bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fetal outcome of trisomy 18 diagnosed after 22 weeks of gestation: Experience of 123 cases at a single perinatal center
Authors: Nagase Hiromi , Ishikawa Hiroshi , Toyoshima Katsuaki , Itani Yasufumi , Furuya Noritaka , Kurosawa Kenji , Hirahara Fumiki , Yamanaka Michiko 
Published: June 2015

AbstractTo investigate the pregnancy outcome of the fetuses with trisomy 18, we studied 123 cases of trisomy 18 who were born at our hospital from 1993 to 2009. Among them, 95.9% were diagnosed with trisomy 18 prenatally. Prenatal ultrasound findings showed fetal growth restriction in 77.2%, polyhydramnios in 63.4% and congenital heart defects in 95.1%. For 18 cases, cesarean section (C‐section) was chosen, and for 75 cases, transvaginal delivery was chosen. Premature delivery occurred in 35.5%. Stillbirths occurred in 50 cases (40.7%). Fetal demise before onset of labor occurred in 30 cases and fetal demise during labor occurred in 20 cases which was 26.7% of vaginal deliveries. Among the 73 live‐born infants, the survival rate for 24 h, 1 week, 1 month and 1 year were 63%, 43%, 33% and 3%. The median survival time was 3.5 days. There was no significant difference between the survival time of C‐section and that of vaginal delivery. However, for the births involving breech presentation, the survival time of C‐section was significantly longer than that of vaginal delivery. When the fetus is diagnosed with trisomy 18, the parents have to make many choices. These findings constitute critical information in prenatal counseling to the couples whose fetuses have been found to have trisomy 18, especially when they choose palliative approaches in the perinatal management.
Diabetes telemonitoring reduces the risk of hypoglycaemia during Ramadan: a pilot randomized controlled study
Authors: Lee J. Y. , Lee S. W. H. , Nasir N. H. , How S. , Tan C. S. S. , Wong C. P. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimThis pilot study evaluated the short‐term benefits of a telemonitoring‐supplemented focused diabetic education compared with education alone in participants with Type 2 diabetes who were fasting during Ramadan.MethodsIn this pilot mixed‐method study, we identified 37 participants and randomly allocated them to either a telemonitoring group (n = 18) or a group receiving Ramadan‐focused pre‐education only (usual care; n = 19). The telemonitoring group received goal‐setting and personalized feedback.ResultsThe telemonitoring group was less likely to experience hypoglycaemia than the usual care group (odds ratio: 0.1273; 95% confidence interval: 0.0267–0.6059). No significant differences were noted in glycaemic control at the end of study. Participants viewed telemedicine as a more convenient alternative although technological barriers remain a concern.ConclusionsThe results of this study reinforce the need for monitoring as well as educational initiatives for Muslims with diabetes who fast during Ramadan. Telemonitoring offers an attractive option requiring further research. (Clinical Trial Registry No. NCT02189135)
Efficacy and safety of antihyperglycaemic drug regimens added to metformin and sulphonylurea therapy in Type 2 diabetes: a network meta‐analysis
Authors: Mearns E. S. , Saulsberry W. J. , White C. M. , Kohn C. G. , Lemieux S. , Sihabout A. , Salamucha I. , Coleman C. I. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimTo assess the efficacy and safety of third‐line adjuvant antihyperglycaemic agents in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus failing metformin and sulphonylurea combination therapy.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL, clinicaltrials.gov and regulatory websites, and conducted a manual search of references in the identified studies. Randomized trials evaluating antihyperglycaemic agents in adults with Type 2 diabetes experiencing poor glycaemic control despite optimized metformin and sulphonylurea therapy (≥ 1500 mg metformin or maximum tolerated dose; ≥ 50% of maximum sulphonylurea dose for ≥ 3 weeks) were included. Data extraction included: study characteristics; change in HbA1c concentration; weight; systolic blood pressure; and relative risk of hypoglycaemia, urinary tract infections; and genital tract infections. A network meta‐analysis was performed.ResultsA total of 20 trials evaluating 13 antihyperglycaemic agents were included. Compared with placebo/control, all antihyperglycaemic agents reduced HbA1c levels, albeit by differing magnitudes [range 7 mmol/mol (0.6%) for acarbose to 13 mmol/mol (1.20%) for liraglutide]. Sodium glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors reduced weight (1.43–2.07 kg) whereas thiazolidinediones, glargine and sitagliptin caused weight gain (1.48–3.62 kg) compared with placebo/control. Sodium glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors, rosiglitazone and liraglutide decreased systolic blood pressure compared with placebo/control, pioglitazone, glargine and sitagliptin (2.41–8.88 mm Hg). Glargine, thiazolidinediones, liraglutide, sitagliptin and canagliflozin increased hypoglycaemia risk compared with placebo/control (relative risk 1.92–7.47), while glargine and rosiglitazone increased hypoglycaemia compared with most antihyperglycaemic agents (relative risk 2.81–7.47). No antihyperglycaemic agent increased the risk of urinary tract infection, but canagliflozin increased the risk of genital tract infection by 3.9‐fold compared with placebo/control.ConclusionsWhen added to metformin and a sulphonylurea, antihyperglycaemic agents had varying effects on efficacy and safety endpoints. These conclusions should be considered when clinicians choose between possible adjunctive agents.
