bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In‐Series Versus In‐Parallel Mechanical Circulatory Support for the Right Heart: A Simulation Study
Authors: Hsu Po‐Lin , McIntyre Madeleine , Boehning Fiete , Dang Weiguo , Parker Jack , Autschbach Rüdiger , Schmitz‐Rode Thomas , Steinseifer Ulrich 
Published: October 2015

AbstractRight heart failure (RHF) is a serious health issue with increasing incidence and high mortality. Right ventricular assist devices (RVADs) have been used to support the end‐stage failing right ventricle (RV). Current RVADs operate in parallel with native RV, which alter blood flow pattern and increase RV afterload, associated with high tension in cardiac muscles and long‐term valve complications. We are developing an in‐series RVAD for better RV unloading. This article presents a mathematical model to compare the effects of RV unloading and hemodynamic restoration on an overloaded or failing RV. The model was used to simulate both in‐series (sRVAD) and in‐parallel (pRVAD) (right atrium‐pulmonary artery cannulation) support for severe RHF. The results demonstrated that sRVAD more effectively unloads the RV and restores the balance between RV oxygen supply and demand in RHF patients. In comparison to simulated pRVAD and published clinical and in silico studies, the sRVAD was able to provide comparable restoration of key hemodynamic parameters and demonstrated superior afterload and volume reduction. This study concluded that in‐series support was able to produce effective afterload reduction and preserve the valve functionality and native blood flow pattern, eliminating complications associated with in‐parallel support.
Entecavir safety and effectiveness in a national cohort of treatment‐naïve chronic hepatitis B patients in the US – the ENUMERATE study
Authors: Ahn J. , Lee H. M. , Lim J. K. , Pan C. Q. , Nguyen M. H. , Ray Kim W. , Mannalithara A. , Trinh H. , Chu D. , Tran T. , Min A. , Do S. , Te H. , Reddy K. R. , Lok A. S. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryBackgroundEntecavir (ETV) has been shown to be safe and efficacious in randomised controlled trials in highly selected patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.AimTo determine the safety and effectiveness of ETV in ‘real‐world’ HBV patients in the United States (US).MethodsTreatment‐naïve HBV patients ≥18 years old who received ETV for ≥12 months between 2005 and 2013 were included in a retrospective, cohort study. Rates of ALT normalisation, undetectable HBV DNA, HBeAg and HBsAg loss/seroconversion, adverse events (AE) and clinical outcomes were evaluated.ResultsOf 841 patients, 658 [65% male, 83% Asian; median age 47 years] met the inclusion criteria. 36% were HBeAg+ and 9.3% cirrhotic. 89% had abnormal ALT. Baseline median HBV DNA was 5.8 log 10 IU/mL. Median duration of ETV treatment was 4 years. Rates of ALT normalisation at 1, 3 and 5 years were 37.2%, 48.7% and 56.2% in HBeAg+ and 39.6%, 46.8% and 55.6% in HBeAg‐ patients. HBV DNA was undetectable at 1, 3 and 5 years in 34.6%, 64.7% and 84.6% in HBeAg+ patients, and 81.9%, 90.3% and 96.2% in HBeAg patients. Five‐year cumulative probability of HBeAg loss and seroconversion was 46% and 33.7% and HBsAg loss was 4.6%. ETV was discontinued due to adverse events in 1.2% of patients. Hepatic decompensation occurred in 0.8%, liver cancer in 2.7% and death in 0.6%.ConclusionEntecavir treatment was safe in a large cohort of US patients, but ALT normalisation and hepatitis B virus DNA suppression rates were lower than previously reported in clinical trials.
Comparing the Visitor Experience at Immersive and Tabletop Exhibits
Authors: Dancstep (née Dancu) Toni , Gutwill Joshua P. , Sindorf Lisa 
Published: October 2015

AbstractMany museum professionals believe that immersive exhibits—those that surround visitors—provide more attractive, engaging and effective learning experiences than tabletop exhibits. We investigated this claim by comparing visitors’ experiences of the two exhibit types, using pairs of exhibits that differed in scale (immersive vs. tabletop), but shared the same content and similar visitor activity. We randomly selected, videotaped, interviewed, and sent follow‐up surveys to sixty families who experienced immersive exhibits and sixty families who experienced tabletop exhibits. We found that each design type had strengths. Learners at immersive exhibits more often returned to the exhibits mentioned the exhibits’ positive aspects, and saw themselves as part of the exhibits. Conversely, learners spent longer periods of time at tabletop exhibits, and engaged in more content‐related reasoning. Study results partially support the view that immersive exhibits may be more fun and engaging than tabletops. However, results also counter the expectations that being immersed in exhibit experiences will lead to greater physical and intellectual engagement.
