bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative tissue velocity imaging evaluation of ventricular function in obstructive sleep apnoea–hypopnoea syndrome in children
Authors: Mu Hong , Liu Junjie , Gong Kebo , Li Dongmei , Zhang Jianji 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThis study aimed to evaluate the changes in left and right ventricular functions of children with obstructive sleep apnoea–hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) and to determine the efficacy of surgical treatment for OSAHS in children. The subjects included 20 normal controls and 55 children of OSAHS with adenoid and/or tonsil hypertrophy diagnosed by polysomnography (PSG). We divided the children with OSAHS into the mild group, moderate group and severe group of OSAHS according to the condition of apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) and the lowest of oxygen saturation (LSaO2). In mitral annulus,the Va values were increased in moderate and severe OSAHS (P > 0.05), and the Ve/Va values were decreased in the severe group (P > 0.05), while the Vs values were not changed (P > 0.05). In tricuspid annulus, the Vs values were decreased in moderate and severe OSAHS (P < 0.05), while the Ve, Va and Ve/Va values were not changed (P > 0.05). Six months after adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy, mitral Va values were decreased and tricuspid Vs values were increased significantly (P < 0.05), and AHI was decreased and LSaO2 was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, no difference was found in the above parameters (P > 0.05). The left ventricular diastolic function and the right ventricular systolic function of children with moderate to severe OSAHS are decreased to varying degrees at an early stage. Mitral annular and tricuspid annular velocity detected by quantitative tissue velocity imaging (QTVI) could sensitively reflect the early changes of left and right ventricular function. Adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy were effective methods to treat childhood OSAHS, which could reverse myocardial dysfunction.
Effects of light and temperature on seed germination of cacti of Brazilian ecosystems
Authors: Meiado Marcos Vinicius , Rojas‐Aréchiga Mariana , de Siqueira‐Filho José Alves , Leal Inara Roberta 
Published: April 2015

AbstractEnvironmental factors are used by plants as spatio‐temporal indicators of favorable conditions for seed germination. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of light and temperature on seed germination of 30 taxa of Cactaceae occurring in northeastern Brazil and to evaluate whether fluctuations in temperature are capable of altering light sensitivity. The seeds were tested for germination under two light conditions (12 h photoperiod and continuous darkness) and 10 temperature treatments: eight constant temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45°C) and two alternating temperatures (30/20°C and 35/25°C). The species studied showed two photoblastic responses. All cacti from the Cactoideae subfamily (22 taxa) were classified as positive photoblastic (i.e., no germination in darkness), regardless of the temperature treatment used. Likewise, temperature fluctuation did not alter the seed sensitivity to light. On the other hand, the species of the Opuntioideae (five taxa) and Pereskioideae (three taxa) subfamilies are indifferent to light (i.e., germinated both in the presence and absence of light). The cacti from the areas of Caatinga and Cerrado showed an optimal germination temperature of 30°C, while the species from Atlantic Forest and Restinga areas showed an optimal germination temperature of 25°C.
Energy consumption and carbon emission for tourism transport in World Heritage Sites: a case of the Wulingyuan area in China
Authors: Tang Chengcai , Zhong Linsheng , Fan Wenjing , Cheng Shengkui 
Published: April 2015

AbstractTransport profoundly affects energy use and carbon dioxide emissions in the tourism sector. The Wulingyuan Scenic Area (WSA), a natural heritage destination in China, is chosen for the case study. The energy consumption and carbon emission of 10 types of tourism transportation modes at the destination are measured and analyzed using a bottom‐up approach for the period of 1979 to 2010. Scenarios were created to project the effects of single and multiple factors on energy consumption and carbon emission by tourism transportation during 2011‐2020. The results showed the following: (a) there is a large difference in energy consumption and carbon emission per capita and per kilometer per capita among the 10 vehicle modes; (b) the monthly energy consumption and carbon emission of tourism transportation differed significantly, the month with the highest (October) are respectively 6.8 and 4 times that of the lowest month (January); (c) the highest annual growth rate of energy consumption and carbon emission are respectively as 32.16% and 27.98% during 1979‐2010; and (d) the amount of energy consumption and carbon emission in the multiple factor scenarios are lower than that in the reference and single factor scenarios during 2011‐2020.
Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio in head and neck cancer
Authors: Haddad Carol R , Guo Linxin , Clarke Stephen , Guminski Alex , Back Michael , Eade Thomas 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an index of systemic inflammatory burden in malignancy. An elevated NLR has been associated with poor prognosis in a number of cancer sites. We investigated its role in a cohort of patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer.MethodsEligible patients had primary mucosal squamous cell carcinoma treated with chemoradiotherapy and a minimum follow‐up of 12 months (unless deceased). NLR was analysed as <5 vs. ≥5 and above and below the median. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) and secondary endpoints metastasis free survival and locoregional relapse free survival. Actuarial Kaplan–Meier statistics and log rank test were used. Univariate analysis for age (continuous), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (0 vs. 1), gender (male vs. female), smoking (yes vs. no), American Joint Committee on Cancer stage (III vs. IV) and NLR (<5 vs. ≥5 and <3.3 vs. ≥3.3) were performed.ResultsForty‐six patients were included in this analysis. Median NLR was 3.3 (0.4–22.8). After a median follow‐up of 34 months (13–47 months), the 2‐year estimated OS, metastasis free survival and locoregional relapse free survival for NLR <5 vs. ≥5 were 89% vs. 61% (p = 0.017), 84% vs. 64% (p = 0.083) and 81% vs. 70% (p = 0.17) respectively. On univariate analysis NLR ≥5 (p = 0.025), older age (p = 0.01) and ECOG 1 (p = 0.025) were significant for OS.ConclusionIn this cohort of locally advanced head and neck cancer patients treated with chemoradiotherapy, pre‐treatment NLR ≥5 was prognostic for mortality. Further studies are required to confirm these results and to assess the interaction with other prognostic factors.
A comparative MRI study of cartilage damage in gout versus rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Popovich Ivor , Lee Arier CL , Doyle Anthony , McHaffie Alexandra , Clarke Andrew , Reeves Quentin , Dalbeth Nicola , McQueen Fiona M 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIntroductionMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful for detecting joint inflammation and damage in the inflammatory arthropathies. This study aimed to investigate MRI cartilage damage and its associations with joint inflammation in patients with gout compared with a group with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsForty patients with gout and 38 with seropositive RA underwent 3T‐MRI of the wrist with assessment of cartilage damage at six carpal sites, using established scoring systems. Synovitis and bone oedema (BME) were graded according to Rheumatoid Arthritis MRI Scoring System criteria. Cartilage damage was compared between the groups adjusting for synovitis and disease duration using logistic regression analysis.ResultsCompared with RA, there were fewer sites of cartilage damage and lower total damage scores in the gout group (P = 0.02 and 0.003), adjusting for their longer disease duration and lesser degree of synovitis. Cartilage damage was strongly associated with synovitis in both conditions (R = 0.59, P < 0.0001 and R = 0.52, P = 0.0045 respectively) and highly correlated with BME in RA (R = 0.69, P < 0.0001) but not in gout (R = 0.095, P = 0.56).ConclusionsCartilage damage is less severe in gout than in RA, with fewer sites affected and lower overall scores. It is associated with synovitis in both diseases, likely indicating an effect of pro‐inflammatory cytokine production on cartilage integrity. However, the strong association between cartilage damage and BME observed in RA was not identified in gout. This emphasizes differences in the underlying pathophysiology of joint damage in these two conditions.
