bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating health‐related quality of life in patients with polycystic liver disease and determining the impact of symptoms and liver volume
Authors: Wijnands Titus F. M. , Neijenhuis Myrte K. , Kievit Wietske , Nevens Frederik , Hogan Marie C. , Torres Vicente E. , Gevers Tom J. G. , Drenth Joost P. H. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsPolycystic liver disease (PLD) follows a progressive course ultimately leading to severe hepatomegaly and mechanical complaints in a subset of patients. It is still unknown to what extent this compromises health‐related quality of life (HRQL). Our aim was to determine HRQL in PLD patients and investigate its association with concurrent abdominal symptoms and liver volume.MethodsPooled data of 92 severe PLD patients from two randomized clinical trials were used for our cross‐sectional analysis. HRQL was assessed using the generic short‐form health survey (SF‐36) resulting in eight scale scores and the summarizing physical (PCS) and mental component score (MCS). Subsequently, these were compared with the general population. Abdominal symptoms were measured with a standardized, 7‐point scale questionnaire in 54 patients. We dichotomized symptoms for absence or presence and compared them with the component scores. Finally, a possible correlation between liver volume and HRQL was explored.ResultsDemographics showed severe polycystic livers (mean 4906 ± 2315 ml). PCS was significantly lower compared with the general population (P < 0.001), in contrast with a similar MCS (P = 0.82). PLD patients had statistically significant (P < 0.05) diminished physical functioning, role physical, general health, vitality and social functioning scores. Upper‐ and lower abdominal pain and dyspnoea were significantly associated with a reduced PCS (P < 0.01). No correlation was found between liver volume and HRQL.ConclusionPolycystic liver disease patients had significantly lower HRQL in the physical dimension compared with the general population. Abdominal pain and dyspnoea had a significant impact on this physical dimension of HRQL.
Safety of paediatric percutaneous native kidney biopsy and factors predicting bleeding complications
Authors: Rianthavorn Pornpimol , Kerr Stephen J , Chiengthong Kanhatai 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimData on safety of paediatric percutaneous native kidney biopsy (PNKB) using automated biopsy devices and real‐time ultrasonography are lacking. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and to identify factors predicting bleeding complications associated with this PNKB protocol.MethodsA total of 227 patients aged <18 years who underwent the first PNKB were analyzed. The primary outcome was bleeding complications divided into minor and major bleeding complications. Minor bleeding complications included perirenal haematoma and macroscopic haematuria. Major bleeding complications included requirement of blood transfusion, a higher level of care or vasopressors to maintain haemodynamic stability, requirement of angiographic or surgical intervention, or death.ResultsPerirenal haematoma occurred in 58 patients (25%) and macroscopic haematuria occurred in 46 patients (20%). Two factors were independently associated with perirenal haematoma in a multivariate model. These were male gender and weight for height Z‐score <−0.5. Three patients (1.3%), all with perirenal haematoma had major bleeding complications (two required blood transfusion and one underwent surgery to repair an injured renal artery).ConclusionsThe favourable safety information from our study is useful when counselling the parents and patients undergoing similar protocols. PNKB can be safely performed when precautions are taken to prevent bleeding. Selection of biopsy instruments should be tailored according to patient size.