Resistance exercise training increases lower limb speed of strength generation during stair ascent and descent in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Handsaker J. C. , Brown S. J. , Bowling F. L. , Maganaris C. N. , Boulton A. J. M. , Reeves N. D. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimTo examine the effects of a 16‐week resistance exercise training intervention on the speed of ankle and knee strength generation during stair ascent and descent, in people with neuropathy.MethodsA total of 43 people: nine with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, 13 with diabetes but no neuropathy and 21 healthy control subjects ascended and descended a custom‐built staircase. The speed at which ankle and knee strength were generated, and muscle activation patterns of the ankle and knee extensor muscles were analysed before and after a 16‐week intervention period.ResultsAnkle and knee strength generation during both stair ascent and descent were significantly higher after the intervention than before the intervention in the people with diabetes who undertook the resistance exercise intervention (P < 0.05). Although muscle activations were altered by the intervention, there were no observable patterns that underpinned the observed changes.ConclusionsThe increased speed of ankle and knee strength generation observed after the intervention would be expected to improve stability during the crucial weight acceptance phase of stair ascent and descent, and ultimately contribute towards reducing the risk of falling. Improvements in muscle strength as a result of the resistance exercise training intervention are likely to be the most influential factor for increasing the speed of strength generation. It is recommended that these exercises could be incorporated into a multi‐faceted exercise programme to improve safety in people with diabetes and neuropathy.
Rate and pattern of interproximal dental attrition
Authors: Sarig Rachel , Hershkovitz Israel , Shpack Nir , May Hila , Vardimon Alexander D. 
Published: June 2015

Although occlusal and interproximal attrition occur because of diverse etiology and present dissimilar features, both progress with age. The objectives of this study were to reveal the rate and pattern of development of interproximal attrition facets (PAF) with age and to compare those with occlusal attrition (OA) changes. Five‐hundred and ninety‐four teeth were collected from 198 skulls (of adults, 20–71 yr of age). Three mandibular teeth [first premolar (P1), second premolar (P2), and first molar (M1)] were examined for PAF size and OA rate. Interproximal attrition and OA followed similar patterns of development until subjects reached 40–45 yr of age, after which they took different paths: PAF did not increase in size and were not as large as in younger groups, regardless of facet location, whereas OA continued to progress. The PAF changes with age differed between premolars and molars, unlike OA, which presented a similar rate for all teeth studied. Although OA scores presented significantly moderate correlations with age, PAF area size demonstrated low correlations with age. Low, but significant, correlations were found between the rate of OA and that of PAF. However, PAF and OA exhibited different patterns of development with age. Premolars and molars presented dissimilar development of PAF, which is probably caused by a unique attrition pattern in the molar teeth, different morphology, and force vectors.
