bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Severe and fulminant hepatitis of indeterminate etiology in a Japanese center
Authors: Fujiwara Keiichi , Yasui Shin , Nakano Masayuki , Yonemitsu Yutaka , Arai Makoto , Kanda Tatsuo , Fukuda Yoshihiro , Oda Shigeto , Yokosuka Osamu 
Published: January 2015

AimThe outcome of acute liver failure (ALF) is influenced by its etiology, making etiological consideration of ALF important. However, specific etiology could not be identified in 30–40% of adult patients in a Japanese nationwide survey. We examined our patients with severe (SH) and fulminant hepatitis (FH) of indeterminate etiology for the better understanding of ALF.MethodsWe investigated 106 adult patients with SH or FH including 24 of indeterminate etiology between 2000 and 2013, retrospectively.ResultsOf 24 patients, 12 were men. Seventeen were SH and seven FH (three FH acute type and four FH subacute type). Eighty‐three percent of patients were positive for antinuclear antibody. Seventeen recovered without liver transplantation (LT), two received LT and five died without LT. Histology of 15 patients showed a pattern of acute hepatitis (massive necrosis in four, submassive necrosis in one, severe acute hepatitis in two and acute hepatitis in eight). The involvement of immune‐mediated liver injury was histologically suggested in some patients.ConclusionThere was no large cluster of etiology in our patients with indeterminate cause. The causes of ALF of indeterminate etiology were the mixture of various minor or rare ones, if precise diagnosis of acute AIH was done. Outcome of our patients with indeterminate cause was not poor if they were treated as early as possible after the diagnosis of severe disease. Careful examination of unknown viral infection, drugs, toxins, undefined metabolic disorders and histology may help detect some of these etiologies.
The Association of Ankle-Brachial Index with Silent Cerebral Small Vessel Disease: Results of the Atahualpa Project
Authors: Del Brutto Oscar H. , Sedler Mark J. , Mera Robertino M. , Lama Julio , Gruen Jadry A. , Phelan Kelsie J. , Cusick Elizabeth H. , Zambrano Mauricio , Brown David L. 
Published: January 2015

Background An abnormal ankle-brachial index has been associated with overt stroke and coronary heart disease, but little is known about its relationship with silent cerebral small vessel disease. Aim To assess the value of ankle-brachial index as a predictor of silent small vessel disease in an Ecuadorian geriatric population. Methods Stroke-free Atahualpa residents aged ≥60 years were identified during a door-to-door survey. Ankle-brachial index determinations and brain magnetic resonance imaging were performed in consented persons. Ankle-brachial index ≤0·9 and ≥1·4 were proxies of peripheral artery disease and noncompressible arteries, respectively. Using logistic regression models adjusted for age, gender, and cardiovascular health status, we evaluated the association between abnormal ankle-brachial index with silent lacunar infarcts, white matter hyperintensities, and cerebral microbleeds. Results Mean age of the 224 participants was 70 ± 8 years, 60% were women, and 80% had poor cardiovascular health status. Ankle-brachial index was ≤0·90 in 37 persons and ≥1·4 in 17. Magnetic resonance imaging showed lacunar infarcts in 27 cases, moderate-to-severe white matter hyperintensities in 47, and cerebral microbleeds in 26. Adjusted models showed association of lacunar infarcts with ankle-brachial index ≤ 0·90 (OR: 3·72, 95% CI: 1·35–10·27, P = 0·01) and with ankle-brachial index ≥ 1·4 (OR: 3·85, 95% CI: 1·06–14·03, P = 0·04). White matter hyperintensities were associated with ankle-brachial index ≤ 0·90 ( P= 0·03) and ankle-brachial index ≥ 1·4 ( P = 0·02) in univariate analyses. There was no association between ankle-brachial index groups and cerebral microbleeds. Conclusions In this population-based study conducted in rural Ecuador, apparently healthy individuals aged ≥60 years with ankle-brachial index values ≤0·90 and ≥1·4 are almost four times more likely to have a silent lacunar infarct. Ankle-brachial index screening might allow recognition of asymptomatic people who need further investigation and preventive therapy.
