bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computerized respiratory sounds: a comparison between patients with stable and exacerbated COPD
Authors: Jácome Cristina , Oliveira Ana , Marques Alda 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIntroductionDiagnosis of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is often challenging as it relies on patients’ clinical presentation. Computerized respiratory sounds (CRS), namely crackles and wheezes, may have the potential to contribute for the objective diagnosis/monitoring of an AECOPD.Objectives: This study explored if CRS differ during stable and exacerbation periods in patients with COPD.Methods13 patients with stable COPD and 14 with AECOPD were enrolled. CRS were recorded simultaneously at trachea, anterior, lateral and posterior chest locations using seven stethoscopes. Airflow (0.4–0.6l/s) was recorded with a pneumotachograph. Breathing phases were detected using airflow signals; crackles and wheezes with validated algorithms.ResultsAt trachea, anterior and lateral chest, no significant differences were found between the two groups in the number of inspiratory/expiratory crackles or inspiratory wheeze occupation rate. At posterior chest, the number of crackles (median 2.97–3.17 vs. 0.83–1.2, P < 0.001) and wheeze occupation rate (median 3.28%–3.8% vs. 1.12%–1.77%, P = 0.014–0.016) during both inspiration and expiration were significantly higher in patients with AECOPD than in stable patients. During expiration, wheeze occupation rate was also significantly higher in patients with AECOPD at trachea (median 3.12% vs. 0.79%, P < 0.001) and anterior chest (median 3.55% vs. 1.28%, P < 0.001).ConclusionCrackles and wheezes are more frequent in patients with AECOPD than in stable patients, particularly at posterior chest. These findings suggest that these CRS can contribute to the objective diagnosis/monitoring of AECOPD, which is especially valuable considering that they can be obtained by integrating computerized techniques with pulmonary auscultation, a noninvasive method that is a component of patients’ physical examination.
Prediction of long‐term survival by using the Glasgow Prognostic Score in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation
Authors: Abe Tomoyuki , Tashiro Hirotaka , Hattori Minoru , Kuroda Shintaro , Tahara Hiroyuki , Ohira Masahiro , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Ide Kentaro , Ishiyama Kohei , Ohdan Hideki 
Published: September 2015

AimThis study aimed to validate the prognostic value of the Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) in patients who underwent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsData were retrospectively collected for HCC patients who underwent LDLT. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify variables associated with overall and recurrence‐free survival. Patients were separated into two groups based on the GPS. The predictive ability of the GPS was compared with other variable scores (modified GPS and hepatic GPS) to identify the most accurate test for this population.ResultsUnivariate analysis identified a GPS of 1 or 2 (P = 0.018), multiple tumors (P = 0.032) and HCC beyond the Milan criteria (P = 0.015) as factors significantly associated with poor overall survival. Hepatitis B negative status (P = 0.034), a GPS of 1 or 2 (P = 0.030), α‐fetoprotein of 20.0 ng/mL or more (P = 0.042) and HCC beyond the Milan criteria (P = 0.002) were identified as factors significantly associated with poor recurrence‐free survival. Multivariate analysis indicated that HCC beyond the Milan criteria and a GPS of 1 or 2 were independent risk factors for long‐term outcomes. Among the scoring systems evaluated in this study, the GPS was the best predictive system in our population. Moreover, a new scoring system that combined the GPS and the Milan criteria showed the highest prognostic values.ConclusionNovel prediction scores combining the GPS and the Milan criteria provide a precise, objective, and quick approach for selecting appropriate HCC patients for LDLT.