Early detection of lung cancer: Low‐dose computed tomography screening in China
Authors: Zhao Shi‐Jun , Wu Ning 
Published: April 2015

AbstractLung cancer is currently the leading cause of cancer‐related death in China and western countries for both men and women. Overall, the five‐year survival rate of lung cancer is approximately 15%, whereas the five‐year survival for patients with surgically resected early‐stage disease is 60–80%. Screening is conceptually a good strategy for reducing the mortality rate of lung cancer. Randomized controlled trials in the 1960s and 1970s found that chest radiographic screening did not result in a reduction in mortality for high‐risk individuals. Recently published data from the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) showed a 20% reduction in lung cancer mortality in subjects who underwent low‐dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening compared to those randomized to conventional chest X‐ray. The encouraging results of the NLST, however, could not be confirmed by the preliminary results of ongoing European trials. More results from European randomized controlled trials are expected in the next few years. Recently, a number of lung cancer screening studies using LDCT have been initiated in China. This article briefly summarizes the results of the current and previous lung cancer screening trials worldwide, and focuses on the current status of LDCT lung cancer screening in China.
Crizotinib versus platinum‐based double‐agent chemotherapy as the first line treatment in advanced anaplastic lymphoma kinase‐positive lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Quan , Qin Na , Wang Jinghui , Lv Jialin , Yang Xinjie , Li Xi , Nong Jingying , Zhang Hui , Zhang Xinyong , Wu Yuhua , Zhang Shucai 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundTo explore the efficacy and safety of crizotinib versus platinum‐based double agent chemotherapy as the first‐line treatment in patients with advanced anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)‐positive lung adenocarcinoma.MethodWe retrospectively analyzed data from 19 patients with advanced ALK‐positive lung adenocarcinoma who had received no previous systemic treatment for advanced disease. Seven patients received oral crizotinib at a dose of 250 mg twice daily; 12 patients were administered standard chemotherapy (pemetrexed, paclitaxel, vinorelbine or gemcitabine plus either cisplatin or carboplatin) every three weeks for up to six cycles. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and safety.ResultsThe ORR was significantly higher with crizotinib than with chemotherapy (83.3% in the crizotinib vs. 25.0% in the chemotherapy group, P < 0.05); the DCRs were 100% and 75%, respectively (P < 0.05). The common adverse events associated with crizotinib were visual abnormality and diarrhea, whereas those associated with chemotherapy were neutropenia and nausea. In the crizotinib group, liver aminotransferase elevation (adverse events grade 3 or 4) occurred in one patient (14.3%). In the chemotherapy group, the same grade neutropenia adverse event occurred in two patients (16.6%). The incidence of treatment‐related grade 3 or 4 adverse events was similar in both groups. Compared with chemotherapy, crizotinib was associated with a greater reduction in lung cancer symptoms and a greater improvement in quality of life.ConclusionAs a first‐line treatment, crizotinib was superior to platinum‐based double chemotherapy in patients with previously untreated advanced ALK‐positive lung adenocarcinoma. Therefore, crizotinib is an optimal therapy as a first‐line treatment in these patients.
Cyclic Vomiting Presentations Following Marijuana Liberalization in Colorado
Authors: Kim Howard S. , Anderson John D. , Saghafi Omeed , Heard Kennon J. , Monte Andrew A. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjectivesCase reports have described a syndrome of cyclic vomiting associated with chronic marijuana use, termed cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. The primary objective was to determine the prevalence of patients presenting with cyclic vomiting before and after the liberalization of medical marijuana in Colorado in 2009. The secondary objective was to describe the odds of marijuana use among cyclic vomiting visits in these same time periods.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study of cyclic vomiting visits to the emergency department (ED) before and after marijuana liberalization. ED visits with International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision, coding for cyclic vomiting or that met diagnostic criteria for cyclic vomiting by the Rome III criteria were included.ResultsThe authors reviewed 2,574 visits and identified 36 patients diagnosed with cyclic vomiting over 128 visits. The prevalence of cyclic vomiting visits increased from 41 per 113,262 ED visits to 87 per 125,095 ED visits after marijuana liberalization, corresponding to a prevalence ratio of 1.92 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.33 to 2.79). Patients with cyclic vomiting in the postliberalization period were more likely to have marijuana use documented than patients in the preliberalization period (odds ratio = 3.59, 95% CI = 1.44 to 9.00).ConclusionsThe prevalence of cyclic vomiting presentations nearly doubled after the liberalization of medical marijuana. Patients presenting with cyclic vomiting in the postliberalization period were more likely to endorse marijuana use, although it is unclear whether this was secondary to increased marijuana use, more accurate marijuana reporting, or both.