Renal sinus exposure as an independent factor predicting asymptomatic unruptured pseudoaneurysm formation detected in the early postoperative period after minimally invasive partial nephrectomy
Authors: Omae Kenji , Kondo Tsunenori , Takagi Toshio , Morita Satoru , Hashimoto Yasunobu , Kobayashi Hirohito , Iizuka Junpei , Nozaki Taiji , Yoshida Kazuhiko , Tanabe Kazunari 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the incidence of asymptomatic unruptured renal artery pseudoaneurysm detected by 3‐D computed tomography arteriography in the early period after minimally invasive partial nephrectomy, including laparoscopic and robotic partial nephrectomy.MethodsFrom February 2012 to November 2013, 101 patients underwent minimally invasive partial nephrectomy for renal masses. Computed tomography arteriography was carried out 3–4 days after surgery; radiologists diagnosed renal artery pseudoaneurysm in a blinded manner. Factors influencing the occurrence of renal artery pseudoaneurysm were analyzed with the logistic regression model.ResultsThe incidence of renal artery pseudoaneurysm was unexpectedly high at 21.7% when detected by computed tomography arteriography during the early period after minimally invasive partial nephrectomy. The renal artery pseudoaneurysm group showed a significantly larger tumor size (P = 0.02), significantly higher N component score (P = 0.01) and higher incidence of renal sinus exposure or opening of the collecting system (P < 0.01) compared with the no renal artery pseudoaneurysm group. Although these aforementioned factors were found to be significant by univariate analysis, multivariate analysis showed that renal sinus exposure was the only significant independent predictive factor for occurrence of renal artery pseudoaneurysm. Tumor‐related factors, such as the N component of the nephrometry scoring system or tumor size, did not show an independent influence on the occurrence of renal artery pseudoaneurysm.ConclusionsThe present study shows an unexpectedly high incidence of asymptomatic unruptured renal artery pseudoaneurysm detected by computed tomography arteriography in the early period after minimally invasive partial nephrectomy. Renal sinus exposure is an independent significant factor predicting the occurrence of renal artery pseudoaneurysm. Avoidance of deep excision into the renal sinus could reduce the risk of renal artery pseudoaneurysm. © 2015 The Japanese Urological Association
Wound samples: moving towards a standardised method of collection and analysis
Authors: Ramsay Sarah , Cowan Linda , Davidson Jeffrey M , Nanney Lillian , Schultz Gregory 
Published: January 2015

AbstractChronic wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers and venous leg ulcers, impact the lives of millions of people worldwide. These types of wounds represent a significant physical, social and financial burden to both patients and health care systems. Wound care has made great progress in recent years as a result of the critical research performed in academic, clinical and industrial settings. However, there has been relatively little translation of basic research discoveries into novel and effective treatments. One underlying reason for this paucity may be inconsistency in the methods of wound analysis and sample collection, resulting in the inability of researchers to accurately characterise the healing process and compare results from different studies. This review examines the various types of analytical methods being used in wound research today with emphasis on sampling techniques, processing and storage, and the findings call forth the wound care research community to standardise its approach to wound analysis in order to yield more robust and comparable data sets.
