bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multimorbidity and Risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Vassilaki Maria , Aakre Jeremiah A. , Cha Ruth H. , Kremers Walter K. , St. Sauver Jennifer L. , Mielke Michelle M. , Geda Yonas E. , Machulda Mary M. , Knopman David S. , Petersen Ronald C. , Roberts Rosebud O. 
Published: August 2015

ObjectivesTo determine the association between multiple chronic conditions and risk of incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingOlmsted County, Minnesota.ParticipantsCognitively normal individuals (N = 2,176) enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging (MCSA).MeasurementsParticipants were randomly selected from the community, evaluated by a physician, and underwent neuropsychometric testing at baseline and at 15‐month intervals to assess diagnoses of MCI and dementia. Information on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes for chronic conditions in the 5 years before enrollment was electronically captured using the Rochester Epidemiology Project medical records linkage system. Multimorbidity was defined as having two or more chronic conditions, and the association between multimorbidity and MCI and dementia was examined using Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsOf 2,176 cognitively normal participants (mean age ± standard deviation 78.5 ± 5.2; 50.6% male), 1,884 (86.6%) had multimorbidity. The risk of MCI or dementia was higher in persons with multimorbidity (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.05–1.82) than in those with one or no chronic condition. The HR was of greater magnitude in persons with four or more conditions (HR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.21–2.13) than in those with two or three conditions (HR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.76–1.39) and for men with multimorbidity(HR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.01–2.31) than for women with multimorbidity (HR = 1.20, 95% CI = 0.83–1.74), compared to those with one or no chronic condition.ConclusionIn older adults, having multiple chronic conditions is associated with greater risk of MCI and dementia. This is consistent with the hypothesis that multiple etiologies may contribute to MCI and late‐life dementia. Preventing chronic diseases may be beneficial in delaying or preventing MCI and dementia.
Effectiveness of ethinylestradiol/drospirenone for premenstrual symptoms in Japanese patients with dysmenorrhea: Open‐label pilot study
Authors: Takeda Takashi , Kondo Akiko , Koga Shoko , Hayakawa Jun , Hayakawa Kenichi , Hiramatsu Keizo , Yaegashi Nobuo 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimA combined oral contraceptive containing ethinylestradiol 20 µg plus drospirenone 3 mg (EE20 + DRSP) in a 24/4 regimen has been shown to alleviate the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of EE20 + DRSP in Japanese patients with premenstrual symptoms.Material and MethodsA multicenter, prospective, open‐label, single‐arm, phase IV study was performed in Japanese women with dysmenorrhea and premenstrual symptoms. They were treated with EE20 + DRSP to alleviate the symptoms of dysmenorrhea for six treatment cycles. Premenstrual symptoms were evaluated using a Premenstrual Symptoms Questionnaire at baseline and after three and six cycles of EE20 + DRSP. The degree of dysmenorrhea was also evaluated using a visual analog scale at baseline and after one, three, and six cycles of EE20 + DRSP.ResultsForty‐eight patients were treated with EE20 + DRSP. Most of the premenstrual symptoms were alleviated significantly by three and six cycles of EE20 + DRSP treatment. EE20 + DRSP treatment significantly improved the severity of premenstrual symptoms. We also confirmed the effectiveness of EE20 + DRSP for the treatment for dysmenorrhea.ConclusionThis study showed that EE20 + DRSP could be a useful treatment strategy for premenstrual symptoms in Japanese women.
Incidence and risk factors for recurrent spontaneous preterm birth: A retrospective cohort study in Japan
Authors: Yamashita Michiko , Hayashi Shusaku , Endo Masayuki , Okuno Kentaro , Fukui On , Mimura Kazuya , Tachibana Yosuke , Ishii Keisuke , Mitsuda Nobuaki , Kimura Tadashi 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to assess the incidence and risk factors for recurrent spontaneous preterm birth (PTB) in Japan.Material and MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted at five tertiary perinatal centers in Osaka, Japan from 2008 through 2012. Perinatal data were collected from medical records of women with a singleton gestation and a previous spontaneous PTB. Exclusion criteria were first‐trimester spontaneous abortion, first antenatal visit beyond 14 weeks of gestation, and previous PTB with medical indications, placenta previa, abruptio placenta, multiple pregnancy, fetal anomaly, and antepartum fetal demise. The associations between recurrent spontaneous PTB and perinatal factors were evaluated by logistic regression analysis.ResultsOf 547 women with a previous spontaneous PTB, 89 (16.3%) suffered a recurrent spontaneous PTB. The risk factors for recurrence included multiple previous spontaneous PTB (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.26; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19–4.30; P = 0.013), no previous term birth (aOR: 2.08; 95%CI: 1.24–3.49; P = 0.005), and interpregnancy interval < 12 months (aOR: 2.13; 95%CI: 1.17–3.85; P = 0.013).ConclusionApproximately one in six women with a previous spontaneous PTB suffered a recurrent spontaneous PTB. Multiple previous spontaneous PTB, no previous term birth, and short interpregnancy interval were independent risk factors for recurrence.
Ratio of fetal anteroposterior to transverse cerebellar diameter for detection of the cerebellar hypoplasia in the second trimester and comparison with trisomy 18
Authors: Takano Mayumi , Hirata Hiroko , Kagawa Yukiko , Murata Susumu , Fujiwara Michihisa , Nakata Masahiko 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimCerebellar hypoplasia, particularly, trisomy 18, represents a chromosomal abnormality. However, morphological assessment of the fetal cerebellum is yet to be established. The purpose of this study was to produce reference values for the fetal transverse cerebellar diameter (TCD), anteroposterior cerebellar diameter (APCD) and the ratio of APCD to TCD (APCD/TCD ratio) in normal fetuses, compared with cases of trisomy 18.MethodsThis retrospective study included 266 normal singleton pregnancies resulting in term delivery at our institution from 2012–2013. Patients had received ultrasound examinations in the second trimester. TCD and APCD measurements were performed and then APCD/TCD ratio was calculated. Consequently, three cases of trisomy 18 were compared with reference values.ResultsGestational age correlated with TCD (rs = 0.766, P < 0.0001) and APCD (rs = 0.61, P < 0.0001), but not with APCD/TCD ratio (rs = 0.070, P = 0.252). The median APCD/TCD ratio was 0.52 and the standard deviation was 0.05. In cases of trisomy 18, all TCD measurements were located within normal ranges. In contrast, both the APCD and APCD/ TCD ratio displayed lower values than that of normal fetuses.ConclusionsThis study showed that not only TCD but also APCD correlated with gestational age, and APCD/TCD ratio indicated a fixed value (almost 0.5) in normal fetuses. Furthermore, APCD and APCD/TCD ratio were deemed useful indicators for cerebellar hypoplasia. In particular, the APCD/TCD ratio proved more convenient, without requiring individual evaluation of TCD and APCD.
Intrauterine adhesion after transvaginal ultrasound‐guided radiofrequency myolysis
Authors: Hai Ning , Ding Xiaoping 
Published: August 2015

