canine oral Treponema‐like DNA. All control samples tested negative for T. medium ssp. bovis DNA.ConclusionsTreponema DNA was detectable in the majority of hoof canker and control samples. The sample groups differed to some extent regarding identified Treponema phylotypes; however, this finding may be explained by the methodology used. Treponemes that are highly similar to bovine digital dermatitis treponemes are present in canker lesions. However, further work is needed to clarify the specific contribution of the identified Treponema phylotypes to the pathogenesis of disease.
Body size evolution in Titanosauriformes (Sauropoda, Macronaria)
Authors: de Souza L. M. , Santucci R. M. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractTitanosauriformes is a conspicuous and diverse group of sauropod dinosaurs that inhabited almost all land masses during Cretaceous times. Besides the diversity of forms, the clade comprises one of the largest land animals found so far, Argentinosaurus, as well as some of the smallest sauropods known to date, Europasaurus and Magyarosaurus. They are therefore good candidates for studies on body size trends such as the Cope's rule, the tendency towards an increase in body size in an evolutionary lineage. We used statistical methods to assess body size changes under both phylogenetic and nonphylogenetic approaches to identify body size trends in Titanosauriformes. Femoral lengths were collected (or estimated from humeral length) from 46 titanosauriform species and used as a proxy for body size. Our findings show that there is no increase or decrease in titanosauriform body size with age along the Cretaceous and that negative changes in body size are more common than positive ones (although not statistically significant) for most of the titanosauriform subclades (e.g. Saltasaridae, Lithostrotia, Titanosauria and Somphospondyli). Therefore, Cope's rule is not supported in titanosauriform evolution. Finally, we also found a trend towards a decrease of titanosauriform mean body size coupled with an increase in body size standard deviation, both supporting an increase in body size variation towards the end of Cretaceous.
Amyloid associated with neoplasia in two captive tricolour sharkminnows Balantiocheilus melanopterus Bleeker
Authors: Russell S , Tubbs L , McLelland D J , LePage V , Young K M , Huber P , Lumsden J S 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAmyloid associated with pancreatic adenocarcinoma was discovered in two captive adult tricolour sharkminnows Balantiocheilus melanopterus Bleeker found dead in a freshwater display. Enlarged abdomens expanded by bloody ascitic fluid and grossly visible masses of abnormal tissue were present surrounding sections of the stomach and intestine. Histologically, the masses were composed of areas of well‐organized exocrine pancreatic acini interspersed with cords of poorly differentiated, spindle‐shaped cells that compressed and effaced normal parenchyma. These cells possessed small numbers of cytoplasmic zymogen granules; the exocrine nature of these cells was confirmed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Fibrovascular connective tissue of the hepatopancreas and mesenteries was expanded by lightly eosinophilic, hyaline, homogeneous acellular material. Similar material greatly expanded the tunica media of large blood vessels in the hepatopancreas. After staining with Congo red or thioflavin T, this material exhibited red–green dichroism under polarized light or bright green fluorescence under ultraviolet light (255 nm), respectively. The non‐branching fibrils, of indeterminate length, had an approximate diameter of 10–20 nm using TEM. Although exocrine pancreatic neoplasia is relatively common in fish, the presence of amyloid is not. To our current knowledge, the latter has not yet been described in association with a neoplastic lesion in fish.
Adherence to diet and fluid restriction of individuals on hemodialysis treatment and affecting factors in Turkey
Authors: Efe Dilek , Kocaöz Semra 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimThis study was conducted to determine adherence to diet and fluid restriction in hemodialysis‐treated individuals and the affecting factors in Turkey.MethodsThis descriptive study was conducted between 15 October 2010 and 15 January 2011 in subjects who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study from three dialysis centers in a city located in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. One hundred and twenty‐one individuals treated with hemodialysis made up the study sample. The data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of 41 questions and the Dialysis Diet and Fluid Non‐adherence Questionnaire. The data were evaluated with percentage, median, Mann–Whitney U‐test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Student's t‐test in independent samples and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.ResultsThe authors found that 98.3% of the individuals experienced non‐adherence to diet and 95.0% with fluid restriction. The authors found a weak and negative relationship between calcium levels and non‐adherence to fluid restriction, a weak relationship between phosphorus levels and diet non‐adherence frequency and degree and the fluid non‐adherence frequency scores, and a moderate positive relationship between phosphorus levels and fluid restriction non‐adherence degree scores (P < 0.05).ConclusionBased on these results, regular training and information regarding diet and fluid restriction must be provided to individuals aged 21–35 years with no one in the family to help with their care, those who consumed salted food, or had interdialytic weight gain of 4.5 kg or more.
