bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute pancreatitis decreases the sensitivity of pancreas‐projecting dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus neurones to group II metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists in rats
Authors: Babic Tanja , Travagli R. Alberto 
Published: January 2014

Key points
Acute pancreatitis is one of the most severe disorders of the exocrine pancreas.
Pancreatic exocrine secretions (PES) are under regulatory control of dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) neurones and their activity is regulated by inhibitory GABAergic and excitatory glutamatergic synaptic inputs.
Group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR) decrease synaptic transmission to pancreas‐projecting DMV neurones and modulate PES.
In this study, we show that acute pancreatitis induces a long‐lasting increase in excitatory synaptic transmission to pancreas‐projecting neurones by decreasing the response of excitatory synaptic terminals to group II mGluR agonists.
These data suggest that changes in group II mGluR expression in the DMV may underlie short‐ and long‐term changes in PES in acute pancreatitis.
AbstractRecent studies have shown that pancreatic exocrine secretions (PES) are modulated by dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) neurones, whose activity is finely tuned by GABAergic and glutamatergic synaptic inputs. Group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR) decrease synaptic transmission to pancreas‐projecting DMV neurones and increase PES. In the present study, we used a combination of in vivo and in vitro approaches aimed at characterising the effects of caerulein‐induced acute pancreatitis (AP) on the vagal neurocircuitry modulating pancreatic functions. In control rats, microinjection of bicuculline into the DMV increased PES, whereas microinjections of kynurenic acid had no effect. Conversely, in AP rats, microinjection of bicuculline had no effect, whereas kynurenic acid decreased PES. DMV microinjections of the group II mGluR agonist APDC and whole cell recordings of excitatory currents in identified pancreas‐projecting DMV neurones showed a reduced functional response in AP rats compared to controls. Moreover, these changes persisted up to 3 weeks following the induction of AP. These data demonstrate that AP increases the excitatory input to pancreas‐projecting DMV neurones by decreasing the response of excitatory synaptic terminals to group II mGluR agonist.
Positive and Negative Factors That Influence Concussion Reporting Among Secondary-School Athletes
Authors: Kay Melissa C. , Welch Cailee E. , McLeod Tamara C. Valovich 
Published: January 2014

Clinical Scenario:Concussions are one of the most common sport-related injuries affecting athletes participating at all levels across a variety of sports. It has been reported that up to 3.8 million concussive events occur per year that are sports-related. One significant issue with identifying concussions is that a clinical diagnosis is based on the presence of signs and symptoms, which are self-reported by the patient. In the adolescent population, injury to the brain is possible with even the slightest insult, which can affect recovery and predispose them to subsequent concussions. Recent legislative efforts have included athlete education as a means to improve concussion reporting. More specifically, all 50 US states and the District of Columbia have implemented concussion legislation that includes some type of concussion education protocol, but there is still little evidence to suggest that enhanced knowledge levels result in behavior changes, including improved concussion-reporting practices. It is unclear what factors make an adolescent athlete more or less likely to report the symptoms of a concussion.Focused Clinical Question:What factors positively or negatively influence secondary school athletes’ likelihood of reporting symptoms of sport-related concussions?
P3HT CHAIN MORPHOLOGY IN COMPOSITE P3HT/PCBM NANOPARTICLES STUDIED BY SINGLE PARTICLE FLUORESCENCE EXCITATION POLARIZATION SPECTROSCOPY
Authors: SCHNEIDER-POLLACK SAMANTHA , DOSHI MONA , GELDMEIER JEFF , GESQUIERE ANDRE J. 
Published: January 2014