The status of supergenes in the 21st century: recombination suppression in Batesian mimicry and sex chromosomes and other complex adaptations
Authors: Charlesworth Deborah 
Published: June 2015

AbstractI review theoretical models for the evolution of supergenes in the cases of Batesian mimicry in butterflies, distylous plants and sex chromosomes. For each of these systems, I outline the genetic evidence that led to the proposal that they involve multiple genes that interact during ‘complex adaptations’, and at which the mutations involved are not unconditionally advantageous, but show advantages that trade‐off against some disadvantages. I describe recent molecular genetic studies of these systems and questions they raise about the evolution of suppressed recombination. Nonrecombining regions of sex chromosomes have long been known, but it is not yet fully understood why recombination suppression repeatedly evolved in systems in distantly related taxa, but does not always evolve. Recent studies of distylous plants are tending to support the existence of recombination‐suppressed genome regions, which may include modest numbers of genes and resemble recently evolved sex‐linked regions. For Batesian mimicry, however, molecular genetic work in two butterfly species suggests a new supergene scenario, with a single gene mutating to produce initial adaptive phenotypes, perhaps followed by modifiers specifically refining and perfecting the new phenotype.
Development of resources to promote best practice in the humane dispatch of finfish caught by recreational fishers
Authors: Diggles B. K. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractDispatch of finfish using the ikijime method (also known as ikejime or brain spiking) is the fastest and most humane way to kill fish. However, fish brains are small and vary in location between species groups. Without guidance, recreational fishers can find it difficult to pith the brain of a live fish accurately, potentially resulting in unnecessary stress. A lack of information on how to perform ikijime was considered a barrier to the widespread uptake of this method. This project filled the information gap by developing resources that provide accurate information on the ikijime procedure and pinpoint the location of the brain of fish commonly captured by recreational fishers. To assist with communicating this information to recreational fishers and the broader community, a new website www.ikijime.com was developed, together with the Ikijime Tool series of phone apps, which provide access to interactive photograph/radiograph overlays revealing the brain location of 100 species of fish from 38 families. These resources raise awareness of fish welfare issues and improve the ability of recreational fishers to dispatch fish humanely using best practice methods.
Efficacy of losartan for improving insulin resistance and vascular remodeling in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Sun Fang , Song Yan , Liu Jing , Ma Li‐Jie , Shen Yang , Huang Jing , Zhou Yi‐Lun 
Published: June 2015

AbstractInsulin resistance and vascular remodeling are prevalent and predict cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients. Angiotensin II (Ang II) may be involved in both pathogenesis. In the present study, we investigated the effects of the Ang II receptor blocker losartan on insulin resistance, arterial stiffness, and carotid artery structure in hemodialysis patients. Seventy‐two hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to receive either losartan 50 mg qd (n = 36) or β‐blocker bisoprolol 5 mg qd (n = 36). At the start and at month 12, ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring, aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurements, and carotid artery ultrasound were performed, and homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) was determined. During the study period, bioimpedance method was used to evaluate volume status every 3 months. Home‐monitored BPs were measured at least monthly. Ambulatory BP decreased significantly and similarly by either losartan or bisoprolol. Decreases in PWVs in losartan group at the end of month 12 were significantly greater than changes in PWV in bisoprolol group (0.9 ± 0.3 vs. 0.4 ± 0.5 m/s, P = 0.021). Common carotid artery intima‐media cross‐sectional area decreased significantly only in patients treated with losartan (20.3 ± 4.9 vs. 19.1 ± 5.1 mm2, P = 0.001), and HOMA‐IR was also reduced in losartan group only (1.9 ± 1.0 vs. 1.7 ± 0.8, P = 0.003). Multiple regression analysis showed significant correlations between changes in PWV and changes in HOMA‐IR. With comparable BP‐lowering efficacy, losartan achieved better improvement in insulin sensitivity, arterial stiffness, and carotid artery hypertrophy in hemodialysis patients. The regression of arterial stiffness may be in part through attenuation in insulin resistance.
