bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carbohydrate intake is associated with time spent in the euglycemic range in patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Ayano‐Takahara Shiho , Ikeda Kaori , Fujimoto Shimpei , Asai Kanae , Oguri Yasuo , Harashima Shin‐ichi , Tsuji Hidemi , Shide Kenichiro , Inagaki Nobuya 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAims/IntroductionGreater glycemic variability and lack of predictability are important issues for patients with type 1 diabetes. Dietary factors are one of the contributors to this variability, but how closely diet is linked to glycemic fluctuation on a daily basis has not been investigated. We examined the association between carbohydrate intake and glycemic excursion in outpatients.Materials and MethodsA total of 33 patients with type 1 diabetes were included in the analyses (age 44.5 ± 14.7 years, diabetes duration 15.1 ± 8.3 years, 64% female, 30% using insulin pump, glycated hemoglobin 8.1 ± 1.3%). Time spent in euglycemia (70–180 mg/dL), hyperglycemia (>180 mg/dL) and hypoglycemia (<70 mg/dL) of consecutive 48‐h periods of continuous glucose monitoring data were collected together with simultaneous records of dietary intake, insulin dose and physical activity. Correlation analyses and multiple regression analyses were used to evaluate the contribution of carbohydrate intake to time spent in the target glycemic range.ResultsIn multiple regression analyses, carbohydrate intake (β = 0.53, P = 0.001), basal insulin dose per kg per day (β = −0.31, P = 0.034) and diabetes duration (β = 0.30, P = 0.042) were independent predictors of time spent in euglycemia. Carbohydrate intake (β = −0.51, P = 0.001) and insulin pump use (β = −0.34, P = 0.024) were independent predictors of time spent in hyperglycemia. Insulin pump use (β = 0.52, P < 0.001) and bolus insulin dose per kg per day (β = 0.46, P = 0.001) were independent predictors of time spent in hypoglycemia.ConclusionsCarbohydrate intake is associated with time spent in euglycemia in patients with type 1 diabetes.
Expression of sexual ornaments in a polymorphic species: phenotypic variation in response to environmental risk
Authors: Winandy L. , Denoël M. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractSecondary sexual traits may evolve under the antagonistic context of sexual and natural selection. In some polymorphic species, these traits are only expressed during the breeding period and are differently expressed in alternative phenotypes. However, it is unknown whether such phenotypes exhibit phenotypic plasticity of seasonal ornamentations in response to environmental pressures such as in the presence of fish (predation risk). This is an important question to understand the evolution of polyphenisms. We used facultative paedomorphosis in newts as a model system because it involves the coexistence of paedomorphs that retain gills in the adult stage with metamorphs that have undergone metamorphosis, but also because newts exhibit seasonal sexual traits. Our aim was therefore to determine the influence of fish on the development of seasonal ornamentation in the two phenotypes of the palmate newt (Lissotriton helveticus). During the entire newt breeding period, we assessed the importance of phenotype and fish presence with an information‐theoretic approach. Our results showed that paedomorphs presented much less developed ornamentation than metamorphs and those ornamentations varied over time. Fish inhibited the development of sexual traits but differently between phenotypes: in contrast to metamorphs, paedomorphs lack the phenotypic plasticity of sexual traits to environmental risk. This study points out that internal and external parameters act in complex ways in the expression of seasonal sexual ornamentations and that similar environmental pressure can induce a contrasted evolution in alternative phenotypes.
