bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between white matter lesions and regional cerebral blood flow changes during longitudinal follow up in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Hanaoka Takuya , Kimura Noriyuki , Aso Yasuhiro , Takemaru Makoto , Kimura Yuki , Ishibashi Masato , Matsubara Etsuro 
Published: August 2015

AimThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between baseline white matter lesions (WML) and changes in regional cerebral blood flow during longitudinal follow up of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).MethodsA total of 38 patients with AD were included in the study (16 men, 22 women; mean age 77.8 years). All patients were evaluated using the Mini‐Mental State Examination and brain perfusion single‐photon emission computed tomography at baseline with an approximately 2‐year follow up. The patients were divided into two subgroups according to the presence of WML on magnetic resonance imaging. Single‐photon emission computed tomography data were analyzed using a voxel‐by‐voxel group analysis with Statistical Parametric Mapping 8 and region of interest analysis using FineSRT. Changes in Mini‐Mental State Examination scores and regional cerebral blood flow were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.ResultsMean Mini‐Mental State Examination scores in AD patients with WML significantly decreased from 19.4 ± 4.8 to 15.5 ± 6.5 (P = 0.003). Statistical Parametric Mapping 8 and FineSRT analysis showed more severe and widespread regional cerebral blood flow reduction, mainly in the frontal and mesial temporal regions in AD patients with WML compared with those without WML.ConclusionBaseline WML could predict a rapid progression of cognitive and brain functional impairment during longitudinal follow up in AD. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 836–842.
Classification and regression tree analysis vs. multivariable linear and logistic regression methods as statistical tools for studying haemophilia
Authors: Henrard S. , Speybroeck N. , Hermans C. 
Published: August 2015

IntroductionHaemophilia is a rare genetic haemorrhagic disease characterized by partial or complete deficiency of coagulation factor VIII, for haemophilia A, or IX, for haemophilia B. As in any other medical research domain, the field of haemophilia research is increasingly concerned with finding factors associated with binary or continuous outcomes through multivariable models. Traditional models include multiple logistic regressions, for binary outcomes, and multiple linear regressions for continuous outcomes. Yet these regression models are at times difficult to implement, especially for non‐statisticians, and can be difficult to interpret.AimsThe present paper sought to didactically explain how, why, and when to use classification and regression tree (CART) analysis for haemophilia research.Materials & methodsThe CART method is non‐parametric and non‐linear, based on the repeated partitioning of a sample into subgroups based on a certain criterion. Breiman developed this method in 1984. Classification trees (CTs) are used to analyse categorical outcomes and regression trees (RTs) to analyse continuous ones.ResultsThe CART methodology has become increasingly popular in the medical field, yet only a few examples of studies using this methodology specifically in haemophilia have to date been published. Two examples using CART analysis and previously published in this field are didactically explained in details.ConclusionThere is increasing interest in using CART analysis in the health domain, primarily due to its ease of implementation, use, and interpretation, thus facilitating medical decision‐making. This method should be promoted for analysing continuous or categorical outcomes in haemophilia, when applicable.
Concordance of absolute and relative plasma volume changes and stability of Fcells in routine hemodialysis
Authors: Schneditz Daniel , Ribitsch Werner , Schilcher Gernot , Uhlmann Matthias , Chait Yossi , Stadlbauer Vanessa 
Published: August 2015

AbstractCentral hematocrit (H) measurements are currently used to track the degree of ultrafiltration‐induced hemoconcentration with the aim to detect and prevent excessive intravascular fluid depletion during hemodialysis (HD). Failure to maintain hemodynamic stability is commonly attributed to the misinterpretation of H caused by an unaccountable increase in Fcells, the ratio of whole‐body hematocrit to H. It was the aim to examine Fcells under everyday conditions in a group of stable HD patients. Absolute plasma volume (Vp) and H were concomitantly measured during routine HD in the extracorporeal system in hourly intervals by noninvasive and continuous technology (CritLine‐Instrument‐III) and indocyanine green dye dilution to derive relative plasma volumes from Vp and H (RPVp, RPVH), respectively, and to calculate Fcells. Thirteen patients were studied during two midweek treatments (n = 26). Both absolute Vp (P < 0.05) and relative plasma volumes RPVH (P < 0.001) decreased during HD. Vp at any time point was positively correlated to RPVH (r = 0.52). Moreover, relative plasma volumes RPVH and RPVp determined by independent techniques were identical and showed negligible bias (−0.2%) but considerable limits of agreement (−15.6% to +15.3%). Fcells was stable and in the range of 0.9 ± 0.05 throughout HD and not different from the value assumed at the beginning of HD. Although Fcells remains constant in patients on routine dialysis and relative plasma volumes (RPVH and RPVp) determined by independent techniques are therefore comparable, the variability of experimental conditions during dialysis and the limited accuracy of absolute volume measurements using available technology continues to complicate the ultrafiltration control problem.
A semi‐automated method to assess intraepidermal nerve fibre density in human skin biopsies
Authors: Seger Shanon , Stritt Manuel , Doppler Kathrin , Frank Stephan , Panaite Adrian , Kuntzer Thierry , Steck Andreas , Pagenstecher Axel , Sommer Claudia , Stalder Anna K 
Published: August 2015