Heritability of periodontal bone loss in mice
Authors: Hiyari S. , Atti E. , Camargo P. M. , Eskin E. , Lusis A. J. , Tetradis S. , Pirih F. Q. 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundPeriodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the periodontal tissues that compromises tooth support and can lead to tooth loss. Although bacterial biofilm is central in disease pathogenesis, the host response plays an important role in the progression and severity of periodontitis. Indeed, clinical genetic studies indicate that periodontitis is 50% heritable. In this study, we hypothesized that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injections lead to a strain‐dependent periodontal bone loss pattern.Material and methodsWe utilized five inbred mouse strains that derive the recombinant strains of the hybrid mouse diversity panel. Mice received Porphyromonas gingivalis–LPS injections for 6 wk.Results and conclusionMicro‐computed tomography analysis demonstrated a statistically significant strain‐dependent bone loss. The most susceptible strain, C57BL/6J, had a fivefold higher LPS‐induced bone loss compared to the most resistant strain, A/J. More importantly, periodontal bone loss revealed 49% heritability, which closely mimics periodontitis heritability for patients. To evaluate further the functional differences that underlie periodontal bone loss, osteoclast numbers of C57BL/6J and A/J mice were measured in vivo and in vitro. In vitro analysis of osteoclastogenic potential showed a higher number of osteoclasts in C57BL/6J compared to A/J mice. In vivo LPS injections statistically significantly increased osteoclast numbers in both groups. Importantly, the number of osteoclasts was higher in C57BL/6J vs. A/J mice. These data support a significant role of the genetic framework in LPS‐induced periodontal bone loss and the feasibility of utilizing the hybrid mouse diversity panel to determine the genetic factors that affect periodontal bone loss. Expanding these studies will contribute in predicting patients genetically predisposed to periodontitis and in identifying the biological basis of disease susceptibility.
Treatment of Ionized Hypercalcemia in 12 Cats (2006–2008) Using PO‐Administered Alendronate
Authors: Hardy B.T. , de Brito Galvao J.F. , Green T.A. , Braudaway S.R. , DiBartola S.P. , Lord L. , Chew D.J. 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundLong‐term treatment of cats with ionized hypercalcemia using alendronate has not been evaluated.Hypothesis/ObjectivesAlendronate is well tolerated in treatment of ionized hypercalcemia in cats.AnimalsA total of 12 cats with ionized hypercalcemia.MethodsProspective study of 12 cats with ionized hypercalcemia of idiopathic origin was identified by telephone and email communication with a convenience sample of consulting veterinarians. Cats were treated with alendronate at a dose of 5–20 mg per feline PO q7d. Serum ionized calcium concentration (iCa) was measured before beginning treatment with alendronate, and after 1, 3, and 6 months of treatment. Alendronate dosage was adjusted according toiCa. Evaluation included physical examination, CBC, biochemistry profile, and diagnostic imaging. The owners and referring veterinarians were questioned about any observed adverse effects. The Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed rank test was used to compare baselineiCa toiCa at different time periods.ResultsAlendronate treatment resulted in a decrease iniCa in all 12 cats. The median percentage change iniCa was −13.2%, −15.9%, and −18.1% (range, −29.6 to +7.6; −30.5 to −1.9; −45.8 to +1.5%) at the 1, 3, and 6 month time points, respectively. BaselineiCa was significantly different from 1 month (P = .0042), 3 months (P = .0005), and 6 months (P = .0015). No adverse effects were reported for any of the cats.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceAlendronate was well tolerated and decreasediCa in most cats for the 6‐month period of observation.
How a haemosporidian parasite of bats gets around: the genetic structure of a parasite, vector and host compared
Authors: Witsenburg F. , Clément L. , López‐Baucells A. , Palmeirim J. , Pavlinić I. , Scaravelli D. , Ševčík M. , Dutoit L. , Salamin N. , Goudet J. , Christe P. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractParasite population structure is often thought to be largely shaped by that of its host. In the case of a parasite with a complex life cycle, two host species, each with their own patterns of demography and migration, spread the parasite. However, the population structure of the parasite is predicted to resemble only that of the most vagile host species. In this study, we tested this prediction in the context of a vector‐transmitted parasite. We sampled the haemosporidian parasite Polychromophilus melanipherus across its European range, together with its bat fly vector Nycteribia schmidlii and its host, the bent‐winged bat Miniopterus schreibersii. Based on microsatellite analyses, the wingless vector, and not the bat host, was identified as the least structured population and should therefore be considered the most vagile host. Genetic distance matrices were compared for all three species based on a mitochondrial DNA fragment. Both host and vector populations followed an isolation‐by‐distance pattern across the Mediterranean, but not the parasite. Mantel tests found no correlation between the parasite and either the host or vector populations. We therefore found no support for our hypothesis; the parasite population structure matched neither vector nor host. Instead, we propose a model where the parasite's gene flow is represented by the added effects of host and vector dispersal patterns.