Genetic admixture supports an ancient hybrid origin of the endangered Hawaiian duck
Authors: Lavretsky P. , Engilis A. , Eadie J. M. , Peters J. L. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractSpeciation is regarded primarily as a bifurcation from an ancestral species into two distinct taxonomic units, but gene flow can create complex signals of phylogenetic relationships, especially among different loci. We evaluated several hypotheses that could account for phylogenetic discord between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA (nuDNA) within Hawaiian duck (Anas wyvilliana), including stochastic lineage sorting, mtDNA capture and widespread genomic introgression. Our results best support the hypothesis that the contemporary Hawaiian duck is descended from an ancient hybridization event between the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and Laysan duck (Anas laysanensis). Whereas mtDNA clearly shows a sister relationship between Hawaiian duck and mallard, nuDNA is consistent with a genetic mosaic with nearly equal contributions from Laysan duck and mallard. In addition, coalescent analyses suggest that gene flow from either mallard or Laysan duck, depending on the predefined tree topology, is necessary to explain contemporary genetic diversity in Hawaiian ducks, and these estimates are more consistent with ancient, rather than contemporary, hybridization. Time since divergence estimates suggest that the genetic admixture event occurred around the Pleistocene–Holocene boundary, which is further supported by circumstantial evidence from the Hawaiian subfossil record. Although the extent of reproductive isolation from either putative parental taxon is not currently known, these species are phenotypically, genetically and ecologically different, and they meet primary criteria used in avian taxonomy for species designation. Thus, the available data are consistent with an admixed origin and support the hypothesis that the Hawaiian duck may represent a young hybrid species.
Selection and evolutionary potential of spring arrival phenology in males and females of a migratory songbird
Authors: Tarka M. , Hansson B. , Hasselquist D. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe timing of annual life‐history events affects survival and reproduction of all organisms. A changing environment can perturb phenological adaptations and an important question is if populations can evolve fast enough to track the environmental changes. Yet, little is known about selection and evolutionary potential of traits determining the timing of crucial annual events. Migratory species, which travel between different climatic regions, are particularly affected by global environmental changes. To increase our understanding of evolutionary potential and selection of timing traits, we investigated the quantitative genetics of arrival date at the breeding ground using a multigenerational pedigree of a natural great reed warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) population. We found significant heritability of 16.4% for arrival date and directional selection for earlier arrival in both sexes acting through reproductive success, but not through lifespan. Mean arrival date advanced with 6 days over 20 years, which is in exact accordance with our predicted evolutionary response based on the breeder's equation. However, this phenotypic change is unlikely to be caused by microevolution, because selection seems mainly to act on the nongenetic component of the trait. Furthermore, demographical changes could also not account for the advancing arrival date. Instead, a strong correlation between spring temperatures and population mean arrival date suggests that phenotypic plasticity best explains the advancement of arrival date in our study population. Our study dissects the evolutionary and environmental forces that shape timing traits and thereby increases knowledge of how populations cope with rapidly changing environments.
Decisional support to prevent adverse drug reactions of long latency: pilot randomized controlled intervention for glucocorticoid‐induced diabetes
Authors: Dischinger Hannah R. , Cheng Elizabeth , Mann Alyse D. , Grueber Tiffany M. , Hawk Sherri , Davis Lisa A. , Prochazka Allan V. , Hutt Evelyn , Caplan Liron 
Published: April 2015

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesLong‐term exposure to glucocorticoids can cause adverse drug reactions of long latency (ADRLLs), including glucocorticoid‐induced diabetes mellitus (GID). Providers can monitor for GID using the glycosylated haemoglobin blood (HbA1C) test. This study examined the utility of decisional support to improve HbA1C‐based screening for GID. US veterans were identified as chronic users of oral glucocorticoids (>120 days of oral glucocorticoids in the last 2 years). The primary care providers caring for these patients were the target of the intervention. Providers were randomized to receive automatic HbA1C orders for their patients receiving chronic glucocorticoid or usual care.MethodsThis study was a pilot two‐arm, group‐randomized, controlled trial (n = 12 providers, n = 38 patients). Data collection occurred from 5 May 2013 until 10 January 2014. A pharmacist generated the order for an HbA1C through the electronic medical record. The time between the intervention start date and the date on which an HbA1C order was signed were compared using Cox proportional and hierarchical linear regression.ResultsThe time to sign HbA1C orders (mean 12.0 days for the intervention arm; 104.0 days for control arm) was associated with significant differences favouring the intervention [HR (Hazard Ratio) 50.2, P < 0.001, confidence interval (CI) 6.3 to 398.7]. For the intervention group, 95% of orders were signed, whereas only 12% of control providers signed orders (odds ratio 150, P < 0.001, CI 12.4 to 1812.9).ConclusionsThe results of this study strongly suggest that the clinical pharmacist‐triggered order intervention is effective. This method of computerized decisional support may be useful in improving screening for GID and ADRLLs.