Relation between remission status and attention in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Fukumoto Motoyuki , Hashimoto Ryota , Ohi Kazutaka , Yasuda Yuka , Yamamori Hidenaga , Umeda‐Yano Satomi , Iwase Masao , Kazui Hiroaki , Takeda Masatoshi 
Published: December 2013

AimPatients with schizophrenia in remission have shown significantly higher levels of neurocognitive function than patients not in remission. However, previous studies have mainly examined the association between neurocognitive function and the remission status of schizophrenia without considering the time component of the definition for remission using cross‐sectional methods. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relations between remission status with considering time components and three cognitive functions of intellectual ability, memory and attention, which were examined before fulfilling the remission criteria, using longitudinal methods.MethodsWe assessed the remission status using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) on the same patients twice: at recruitment and at 6 months after the first PANSS assessment. Cognitive tests were performed within 3 months after recruitment. At recruitment, 337 patients were enrolled. Of the patients, 63 patients were followed up and completedthe first and second PANSS assessments and three cognitive tests at the end of study.ResultsOf the patients, 33 patients fulfilled the remission criteria, while 30 patients did not fulfill the criteria. Patients in remission showed significantly higher levels of 2‐digit (P = 0.020) and 3‐digit (P = 0.015) Continuous Performance Test scores, attention/concentration in the Wechsler Memory Scale‐Revised (P = 0.034) and processing speeds in the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale‐III (P = 0.047) than patients not in remission. Additionally, these cognitive scores were positively correlated with each other (P < 0.05).ConclusionOur findings suggest that patients who achieve remission may demonstrate a pre‐existing higher level of attention than patients who do not achieve remission.
Structural correlates of cognitive deficit and elevated gamma noise power in schizophrenia
Authors: Suazo Vanessa , Díez Álvaro , Montes Carlos , Molina Vicente 
Published: December 2013

AimsThe aim of this study was to assess the relation between cognition, gray matter (GM) volumes and gamma noise power (amount of background oscillatory activity in the gamma band) in schizophrenia.MethodsWe explored the relation between cognitive performance and regional GM volumes using voxel‐based morphometry (VBM), in order to discover if the association between gamma noise power (an electroencephalography measurement of background activity in the gamma band) and cognition is observed through structural deficits related to the disease. Noise power, magnetic resonance imaging and cognitive assessments were obtained in 17 drug‐free paranoid patients with schizophrenia and 13 healthy controls.ResultsIn comparison with controls, patients showed GM deficits at posterior cingulate (bilateral),left inferior parietal (supramarginal gyrus) and left inferior dorsolateral prefrontal regions. Patients exhibited a direct association between performance in working memory and right temporal (superior and inferior gyri) GM densities. They also displayed a negative association between right anterior cerebellum volume and gamma noise power at the frontal midline (Fz) site.ConclusionA structural deficit in the cerebellum may be involved in gamma activity disorganization in schizophrenia. Temporal structural deficits may relate to cognitive dysfunction in this illness.
Altered autonomic activity and reactivity in depression revealed by heart‐rate variability measurement during rest and task conditions
Authors: Shinba Toshikazu 
Published: December 2013

AimThe aim of the present study was to assess autonomic activity and reactivity reflecting arousal functions in depression using heart‐rate variability (HRV) and heart rate (HR) measurements.MethodsHRV and HR were measured in drug‐naïve depressed (n = 22) and normal subjects (n = 47) both at rest and during task execution (random number generation). Rest activity was measured both before and after the task. Following power spectrum analysis of the heart rate trend, the high‐frequency component (HF: 0.15–0.4 Hz) and the ratio of the low‐frequency component (LF: 0.04–0.15 Hz) to the HF (LF/HF) were used as the parameters corresponding to parasympathetic and sympathetic activities, respectively.ResultsFor the depressed subjects, HF was lower during the initial rest condition, was less inhibitedduring the task condition, and exceeded the initial rest level during the rest condition following the task. LF/HF was higher at rest, increased less during the task, and maintained its higher level during the rest condition after the task. HR was higher during the initial rest period and responded less to the task.ConclusionThe results indicate alteration not only of baseline activity but also of reactivity to behavioral changes in depression. These altered autonomic measures are possibly related to the disturbed arousal function and can be used as diagnostic measures and in clinical evaluation.