Paternal epigenetic effects of population density on locust phase‐related characteristics associated with heat‐shock protein expression
Authors: Chen Bing , Li Shaoqin , Ren Qiang , Tong Xiwen , Zhang Xia , Kang Le 
Published: January 2015

AbstractMany species exhibit transgenerational plasticity by which environmental cues experienced by either parent can be transmitted to their offspring, resulting in phenotypic variants in offspring to match ancestral environments. However, the manner by which paternal experiences affect offspring plasticity through epigenetic inheritance in animals generally remains unclear. In this study, we examined the transgenerational effects of population density on phase‐related traits in the migratory locust Locusta migratoria. Using an experimental design that explicitly controls genetic background, we found that the effects of crowd or isolation rearing on phase plasticity could be inherited to the offspring. The isolation of gregarious locusts resulted in reduced weight in offspring eggs and altered morphometric traits in hatchlings, whereas crowding of solitarious locusts exhibited opposite effects. The consequences of density changes were transmitted by both maternal and paternal inheritance, although the expression of paternal effects was not as pronounced as that of maternal effects. Prominent expression of heat‐shock proteins (Hsps), such as Hsp90, Hsp70 and Hsp20.6, could be triggered by density changes. Hsps were significantly upregulated upon crowding but downregulated upon isolation. The variation in parental Hsp expression was also transmitted to the offspring, in which the pattern of inheritance was consistent with that of phase characteristics. These results revealed a paternal effect on phase polyphenism and Hsp expression induced by population density, and defined a model system that could be used to study the paternal epigenetic inheritance of environmental changes.
Quality of life one year post‐Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli O104 infection – A prospective cohort study
Authors: Riegel B. , Broicher W. , Wegscheider K. , Andresen V. , Brähler E. , Lohse A. W. , Löwe B. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundIn 2011, a major outbreak of hemolytic‐uremic syndrome (HUS) and bloody diarrhea related to infections from Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli O104 (STEC) occurred in Germany. While previous research has focused on the medical components of this disease, we aimed to investigate the course of health‐related quality of life (HrQoL) over 12 months including somatic and psychosocial risk factors. Furthermore, the influence of chronic fatigue (CF) on HrQoL was examined.MethodsA prospective cohort study with n = 389 patients completing self‐report scales at baseline, after 6 months (participation rate: 79%) and after 12 months (participation rate: 77%). The courses of physical and mental HrQoL over the 12 month period were calculated by employing general linear mixed models.Key ResultsWhile the physical component score of HrQoL reached a score comparable to the general population, the mental component score remained below average 12 months after STEC infection. Female gender, prior psychiatric disorder, and prior traumatic events were risk factors for a worse HrQoL course after 12 months, while social support was identified to be protective. CF was associated with low HrQoL. In addition, the somatic symptom burden remained persistently high.Conclusions & InferencesOur results show high somatic and psychosocial burden in patients 12 months after STEC infection. We recommend considering the risk factors and protective factors of poor HrQoL early in the treatment of STEC or similar diseases. Patients who are suffering from persisting somatic symptoms, CF, and impaired HrQoL may require specific aftercare.