AbstractTransvaginal ultrasound‐guided radiofrequency myolysis offers an alternative to surgery for symptomatic uterine myomas, with encouraging efficacy and safety, suggesting low complication rates. This case study describes the first reported intrauterine adhesion after transvaginal ultrasound‐guided radiofrequency myolysis. Women who desire further pregnancy should be warned about the particular risk of intrauterine adhesion of radiofrequency myolysis.
Creation of a cerebellar diameter reference standard and its clinical application to the detection of cerebellar hypoplasia unique to trisomy 18
Authors: Hayata Kei , Hiramatsu Yuji , Masuyama Hisashi , Etou Eriko , Nobumoto Etsuko , Mitsui Takashi 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimWe created a new reference standard focusing on the hemispheric anteroposterior cerebellar diameter (APCD) in addition to the transverse cerebellar diameter (TCD) and discussed whether or not the cerebellar measurement was useful for the detection of trisomy 18 (T18).Material and MethodsIn 150 normal fetuses between 14 and 36 weeks of gestational age (GA), the TCD and APCD were prospectively measured. In 26 cases with T18, the value was compared with the control.ResultsAt <22 weeks of gestation, the TCD reference standard was calculated as follows: TCD = (1.027 × GA) – 0.674 (R2 = 0.97, P < 0.001). The reference standard of the APCD was calculated as follows: APCD = (0.682 × GA) – 3.925 (R2 = 0.73, P < 0.001). In eight cases with T18, the TCD was below the 5th percentile value in 7/8 (88%) cases and the APCD was below the 5th percentile value in 8/8 (100%) cases. At >22 weeks of gestation, the reference standard of the TCD was calculated as follows: TCD = (1.603 × GA) – 13.216 (R2 = 0.92, P < 0.001). The reference standard of the APCD was calculated as follows: APCD = (0.859 × GA) – 7.30 (R2 = 0.84, P < 0.001). In 18 cases with T18, the TCD was below the 5th percentile value in 14/18 (78%) cases and the APCD was below the 5th percentile value in 18/18 (100%) cases.ConclusionAPCD reference standard, divided by the gestational age of more or less than 22 weeks, might be useful to diagnose T18.
Using nuclear gene data for plant phylogenetics: Progress and prospects II. Next‐gen approaches
Authors: Zimmer Elizabeth A. , Wen Jun 
Published: August 2015