AimsEvaluation of intraepidermal nerve fibres (IENFs) in skin biopsies is used in the diagnosis of small‐fibre neuropathies. The number of IENFs is assessed manually under a microscope, with an inter‐rater variability of ~25%. Unless the images are digitized, there is no documentation. Our aim was to develop a method for standardized semi‐automated quantification (SAQ) and documentation of IENF density.Methods and resultsWe analysed samples from four different university centres that were immunostained according to local protocols. Images were acquired through the Z‐plane with a whole slide scanner. orbit image analysis software was used to create an analysable image and develop a reliable algorithm for IENF detection. Rebuilt images revealed well‐contrasted nerves, allowing detection of IENFs (automated). The software presented the detected nerves for confirmation by the operator (manual). As compared with the conventional microscopy count, the SAQ achieved correlation coefficients of 0.99 and 0.96 and interfacility variabilities of 19% and 23%, respectively. We found better reproducibility with fluorescence‐stained specimens than with bright‐field images.ConclusionsThe new semi‐automated method has high experimenter‐independent reproducibility when based on nerve detection by fluorescence and is easy to perform, even by untrained users. The IENF counting is electronically well documented.
Phase Formation, Microstructure, and Densification of Yttrium‐Doped Barium Zirconate Prepared by the Sonochemical Method
Authors: Seeharaj Panpailin , Charoonsuk Thitirat , Pasupong Patchara , Kim‐Lohsoontorn Pattaraporn , Vittayakorn Naratip 
Published: August 2015

Spherical monodispersed yttrium‐doped barium zirconate (BaY0.1Zr0.9O3; BYZ) particles were successfully prepared in single step without the requirement of calcination process by the sonochemical method in highly basic aqueous solution. The stoichiometric solution of BaCl2.2H2O, ZrOCl2.8H2O, and YCl4.6H2O was precipitated in a 20 M NaOH under high‐intensity ultrasonic irradiation (20 kHz, 150 W/cm2) for 15, 30, and 60 min. As‐prepared powders were identified by XRD, FT‐IR, and Raman spectroscopy as cubic perovskite BYZ. The microstructure examined by SEM and TEM showed spherical‐shaped BYZ particles formed by aggregation of primary nanocrystals, and this unique morphology was induced by the effects of the ultrasonication and the strong alkaline environment. BYZ powders prepared under ultrasonication for 60 min had narrow‐sized distribution with the average particle size of 267 ± 26 nm and the specific surface area of 40.2 m2/g. BYZ ceramics sintered in the air at 1550°C for 20 h showed good densification (95%) and consisted of large grain size (7.67 ± 2.79 μm).
Prevalence of hepatic osteodystrophy and vitamin D deficiency in cirrhosis
Authors: Chinnaratha M. A. , Chaudhary S. , Doogue M. , McCormick R. J. , Woodman R. J. , Wigg A. J. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundHepatic osteodystrophy (HO) is a major complication of cirrhosis. However, the prevalence of HO in a general cirrhotic patient population is not well defined as previous studies were in single aetiology or pre‐liver transplant patients.AimsThe aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of HO and vitamin D deficiency in patients with cirrhosis of mixed aetiology and disease severity and to determine the risk factors for HO.MethodsThis is a single‐centre cross‐sectional study of all patients newly diagnosed with cirrhosis between September 2009 and December 2012. All patients underwent bone mineral density assessment using dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry within 3 months of diagnosis. Demographic and biochemical factors, severity of underlying liver disease, previous fragility fractures, smoking status and alcohol use were collected on diagnosis. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess risk factors for HO.ResultsAmong the 406 patients (67% males), the median (range) age was 56 years (21–85) and most (84%) were Childs–Pugh A or B with a median (range) model for end‐stage liver disease score of 11 (5–40). Alcohol (41%) was the most common underlying aetiology. The prevalence of HO and vitamin D deficiency (≤50 nmol/L) was 56% and 54%, respectively, and previous fragility fractures had occurred in 3%. Increasing age (odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.49 per 10 years (1.02–2.18), P = 0.04), excessive alcohol intake (2.34 (1.03–5.32), P = 0.04) and lower body mass index (0.92 per kg/m2 (0.87–0.98), P = 0.009) were independent risk factors for HO.ConclusionThere is a high prevalence of HO and vitamin D deficiency in patients with cirrhosis at presentation irrespective of disease severity or underlying aetiology.
Highly (100)‐Oriented Bi(Ni1/2Hf1/2)O3‐PbTiO3 Relaxor‐Ferroelectric Films for Integrated Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting and Storage System
Authors: Xie Zhenkun , Peng Bin , Zhang Jie , Zhang Xiaohua , Yue Zhenxing , Li Longtu 
Published: August 2015