The use of conjugated polymers such as poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) in the active layers of plastic electronic devices could provide a more practical and accessible form of energy production and storage. The efficiency of these devices is intimately connected to the morphology of the polymer chains in the active layer materials, as polymer folding affects mesoscale material morphology. The latter in turn influences electronic structure and thus performance of the active layer. It is, however, highly challenging to determine molecular structure and folding properties in a bulk material. Here, it is shown that through the use of nanoparticles as a model system for the bulk material insight in molecular morphology can be gained through single particle fluorescence excitation spectroscopy. The study of P3HT chain morphologies was accomplished through the investigation of neat (0 wt% PCBM) P3HT nanoparticles and 25, 50 and 75 wt% PCBM blended P3HT nanoparticles. A striking discontinuous trend in P3HT chain morphology as a function of PCBM blending ratio was observed, where P3HT morphologies at 25 wt% and 75 wt% blending ratios appear to be more disordered than those observed for the 50 wt% blending ratio. These data suggest that at least from the morphological perspective, the 1:1 blending ratio appears to yield the better P3HT chain alignment. [Formula: see text]Special Issue Comment: This paper about solving single molecule conformations is related to the papers in this Special Issue on mathematical models for treatment of single molecule trajectories,1 nonblinking inorganic nanocrystals,2 and hybrid quantom dot–fullerence composite nanoparticles.3
Enlarging the SIGCOMM tent
Authors: McKeown Nick 
Published: January 2014

At every Sigcomm conference the corridors buzz with ideas about how to improve Sigcomm. It is a healthy sign that the premier conference in networking keeps debating how to reinvent and improve itself. In 2012 I got the chance to throw my hat into the ring; at the end of a talk I spent a few minutes describing why I think the Sigcomm conference should be greatly expanded. A few people encouraged me to write the ideas down.
My high level goal is to enlarge the Sigcomm tent, welcoming in more researchers and more of our colleagues from industry. *More researchers* because our field has grown enormously in the last two decades, and Sigcomm has not adapted. I believe our small program limits the opportunities for our young researchers and graduate students to publish new ideas, and therefore we are holding back their careers. *More colleagues from industry* because too few industry thought-leaders are involved in Sigcomm. The academic field of networking has weak ties to the industry it serves, particularly when compared to other fields of systems research. Both sides lose out: there is very little exchange and transfer of ideas in either direction, and not enough vigorous debate about the directions networking should be heading.
Incidence and Significance of Early Recurrences of Atrial Fibrillation After Cryoballoon Ablation
Authors: Andrade Jason G. , Khairy Paul , Macle Laurent , Packer Doug L. , Lehmann John W. , Holcomb Richard G. , Ruskin Jeremy N. , Dubuc Marc 
Published: January 2014

Background—
Early recurrence of atrial fibrillation (ERAF) is common after radiofrequency catheter ablation for AF. We sought to determine the incidence and prognostic significance of ERAF after cryoballoon ablation. Moreover, the benefit of early reablation for ERAF after cryoballoon ablation is undetermined.

Methods and Results—

The Sustained Treatment of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (STOP AF) trial randomized 245 patients with paroxysmal AF to medical therapy versus cryoballoon-based pulmonary vein ablation. Patients were followed for 12 months. ERAF was defined as any recurrence of AF >30 seconds during the first 3 months of follow-up. Late recurrence (LR) was defined as any recurrence of AF >30 seconds between 3 and 12 months. Of the 163 patients randomized to cryoablation, 84 patients experienced ERAF (51.5%). The only significant factor associated with ERAF was male sex (hazard ratio [HR], 2.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–4.61;
P
=0.041). LR was observed in 41 patients (25.1%), and was significantly related to ERAF (55.6% LR with ERAF versus 12.7% without ERAF;
P
<0.001). Among patients with ERAF, only current tobacco use (HR, 3.84; 95% CI, 1.82–8.11;
P
<0.001) was associated with LR. Conversely, early reablation was associated with greater freedom from LR (3.3% LR with early reablation versus 55.6% without; HR, 0.04; 95% CI, 0.01–0.32;
P
=0.002).