Underestimation of plasma level of factor V coagulant activity and fibrinogen concentration together with prolonged prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and thrombin time can result from pre‐analytical very low calcium level in citrated sample tube
Authors: d'Audigier C. , Delassasseigne C. , Robert A. , Eschwège V. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryIntroductionPre‐analytical phase is a critical step in the haemostasis laboratory cycle. Numerous variations affect tests results, and it is crucial to detect them in order to reject improper specimens before reporting test results. Comparing to prior results or requesting, a repeat sample can help in pre‐analytical irregularity assessment.MethodsEach time a sample addressed to our laboratory displayed aberrant results or discordant with a prior report, another specimen was asked and both were analysed through calcium (Ca) level, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen concentration, factor II, factor VII+X and factor V coagulant activity measurements. Among these, all the primary citrated samples from inpatients without anticoagulant treatment, displaying very low calcium level (‘Ca 0’ samples), were selected for this 2 years study.ResultsA total of 17 samples could be identified. Ca level in their paired repeat samples was always >1.00 mmol/L. Coagulation testing for ‘Ca 0’ samples showed a significant prolongation of PT, APTT, TT and a significant decrease for fibrinogen concentration and factor V coagulant activity.ConclusionWe identified factor V coagulant activity, as the parameter with the most important variation in case of very low calcium level in presumed citrated sample tubes probably contaminated with EDTA.
Increasing prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity in a coastal province in China
Authors: Zhang Y. , Zhao J. , Chu Z. , Zhou J. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryBackgroundThe increasing prevalence of childhood obesity constitutes a serious public health problem in both developed and developing countries.ObjectivesThe present study examined the prevalent trends in overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in Shandong, China spanning 29 years (1985–2014).MethodsData for this study were obtained from four cross‐sectional surveys of schoolchildren carried out in 1985, 1995, 2005 and 2014 in Shandong Province, China. A total of 39 943 students aged 7–18 years were included in this study (14 458 in 1985, 7 198 in 1995, 8 568 in 2005 and 9 719 in 2014).ResultsUsing IOTF criteria, the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased from 1.73% and 0.05% for boys, 1.67% and 0.04% for girls in 1985 to 20.83% and 10.39% for boys, 15.81% and 4.35% for girls in 2014; Using World Health Organization criteria, the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased from 2.76% and 0.45% for boys, 2.46% and 0.11% for girls in 1985 to 20.30% and 18.16% for boys, 18.89% and 6.58% for girls in 2014, respectively.ConclusionChildhood overweight and obesity has entered the extensively epidemic stage in this region at present. Comprehensive strategies of intervention should include periodical monitoring, education on pattern of nutrition, oxygen‐consuming physical exercises and healthy dietary behaviour.
Age at spermarche: 15‐year trend and its association with body mass index in Chinese school‐aged boys
Authors: Song Y. , Ma J. , Wang H.‐J. , Wang Z. , Lau P. W. C. , Agardh A. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryBackgroundLittle is known about the secular trends in age at spermarche among boys, and the association between body mass index (BMI) and male puberty is controversial.ObjectiveThis study aimed to estimate the trend in age at spermarche in China and explore the association of spermarche with BMI.MethodsWe used four cross‐sectional Chinese National Surveys on Students' Constitution and Health (CNSSCH; 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2010). Median age at spermarche was determined using probit analysis. Logistic regression was used to assess the association of spermarche with BMI.ResultsAge at spermarche among Chinese boys dropped from 14.57 to 14.03 years from 1995 to 2010 with a decrease of 4.3 months per decade. Boys with BMI‐for‐age z‐score lower than −2 had the latest age at spermarche. A higher BMI or BMI‐for‐age z‐score was associated with an increased likelihood of having reached spermarche, and this association was consistently observed at all survey points.ConclusionThis study provides important evidence of a secular trend of earlier age at spermarche over the past 15 years in China, and this decrease was accompanied by a simultaneous increase in BMI. Strategies and interventions focusing on thinness may promote both their nutritional status and puberty development among Chinese boys.