Mosaic activity patterns and their relation to perceptual similarity: open discussions on the molecular basis and circuitry of odor recognition
Authors: Locatelli Fernando F. , Rela Lorena 
Published: August 2014

AbstractEnormous advances have been made in the recent years in regard to the mechanisms and neural circuits by which odors are sensed and perceived. Part of this understanding has been gained from parallel studies in insects and rodents that show striking similarity in the mechanisms they use to sense, encode, and perceive odors. In this review, we provide a short introduction to the functioning of olfactory systems from transduction of odorant stimuli into electrical signals in sensory neurons to the anatomical and functional organization of the networks involved in neural representation of odors in the central nervous system. We make emphasis on the functional and anatomical architecture of the first synaptic relay of the olfactory circuit, the olfactory bulb in vertebrates and the antennal lobe in insects. We discuss how the exquisite and conserved architecture of this structure is established and how different odors are encoded in mosaic activity patterns. Finally, we discuss the validity of methods used to compare activation patterns in relation to perceptual similarity.
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In this Review we provide an introduction to the functioning of olfactory systems from transduction of stimuli into electrical signals to the organization of the networks involved in neural representation of odors. We discuss how different odors are encoded in mosaic activity patterns and the validity of methods used to compare activation patterns in relation to perceptual similarity.
Reversible Cerebral Periventricular White Matter Changes with Corpus Callosum Involvement in Acute Toluene‐Poisoning
Authors: Lin Chih‐Ming , Liu Chi‐Kuang 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTSubstance poisoning, such as toluene intoxication, has seldom been reported in the relevant literature. The documented cerebral neuroimaging has mostly described reversible symmetrical white matter changes in both the cerebral and cerebellar hemispheres. This paper presents 2 patients with toluene poisoning, whose brain magnetic resonance imaging studies showed a similar picture that included extra involvement over the corpus callosum; however, such corpus callosum involvement has never been mentioned and is quite rare in the literature. We discussed the underlying neuropathological pathways in this article. Hopefully, these cases will provide first‐line clinicians with some valuable information with regard to toluene intoxication and clinical neuroimaging presentations.
Relationship Between Frequency and Intensity of Cigarette Smoking and TTFC/C Among Students of the GYTS in Select Countries, 2007‐2009
Authors: Lam Eugene , Giovino Gary A. , Shin Mikyong , Lee Kyung A. , Rolle Italia , Asma Samira 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThis study assessed the construct validity of a measure of nicotine dependence that was used in the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS).METHODSUsing 2007‐2009 data from the GYTS, subjects from 6 countries were used to assess current smokers' odds of reporting time to first cigarette or craving positive (TTFC/C+) by the number of cigarette smoking days per month (DPM) and the number of cigarettes smoked per day (CPD).RESULTSThe percentage of GYTS smokers who reported TTFC/C+ ranged from 58.0% to 69.7%. Compared with students who smoked on 1‐2 DPM, those who smoked on 3‐9 DPM had 3 times the adjusted odds of reporting TTFC/C+. The adjusted odds of reporting TTFC/C+ were 3 to 7 times higher among those who smoked 10‐29 DPM and 6 to 20 times higher among daily smokers. Similarly, the adjusted odds of TTFC/C+ were 3‐6 times higher among those who smoked 2‐5 CPD and 6 to 20 times higher among those who smoked >6 CPD, compared to those who smoked <1 CPD.CONCLUSIONAssociations of TTFC/C+ prevalence with both frequency and intensity of cigarette smoking provide a construct validation of the GYTS question used to assess respondents' TTFC/C status.