Contact dermatitis: relevant differential diagnoses, simulators, and variants
Authors: Kränke Birger , Schuster Christian 
Published: October 2015

SummarySimilar to all eczematous disorders, irritant and allergic contact dermatitis are primarily defined by their morphology. In addition, the diagnosis of this specific reaction pattern on the skin (and mucous membranes) also requires prior exposure (direct or indirect) to an allergen or irritant. While it is quite easy to give a textbook description of the typical features of eczema, its clinical manifestations in daily practice are diverse and frequently uncharacteristic. Contact reactions may present as lichenoid, lymphomatoid, granulomatous, pigmented, purpuric, and erythema multiforme‐like lesions, thus lacking the typical eczematous appearance and broadening the spectrum of differential diagnoses to be considered. Moreover, a considerable number of agents, acting by mechanisms other than contact, may trigger adverse reactions mimicking the eczematic morphology and distribution pattern of contact dermatitis. Increasingly used in oncology, this is especially true for drugs such as kinase inhibitors. Knowledge of these associations is crucial for the adequate diagnostic and therapeutic care of patients with supposed or actual contact dermatitis.
Vasculitic wheel – an algorithmic approach to cutaneous vasculitides
Authors: Ratzinger Gudrun , Zelger Bettina Gudrun , Carlson J. Andrew , Burgdorf Walter , Zelger Bernhard 
Published: October 2015

SummaryBackgroundPrevious classifications of vasculitides suffer from several defects. First, classifications may follow different principles including clinicopathologic findings, etiology, pathogenesis, prognosis, or therapeutic options. Second, authors fail to distinguish between vasculitis and coagulopathy. Third, vasculitides are systemic diseases. Organ‐specific variations make morphologic findings difficult to compare. Fourth, subtle changes are recognized in the skin, but may be asymptomatic in other organs. Our aim was to use the skin and subcutis as a model and the clinicopathologic correlation as the basic process for classification.Methods and ResultsWe use an algorithmic approach with pattern analysis, which allows for consistent reporting of microscopic findings. We first differentiate between small and medium vessel vasculitis. In the second step, we differentiate the subtypes of small (capillaries versus postcapillary venules) and medium‐sized (arterioles/arteries versus veins) vessels. In the final step, we differentiate, according to the predominant cell type, into leukocytoclastic and/or granulomatous vasculitis.ConclusionsStarting from leukocytoclastic vasculitis as a central reaction pattern of cutaneous small/medium vessel vasculitides, its relations or variations may be arranged around it like spokes of a wheel around the hub. This may help establish some basic order in this rather complex realm of cutaneous vasculitides, leading to a better understanding in a complicated field.