Highly (100)‐oriented 0.38Bi(Ni1/2Hf1/2)O3‐0.62PbTiO3 relaxor‐ferroelectric films were fabricated on Pt(111)/Ti/SiO2/Si(111) substrates by introducing a lead oxide seeding layer. A moderate relative permittivity , a low dissipation factor (tan δ < 5%), and strong relaxor‐like behavior (γ = 0.74) over a broad temperature region were observed. The energy storage density of approximately 45.1 ± 2.3 J/cm3 was achieved for films with (100) preferential orientation, which is much higher than the value ~33.5 ± 1.7 J/cm3 obtained from films with random orientation. Furthermore, the PbO‐seeded films are more capable of providing larger piezoelectric response (~113 ± 10 pm/V) compared to the films without seeds (~85 ± 8 pm/V). These excellent features indicate that the highly (100)‐oriented 0.38Bi(Ni1/2Hf1/2)O3‐0.62PbTiO3 films could be promising candidates for applications in high‐energy storage capacitors, high‐performance MEMS devices, and particularly for potential applications in the next‐generation integrated multifunctional piezoelectric energy harvesting and storage system.
Ferroelectric Phase Transition, Interfaces Quality, and Stress Evolution of TiOx/BaxSr1−xTiO3 Structures
Authors: Ghalem Areski , Ponchel Freddy , Rémiens Denis , Lasri Tuami 
Published: August 2015

Ba(Sr,Ti)O3 material presents a remarkable property that lies in the possibility to change the permittivity by applying a dc electric field, i.e., BST is a tunable material. That makes BST a very interesting material for the development of reconfigurable devices in microelectronics. In this study, we focus our work on Ba(Sr,Ti)O3 with Ba/Sr = 30/70, the films are deposited by radio‐frequency magnetron sputtering on Al2O3 (0001). A buffer layer of TiOx is used to control the film orientation. The influence of this buffer layer on the dielectric properties, the interfaces quality with respect to the film thickness, and the temperature is analyzed. An increase of 30% of the relative permittivity was measured and a tunability of 50% was attained at 300 KV/cm. The dielectric measurements on BST/TiOx as a function of the temperature show a shift of the Curie temperature (Tc = −40°C) in comparison to BST without TiOx layer (Tc = −80°C). We demonstrate that the Curie temperature does not correspond to the maximum permittivity. The important stress measured on the films (930 MPa) could explain this behavior.
Hybrid Sol–Gel Glasses with Glass‐Transition Temperatures Below Room Temperature
Authors: Jitianu Andrei , Gonzalez Guadalupe , Klein Lisa C. 
Published: August 2015