Conclusions—
ERAF after cryoballoon ablation occurs in ≈50% of patients and is strongly associated with LR. Early reablation for ERAF is associated with excellent long-term freedom from recurrent AF.
Impact of Programming Strategies Aimed at Reducing Nonessential Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Therapies on Mortality
Authors: Tan Vern Hsen , Wilton Stephen B. , Kuriachan Vikas , Sumner Glen L. , Exner Derek V. 
Published: January 2014

Background—
Patients who receive implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapies are at higher risk of death versus those who do not. Programmed settings to reduce nonessential implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapies (therapy reduction programming) have been developed but may have adverse effects. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the relationship between therapy reduction programming with the risks of death from any cause, implantable cardioverter defibrillator shocks, and syncope.

Methods and Results—

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and
clinicaltrials.gov
databases were searched to identify relevant studies. Those that followed patients for ≥6 months and reported mortality were included. Six met the inclusion criteria; 4 randomized (Comparison of Empiric to Physician-Tailored Programming of ICDs [EMPIRIC], Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial—Reduce Inappropriate Therapy [MADIT-RIT], Avoid Delivering Therapies for Non-sustained Arrhythmias in ICD Patients III [ADVANCE III], and Programming Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators in Patients with Primary Prevention Indication to Prolong Time to First Shock [PROVIDE]) and 2 prospective studies (Role of Long Detection Window Programming in Patients With Left Ventricular Dysfunction, Non-ischemic Etiology in Primary Prevention Treated with a Biventricular ICD [RELEVANT] and Primary Prevention Parameters Evaluation [PREPARE]). These 6 studies included 7687 (3598 conventional and 4089 therapy reduction programming) patients. Most (77%) participants were men, had a history of ischemic heart disease (56%), and were prescribed β-blockers (84%). Therapy reduction programming was associated with a 30% relative reduction in mortality (95% confidence interval, 16%–41%;
P
<0.001). No significant heterogeneity among studies was observed (
P
=0.6). A similar 26% reduction in mortality was observed when only the 4 randomized trials were included (95% confidence interval, 11%–40%;
P
=0.002). These results were not significantly altered after adjustment for baseline characteristics. No significant difference in the risk of syncope was observed with conventional versus therapy reduction programming (
P
=0.5).

Conclusions—
Therapy reduction programming results in a large, significant, and consistent reduction in mortality, with no apparent increase in the risk of syncope.
Quantitative measurement to evaluate morphological changes of the corpus callosum in patients with subcortical ischemic vascular dementia
Authors: Wu Xiao-Ping , Gao Yan-Jun , Yang Jun-Le , Xu Min , Sun Dong-Hai 
Published: January 2014

Background Subcortical ischemic vascular dementia (SIVD) is a subtype of dementia associated with abnormalities in the subcortical white matter regions. Recent imaging techniques can be used to detect such abnormalities in vivo. Purpose To examine morphological changes of the corpus callosum in patients with SIVD by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Material and Methods MRI was performed to explore changes of cerebral white matter, especially corpus callosum. Brain matter diffusivity was examined with DTI by measuring the fractional anisotropy (FA). Results of 30 patients diagnosed with SIVD and 30 healthy subjects were analyzed and compared. Results The thicknesses of the genu, the anterior third, middle, and posterior third of the body, and the splenium of the corpus callosum were smaller in SIVD patients compared to healthy controls (0.54 ± 0.08 vs. 0.68 ± 0.09 cm, P = 0.0011; 0.27 ± 0.06 vs. 0.38 ± 0.07 cm, P = 0.002; 0.28 ± 0.05 vs. 0.38 ± 0.08 cm, P = 0.009; 0.18 ± 0.04 vs. 0.26 ± 0.06 cm, P = 0.013; 0.54 ± 0.07 vs. 0.72 ± 0.09 cm, P = 0.003, respectively). The FA values of the genu and splenium of the corpus callosum in patients with SIVD were decreased compared to healthy controls (0.664 ± 0.042 vs. 0.778 ± 0.041, P < 0.001; 0.691 ± 0.038 vs. 0.786 ± 0.039, P = 0.001, respectively). Conclusion Patients with SIVD exhibit corpus callosum atrophy and morphological changes, and these characteristics may be useful for diagnosis.
Clinical and laboratory parameters associated with metabolic syndrome in Turkish patients with psoriasis
Authors: Akcali Cenk , Buyukcelik Burcin , Kirtak Necmettin , İnaloz Serhat 
Published: January 2014