Quality of care in patients with diabetic kidney disease in Asia: The Joint Asia Diabetes Evaluation (JADE) Registry
Authors: Luk A. O. , Li X. , Zhang Y. , Guo X. , Jia W. , Li W. , Weng J. , Yang W. , Chan W. B. , Ozaki R. , Tsang C. C. , Mukhopadhyay M. , Ojha A. K. , Hong E. G. , Yoon K. H. , Sobrepena L. , Toledo R. M. , Duran M. , Sheu W. , Q. Do T. , Nguyen T. K. , Ma R. C. , Kong A. P. , Chow C. C. , Tong P. C. , So W. Y. , Chan J. C. ,   the JADE Study Group
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimsDiabetic kidney disease independently predicts cardiovascular disease and premature death. We examined the burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD, defined as an estimated GFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2) and quality of care in a cross‐sectional survey of adults (age ≥ 18 years) with Type 2 diabetes across Asia.MethodsThe Joint Asia Diabetes Evaluation programme is a disease‐management programme implemented using an electronic portal that systematically captures clinical characteristics of all patients enrolled. Between July 2007 and December 2012, data on 28 110 consecutively enrolled patients (China: 3415, Hong Kong: 15 196, India: 3714, Korea: 1651, Philippines: 3364, Vietnam: 692, Taiwan: 78) were analysed.ResultsIn this survey, 15.9% of patients had CKD, 25.0% had microalbuminuria and 12.5% had macroalbuminuria. Patients with CKD were less likely to achieve HbA1c < 53 mmol/mol (7.0%) (36.0% vs. 42.3%) and blood pressure < 130/80 mmHg (20.8% vs. 35.3%), and were more likely to have retinopathy (26.2% vs. 8.7%), sensory neuropathy (29.0% vs. 7.7%), cardiovascular disease (26.6% vs. 8.7%) and self‐reported hypoglycaemia (18.9% vs. 8.2%). Despite high frequencies of albuminuria (74.8%) and dyslipidaemia (93.0%) among CKD patients, only 49.0% were using renin–angiotensin system inhibitors and 53.6% were on statins. On logistic regression, old age, male gender, tobacco use, long disease duration, high HbA1c, blood pressure and BMI, and low LDL cholesterol were independently associated with CKD (all P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe poor control of risk factors, suboptimal use of organ‐protective drugs and high frequencies of hypoglycaemia highlight major treatment gaps in patients with diabetic kidney disease in Asia.
Comparison of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of dapagliflozin in patients with type 1 versus type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tang W. , Leil T. A. , Johnsson E. , Boulton D. W. , LaCreta F. 
Published: October 2015

AimsTo compare the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of dapagliflozin in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) versus type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in order to explore the potential of dapagliflozin as add‐on therapy to insulin in patients with T1DM.MethodsSteady‐state pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of dapagliflozin (1–100 mg) were evaluated in a meta‐analysis of patients with T1DM or T2DM. A model was constructed of the relationship between dapagliflozin systemic exposure and urinary glucose excretion (UGE) in patients with T1DM versus those with T2DM.ResultsData were analysed from 160 patients (T1DM, n = 70; T2DM, n = 90). Dapagliflozin systemic exposure (maximum concentration and area under the curve) increased similarly in a dose‐related manner in both patient populations. Dose‐dependent increases in 24‐h UGE were observed with dapagliflozin in both populations. Unadjusted results showed that with regard to UGE response, dapagliflozin was more potent in patients with T1DM {mean half‐maximum effective concentration [EC50] = 2.72 ng/ml [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14, 5.08]} than in patients with T2DM [EC50 = 12.2 ng/ml (95% CI 4.91, 21.1)]. After normalization for baseline fasting plasma glucose, estimated glomerular filtration rate and UGE, however, the UGE potency of dapagliflozin was similar between the two populations [T1DM: mean EC50, 8.12 ng/ml (95% CI 2.95, 14.6); T2DM: mean EC50, 7.75 ng/ml (95% CI 1.35, 18.1)].ConclusionsDapagliflozin pharmacokinetics and the predicted UGE dose exposure response to dapagliflozin were similar in patients with T1DM and those with T2DM and suggest that the dapagliflozin dosages currently used for the treatment of T2DM may provide benefit as add‐on therapy to insulin in patients with T1DM.
Movement patterns of seaward migrating European eel (Anguilla anguilla) at a complex of riverine barriers: implications for conservation
Authors: Piper Adam T. , Svendsen Jon C. , Wright Rosalind M. , Kemp Paul S. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractRiver infrastructure such as weirs and hydropower stations commonly present migrating fish with multiple potential passage routes. Knowledge of the cues fish use to navigate such environments is required to protect migrants from hazardous areas and guide them towards safe passage; however, this is currently lacking for many species. Employing high‐resolution positioning telemetry, this study examined movements of downstream migrating adult European eel, Anguilla anguilla, as they encountered a complex of water control structures in one location on the River Stour, southern England. The distribution of eels across five potential routes of passage differed from that predicted based on proportion of discharge alone. Certain routes were consistently avoided, even when the majority of flow passed through them. Passage distribution was partially explained by avoidance in the vicinity of a floating debris boom. Movement paths were nonrandomly distributed across the forebay and eels moved predominantly within a zone 2–4 m from the channel walls. Understanding of avoidance and structure oriented movementation exhibited by eels will help advance effective guidance and downstream passage solutions for adults.
