bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of advanced carbohydrate counting in patients with Type 1 diabetes: a systematic review
Authors: Schmidt S. , Schelde B. , Nørgaard K. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimAdvanced carbohydrate counting, a systematic method for insulin bolus calculation, is recommended in the management of Type 1 diabetes. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize all available evidence from randomized and observational studies of the effects of advanced carbohydrate counting on glycaemic control (HbA1c), psychosocial measures, weight and hypoglycaemic events in patients of all age groups with Type 1 diabetes on a basal–bolus insulin regimen.MethodsAn electronic search of Scopus, MEDLINE and The Cochrane Library conducted in January 2013 identified 27 relevant articles. Six were randomized controlled trials and 21 were observational studies. Large heterogeneity existed across studies with regard to study design and patient populations. Reporting of statistical measures was insufficient to serve as a basis for a meta‐analysis.ResultsOverall, the studies demonstrated a positive trend in change in HbA1c after introduction of advanced carbohydrate counting. Reductions in HbA1c ranged from 0.0 to 13 mmol/mol (0.0–1.2%). Most psychosocial measures improved; however, only few improvements were considered clinically relevant. Both weight gain and reduction were registered, but most studies found no significant weight changes. The majority of studies assessing the incidence of hypoglycaemic events found a significant reduction in the event rate and none reported an increase in the incidence.ConclusionsIn summary, the currently available literature does not provide sufficient evidence to definitively determine the effects of advanced carbohydrate counting on HbA1c, psychosocial measures, weight or hypoglycaemic events. Nevertheless, the method still appears preferable to other insulin dosing procedures, which justifies continued use and inclusion of advanced carbohydrate counting in clinical guidelines.
Untangling food‐web structure in an ephemeral ecosystem
Authors: O'Neill Brian J. , Thorp James H. 
Published: March 2014

Summary

Scientists know relatively little about the ecology of ephemeral aquatic habitats beyond the importance of hydroperiod and vertebrate predators, especially regarding trophic structure. We used playa wetlands, ephemeral habitats common in arid to semi‐arid regions, as our study ecosystem. We predicted that larger, more species‐rich playas would have food webs with larger dimensions (longer food chains and more energy sources used), more variation (more niches filled) and more redundancy (niche overlap).

We used geometric properties of stable C and N isotope biplots to explore: (i) what regulates trophic structure in ephemeral wetlands, (ii) the role of anthropogenic forces in altering factors controlling trophic structure and (iii) how trophic structure in ephemeral systems differs from that typical of permanent systems.

We sampled aquatic animal food webs of 21 playa wetlands located mostly in the short‐grass prairies of the Pawnee National Grassland in Colorado, U.S.A.

Playas with higher insect diversity had more complex trophic structures than those dominated by large branchiopods (tadpole, clam and fairy shrimps). Insect diversity seemed dependent on length of the hydroperiod and time since filling, both of which are determined by playa depth. The key to understanding trophic structure in playas is an interaction between hydroperiod and the traits, lifespans and trophic niches of the species present.

The trophic structure of naturally created playas was marginally more complex than artificial playas, and playas buffered by native vegetation were more likely to have food webs that included unique trophic strategies. Food webs of playas influenced by row crop agriculture had a broader selection of food sources. Playas grazed by cattle had food‐web structures comparable to those in ungrazed playas, suggesting that playa biota may be adapted to large mammal disturbances.

The trophic structure of ephemeral aquatic habitats may not respond to disturbance in the same way as permanent systems. Indeed, food chain length in a playa can actually increase as the ephemeral ecosystem approaches the end of its hydroperiod.

Measures of ecosystem size need to include more than the two dimensions of surface area when being applied to general ecological theory. Food webs increase in complexity with time, and many of the same factors that control trophic structure in ephemeral habitats could be important at least at some time in the life of a relatively permanent ecosystem.
Organic matter sources and size structuring in stream invertebrate food webs across a tropical to temperate gradient
Authors: Jardine Timothy D. 
Published: March 2014

Summary

Given large differences in species diversity across latitudinal gradients, it has been suggested that certain structural and functional attributes of fresh waters may differ over a latitudinal range, an important consideration for poorly known tropical systems undergoing major changes caused by human activities.