Randomized trial of three phototherapy methods for the treatment of acne vulgaris in Chinese patients
Authors: Liu Li‐Hong , Fan Xin , An Yu‐Xi , Zhang Jin , Wang Cong‐Min , Yang Rong‐Ya 
Published: December 2013

SummaryBackground and AimsAcne vulgaris is common in Asian populations. We compared three methods of phototherapy for the treatment of moderate to severe facial acne vulgaris in Chinese patients.MethodsPatients were randomly assigned to receive photodynamic therapy (PDT), intense pulsed light (IPL) or blue–red light‐emitting diode (LED) phototherapy to the right side of the face until the inflammatory lesion count reduced by ≥ 90%. Patients were examined at 1 and 3 months after the final treatment.ResultsWe enrolled 150 patients (92 males; mean age, 28 years). At 1 month, ≥90% clearance or moderate improvement occurred in 46/50 (92%), 29/50 (58%) and 22/50 (44%) patients in the PDT, IPL and LED groups, respectively (mean number of sessions required, PDT: 3 ± 1.52; IPL: 6 ± 2.15; LED: 9 ± 3.34). Forty‐six (92%) patients experienced mild to moderate pain, erythema and edema after PDT, which resolved within 5–7 days. Slight erythema and stinging were reported immediately after IPL and LED, resolving within 2 h. After 3 months, minimal papules and pustules were observed in 4 patients in the PDT group, 7 in the IPL group and 12 in the LED group, but no nodular pustules recurred.ConclusionsPhototherapy is efficacious for moderate to severe facial acne vulgaris.
Oral and systemic photoprotection
Authors: Chen Andrew C. , Damian Diona L. , Halliday Gary M. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryPhotoprotection can be provided not only by ultraviolet (UV) blockers but also by oral substances. Epidemiologically identified associations between foods and skin cancer and interventional experiments have discovered mechanisms of UV skin damage. These approaches have identified oral substances that are photoprotective in humans. UV inhibits adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production causing an energy crisis, which prevents optimal skin immunity and DNA repair. Enhancing ATP production with oral nicotinamide protects from UV immunosuppression, enhances DNA repair and reduces skin cancer in humans. Reactive oxygen species also contribute to photodamage. Nontoxic substances consumed in the diet, or available as oral supplements, can protect the skin by multiple potential mechanisms. These substances include polyphenols in fruit, vegetables, wine, tea and caffeine‐containing foods. UV‐induced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) contributes to photodamage. Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and food substances reduce production of this lipid mediator. Fish oils are photoprotective, at least partially by reducing PGE2. Orally consumed substances, either in the diet or as supplements, can influence cutaneous responses to UV. A current research goal is to develop an oral supplement that could be used in conjunction with other sun protective strategies in order to provide improved protection from sunlight.
Effects of Growth Differentiation Factor 9 and Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 on the in vitro Maturation of Porcine Oocytes
Authors: Lin Z‐L , Li Y‐H , Xu Y‐N , Wang Q‐L , Namgoong S , Cui X‐S , Kim N‐H 
Published: December 2013

ContentsGrowth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) are members of the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) family, and their roles in oocyte maturation and cumulus expansion are well known in the mouse and human, but not in the pig. We investigated GDF9 and BMP15 expressions in porcine oocytes during in vitro maturation. A significant increase in the mRNA levels of GDF9 and BMP15 was observed at germinal vesicle breakdown, with expression levels peaking at metaphase I (MI), but decreasing at metaphase II (MII). GDF9 and BMP15 protein localized to the oocyte cytoplasm. While treatment with GDF9 and BMP15 increased the expression of genes involved in both oocyte maturation (c‐mos, cyclinb1 and cdc2) and cumulus expansion (has2, ptgs2, ptx3 and tnfaip6), SB431542 (a TGFβ–GDF9 inhibitor) decreased meiotic maturation at MII. Following parthenogenetic activation, the percentage of blastocysts in SB431542 treatment was lower than in the control (41.3% and 74.4%, respectively). Treatment with GDF9 and BMP15 also increased the mRNA levels of maternal genes such as c‐mos [a regulatory subunit of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)], and cyclinb1 and cdc2 [regulatory subunits of maturation/M‐phase‐promoting factor (MPF)]; however, SB431542 significantly decreased their mRNA levels. These data were supported by poly (A)‐test PCR and protein activity analyses. Our results show that GDF9 and BMP15 participate in cumulus expansion and that they stimulate MPF and MAPK activities in porcine oocytes during in vitro maturation.