Effect of high‐protein supplemental therapy on subjective global assessment of CKD‐5D patients
Authors: Yuvaraj Anand , Vijayan Madhusudan , Alex Marina , Abraham Georgi , Nair Sanjeev 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAdequate nutrition in patients on hemodialysis is an important step for improving the quality of life. This prospective study was undertaken to monitor the nutritional status of patients who were given high‐protein supplements on malnutrition inflammation score (MIS) and to correlate with biochemical parameters in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. This prospective study was conducted on 55 chronic kidney disease patients on MHD (37 women, 18 men), aged between 21 and 67 years. Of the 55 patients, 26 patients received high‐protein commercial nutritional supplements, whereas 29 patients received high‐protein kitchen feeding. Every patient had their MIS, 24‐hour dietary recall, hand grip, mid arm circumference, triceps skin‐fold thickness at 0, 3, and 6 months. Each of the above parameters was compared between the high‐protein commercial nutritional supplement cohort and high‐protein kitchen feeding cohort, and the data were analyzed. Of the 55 patients, 82.61% of patients on high‐protein kitchen feeding group and 66.67% in high‐protein commercial nutritional supplement group were nonvegetarian (P = 0.021). According to the MIS, improvement was observed in malnutrition status from 3‐ to 6‐month period in 38.1% of patients in high‐protein commercial supplement group, whereas only in 8.7% in high‐protein kitchen feeding group (P = 0.04). Assessment showed improvement in malnutrition status with high‐protein commercial nutritional supplement, which was marked in patients with age group >65 years (P = 0.03) and in those in whom serum albumin is <35 g/L (P = 0.02). Both high‐protein kitchen feeding and high‐protein commercial nutritional supplement cohorts were observed to have improvement in overall nutritional status. Older patients >65 years with lower serum albumin levels (<3.5 g/dL) were observed to have significant improvement in nutritional status with high‐protein commercial nutritional supplements.
Tailored versus Triple plus Bismuth or Concomitant Therapy as Initial Helicobacter pylori Treatment: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Zhou Liya , Zhang Jianzhong , Song Zhiqiang , He Lihua , Li Yanqing , Qian Jiaming , Bai Peng , Xue Yan , Wang Ye , Lin Sanren 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundWith markedly increased antibiotic resistance and unsatisfactory efficacies of common empiric eradication regimens in the mainland of China, tailored therapy may be the best choice to achieve good efficacy. This study compared the eradication rates, safety, and compliance of tailored therapy to those of triple therapy plus bismuth and concomitant therapy in the naïve patients with Helicobacter pylori infection.Materials and MethodsBetween September 2013 and April 2014, 1050 patients with H. pylori infection at three tertiary hospitals were randomly assigned to 10‐day treatment with tailored, triple plus bismuth, or concomitant regimens. In tailored therapy, medications were adjusted according to clarithromycin sensitivity and cytochrome P450 isoenzyme 2C19 genotype. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing (E test) was performed. Eradication status was assessed 4–12 weeks after treatment.ResultsThe eradication rate was significantly higher in tailored group than in triple plus bismuth and concomitant groups in both intention‐to‐treat (88.7 vs 77.4 vs 78.3%, p < .001) and per‐protocol (93.3 vs 87.0 vs 87.4%, p = .021) analyses in a setting with high antibiotic resistance (clarithromycin 48.8%, metronidazole 65.7%, and dual resistance 35.3%). Significantly, fewer adverse effects occurred in tailored group than in concomitant group (22.0 vs 31.7%, p = .018). The eradication rates of dual clarithromycin and metronidazole resistance, isolated clarithromycin resistance, isolated metronidazole resistance, and dual susceptible were 78.7, 82.4, 94.8, and 94.4% in triple therapy plus bismuth and 75.9, 87.2, 92.9, and 95.2% in concomitant therapy, respectively.ConclusionsFirst‐line tailored therapy achieves significantly higher eradication rates and fewer side effects, compared to triple therapy plus bismuth and concomitant therapy in a setting with high rates of clarithromycin and metronidazole resistance.