Two key features of aquatic ecosystems, the contribution of in situ production (periphyton) to community biomass and size structuring (individual body size versus trophic position), were measured in stream invertebrate food webs across a gradient of 15 degrees of latitude in Australia from the wet tropics to a temperate island.

Consistent with earlier work, crustaceans (Atyidae and Palaemonidae) were responsible for a large fraction of the community biomass at tropical and subtropical sites. Periphyton supported a large proportion of the biomass at intermediate latitudes (79% in the subtropics and 95% at temperate mainland sites), with lower contributions both in more northerly (51% in the tropics) and more southerly (31% on a temperate island) sites. These lower contributions were driven by the high biomass of large crustaceans in the tropics and by shredding and filtering insects on the temperate island and may have also been the result of local nutrient‐limitation.

Although these taxonomic differences between regions did not translate into a latitudinal gradient in size structure, the larger individual body size of crustaceans compared with insects at a given trophic position suggests that the distribution of biomass in tropical and temperate food webs will differ, with implications for predators near the top of the web.

These results suggest that differences in species composition do not necessarily entail differences in stream food‐web structure and function and that local environmental factors are likely to be as important as broad‐scale biogeography and climate in driving food‐web patterns.
Effect of cerumen impaction on hearing and cognitive functions in Japanese older adults with cognitive impairment
Authors: Sugiura Saiko , Yasue Minori , Sakurai Takashi , Sumigaki Chieko , Uchida Yasue , Nakashima Tsutomu , Toba Kenji 
Published: March 2014

AimTo assess the effect of cerumen impaction and its removal on hearing ability and cognitive function in elderly patients with memory disorders in Japan.MethodsPure tone audiometry (PTA) and the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) were administered to participants before and after cerumen removal. Participants who had cerumen impaction in the better‐hearing ear comprised the case group; the control group consisted of participants who either did not have cerumen impaction or had it in the worse hearing ear. Hearing and cognition changes were compared between the groups after cerumen removal.ResultsA total of 55 patients who completed all examinations were assigned to the case group (29 patients) or the control group (26 patients). The average hearing change was 4.6 ± 7.4 in the case group and 0.9 ± 0.9 in the control group (P = 0.029). The average change in MMSE score was 0.7 ± 2.5 in the case group and −1.0 ± 4.1 in the control group (P = 0.068). The case group showed a significant improvement in MMSE scores after age adjustment compared with the control group (P = 0.049).ConclusionHearing improved significantly in the case group relative to controls after cerumen removal. A significant cognitive improvement in the case group relative to controls was additionally observed after cerumen removal with age adjustment. Thus, the present results suggest routine ear canal examinations might benefit elderly individuals with memory disorders. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14 (Suppl. 2): 56–61.
Current activities of medical centers for dementia in Japan
Authors: Awata Shuichi 
Published: March 2014

AimWe investigated the current activities of medical centers for dementia (MCD), and proposed recommendations for a national dementia strategy.MethodsA questionnaire was mailed to 172 hospitals designated as MCD as of 7 August 2012.ResultsData from 117 MCD that adequately responded and were designated by 1 April 2012 were analyzed. The mean and median numbers of medical consultations per MCD were 1035 and 595/year (range 114–8541/year), those of patients diagnosed with dementia‐related disorders were 266 and 231/year (range 3–1179/year), those of patients with dementia‐related disorders admitted to the MCD hospital were 89 and 47/year (0–1176/year), and mean and median proportions of patients discharged within 2 months were 45.5 and 36.8% (range 0–100%). Outreach services in collaboration with a community general support center were provided in 23.9%, while training for community general support center staff members was carried out in 66.7%. Of MCD hospitals, 31.6% were designated as an emergency medical hospital, and of these, specialist liaison‐team services for patients with dementia in the emergency room were provided in 56.8%.ConclusionsMost MCD are considered to function fairly well in line with the guidelines published by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. However, there is a huge discrepancy in the number of patients diagnosed with dementia‐related disorders and the length of stay for inpatient care among facilities. To make all MCD function adequately, the activity of MCD should be monitored longitudinally using the standardized assessment methods. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14 (Suppl. 2): 23–27.
Progressive fibrosis significantly correlates with hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with a sustained virological response
Authors: Tachi Yoshihiko , Hirai Takanori , Miyata Akihiro , Ohara Kei , Iida Tadashi , Ishizu Youji , Honda Takashi , Kuzuya Teiji , Hayashi Kazuhiko , Ishigami Masatoshi , Goto Hidemi 
Published: March 2014