Neuronally produced versican V2 renders C‐fiber nociceptors IB4‐positive
Authors: Bogen Oliver , Bender Olaf , Löwe Jana , Blenau Wolfgang , Thevis Beatrice , Schröder Wolfgang , Margolis Richard U. , Levine Jon D. , Hucho Ferdinand 
Published: April 2015

AbstractA subpopulation of nociceptors, the glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)‐dependent, non‐peptidergic C‐fibers, expresses a cell‐surface glycoconjugate that can be selectively labeled with isolectin B4 (IB4), a homotetrameric plant lectin from Griffonia simplicifolia. We show that versican is an IB4‐binding molecule in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. Using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence experiments on rat lumbar dorsal root ganglion, we provide the first demonstration that versican is produced by neurons. In addition, by probing Western blots with splice variant‐specific antibodies we show that the IB4‐binding versican contains only the glycosaminoglycan alpha domain. Our data support V2 as the versican isoform that renders this subpopulation of nociceptors IB4‐positive (+).
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A subset of nociceptors, the GDNF‐dependent non‐peptidergic C‐fibers can be characterized by its reactivity for isolectin B4 (IB4), a plant lectin from Griffonia simplicifolia. We have previously demonstrated that versican V2 binds IB4 in a Ca2 + ‐dependent manner. However, given that versican is thought to be the product of glial cells, it was questionable whether versican V2 can be accountable for the IB4‐reactivity of this subset of nociceptors. The results presented here prove – for the first time – a neuronal origin of versican and suggest that versican V2 is the molecule that renders GDNF‐dependent non‐peptidergic C‐fibers IB4‐positive.
Self‐congruity effects: A critical review and an integrative model
Authors: Kim Ji‐Hern 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis research conducts an extensive review study on the extant research on self‐congruity, and presents some recommendations and propositions for future research. It describes the differences between two constructs (i.e., self‐congruity and brand personality) regarding the symbolic benefits of a brand. It also suggests an integrative model to encompass important cognitive and motivational factors to moderate the relationship between self‐congruity and brand evaluation. Although there should be meaningful moderators of self‐congruity effects that are not addressed in the model, this research can be a starting point for future research in order to develop a better research model for analyzing self‐congruity effects.
Clinical value of liver ultrasound for the diagnosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in overweight and obese patients
Authors: Bril Fernando , Ortiz‐Lopez Carolina , Lomonaco Romina , Orsak Beverly , Freckleton Michael , Chintapalli Kedar , Hardies Jean , Lai Song , Solano Felipe , Tio Fermin , Cusi Kenneth 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsLiver ultrasound (US) is usually used in the clinical setting for the diagnosis and follow‐up of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, no large study has carefully assessed its performance using a semiquantitative ultrasonographic scoring system in overweight/obese patients, in comparison to magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) and histology.MethodsWe recruited 146 patients and performed: a liver US using a 5‐parameter scoring system, a liver 1H‐MRS to quantify liver fat content, and a liver biopsy to assess histology. All measurements were repeated in a subgroup of patients (n = 62) after 18 months of follow‐up.ResultsThe performance of liver US (parenchymal echo alone) was rather modest, and significantly worse than 1H‐MRS (AUROC: 0.82 [0.69–0.94] vs. 0.96 [0.90–1.00]; P = 0.04). However, the AUROC improved when different echographic parameters were taken into account (AUROC: 0.89 [0.83–0.96], P = 0.15 against 1H‐MRS). Optimum sensitivity for liver US was achieved at a liver fat content ≥12.5%, suggesting that below this threshold, liver US is less sensitive. Liver 1H‐MRS showed a high accuracy for the diagnosis of NAFLD, and correlated strongly with histological steatosis (r = 0.73, P < 0.0001). None of the imaging tests was adequate enough to predict changes over time in histology.ConclusionsDespite its widespread use, liver US has several important limitations that healthcare providers should recognize, particularly because of its low sensitivity. Using a combination of echographic parameters, liver US showed a significant improvement in its diagnostic performance, but still was of limited value for monitoring treatment over time.