Diabetes mellitus exacerbates the clinical and electrophysiological features of Guillain–Barré syndrome
Authors: Bae J. S. , Kim Y. J. , Kim J. K. 
Published: October 2015

Background and purposeIt is known that underlying diabetes mellitus (DM) can affect the clinical and electrophysiological pattern of coexisting peripheral neuropathies of other etiologies. The aim of this study was to identify the effect of underlying DM on the clinical and electrophysiological features of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) and on the prognosis of GBS with regard to functional outcome.MethodsThis study prospectively included 27 GBS patients with DM (GBS‐DM+) and 58 GBS patients without DM (GBS‐DM−) from two university‐based hospitals. The clinical and electrophysiological findings were compared between the two groups. The functional outcomes were quantified by measuring the Hughes grade, whose values were compared between the groups at 3 months after symptom onset.ResultsAll three sudden deaths that occurred during the acute stage of GBS were GBS‐DM+ patients. GBS‐DM+ patients had a tendency toward more frequent sensory involvement, and specific electrophysiological patterns and calculated indices disclosed a distal accentuation of conduction abnormalities in these patients. In addition, multivariate analysis identified history of mechanical ventilation (odds ratio 10.057, 95% confidence interval 2.057−49.164, P = 0.04) and DM (odds ratio 9.049, 95% confidence interval 2.152−38.044, P = 0.003) as independent factors for poor functional outcome at 3 months.ConclusionsThe findings of this study suggest that DM exacerbates the clinical and electrophysiological features of GBS and influences long‐term disability. Both chronic inflammation and nerve ischaemia in DM may intervene in the disease course of GBS, which is a prototype of acute inflammatory neuropathy.
Is the eccrine gland an integral, functionally important component of the human scalp pilosebaceous unit?
Authors: Poblet Enrique , Jiménez‐Acosta Francisco , Hardman Jonathan A. , Escario Eduardo , Paus Ralf 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe pilosebaceous unit (PSU) and the eccrine sweat gland (ESG) are classically described as completely independent skin appendages. However, careful inspection of scalp follicular units reveals that the secretory segment of the ESG spatially approximates the hair follicle in a position below the sebaceous gland and the insertion of the arrector pili muscle. Therefore, we propose here that, contrary to conventional wisdom, the PSU and the ESG should not be viewed in isolation, and may form instead, along with the arrector pili muscle and the apocrine gland (where present),one functional unit. For this, we suggest the more inclusive term of ‘Hair Cluster’ (HC). If confirmed, e.g. by 3D imaging techniques, the novel concept of a functional HC, whose individual components may communicate via secreted molecules and may share selected progenitor cell populations for HC repair/regeneration, has major physiological and pathological implications, which are briefly discussed.
Ultraviolet B stimulates proopiomelanocortin signalling in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus in mice
Authors: Skobowiat Cezary , Slominski Andrzej T. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe previously found that ultraviolet B (UVB) could stimulate the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) with activation the systemic hypothalamic–pituitary– adrenal (HPA) axis. To investigate whether UVB can also stimulate other hypothalamic nuclei, we tested its effect on the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) related signalling system in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of female C57BL/6 and FVB albino mice. The shaved back skin of the mice was irradiated with either 100 or 400 mJ/cm2 of UVB. After 1, 3, 6 and 12 h, blood and hypothalamus were collected and processed for gene and protein expression, and measurement of α‐MSH and β‐endorphin (β‐END) levels. An in situ immunohistochemical examination was performed for melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R) and POMC‐derived α‐MSH. The expression of Pomc and MC4R mRNAs was stimulated, whereas that of AgRP was inhibited after exposure to UVB. It was accompanied by an increased number of both α‐MSH‐ and MC4R‐immunoreactive neurons in the ARC, and by increased levels of α‐MSH and β‐END (both found in the hypothalamus and plasma). This surprising discovery of UVB stimulating the POMC system in the ARC, accompanied by the increased plasma levels of α‐MSH and β‐END, paves the way for exciting areas of research on the communication between the skin and the brain, as well as is suggesting a new role for UVB in regulation of body metabolism.