Galanin is Co‐Expressed with Substance P, Calbindin and Corticotropin‐Releasing Factor (CRF) in The Enteric Nervous System of the Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) Small Intestine
Authors: Czujkowska A. , Arciszewski M. B. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryGalanin is a neuropeptide widely present in the enteric nervous system of numerous animal species and exhibiting neurotransmittery/neuromodulatory roles. Colocalization patterns of galanin with substance P (SP), corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) and calbindin were studied in the small intestine of the wild boar using immunofluorescence technique. We demonstrated the presence of SP in substantial populations of galanin‐immunoreactive (IR) submucous neurons. Additionally, different amounts of nerve fibres exhibiting simultaneous presence of galanin and SP were noted in the small intestinal smooth musculature, submucous ganglia, lamina muscularis mucosae and mucosa. In the wild boar duodenum, jejunum and ileum, the co‐expression of galanin and calbindin was limited to minor populations of submucous neurons only. Single galanin‐/CRF‐IR nerve fibres were exclusively present in the duodenal and jejunal (but not ileal) mucosa. These results strongly suggest that galanin participates in neuronal control of the wild boar small intestine also by functional co‐operation with other biologically active neuropeptides.
Enforced abstinence from tobacco during in‐patient dual‐diagnosis treatment improves substance abuse treatment outcomes in smokers
Authors: Stuyt Elizabeth B. 
Published: April 2015

Background and ObjectivesAlthough the prevalence of tobacco use in those in substance abuse treatment is known to be quite high, most treatment programs do not address tobacco. The purpose of this study was to determine substance abuse recovery rates a year after treatment in a fully integrated, 90‐day inpatient, dual diagnosis treatment program where patients are required to quit tobacco use in addition to drug and alcohol use for the duration of their 3 month stay. Tobacco is treated in the same way as other drugs and alcohol.MethodsOne hundred fifty‐four patients enrolled in a yearlong follow‐up after treatment study consisting of monthly phone contact to assess recovery from substance abuse.ResultsOne hundred forty (n=140) patients completed the year follow‐up. At the time of entry into the program 120 (86%) were using tobacco daily. At the end of the year this decreased to 102 (73%). Patients who were using tobacco were more likely to relapse to other drugs or alcohol (p = .01). Patients who actively attempted to abstain from tobacco after treatment were significantly more likely to remain continuously abstinent throughout the year (p = .03).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that tobacco use is correlated with relapse and addressing tobacco in treatment as seriously as and in the same fashion as other drugs, improves outcomes.Scientific SignificanceWhen provided with a tobacco free treatment environment for 90 days, patients with substance abuse and mental illness can and do make the decision to quit tobacco and stay quit, aiding their ability to remain sober. (Am J Addict 2015;24:252–257)
HPV‐DNA sperm infection and infertility: from a systematic literature review to a possible clinical management proposal
Authors: Foresta C. , Noventa M. , De Toni L. , Gizzo S. , Garolla A. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe objectives of this study were to investigate the implications of human papillomavirus (HPV) sperm infection on male fertility, impairment of sperm parameters, and possible alteration of sperm nuclear status and to identify a possible effective management of infertile men with HPV sperm infection. We employed a systematic review and clinical management proposal at the Centers for Reproductive and Health care for treating infertile male patients with HPV infection. Literature search was carried out in electronic databases in the last two decades. We focused our attention on: (i) HPV sperm prevalence (ii) HPV‐related alteration of sperm parameters; (iii) molecular mechanisms of HPV semen infection and infertility. The main outcome measures were HPV prevalence in infertile male patients and semen parameters. The prevalence of HPV sperm infection ranges between 2 and 31% in men from general population and between 10 and 35.7% in men affected by unexplained infertility. The presence of HPV in semen is associated with an impairment of sperm motility and the presence of anti‐sperm antibodies. The molecular mechanisms underlying impairment of sperm motility apparatus need further evaluations. A greater attention should be applied to assess HPV sperm infection, particularly in men undergoing assisted reproduction techniques cycle for male infertility or sperm banking. It would be useful to perform HPV test and fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis for HPV in semen from these patients both at first admission, to define the possible presence and localization of semen infection, and after 6 months, to assess the possible virus clearance retrieval on normal sperm parameters.