Inhibition of interleukin‐1β‐mediated interleukin‐1 receptor‐associated kinase 4 phosphorylation by zinc leads to repression of memory T helper type 17 response in humans
Authors: Lee Hyunju , Kim Bonah , Choi Yeon Ho , Hwang Yuri , Kim Dong Hyun , Cho Sunjung , Hong Sung Jun , Lee Won‐Woo 
Published: September 2015

SummaryZinc is an essential trace element that plays pivotal roles in multiple facets of the immune system. Besides its catalytic and structural roles, zinc also functions as an intracellular signalling molecule, and changes in zinc levels can cause both direct and indirect modulation of immune responses. Further, cytoplasmic levels of bioavailable zinc in immune cells are largely influenced by many extracellular stimuli. Here we provide evidence that zinc represses memory T helper type 17 responses in humans by inhibiting interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β)‐mediated signal. In vitro zinc treatment of CD4+ T cells in the presence of activated monocytes inhibited interferon‐γ‐producing cells and IL‐17‐producing cells, but not IL‐4‐producing cells. Of note, production of IL‐17+ cells from memory CD4+ T cells, which is significantly up‐regulated by lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated monocytes, was preferentially repressed by zinc. Increased cytoplasmic zinc in T cells suppressed IL‐1β signalling through repression of phosphorylation of IL‐1 receptor‐associated kinase 4 (IRAK4), so leading to an inhibitory effect on T helper type 17 responses facilitated by monocyte‐derived IL‐1β in humans. These findings suggest that extracellular zinc bioavailability may affect memory CD4+ T‐cell responses by modulating the zinc‐mediated signalling pathway.
Accessible Conceptions of Statistical Inference: Pulling Ourselves Up by the Bootstraps
Authors: Wild Chris J. , Pfannkuch Maxine , Regan Matt , Parsonage Ross 
Published: September 2015

SummaryWith the rapid, ongoing expansions in the world of data, we need to devise ways of getting more students much further, much faster. One of the choke points affecting both accessibility to a broad spectrum of students and faster progress is classical statistical inference based on normal theory. In this paper, bootstrap‐based confidence intervals and randomisation tests conveyed through dynamic visualisation are developed as a means of reducing cognitive demands and increasing the speed with which application areas can be opened up. We also discuss conceptual pathways and the design of software developed to enable this approach.
Plasma MMP and TIMP evaluation in patients with deep venous thrombosis: could they have a predictive role in the development of post‐thrombotic syndrome?
Authors: de Franciscis Stefano , Gallelli Luca , Amato Bruno , Butrico Lucia , Rossi Alessio , Buffone Gianluca , Caliò Francesco G , De Caridi Giovanni , Grande Raffaele , Serra Raffaele 
Published: September 2015

AbstractPost‐thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a condition that can develop in about half of the patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of lower limbs.In the present study, we evaluated the expression of inflammatory biomarkers in the early phases of DVT and their correlation with the onset of PTS.Patients were enrolled after the first episode of DVT and were followed up for 1, 4, 8, 12 and 18 months. At each visit, blood sample was collected to evaluate plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐1,‐2,‐3,‐7,‐8 and ‐9 MMP inhibitors, TIMP‐1,‐2, neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) and cytokines TNF‐α and IL‐6.Analysis included 201 patients [86 males (42·79%) and 115 females (57·21%); average age 56 ± 7 years].Of the 201 patients, 47 (23·38%; 21 males, 26 females) developed PTS during the follow‐up period.The control group was made up of 60 individuals without DVT (22 males and 38 females).High plasma levels of MMPs, NGAL and cytokines were recorded during the acute phase after DVT. Moreover, patients with PTS showed higher levels of MMP‐1 and MMP‐8 with respect to patients without PTS.There is a close relationship between DVT, the individual risk of PTS and specific biomarkers such as MMPs and other related molecules, which may help guide prevention and therapy based on the patient's individual risk profile, and has to be studied in future.
Breeding implications resulting from classification of patellae luxation in dogs
Authors: van Grevenhof E.M. , Hazewinkel H.A.W. , Heuven H.C.M. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryPatellar luxation (PL) is one of the major hereditary orthopaedic abnormalities observed in a variety of dog breeds. When the patellae move sideways out of the trochlear groove, this is called PL. The PL score varies between dogs from normal to very severe. Reducing the prevalence of PL by breeding could prevent surgery, thereby improve welfare. Orthopaedic specialists differentiate between normal and loose patellae, where the patellae can be moved to the edge of the trochlear groove, considering scoring loose patellae as normal in the future. Loose patellae are considered acceptable for breeding so far by the breeding organization. The aim of this study was to analyse the genetic background of PL to decide on the importance of loose patellae when breeding for healthy dogs. Data are available from two dog breeds, that is Flat‐coated Retrievers (n = 3808) and Kooiker dogs (n = 794), with a total of 4602 dogs. Results show that loose patellae indicate that dogs are genetically more susceptible to develop PL because family members of the dogs with loose patellae showed more severe PL. In addition, the estimated breeding values for dogs with loose patellae indicate that breeding values of dogs with loose patellae were worse than breeding values obtained for dogs with a normal score. Given these results, it is advised to orthopaedic specialists to continue to score loose patellae as a separate class and to dog breeders to minimize the use of dogs in breeding with a genetically higher susceptibility for PL.