The Integration of Family and Group Therapy as an Alternative to Juvenile Incarceration: A Quasi‐Experimental Evaluation Using Parenting with Love and Limits
Authors: Karam Eli A. , Sterrett Emma M. , Kiaer Lynn 
Published: October 2015

The current study employed a quasi‐experimental design using both intent‐to‐treat and protocol adherence analysis of 155 moderate‐ to high‐risk juvenile offenders to evaluate the effectiveness of Parenting with Love and Limits® (PLL), an integrative group and family therapy approach. Youth completing PLL had significantly lower rates of recidivism than the comparison group. Parents also reported statistically significant improvements in youth behavior. Lengths of service were also significantly shorter for the treatment sample than the matched comparison group by an average of 4 months. This study contributes to the literature by suggesting that intensive community‐based combined family and group treatment is effective in curbing recidivism among high‐risk juveniles.
Crystal structure of d‐stereospecific amidohydrolase from Streptomyces sp. 82F2 – insight into the structural factors for substrate specificity
Authors: Arima Jiro , Shimone Kana , Miyatani Kazusa , Tsunehara Yuka , Isoda Yoshitaka , Hino Tomoya , Nagano Shingo 
Published: October 2015

d‐Stereospecific amidohydrolase (DAH) from Streptomyces sp. 82F2, which catalyzes amide bond formation from d‐aminoacyl esters and l‐amino acids (aminolysis), can be used to synthesize short peptides with a dl‐configuration. We found that DAH can use 1,8‐diaminooctane and other amino compounds as acyl acceptors in the aminolysis reaction. Low concentrations of 1,8‐diaminooctane inhibited acyl‐DAH intermediate formation. By contrast, excess 1,8‐diaminooctane promoted aminolysis by DAH, producing d‐Phe‐1,8‐diaminooctane via nucleophilic attack of the diamine on enzyme‐bound d‐Phe. To clarify the mechanism of substrate specificity and amide bond formation by DAH, the crystal structure of the enzyme that binds 1,8‐diaminooctane was determined at a resolution of 1.49 Å. Comparison of the DAH crystal structure with those of other members of the S12 peptidase family indicated that the substrate specificity of DAH arises from its active site structure. The 1,8‐diaminooctane molecule binds at the entrance of the active site pocket. The electrkon density map showed that another potential 1,8‐diaminooctane binding site, probably with lower affinity, is present close to the active site. The enzyme kinetics and structural comparisons suggest that the location of enzyme‐bound diamine can explain the inhibition of the acyl‐enzyme intermediate formation, although the bound diamine is too far from the active site for aminolysis. Despite difficulty in locating the diamine binding site for aminolysis definitively, we propose that the excess diamine also binds at or near the second binding site to attack the acyl‐enzyme intermediate during aminolysis.DatabaseThe coordinates and structure factors for d‐stereospecific amidohydrolase have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank at the Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics under code: 3WWX.
Nitrogen enrichment weakens ecosystem stability through decreased species asynchrony and population stability in a temperate grassland
Authors: Zhang Yunhai , Loreau Michel , Lü Xiaotao , He Nianpeng , Zhang Guangming , Han Xingguo 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBiodiversity generally promotes ecosystem stability. To assess whether the diversity–stability relationship observed under ambient nitrogen (N) conditions still holds under N enriched conditions, we designed a 6‐year field experiment to test whether the magnitude and frequency of N enrichment affects ecosystem stability and its relationship with species diversity in a temperate grassland. Results of this experiment showed that the frequency of N addition had no effect on either the temporal stability of ecosystem and population or the relationship between diversity and stability. Nitrogen addition decreased ecosystem stability significantly through decreases in species asynchrony and population stability. Species richness was positively associated with ecosystem stability, but no significant relationship between diversity and the residuals of ecosystem stability was detected after controlling for the effects of the magnitude of N addition, suggesting collinearity between the effects of N addition and species richness on ecosystem stability, with the former prevailing over the latter. Both population stability and the residuals of population stability after controlling for the effects of the magnitude of N addition were positively associated with ecosystem stability, indicating that the stabilizing effects of component populations were still present after N enrichment. Our study supports the theory predicting that the effects of environmental factors on ecosystem functioning are stronger than those of biodiversity. Understanding such mechanisms is important and urgent to protect biodiversity in mediating ecosystem functioning and services in the face of global changes.