The Kings Score refines prognostic prediction in hepatocellular carcinoma: a novel application
Authors: Pinato David J. , Karamanakos Georgios , Ishizuka Mitsuru , Smirne Carlo , Pirisi Mario , Kubota Keiichi , Sharma Rohini 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsThere are a number of prognostic scores in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), none of which is optimal in predicting overall survival (OS) in the individual patient, particularly in intermediate stage disease, where patients are not surgically treatable but may qualify for a wide range of palliative interventions. We evaluated the prognostic role of a biochemical algorithm, the Kings Score (KS), in the palliative setting of care.MethodsWe used the algorithm [age x AST x INR]/platelet count to derive the KS. Full clinical data including Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage were studied in a training set of 97 patients from the UK. Independent predictors of survival identified in multivariate analysis were validated in an independent cohort of 766 patients from Japan and Italy.ResultsIn both training and validation sets, KS was confirmed as an independent predictor of OS (P < 0.01). Ad‐hoc subgroup analysis revealed the KS to be prognostic in the palliative setting, being able to subclassify patients presenting with intermediate and advanced disease according to BCLC criteria (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe KS integrates into the BCLC system to improve prognostic substratification in the palliative setting of care. The KS may help reducing disease heterogeneity and refine treatment allocation in intermediate‐advanced HCC.
The Impact of Left Atrial Surface Area and the Second Generation Cryoballoon on Clinical Outcome of Atrial Fibrillation Cryoablation
Authors: GREISS HARALD , BERKOWITSCH ALEXANDER , WOJCIK MACIEJ , ZALTSBERG SERGEJ , PAJITNEV DIMITRI , DEUBNER NIKOLAS , AKKAYA ERSAN , GÜTTLER NORBERT , HAMM CHRISTIAN , NEUMANN THOMAS , KUNISS MALTE 
Published: April 2015

AimsIn this observational study, we examine the significance of the left atrial (LA) surface area and compare the clinical usage of the Arctic Front Advance (CBA) versus Arctic Front (CB) cryoballoon with the intent to investigate the impact of each in terms of long‐term freedom from atrial fibrillation (AF) for patients with nonvalvular AF.MethodsPulmonary vein isolation (PVI) was performed while using a cryoballoon ablation catheter in conjunction with an intraluminal circular diagnostic mapping catheter, Achieve. The consecutive patients ablated with CBA were matched with patients previously ablated with CB, using propensity score matching. The primary endpoint of this observational single‐center retrospective study was the first observation of electrocardiogram‐documented recurrence of atrial arrhythmias lasting >30 seconds.ResultsThe patient demographic data were similar in the CBA‐ and CB‐group (N = 188 patients each group). In all patients in the CBA‐group and in 95% of the patients in the CB group, acute procedural PVI of all veins was achieved with the single usage of a 28‐mm cryoballoon. The one‐year freedom from atrial arrhythmias was significantly better in the CBA‐ versus the CB‐group of patients, 90% versus 64%, respectively. During 15‐month clinical follow‐up in CBA group, patients with LA area above 23 cm2 were more likely to experience recurrence of AF (23%) than patients with LA area below 23 cm2 (7%).ConclusionsComparing one‐year outcomes, the CBA is superior to the CB with regards to maintenance of normal sinus rhythm. When using the CBA catheter, an enlarged LA is associated with a higher recurrence of arrhythmia.
Maternal vitamin D levels are inversely related to allergic sensitization and atopic diseases in early childhood
Authors: Chiu Chih‐Yung , Huang Shih‐Yin , Peng Yu‐Chieh , Tsai Ming‐Han , Hua Man‐Chin , Yao Tsung‐Chieh , Yeh Kuo‐Wei , Huang Jing‐Long 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundThere are few studies addressing the impact of maternal vitamin D status on the vitamin D levels in offspring, their sensitization to common allergens and atopic disease development.MethodsChildren aged 0 through 4 yr from a birth cohort in the Prediction of Allergies in Taiwanese Children (PATCH) study were enrolled. Time series of serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were measured in maternal blood before delivery, cord blood, and at age 1.5, 3, and 4 using an electrochemiluminescence‐based assay. Specific IgE antibodies against food and inhalant allergens were measured at 6 months, and 1, 1.5, 2, 3, and 4 yr of age.ResultsA total of 164 mother–child pairs from a birth cohort were recruited in this study. The mean levels of maternal 25(OH)D were 23.2 ± 7.7 ng/ml with a high (up to 80%) prevalence of insufficient vitamin D status (< 30 ng/ml). A significant correlation was seen between maternal and cord blood 25(OH)D levels (p < 0.001), and a persistent lower 25(OH)D level was found in children born to mothers with deficient 25(OH)D levels. Deficient maternal 25(OH)D levels (<20 ng/ml) appeared to be associated with a higher prevalence of allergen sensitization before age 2. Higher maternal 25(OH)D levels were significantly associated with lower risk of eczema (OR 0.12; 95% CI 0.02–0.63; p = 0.012) and asthma (OR 0.22; 95% CI 0.06–0.92; p = 0.038) at age 4.ConclusionsLow maternal 25(OH)D levels appear not only to be associated with an increase in the prevalence of allergic sensitization but also the risk of eczema and asthma in early childhood.