The ability of Schisandra chinensis fruit to inhibit the growth of foodborne pathogenic bacteria and the viability and heat resistance of Bacillus cereus spores
Authors: Bai Xuezhi , Park Il Beom , Hwang Han‐Joon , Mah Jae‐Hyung 
Published: June 2015

SummaryThe objective of this study was to investigate the influence of Schisandra chinensis fruit on the growth of spoilage and pathogenic bacteria and on the viability and heat resistance of Bacillus cereus spores. Schisandra chinensis fruit was extracted with one of three different solvents (50% ethanol, 100% ethanol and distilled water), and the extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity against all the bacteria tested. Particularly, the ethanol extracts of S. chinensis fruit had the strongest activity, in a concentration‐dependent manner. Fractionation of extracts by ion chromatography revealed that the antimicrobial activity of S. chinensis fruit is mainly due to organic acids such as citric acid and malic acid. Meanwhile, S. chinensis fruit extract (10%) significantly reduced the viability and heat resistance of B. cereus spores. Therefore, this study suggests that S. chinensis fruit extract has potential as a natural food preservative and/or sanitising agent for the reduction of spoilage and pathogenic contamination.
Internal Quality Control Practices in Coagulation Laboratories: recommendations based on a patterns‐of‐practice survey
Authors: McFarlane A. , Aslan B. , Raby A. , Moffat K. A. , Selby R. , Padmore R. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryIntroductionInternal quality control (IQC) procedures are crucial for ensuring accurate patient test results. The IQMH Centre for Proficiency Testing conducted a web‐based survey to gather information on the current IQC practices in coagulation testing.MethodsA questionnaire was distributed to 174 Ontario laboratories licensed to perform prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT).ResultsAll laboratories reported using two levels of commercial QC (CQC); 12% incorporate pooled patient plasma into their IQC program; >68% run CQC at the beginning of each shift; 56% following maintenance, with reagent changes, during a shift, or with every repeat sample; 6% only run CQC at the beginning of the day and 25% when the instruments have been idle for a defined period of time. IQC run frequency was determined by manufacturer recommendations (71%) but also influenced by the stability of test (27%), clinical impact of an incorrect test result (25%), and sample's batch number (10%). IQC was monitored using preset limits based on standard deviation (66%), precision goals (46%), or allowable performance limits (36%). 95% use multirules. Failure actions include repeating the IQC (90%) and reporting patient results; if repeat passes, 42% perform repeat analysis of all patient samples from last acceptable IQC.ConclusionVariability exists in coagulation IQC practices among Ontario clinical laboratories. The recommendations presented here would be useful in encouraging standardized IQC practices.
THE GODDESS OPS IN ARCHAIC ROME
Authors: MIANO DANIELE 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
This article analyses the evidence on the goddess Ops in Archaic Rome, focussing on her two festivals in the archaic feriale, and on her connection with the god Consus. It contends that Ops was related to a nuanced concept of abundance, which included associations with sovereignty. At the same time, it questions the theory that Ops and Consus were associated with agriculture and granaries. It also considers the developing roles of Ops in Republican Rome, to verify if, and to what extent, they show continuity with the archaic period.
Patients With Newly Diagnosed Hypertension Treated With the Renin Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Azilsartan Medoxomil vs Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Inhibitors: The Prospective EARLY Registry
Authors: Schmieder Roland E. , Potthoff Sebastian A. , Bramlage Peter , Baumgart Peter , Mahfoud Felix , Buhck Hartmut , Ouarrak Taoufik , Ehmen Martina , Senges Jochen , Gitt Anselm K. ,   the EARLY Registry Group
Published: June 2015

For patients with newly diagnosed hypertension, angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are usually the first‐line therapies. There is, however, no real‐life data regarding the relative clinical effectiveness and tolerability of either drug class. The prospective registry, Treatment With Azilsartan Compared to ACE Inhibitors in Antihypertensive Therapy (EARLY), was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the ARB azilsartan medoxomil (AZL‐M) vs ACE inhibitors in real‐world patients. Of the 1153 patients with newly diagnosed hypertension who were included in the registry, 789 were prescribed AZL‐M and 364 were prescribed an ACE inhibitor. After multivariate adjustment, AZL‐M was found to provide superior blood pressure reduction and better target blood pressure (<140/90 mm Hg) achievement. The proportion of patients with adverse events was not statistically different between groups. The authors conclude that in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients, AZL‐M provides superior blood pressure control with a similar safety profile compared with ACE inhibitors.