AbstractSingle and low copy nuclear genes offer a larger number of, and more rapidly evolving, characters than the chloroplast and nuclear ribosomal gene sequences that have dominated plant phylogenetic studies to date. Until recently, only one or a few low copy nuclear gene markers were included in such studies. Now, the rapid adoption of “next generation sequencing” (NGS) techniques offers simpler and cheaper access to hundreds of, and not just tens of, coding and noncoding DNA regions. In this review, we describe the most commonly‐used NGS methods available for accessing nuclear genes and discuss many NGS case studies that have been published in the last two to three years. These approaches include whole genome sequencing to target microsatellites, transcriptome sequencing, Exon‐Primed Intron‐Crossing sequencing (EPIC), targeted enrichment (or sequence capture), RAD sequencing (RAD‐Seq, including genotyping‐by‐sequencing or GBS), and genome skimming. We also discuss some of the challenges to, and posed by, the NGS approaches.
The Arabidopsis immune regulator SRFR1 dampens defences against herbivory by Spodoptera exigua and parasitism by Heterodera schachtii
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Dung T. , Pike Sharon , Wang Jianying , Nepal Poudel Arati , Heinz Robert , Schultz Jack C. , Koo Abraham J. , Mitchum Melissa G. , Appel Heidi M. , Gassmann Walter 
Published: August 2015

SummaryPlants have developed diverse mechanisms to fine tune defence responses to different types of enemy. Cross‐regulation between signalling pathways may allow the prioritization of one response over another. Previously, we identified SUPPRESSOR OF rps4‐RLD1 (SRFR1) as a negative regulator of ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY1 (EDS1)‐dependent effector‐triggered immunity against the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato strain DC3000 expressing avrRps4. The use of multiple stresses is a powerful tool to further define gene function. Here, we examined whether SRFR1 also impacts resistance to a herbivorous insect in leaves and to a cyst nematode in roots. Interestingly, srfr1‐1 plants showed increased resistance to herbivory by the beet army worm Spodoptera exigua and to parasitism by the cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii compared with the corresponding wild‐type Arabidopsis accession RLD. Using quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) to measure the transcript levels of salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonate/ethylene (JA/ET) pathway genes, we found that enhanced resistance of srfr1‐1 plants to S. exigua correlated with specific upregulation of the MYC2 branch of the JA pathway concurrent with suppression of the SA pathway. In contrast, the greater susceptibility of RLD was accompanied by simultaneously increased transcript levels of SA, JA and JA/ET signalling pathway genes. Surprisingly, mutation of either SRFR1 or EDS1 increased resistance to H. schachtii, indicating that the concurrent presence of both wild‐type genes promotes susceptibility. This finding suggests a novel form of resistance in Arabidopsis to the biotrophic pathogen H. schachtii or a root‐specific regulation of the SA pathway by EDS1, and places SRFR1 at an intersection between multiple defence pathways.
Gait velocity and walking distance to predict community walking after stroke
Authors: An SeungHeon , Lee YunBok , Shin HyeonHui , Lee GyuChang 
Published: August 2015