Objectives To assess clinical and laboratory parameters associated with metabolic syndrome in Turkish patients with moderate or severe plaque-type psoriasis and nonpsoriatic controls. Methods Patients with moderate or severe plaque psoriasis (patient group) or with nonpsoriatic dermatological disease (controls) were included. Waist circumference, weight, height and arterial blood pressure were measured, together with fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein (HDL), fibrinogen, homocysteine and adiponectin levels. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed using National Cholesterol Education Program–Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Results Out of 90 patients (50 with psoriasis; 40 controls), metabolic syndrome was more frequent in the patient group than in controls. In terms of metabolic syndrome parameters, only hypertension was more frequent in patients with psoriasis compared with controls. There was no statistically significant difference between the patient and control groups for obesity, hypertriglyceridaemia, HDL levels or hyperglycaemia. Fibrinogen levels were increased and adiponectin levels were decreased in the psoriasis group. No between-group difference in homocysteine levels was found. Conclusion In this small study, metabolic syndrome was found to be more frequently identified in Turkish patients with psoriasis than in controls; metabolic syndrome could lead to increased cardiovascular disease risk in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.
Pregnancy, sex and hormonal factors in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Miller David H , Fazekas Franz , Montalban Xavier , Reingold Stephen C , Trojano Maria 
Published: January 2014

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is influenced by pregnancy, sex and hormonal factors. Objectives: A comprehensive understanding of the role of pregnancy, sex and hormonal factors can provide insights into disease mechanisms, and new therapeutic developments and can provide improved patient care and treatment. Methods: Based on an international conference of experts and a comprehensive PubMed search for publications on these areas in MS, we provide a review of what is known about the impact of these factors on disease demographics, etiology, pathophysiology and clinical course and outcomes. Results and conclusions: Recommendations are provided for counseling and management of people with MS before conception, during pregnancy and after delivery. The use of disease-modifying and symptomatic therapies in pregnancy is problematic and such treatments are normally discontinued. Available knowledge about the impact of treatment on the mother, fetus and newborn is discussed. Recommendations for future research to fill knowledge gaps and clarify inconsistencies in available data are made.
Analysis of factors predicting mortality of new patients commencing renal replacement therapy 10 years of follow-up
Authors: Browne Oliver T , Allgar Victoria , Bhandari Sunil 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
The natural history of patients commencing dialysis in East Yorkshire is not well characterised and there is little convincing evidence which has studied the impact of potential factors prior to commencement of renal replacement therapy (RRT) at predicting mortality during dialysis. The aim of this study was to examine the previously published 5-year data on end stage renal disease and co-morbid risk factors for mortality at 10 years.

Methods
An observational cohort study of subjects commencing dialysis in 2001/02 in East Yorkshire with a mean follow up from dialysis initiation of 8.8 years. Predictors of mortality were determined by univariate, multivariate analysis and survival via Kaplan-Meier analysis. Assessment of the utility of the Tangri risk calculator was carried out in addition to slope change in eGFR prior to dialysis commencement.

Results
Baseline characteristics and the preferred mode of dialysis remained concordant with the original trial. The mortality rate at the end of the study period was 60% (56/94) with 30% (29) of patients having been transplanted. Highlighted in the 5 year data a significant proportion of mortality was made up of vascular disease and sepsis (71%) but this proportion had decreased (57%) by 10 years. Cardiac disease was the commonest cause of death but notably in 18% of patients, death was related to dialysis or withdrawal of treatment. Vascular disease and diabetes remained independent risk factors and predicative of mortality. Calcium - phosphate product which was associated in the early years with mortality was not in later years. Use of the risk calculator was predictive of commencement of RRT but not mortality but slope change in eGFR was predictive of mortality.