AimHepatocellular carcinoma develops even in some patients who achieve a sustained virological response following treatment for hepatitis C virus infection. This study investigated the relationship between changes in fibrosis, as assessed by sequential biopsies, and development of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients who achieved a sustained virological response for hepatitis C virus.MethodsWe enrolled 97 patients with sustained virological response who had undergone initial biopsies before therapy and sequential biopsies at an average of 5.8 ± 1.9 years after the initial biopsy. Factors associated with hepatocellular carcinoma were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsThe liver fibrotic stage regressed in 44 patients (45%), remained stable in 47 patients (48%) and progressed in six patients (6%). The fibrotic stage significantly decreased, from 1.54 ± 0.86 to 1.16 ± 1.07 units. Hepatocellular carcinoma was identified in 12 patients (12.4%). The cumulative incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with progressive fibrosis was significantly higher than that in patients with regressed or stable fibrosis (P < 0.001). A Cox proportional hazards regression analysis confirmed that progressive fibrosis in sequential liver biopsies (hazard ratio [HR], 8.30; P = 0.001) and low platelet counts before treatment (HR, 8.69; P = 0.006) were significant independent factors associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with a sustained virological response.ConclusionProgressive fibrosis, assessed by sequential biopsies, was significantly correlated with development of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients who had achieved a sustained virological response for hepatitis C virus.
Short‐term administration of steroids does not affect postoperative complications following liver resection: Evidence from a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Li Ning , Gu Wei‐Li , Weng Jie‐Feng , Lin Fan , Zhu Guang‐Hui , Lu Min‐Qiang , Cao Jie 
Published: March 2014

AimAlthough perioperative short‐term administration of steroids can attenuate surgical stress response following liver resection, there is no consensus concerning the effect on postoperative complications. This study aims to use meta‐analysis to quantitatively investigate the effect of perioperative short‐term administration of steroids on postoperative complications following liver resection.MethodsA systematic published work search was performed to detect randomized controlled trials (RCT) assessing the effect of perioperative short‐term administration of steroids on outcomes following liver resection. Parameters of surgical stress, hospital stay and postoperative complications were analyzed. Two authors independently assessed study quality and extracted data. All data were analyzed using RevMan version 5 and meta‐analyses were performed using a random‐effects model.ResultsFive RCT published between 2001 and 2011 containing a total of 379 patients were eligible for final analysis. Serum total bilirubin, interleukin‐6 and C‐reactive protein were significantly lower in the steroid than in the control group on postoperative day 1 (P = 0.02, 0.004 and 0.02, respectively). There was no difference in duration of hospital stay between the steroid and control group (P = 0.37). The analysis of end‐points including infective complications (odds ratio [OR], 0.95), wound complications (OR, 0.67), bile leakage (OR, 0.58) and overall complications (OR, 0.50) revealed no difference between steroid administration and no treatment. There was no postoperative death or adverse effect attributable to steroid treatment in all patients.ConclusionOn currently available evidence, short‐term administration of steroids does not increase incidence of complications in patients undergoing liver resection.
Rituximab‐mediated Raf kinase inhibitor protein induction modulates NF‐κB in Sjögren syndrome
Authors: Sisto Margherita , Lisi Sabrina , D'Amore Massimo , Lofrumento Dario D. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryPrimary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by an epithelial injury surrounded by dense lymphocytic infiltrates. The conditions for the long‐term maintenance of human salivary gland epithelial cells from pSS patients and a co‐culture system with pSS lymphocytes were used to assess the effect of Rituximab (RTX) on the inflammatory condition and progression in pSS. Quantitative real‐time PCR, genes and protein array analysis, Western blot, flow cytometry, small interfering RNA transfection and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) DNA binding assays were used as methods. Supporting the benefits of RTX, this study demonstrates that RTX decreases NF‐κB activity and interrupts the NF‐κB signalling pathway through the up‐regulation of the Raf‐1 kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP). Over‐expression of RKIP down‐regulates interleukins, their receptors and the expression of genes encodes proteins that attracted lymphocytes. Silencing of the RKIP gene leads to significantly increased expression and release of pro‐inflammatory mediators supporting that RKIP expression could be involved in the suppression of NF‐κB activation in pSS salivary gland epithelial cells.
What Determines CDS Prices? Evidence from the Estimation of Protection Demand and Supply
Authors: Miyakawa Daisuke , Watanabe Shuji 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis paper examines the determinants of credit default swap (CDS) premiums by applying a limited dependent variable simultaneous equation system to a unique set of time series data for the Japanese credit market. The estimation results indicate that CDS premiums decrease as a result of an increase in the supply of protection due, for example, to fewer opportunities for investment in other assets (e.g., loans). We also find that premiums increase when the demand for protection increases due, for example, to larger short‐cover needs. Further, the quantitative impact of factors accounting for the supply and demand of protection is likely to be misestimated unless the simultaneous determination of supply and demand is taken into account. This indicates that it is necessary to include demand and supply factors to understand fluctuations in CDS premiums.
Boron Isotope Analysis of Silicate Glass with Very Low Boron Concentrations by Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Marschall Horst R. , Monteleone Brian D. 
Published: March 2014