Evolutionary history of the subnival flora of the Himalaya‐Hengduan Mountains: first insights from comparative phylogeography of four perennial herbs
Authors: Luo Dong , Yue Ji‐Pei , Sun Wen‐Guang , Xu Bo , Li Zhi‐Min , Comes Hans Peter , Sun Hang 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimThe Himalaya‐Hengduan Mountain (HHM) biodiversity hotspot including the ‘sky islands’ of Southwest China harbour exceptional plant diversity and endemicity at subnival summits (most of them exceeding 4300 m a.s.l.). This study is the first using a comparative phylogeographical framework to gain insights into the temporal origin of this highly fragmented subnival flora, and the historical factors shaping its genetic architecture as exemplified by four perennial herbs.LocationHimalaya‐Hengduan Mountains, China.MethodsBased on nuclear and/or chloroplast (cp) DNA sequences for each of the four studied species, we performed AMOVA and mismatch distributional analyses to assess molecular structure, diversity and demographic history in relation to current and last glacial distributions using ecological niche modelling (ENM). Time‐calibrated phylogenetic reconstructions of cpDNA data were used to infer species‐specific stem and crown ages.ResultsOur time estimates suggest that these species originated during the Late Pliocene or early‐to‐mid Pleistocene, whereas their onset of diversification generally falls into the mid‐Pleistocene. All four species exhibited island‐like population genetic structures, with all of them showing signatures of recent population growth and/or spatial expansion based on cpDNA. By contrast, ENM indicated that species broad‐scale distributions remained fairly stable over the last glacial/post‐glacial cycle.Main conclusionsThe temporal origin of the four subnival HHM species is likely associated with tectonic changes in the region, while their near‐simultaneous onset of diversification during the ‘Naynayxungla Glaciation’ (0.72–0.50 Ma) could reflect initial population divergence through climate‐induced habitat fragmentation. Despite a rather stable distributional history, geographical population isolation and localized range expansion/contractions likely resulted in significant genetic structure and differentiation over the last glacial/post‐glacial cycle. Overall, the present results are strongly indicative of shared evolutionary histories and phylogeographical structures among subnival plants from the ‘sky island system’ of the HHM region.
High phylogeographical complexity within Mediterranean islands: insights from the Corsican fire salamander
Authors: Salvi Daniele , Bisconti Roberta , Canestrelli Daniele 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimMediterranean islands have been the subject of intense phylogeographical investigation. While most studies have focused on the processes of colonization and dispersal between landmasses, the phylogeographical structures within islands have received less attention. Here, we investigate the Pleistocene evolutionary history of the fire salamander Salamandra corsica. Our main aim is to shed more light on the importance of intra‐island micro‐evolutionary processes in structuring the patterns of biodiversity on Mediterranean islands.LocationCorsica Island.MethodsWe sampled 165 individuals across the entire range of S. corsica, and we sequenced two mitochondrial (cytb and cox1) and one nuclear (ßfib) gene fragments. We used Bayesian phylogeographical and historical demographic analyses based on DNA sequence data, together with species distribution modelling (SDM) under the present and past bioclimatic envelopes.ResultsBayesian phylogeographical analyses indicated that S. corsica (re)colonized its northern range during the Last Interglacial period from an ancestral area located in central‐southern Corsica. According to these analyses and the SDM, S. corsica was already established throughout the island during the last glacial phase, although likely with a fragmented distribution. Historical demographic analyses suggested a post‐glacial demographic expansion, probably associated with the climate‐driven spatial and temporal dynamics of forested habitats.Main conclusionsDespite its restricted and insular distribution, S. corsica showed past demographic and range dynamics that are comparable to those of wide‐ranging species on the continent. These dynamics are not consistent with temporal, spatial, and demographic patterns previously seen for other Corsican endemics. Such patterns of complex Pleistocene evolutionary histories and extensive phylogeographical discordance are also emerging from other insular systems. We conclude that island endemics should not be considered, a priori, as single populations and conservation units, and that the use of co‐occurrence patterns of island populations as inferential tools in historical biogeography should also be carefully reconsidered.