In vitro Maturation of Oocytes from Santa Ines Ewes Subjected to Consecutive Sessions of Follicular Aspiration by Laparoscopy
Authors: Padilha LC , Teixeira PPM , Pires‐Buttler EA , Apparício M , Motheo TF , Savi PAP , Nakaghi EYO , Alves AE , Vicente WRR 
Published: December 2013

ContentsThe success of embryo production in vitro depends upon the use of an efficient oocyte retrieval technique, and the best results have been obtained by laparoscopic aspiration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of consecutive sessions of follicular aspiration on the quantity, quality and in vitro maturation competence of oocytes obtained from ewes subjected to hormonal stimulation. Six Santa Ines ewes underwent nine sessions of follicular aspiration by laparoscopy with a 7‐day interval between sessions, totalling 56 aspirations. After 24 h of culture, oocytes were stained and classified according to the stage of nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. Oocyte retrieval rate was 61.4 ± 2%, resulting in a total of 249 oocytes. No significant variation was observed between sessions (p > 0.05). The average number of oocytes retrieved from each ewe was 6.4 ± 2 per session and 42 ± 4 in total. No significant difference was observed between the frequencies of the different stages of nuclear maturation: 32.72% mature, 40.74% immature and 26.54% degenerated/indeterminate oocytes; however, a significant difference was observed between the frequencies of the different stages of cytoplasmic maturation: 10.7% mature, 73.25% immature and 16.05% degenerated/indeterminate oocytes. No significant difference was observed in nuclear or cytoplasmic maturation between the weeks of procedure. We conclude that after nine consecutive sessions of follicular aspiration, the quantity and quality of retrieved oocytes remained unchanged as well as the levels of nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation obtained, demonstrating the viability of this technique for repetitive follicular aspirations on the same donor.
Unrestricted Mixed Data Sampling (MIDAS): MIDAS Regressions with Unrestricted Lag Polynomials
Authors: Foroni Claudia , Marcellino Massimiliano , Schumacher Christian 
Published: December 2013

SummaryMixed data sampling (MIDAS) regressions allow us to estimate dynamic equations that explain a low frequency variable by high frequency variables and their lags. When the difference in sampling frequencies between the regressand and the regressors is large, distributed lag functions are typically employed to model dynamics avoiding parameter proliferation. In macroeconomic applications, however, differences in sampling frequencies are often small. In such a case, it might not be necessary to employ distributed lag functions. We discuss the pros and cons of unrestricted lag polynomials in MIDAS regressions. We derive unrestricted-MIDAS (U-MIDAS) regressions from linear high frequency models, discuss identification issues and show that their parameters can be estimated by ordinary least squares. In Monte Carlo experiments, we compare U-MIDAS with MIDAS with functional distributed lags estimated by non-linear least squares. We show that U-MIDAS performs better than MIDAS for small differences in sampling frequencies. However, with large differing sampling frequencies, distributed lag functions outperform unrestricted polynomials. The good performance of U-MIDAS for small differences in frequency is confirmed in empirical applications on nowcasting and short-term forecasting euro area and US gross domestic product growth by using monthly indicators.
Increased Soluble C5b‐9 in CSF of Neuromyelitis Optica
Authors: Wang H. , Wang K. , Wang C. , Qiu W. , Lu Z. , Hu X. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractNeuromyelitis optica (NMO) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are two of the autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating diseases in the central nervous system. Complement is thought to have an important role in pathogenesis of these diseases, especially in NMO. However, the change of terminal complement complex (TCC, C5b‐9) in patients with NMO is still unclear. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) C3a, C5a, sC5b‐9 were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in patients with NMO (n = 26), MS (n = 25) and other neurological disease (OND, n = 19). CSF levels of C5a in patients with NMO were higher than patients with OND (P = 0.006). Increased CSF sC5b‐9 were found in the patients with NMO compared with patients with MS (P = 0.029) and OND (P = 0.0001). CSF sC5b‐9 in patients with MS were also higher than patients with OND (P = 0.030). Patients with NMO revealed a trend to an increased disease disability with increased CSF sC5b‐9 during relapse but not in MS (NMO: P = 0.006, MS: P = 0.097). CSF levels of sC5b‐9 are increased in patients with NMO and reflect the activation of complement in NMO.