We present an improved method for the determination of the boron isotopic composition of volcanic glasses with boron concentrations of as low as 0.4–2.5 μg g−1, as is typical for mid‐ocean ridge basalt glasses. The analyses were completed by secondary ion mass spectrometry using a Cameca 1280 large‐radius ion microprobe. Transmission and stability of the instrument and analytical protocol were optimised, which led to an improvement of precision and reduction in surface contamination and analysis time compared with earlier studies. Accuracy, reproducibility (0.4–2.3‰, 2 RSD), measurement repeatability (2 RSE = 2.5–4.0‰ for a single spot with [B] = 1 μg g−1), matrix effects (≪ 0.5‰ among komatiitic, dacitic and rhyolitic glass), machine drift (no internal drift; long‐term drift: ~ 0.1‰ hr−1), contamination (~ 3–8 ng g−1) and machine background (0.093 s−1) were quantified and their influence on samples with low B concentrations was determined. The newly developed set‐up was capable of determining the B isotopic composition of basaltic glass with 1 μg g−1 B with a precision and accuracy of ± 1.5‰ (2 RSE) by completing 4–5 consecutive spot analyses with a spatial resolution of 30 μm × 30 μm. Samples with slightly higher concentrations (≥ 2.5 μg g−1) could be analysed with a precision of better than ± 2‰ (internal 2 RSE) with a single spot analysis, which took 32 min.
Analysis of testicular‐internal spermatic vein variation and the recreation of varicocoele in a Sprague‐Dawley rat model
Authors: Zhang L. T. , Kim H. K. , Choi B. R. , Zhao C. , Lee S. W. , Jang K. Y. , Park J. K. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryMany laboratories tried to recreate the varicocoele model have met with varied success. To recreate a consistent varicocoele model by exploring the anatomic variability of the testicular‐spermatic venous system in Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats. Seventy‐two sexually mature SD male rats were randomly divided into three groups containing 24 rats per group. Partial ligation of the left renal vein and internal spermatic vein (ISV) communicating branches to common iliac vein and ISV communicating branches ligation (RVISVCBCIV) or partial ligation of the left renal vein and ISV communicating branches ligation (RVISVCB). The results showed that the mean diameter of the left ISV was significantly increased in the RVISVCBCIV group compared with the control and RVISVCB groups (p < 0.001). Using ISV as the reference, the sensitivity of varicocoele was 71.43%, and the specificity was 80%. In addition, the positive predictive value was 83.33%, and the negative predictive value was 66.67%. Sperm count, motility, Johnsen score and the spermatogenic cell density were lower in the RVISVCBCIV group compared with the control (p < 0.01). The apoptotic index was higher in the RVISVCBCIV group compared with control groups (p < 0.01). The RVISVCBCIV provides a more effective method for establishing a varicocoele‐induced model.
Low INSL3 in Klinefelter syndrome is related to osteocalcin, testosterone treatment and body composition, as well as measures of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis
Authors: Overvad S. , Bay K. , Bojesen A. , Gravholt C. H. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryKlinefelter syndrome (KS) is characterized by infertility and hypogonadism associated with increased prevalence of osteoporosis, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Insulin‐like factor 3 (INSL3) is produced in the Leydig cells. INSL3 has been suggested to play a role in bone health. Here, we studied INSL3 in relation to bone markers, body composition, the metabolic syndrome and diabetes. This was a case–control study. Sex hormones, anthropometric measures, vitamin D metabolites, parathyroid hormone, growth factors, muscle strength, maximal oxygen consumption and BMD were measured. We included 70 adult KS patients and 71 age‐matched controls. INSL3 was lower in testosterone‐treated KS compared with untreated KS. Correlation analyses showed a positive correlation between INSL3 and osteocalcin among KS, but not in controls; a significant positive correlation between INSL3 and testosterone in controls and in untreated KS, but not in treated KS men. Among controls a negative correlation was found between INSL3 and lipids, and glucose, but not in KS. HOMA2‐B and impaired fasting glycaemia was positively correlated with INSL3 in controls. Among KS males we found a negative correlation between INSL3 and BMI, weight and waist/hip ratio, as well as positive correlations between INSL3 and FSH, LH, SHBG and testis volume. Multivariate analyses showed that age, testosterone and HDL cholesterol were the principal independent variables among healthy controls, whereas the determinants of INSL3 concentration among KS were age, LH, current testosterone treatment and testicular volume. INSL3 in KS is influenced by testosterone treatment and INSL3 is correlated with measures of bone metabolism, body composition and the metabolic syndrome. This may suggest that low INSL3 concentration is related to the pathogenesis behind an unfavourable change in body composition and bone metabolism among KS patients.
Improved 1‐Year Clinical Success Rate of Pulmonary Vein Isolation with the Second‐Generation Cryoballoon in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: FÜRNKRANZ ALEXANDER , BORDIGNON STEFANO , DUGO DANIELA , PEROTTA LAURA , GUNAWARDENE MELANIE , SCHULTE‐HAHN BRITTA , NOWAK BERND , SCHMIDT BORIS , CHUN JULIAN K.R. 
Published: March 2014