Conclusions
Although diabetes and vascular disease remained predictive of mortality, interestingly calcium-phosphate levels are no longer significant and may be a more specific predictor of early cardiac mortality. Slope eGFR changes prior to RRT are a predictor of mortality. We speculate that aggressive management of cardiac risk factors in addition to early transplantation may be key to influencing the impact of survival in this cohort in addition to possible measures to delay renal progression.
Challenges to implementation of developmental screening in urban primary care: a mixed methods study
Authors: Morelli Deanna L , Pati Susmita , Butler Anneliese , Blum Nathan J , Gerdes Marsha , Pinto-Martin Jennifer , Guevara James P 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundResearch is needed to identify challenges to developmental screening and strategies for screening in an urban pediatric setting.MethodsParents of young children and clinicians at four urban pediatric practices participated in focus groups prior to implementation of screening. Participants were queried regarding attitudes, social norms, and barriers to developmental screening. Using information from the focus groups, workflow strategies were developed for implementing screening. Referral rates and satisfaction with screening were gathered at the conclusion.ResultsSix focus groups of parents and clinicians were conducted. Major themes identified included 1) parents desired greater input on child development and increased time with physicians, 2) physicians did not fully trust parental input, 3) physicians preferred clinical acumen over screening tools, and 4) physicians lacked time and training to conduct screening. For the intervention, developmental screening was implemented at the 9-, 18-, 24-, and 30-month well visits using the Ages & Stages Questionnaire-II and the Modified Checklist for Toddlers. 1397 (98% of eligible) children under 36 months old were enrolled, and 1184 (84%) were screened at least once. 1002 parents (85%) completed a survey at the conclusion of the screening trial. Most parents reported no difficulty completing the screens (99%), felt the screens covered important areas of child development (98%), and felt they learned about their child’s strengths and limitations (88%).ConclusionsDevelopmental screening in urban low-income practices is feasible and acceptable, but requires strategies to capture parental input, provide training, facilitate referrals, and develop workflow procedures and electronic decision support.
Promotion of a healthy lifestyle among 5-year-old overweight children: health behavior outcomes of the 'Be active, eat right’ study
Authors: van Grieken Amy , Renders Carry M , Veldhuis Lydian , Looman Caspar WN , Hirasing Remy A , Raat Hein 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundThis study evaluates the effects of an intervention performed by youth health care professionals on child health behaviors. The intervention consisted of offering healthy lifestyle counseling to parents of overweight (not obese) 5-year-old children. Effects of the intervention on the child having breakfast, drinking sweet beverages, watching television and playing outside were evaluated.MethodsData were collected with the 'Be active, eat right’ study, a cluster randomized controlled trial among nine youth health care centers in the Netherlands. Parents of overweight children received lifestyle counseling according to the intervention protocol in the intervention condition (n = 349) and usual care in the control condition (n = 288). Parents completed questionnaires regarding demographic characteristics, health behaviors and the home environment at baseline and at 2-year follow-up. Cluster adjusted regression models were applied; interaction terms were explored.ResultsThe population for analysis consisted of 38.1% boys; mean age 5.8 [sd 0.4] years; mean BMI SDS 1.9 [sd 0.4]. There were no significant differences in the number of minutes of outside play or television viewing a day between children in the intervention and the control condition. Also, the odds ratio for having breakfast daily or drinking two or less glasses of sweet beverages a day showed no significant differences between the two conditions. Additional analyses showed that the odds ratio for drinking less than two glasses of sweet beverages at follow-up compared with baseline was significantly higher for children in both the intervention (p < 0.001) and the control condition (p = 0.029).ConclusionsComparison of the children in the two conditions showed that the intervention does not contribute to a change in health behaviors. Further studies are needed to investigate opportunities to adjust the intervention protocol, such as integration of elements in the regular well-child visit. The intervention protocol for youth health care may become part of a broader approach to tackle childhood overweight and obesity.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled TrialsISRCTN04965410