The Vagus Nerve Attenuates Fulminant Hepatitis by Activating the Src Kinase in Kuppfer Cells
Authors: Li Y. , Xu Z. , Yu Y. , Yuan H. , Xu H. , Zhu Q. , Wang C. , Shi X. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe parasympathetic nervous system has been known to modify innate immune responses. In animal models, acetylcholine (Ach) released from the distal ends of nerves has been shown to inhibit inflammatory responses such as endotoxic shock, pancreatitis, intestinal inflammation, etc. However, its role in LPS‐induced fulminant hepatitis remains to be elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that the vagus nerve acts as a suppressor in the liver after challenge with LPS plus D‐gal. The vagus nerve acts through the α7 AchR expressed on the surface of Kupffer cells, inhibiting the production of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF and IL‐6. A mechanism study revealed that the suppressive effect of Ach may occur through the activation of Src kinase and subsequent inhibition of the Myd88 signal pathway. Our study has suggested a suppressive role of vagus nerve in the modulation of liver inflammatory responses, which should be noticed during clinical massive hepatectomy and liver transplantation. The nicotinic anti‐inflammatory pathway may also be a potential target for sepsis after liver transplantation.
Networked FDI: Sales and Sourcing Patterns of Japanese Foreign Affiliates
Authors: Baldwin Richard , Okubo Toshihiro 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis paper applies a novel empirical approach to characterising the horizontal‐ness and vertical‐ness of affiliates based on Yeaple's complex FDI concept. In its simplest form, horizontal‐ness is measured as affiliates’ local sales share while their vertical‐ness is measures as their share of non‐local sourcing of intermediates. Japanese affiliates in most sectors and nations are partly vertical and partly horizontal, but those in North American are far more ‘horizontal’ than those in the EU and Asia. Affiliates became more vertical between 1996 and 2005. A four‐way sales and sourcing split (host, home, regional and RoW) suggests that affiliates act as nodes in regional production networks – especially in Asia. We posit several hypotheses that could be tested with our empirical approach.
Atmospheric Moisture Budget and Spatial Resolution Dependence of Precipitation Extremes in Aquaplanet Simulations
Authors: Yang Qing , Leung L. Ruby , Rauscher Sara A. , Ringler Todd D. , Taylor Mark A. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
This study investigates the moisture budgets and resolution dependency of precipitation extremes in an aquaplanet framework based on the Community Atmosphere Model, version 4 (CAM4). Moisture budgets from simulations using two different dynamical cores, the Model for Prediction Across Scales-Atmosphere (MPAS-A) and High Order Method Modeling Environment (HOMME), but the same physics parameterizations suggest that during precipitation extremes the intensity of precipitation is approximately balanced by the vertical advective moisture transport. The resolution dependency in extremes from simulations at their native grid resolution originates from that of vertical moisture transport, which is mainly explained by changes in dynamics (related to vertical velocity ω) with resolution. When assessed at the same grid scale by area-weighted averaging the fine-resolution simulations to the coarse grids, simulations with either dynamical core still demonstrate resolution dependency in extreme precipitation with no convergence over the tropics, but convergence occurs at a wide range of latitudes over the extratropics. The use of lower temporal frequency data (i.e., daily vs 6 hourly) reduces the resolution dependency. Although thermodynamic (moisture) changes become significant in offsetting the effect of dynamics when assessed at the same grid scale, especially over the extratropics, changes in dynamics with resolution are still large and explain most of the resolution dependency during extremes. This suggests that the effects of subgrid-scale variability of ω and vertical moisture transport during extremes are not adequately parameterized by the model at coarse resolution. The aquaplanet framework and analysis described in this study provide an important metric for assessing sensitivities of cloud parameterizations to spatial resolution and dynamical cores under extreme conditions.