Melting gels are hybrid gels that have the ability to soften and flow at around 100°C for some combinations of mono‐ and di‐substituted alkoxysiloxanes, where substitutions are either all aromatic or all aliphatic. In this study, melting gels were prepared using phenyltriethoxysilane (PhTES) and dimethyldiethoxysilane (DMDES), meaning both an aromatic and aliphatic substitution. Differential scanning calorimetry was performed to identify glass‐transition temperatures, and thermal gravimetric analysis coupled with differential thermal analysis (TGA‐DTA) was performed to measure weight loss. The glass‐transition temperatures (Tg) ranged from −61°C to +5.6°C, which are between the values in the methyl only system, where all Tg values are less than 0°C, and those values in the phenyl only system, where Tg values are greater than 0°C. The Tg decreased with an increase in the DMDES fraction. Below 450°C, the gels lost little weight, but around 600°C there was a drop in weight. This temperature is lower than the temperature for gels prepared with only aromatic substitutions, but higher than that for gels prepared with only aliphatic substitutions. Final heat treatment was carried out at 150°C for the gel with 80%PhTES‐20%DMDES (in mol%), and the consolidation temperature increased with increasing DMDES content to 205°C for the gel with 50%PhTES‐50%DMDES. After this heat treatment, the melting gels no longer soften.
Diverse Fibrosis Architecture and Premature Stimulation Facilitate Initiation of Reentrant Activity Following Chronic Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: ANGEL NATHAN , LI LI , MACLEOD ROB S. , MARROUCHE NASSIR , RANJAN RAVI , DOSDALL DEREK J. 
Published: August 2015

Fibrosis Architecture and Conduction in Chronic AFIntroductionPatients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) often transition between sinus rhythm and AF. For AF to initiate there must be both a trigger and a substrate that facilitates reentrant activity. This trigger is often caused by a premature atrial contraction or focal activations within the atrium. We hypothesize that specific architectures of fibrosis alter local conduction to enable AF.Methods and ResultsControl goats (n = 13) and goats in chronic AF (for an average of 6 months, n = 6) had a high‐density electrode plaque placed on the LA appendage. Conduction patterns following a premature atrial contraction, caused by an electrical stimulation, were quantified to determine regions of conduction slowing. These regions were compared to architecture, either diffuse fibrosis or regions of obstructive fibrosis, and overall fibrosis levels as determined by histology from the mapped region. The chronic AF goats had more obstructive fibrosis than the controls (17.5 ± 8.0 fibers/mm2 vs. 8.6 ± 3.0 fibers/mm2). Conduction velocity of the AF goats was significantly slowed compared to the control goats in the transverse direction (0.40 ± 0.04 m/s vs. 0.53 ± 0.15 m/s) but not in the longitudinal direction (0.70 ± 0.27 m/s vs. 0.76 ± 0.18 m/s).ConclusionsAF‐induced atrial remodeling leads to increased obstructive fibrosis and conduction velocity slowing transverse to fiber orientation following premature stimuli. The decrease in conduction velocity causes a decrease in the cardiac wavelength, and increases the likelihood of reentry and AF onset.
Is progression of periodontitis relevantly influenced by systemic antibiotics? A clinical randomized trial
Authors: Harks Inga , Koch Raphael , Eickholz Peter , Hoffmann Thomas , Kim Ti‐Sun , Kocher Thomas , Meyle Joerg , Kaner Doğan , Schlagenhauf Ulrich , Doering Stephan , Holtfreter Birte , Gravemeier Martina , Harmsen Dag , Ehmke Benjamin 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimWe investigated the long‐term impact of adjunctive systemic antibiotics on periodontal disease progression. Periodontal therapy is frequently supplemented by systemic antibiotics, although its impact on the course of disease is still unclear.Material & MethodsThis prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled multi‐centre trial comprising patients suffering from moderate to severe periodontitis evaluated the impact of rational adjunctive use of systemic amoxicillin 500 mg plus metronidazole 400 mg (3x/day, 7 days) on attachment loss. The primary outcome was the percentage of sites showing further attachment loss (PSAL) ≥1.3 mm after the 27.5 months observation period. Standardized therapy comprised mechanical debridement in conjunction with antibiotics or placebo administration, and maintenance therapy at 3 months intervals.ResultsFrom 506 participating patients, 406 were included in the intention to treat analysis. Median PSAL observed in placebo group was 7.8% compared to 5.3% in antibiotics group (Q25 4.7%/Q75 14.1%; Q25 3.1%/Q75 9.9%; p < 0.001 respectively).ConclusionsBoth treatments were effective in preventing disease progression. Compared to placebo, the prescription of empiric adjunctive systemic antibiotics showed a small absolute, although statistically significant, additional reduction in further attachment loss. Therapists should consider the patient's overall risk for periodontal disease when deciding for or against adjunctive antibiotics prescription.
Research Review: Executive function deficits in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder – a meta‐analysis
Authors: Kingdon Danielle , Cardoso Christopher , McGrath Jennifer J. 
Published: August 2015