Association between health‐related quality of life and symptoms in patients with chronic constipation: an integrated analysis of three phase 3 trials of prucalopride
Authors: Tack J. , Camilleri M. , Dubois D. , Vandeplassche L. , Joseph A. , Kerstens R. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundPrucalopride is a high‐affinity 5‐HT4 receptor agonist for the treatment of chronic constipation. The aims of this study were to investigate the relationship between health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and symptoms of constipation, and to assess the response of HRQoL to treatment using integrated data from three phase III trials of prucalopride.MethodsThis was an integrated analysis of data from three pivotal multicenter, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group trials (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT00488137, NCT00483886 and NCT00485940). Relationships were investigated between Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC‐QOL) scores, Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC‐SYM) scores, bowel movement frequency (assessed using daily diaries), and treatment.Key ResultsPatients treated with prucalopride 2 mg (n = 659) and placebo (n = 661) were included in the analysis. An improvement in PAC‐SYM scores correlated well with an improvement in PAC‐QOL overall score (r = 0.711) and satisfaction subscale score (r = 0.589). After 12 weeks, PAC‐QOL overall score and satisfaction subscale score significantly (p < 0.001) improved by ≥1 point (clinically relevant) in 36.5% and 44.1% of patients treated with prucalopride, compared with 18.5% and 22.4% with placebo respectively. Moreover, 39.0% of patients with an improvement in satisfaction of ≥1 point achieved ≥3 spontaneous complete bowel movements/week, compared with 7.4% of those with no improvement in satisfaction (<1 point).Conclusions & InferencesImprovements in PAC‐QOL overall score and satisfaction score were associated with improvements in symptoms of chronic constipation. Compared with placebo, treatment with prucalopride significantly improved HRQoL.
Autonomic nervous system dysregulation in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Salvioli B. , Pellegatta G. , Malacarne M. , Pace F. , Malesci A. , Pagani M. , Lucini D. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundAutonomic nervous system (ANS) regulation may be altered in functional diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but published data are not clear to date. The aim of the study was to analyze ANS function in IBS subjects classified by Rome III criteria and healthy controls using standardized technique.MethodsANS activity was evaluated by autoregressive spectral analysis of RR interval and systolic arterial pressure variabilities, to obtain indices of sympatho‐vagal modulation of the heart and of spontaneous cardiac baroreflex (α index). A symptom list was used to score 18 somatic complaints (score 0–180) (4SQ). Fatigue and stress were assessed through the use of a global scoring index (0–10).Key ResultsWe enrolled 41 IBS subjects (29 F, age 40 ± 2 years) and 42 healthy matched controls. Heart rate was higher in IBS than control subjects (69 ± 2 vs 61 ± 1; p < 0.001). The total variance of RR interval variability, and α index, were significantly lower in IBS compared to controls (1983.12 ± 384.64 ms2 vs 4184.55 ± 649.59 ms2; 18.1 ± 2 ms/mmHg vs 29 ± 3 ms/mmHg; p < 0.01). The α index results showed an inverse correlation with stress scores and somatic symptoms.Conclusions & InferencesIBS subjects display a significant reduction in α index, an established marker of cardiac baroreflex. ANS dysfunction appears to be involved in the pathophysiology of IBS and its assessment may open new perspectives for clinical management of patients suffering from IBS.
Feeding ecology of the deep‐bodied fish Dapedium (Actinopterygii, Neopterygii) from the Sinemurian of Dorset, England
Authors: Smithwick Fiann M. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractReconstructing the feeding ecology of fossil fishes can be difficult, but new mechanical approaches enable reasonably reliable inferences by comparison with living forms. Here, the feeding ecology of one of the most iconic and abundant actinopterygians of the Early Jurassic, Dapedium, is explored through detailed anatomical study and functional analyses of jaw mechanics. Mathematical models derived from modern teleost functional morphology are applied, to ascertain the transmission of force through the jaws of Dapedium. A number of features not previously identified in the genus are described, and the dentition is described in full for the first time. The analysis of the functional morphology of Dapedium, in combination with its jaw anatomy and dentition, indicates that the genus was well adapted to a durophagous feeding habit, although indirect evidence suggests a more generalist feeding mode. Being a generalist durophage may explain the success of the genus in the aftermath of the end‐Triassic extinction event and its radiation in the Early Jurassic, as indicated by the ubiquity of Dapedium fossils throughout the Lower Lias.