Mode of delivery and childhood fractional exhaled nitric oxide, interrupter resistance and asthma: the Generation R study
Authors: van Berkel Annemaria C. , den Dekker Herman T. , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Reiss Irwin K. , Gaillard Romy , Hofman Albert , de Jongste Johan C. , Duijts Liesbeth 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies suggest that caesarean section may influence the risk of childhood asthma. We examined the associations of different modes of delivery with childhood wheezing patterns, asthma, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and airway interrupter resistance (Rint) up to school age.MethodsThis study among 6,128 children was embedded in a population‐based prospective cohort study. Information on mode of delivery was obtained from midwives and hospital registries. Wheezing patterns from birth onwards and ever physician‐diagnosed asthma at age 6 yr were assessed by questionnaires. FeNO and Rint were measured at age 6 yr. We used multivariate polynomial, logistic and linear regression models.ResultsCompared with vaginal delivery, caesarean section was associated with increased risks of early and persistent wheezing up to school age [odds ratios (95% confidence interval): 1.36 (1.06, 1.75) and 1.73 (1.24, 2.40), respectively]. The effect sizes of elective and emergency caesarean section with wheezing outcomes were similar. Only elective caesarean section was associated with a higher FeNO level [sympercent (95% CI): 12.7 (0.6, 24.8)]. We did not observe associations of mode of delivery with asthma or Rint. Also, vacuum‐ or forceps‐assisted vaginal delivery was not associated with any asthma or related outcome.ConclusionsBoth elective and emergency caesarean sections are associated with increased risks of early and persistent wheezing up to school age. This might be explained by increased airway inflammation reflected by higher FeNO levels.
A multinational study to compare prevalence of atopic dermatitis in the first year of life
Authors: Draaisma Eelco , Garcia‐Marcos Luis , Mallol Javier , Solé Dirceu , Pérez‐Fernández Virginia , Brand Paul L. P. ,   the EISL Study Group
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) is common in childhood, with peak prevalence in early childhood. However, international comparisons of prevalence have focused on older children. We analysed differences in prevalence rates of AD and the associations with putative risk and protective factors, among infants in two European and two Central American countries.MethodsIn 1‐yr old infants participating in the International Study of Wheezing in Infants (EISL), prevalence of AD and putative risk and protective factors were assessed by a questionnaire applied to parents. For each risk/protective factor summary, odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated by means of random effects meta‐analysis.ResultsData from 9803 infants were analysed. AD prevalence varied from 10.6% (Valencia, Spain) to 28.2% (San Pedro Sula, Honduras). Average AD prevalences were lower in Europe (14.2%) than in Central America (18.2%, p < 0.01). Consistent with older children, presence of siblings decreased (OR 0.82 [0.72–0.94]), whereas family history of asthma (OR 1.32 [1.10–1.59]), rhinitis (OR 1.33 [1.14–1.54]) and atopic dermatitis (OR 2.40 [1.89–3.05]) increased the risk of infantile AD. However, gender, family size, breastfeeding and socio‐economic status were not associated with AD prevalence.ConclusionsThis study shows almost threefold differences in the prevalence of AD in infancy between countries. Risk and protective factors involved in the expression of infantile AD differ from those in older children, possibly suggesting a different pathophysiology. There is a need for additional international epidemiological surveys on AD in young children, the peak prevalence age of this condition.