BackgroundAttention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)‐like symptoms are common in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). FASD and ADHD groups both display executive function impairments; however, there is ongoing debate whether the pattern and magnitude of executive function deficits differs between these two types of disorders.MethodsAn electronic literature search was conducted (PubMed, PsychInfo; 1972–2013) to identify studies comparing the executive functioning of children with FASD with ADHD or control groups. FASD groups included those with and without dysmorphy (i.e., FAS, pFAS, ARND, and other FASD diagnoses). Effect sizes (Hedges' g, standardized mean difference) were calculated. Random effects meta‐analytic models were performed using the metafor package for R.ResultsFifty‐one studies met inclusion criteria (FASD N = 2,115; ADHD N = 453; controls N = 1,990). Children with FASD showed the strongest and most consistent deficits in planning, fluency, and set‐shifting compared to controls (Hedges' g = −0.94, −0.78) and children with ADHD (Hedges' g = −0.72, −0.32). FASD was associated with moderate to large impairments in working memory, compared to controls (Hedges' g = ‐.84, ‐.58) and small impairments relative to groups with ADHD (Hedges' g = ‐.26). Smaller and less consistent deficits were found on measures of inhibition and vigilance relative to controls (Hedges' g = −0.52, −0.31); FASD and ADHD were not differentiated on these measures. Moderator analyses indicated executive dysfunction was associated with older age, dysmorphy, and larger group differences in IQ. Sex and diagnostic system were not consistently related to effect size.ConclusionsWhile FASD is associated with global executive impairments, executive function weaknesses are most consistent for measures of planning, fluency, and set‐shifting. Neuropsychological measures assessing these executive function domains may improve differential diagnosis and treatment of FASD.
An improved and consistent approach to estimate catchment response time parameters: case study in the C5 drainage region, South Africa
Authors: Gericke O.J. , Smithers J.C. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractLarge errors in estimates of peak discharge in medium to large catchments in South Africa can be largely ascribed to significant errors in the estimation of the catchment response time, mainly as a consequence of the use of inappropriate time variables, the inadequate use of a simplified convolution process between rainfall–run‐off time variables, and the lack of locally developed empirical methods to estimate catchment response time parameters. Furthermore, the use of a typical convolution process between a single hyetograph and hydrograph to estimate observed time parameters at large catchment scales is regarded as not practical, as such simplification is not applicable in real, large heterogeneous catchments where antecedent moisture from previous rainfall events and spatially non‐uniform rainfall hyetographs can result in multipeaked hydrographs. This paper presents the development and evaluation of an alternative, improved and consistent approach to estimate catchment response time expressed as the time to peak (TP) in the C5 secondary drainage region in South Africa, while the interrelationship, similarity and proportionality ratios between TP and the conceptual time of concentration (TC) and lag time (TL) are also investigated.
Reduction of prostaglandin transporter predicts poor prognosis associated with angiogenesis in gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Takeda Shogo , Tanigawa Tetsuya , Watanabe Toshio , Tatsuwaki Hiroshi , Nadatani Yuji , Otani Koji , Nagami Yasuaki , Tanaka Fumio , Kamata Noriko , Yamagami Hirokazu , Shiba Masatsugu , Tominaga Kazunari , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Muguruma Kazuya , Ohira Masaichi , Hirakawa Kosei , Arakawa Tetsuo 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackground and Aim:Prostaglandin (PG) E2 promotes gastrointestinal carcinogenesis and tumor progression. The total amount of biologically active PGE2 in tissues is determined by a balance of PG biosynthesis and degradation pathways, which involve the PG transporter (PGT). We investigated PGT in gastric adenocarcinoma by determining its expression pattern and examining associations of PGT with prognosis and tumor angiogenesis.Methods:PGT expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in advanced gastric adenocarcinoma specimens obtained from 96 patients who underwent surgical resection. Correlations between PGT expression level and clinicopathological factors were statistically analyzed. Angiogenesis in the tumor tissue was evaluated by counting the number of microvessels. The role of PGT in mRNA and protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was examined in gastric cancer cells stimulated by PGE2.Results:Based on multivariate and Kaplan–Meier analyses, negativity for PGT expression was an independent poor prognostic factor. There were more microvessels in PGT‐negative tumors than in PGT‐positive tumors. Transfection of AGS and MKN7 gastric cancer cells with PGT‐specific siRNA led to increased VEGF mRNA and protein expression accompanied by increased PGE2 in the culture media.Conclusions:PGT expression is an independent predictor of poor survival and is associated with tumor angiogenesis in gastric adenocarcinoma.