Improved Efficacy of Second‐Generation CryoballoonBackgroundThe second‐generation cryoballoon (CB2) has recently been introduced featuring improved surface cooling. Increased procedural efficacy of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) when compared to the first‐generation balloon (CB1) has been reported. The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical outcome of cryoballoon PVI after 1 year using the CB2 as compared to the CB1.Methods and ResultsA total of 105 consecutive patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) were studied. Cryoballoon PVI (28 mm) was performed in 50 patients using the CB1, and in 55 patients using the CB2. Patients were scheduled for 72‐hour Holter ECG recording at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months and every 6 months thereafter. The study endpoint was defined as recurrent AF or atrial tachycardia >30 seconds documented after a blanking period of 90 days after the procedure. Complete PVI was achieved in 49/50 (98%) and 55/55 (100%) patients in the CB1 and CB2 group, respectively. After a mean follow‐up of 416 ± 75 days, 21 (CB1 group) and 10 (CB2 group) patients reached the study endpoint. Kaplan–Meier estimates of arrhythmia‐free survival after a single procedure without AAD therapy after 1 year were 63.9% versus 83.6% (P = 0.008) in the CB1 and CB2 group, respectively. Persistent phrenic nerve palsy with delayed healing occurred in 2 (CB1 group) and 3 (CB2 group) patients.ConclusionClinical outcome of PVI using the CB2 was significantly improved when compared to the CB1.