Systemic effects of treatment with mTOR inhibitors in tuberous sclerosis complex: a comprehensive review
Authors: Sadowski K. , Kotulska K. , Schwartz R. A. , Jóźwiak S. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractTuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic multisystem disorder associated with constitutive overactivation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and characterized by development of benign tumours in various organs. mTOR inhibitors have proven to be effective in the targeted therapy of certain TSC‐associated pathologies such as subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs) and renal angiomyolipomas (AMLs). Accumulating experimental and clinical data suggest that mTOR inhibitors might have a systemic, disease‐modifying influence on affected individuals. This systematic review provides an analysis of available clinical data concerning systemic effect of mTOR inhibitors and the influence of mTOR inhibition on different manifestations of TSC in individual patients.
Exposure to moxifloxacin and cytomegalovirus replication is associated with skin squamous cell carcinoma development in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Gerber S.R. , Seifert B. , Inci I. , Serra A.L. , Kohler M. , Benden C. , Hofbauer G.F.L. , Schuurmans M.M. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundLung transplant recipients (LTR) are at increased risk for squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (SCC), but risk factors (RF) are incompletely understood.ObjectiveTo assess associations between exposure to certain medications and viral infections, and subsequent SCC development.MethodsRetrospective study examining incidence and potential RF for SCC in LTR transplanted from 1992 to 2010 followed up at one centre. Cumulative incidence and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate RF in the first year post‐transplant for SCC formation during the follow‐up.ResultsIn 205 analysed LTR, 46 patients were diagnosed with SCC during a median follow‐up of 4.9 years. The cumulative incidences of first SCC were 16.7% and 34.1%, for 5 and 10 years post‐transplantation respectively. Multivariable analysis identified CMV replication (HR 7.69, 95% CI 2.93–20.2, P < 0.001) and moxifloxacin exposure (HR 2.35, 95% CI 1.15–4.81, P = 0.020) during the first year post‐transplantation as independent RF for SCC development during follow‐up.ConclusionIn our cohort, moxifloxacin use and CMV replication during the first year post‐transplantation were associated with increased risk for SCC. These two factors could be indicators of over‐immunosuppression. Their role in SCC development requires investigations in larger cohorts and prospective studies.
Host specialization involving attraction, avoidance and performance, in two phytophagous moth species
Authors: Orsucci M. , Audiot P. , Pommier A. , Raynaud C. , Ramora B. , Zanetto A. , Bourguet D. , Streiff R. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractHost specialization plays a key role in the extreme diversification of phytophagous insects. Whereas proximate mechanisms of specialization have been studied extensively, their consequences for species divergence remain unclear. Preference for, and performance on hosts are thought to be a major source of divergence in phytophagous insects. We assessed these major components of specialization in two moth species, the European corn borer (ECB) and the Adzuki bean borer (ABB), by testing their oviposition behaviour in different conditions (choice or no‐choice set‐ups) and their performances, by reciprocal transplant at the larval stage on the usual host and an alternative host plant. We demonstrated that both ABB and ECB have a strong preference for their host plants for oviposition, but that relative larval performances on the usual host and an alternative host differed according to the experiment and the trait considered (weight or survival). Finally, we show for the first time that the preference for maize in ECB conceals a strong avoidance of mugwort. The differences in performance, attraction and avoidance between ECB and ABB are discussed in the light of the underlying mechanisms and divergence process.