Impact of visceral obesity on outcomes of laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Tinghan , Wei Mingtian , He Yazhou , Deng Xiangbing , Wang Ziqiang 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundExcessive visceral fat could influence surgical difficulty of laparoscopic colorectal surgery. With the use of visceral fat area measured by computed tomography, surgeons could quantify the amount of visceral fat. The aim of the present meta‐analysis is to quantitatively combine studies in order to determine the impact of visceral obesity on laparoscopic colorectal surgery.MethodsA systematic search of literature (PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library) was performed to identify studies evaluating the impact of visceral obesity on laparoscopic colorectal surgery.ResultsFour studies were included in this meta‐analysis. Meta‐analysis revealed that visceral obesity was associated with longer operative time (weighted mean difference (WMD) 24.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 12.98–35.86), less lymph nodes harvest (WMD −5.99, 95% CI −8.31 to −3.67), more conversion to open procedure (odds ratio (OR) 2.24, 95% CI 1.05–4.78), higher morbidity (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.56–3.48), more surgical site infection (OR 3.22, 95% CI 1.95–5.32) and more anastomotic leakage (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.06–5.44).ConclusionThe present study shows that visceral obesity is associated with increased surgical difficulty and post‐operative morbidity of laparoscopic colorectal surgery but does not affect post‐operative recovery thanks to laparoscopic procedure.
Systematic review: dietary fibre andFODMAP‐restricted diet in the management of constipation and irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Rao S. S. C. , Yu S. , Fedewa A. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryBackgroundDietary fibre supplements have been advocated for the management of chronic constipation (CC) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Recently, a fermentable oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide and polyol (FODMAP) restricted diet has been recommended forIBS.AimTo systematically examine recent evidence for dietary interventions with fibre inCCandIBSandFODMAP‐restricted diet inIBS, and provide recommendations.MethodsWe searchedPUBMED,MEDLINE,OVIDandCOCHRANEdatabases from 2004 to 2014. Published studies in adults withCCandIBSand constipation‐predominantIBS(IBS‐C) that compared fibre with placebo/alternative andFODMAP‐restricted diet with alternative were included.ResultsOf 550 potentially eligible clinical trials on fibre, 11 studies were found and of 23 potentially eligible studies onFODMAPs, six were found. A meta‐analysis was not performed due to heterogeneity and methodological quality. Fibre was beneficial in 5/7 studies inCCand 3/3 studies inIBS‐C.FODMAP‐restricted diet improved overallIBSsymptoms in 4/4 andIBS‐C symptoms in 1/3 studies and three studies did not meet inclusion criteria. There were significant disparities in subject selection, interventions and outcome assessments in both fibre andFODMAPs studies.ConclusionsFibre supplementation is beneficial in mild to moderateCCandIBS‐C, although larger, more rigorous and long‐termRCTs are needed (Fair evidence–LevelII, Grade B). Although theFODMAP‐restricted diet may be effective in short‐term management of selected patients withIBS(Fair evidence–LevelII, Grade C) andIBS‐C (Poor evidence–LevelIII, Grade C), more rigorous trials are needed to establish long‐term efficacy and safety, particularly on colonic health and microbiome.