AbstractGait speed and walking distance were evaluated as predictors for levels of community walking after stroke. In this study, 103 stroke survivors were identified as limited (n = 67) or independent community walkers (n = 36). Ten meter and six min walk tests were used to measure gait speed and walking distance, respectively. The discriminative properties of gait speed and walking distance for community walking were investigated using receiver operating characteristic curves. Cut‐off values of 0.87 m/s for community walking gait speed for walking distance had positive predictive values of 65% and 55%, respectively. The negative predictive value ranged from 89% for gait speed to 79% for walking distance. Gait speed and walking distance showed significant differences between limited and independent community walking. Gait speed was more significantly related to community walking than walking distance. The results of this study suggest that gait speed is a better predictor for community walking than walking distance in moderately affected post‐stroke survivors.
Effective strategies for weight loss in post‐partum women: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lim S. , O'Reilly S. , Behrens H. , Skinner T. , Ellis I. , Dunbar J. A 
Published: August 2015

SummaryPost‐partum weight loss is critical to preventing and managing obesity in women, but the results from lifestyle interventions are variable and the components associated with successful outcomes are not yet clearly identified. This study aimed to identify lifestyle intervention strategies associated with weight loss in post‐partum women. MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL and four other databases were searched for lifestyle intervention studies (diet or exercise or both) in post‐partum women (within 12 months of delivery) published up to July 2014. The primary outcome was weight loss. Subgroup analyses were conducted for self‐monitoring, individual or group setting, intervention duration, intervention types, the use of technology as a support, and home‐ or centre‐based interventions. From 12,673 studies, 46 studies were included in systematic review and 32 randomized controlled trials were eligible for meta‐analysis (1,892 women, age 24–36 years). Studies with self‐monitoring had significantly greater weight lost than those without (−4.61 kg [−7.08, −2.15] vs. −1.34 kg [−1.66, −1.02], P = 0.01 for subgroup differences). Diet and physical activity when combined were significantly more effective on weight loss compared with physical activity alone (−3.24 kg [−4.59, −1.90] vs. −1.63 kg [−2.16, −1.10], P < 0.001 for subgroup differences). Lifestyle interventions that use self‐monitoring and take a combined diet‐and‐exercise approach have significantly greater weight loss in post‐partum women.
Intra‐articular Adjuvant Analgesics following Knee Arthroscopy: Comparison between Single and Double Dose Dexmedetomidine and Ropivacaine A Multicenter Prospective Double‐blind Trial
Authors: Panigrahi Ranajit , Roy Ritesh , Mahapatra Amita Kumari , Prasad Anju , Priyadarshi Ashok , Palo Nishit 
Published: August 2015

ObjectiveKnee arthroscopy is a commonly performed orthopedic procedure. Post‐operatively, adequate pain relief reduces the surgical stress response and patient's morbidity and facilitates rehabilitation. The analgesic effect of dexmedetomidine (2 μg/kg body weight) as an adjunct to ropivacaine in knee arthroscopic knee procedures was studied to determine whether this would achieve longer post‐operative analgesia and whether the study dosage of dexmedetomidine was safe and free of adverse effects.Patients and MethodsIn a multicenter prospective double blind trial of sixty patients undergoing knee arthroscopic procedures, patients were randomly assigned to three groups: Group R, receiving intra‐articular ropivacaine (20 mL); Group D1 (18 mL ropivacaine, dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg body weight); and Group D2 (18 mL ropivacaine, dexmedetomidine 2 μg/kg).ResultsGroup D2 had significantly lower pain scores for the first 12 postoperative hours than Group D1 and Group R. Time to first analgesic requirement was longest in Group D2 (757.30 ± 207.68 min), followed by Group D1 (433.2 ± 54.3 min) and Group R (311.80 ± 61.56 min); these differences were significant (P < 0.05). Total analgesic requirement was significantly lower in Group D2 (82.50 ± 48.05 mg; P < 0.05). Intensity of pain was significantly less in Group D2 in the third (P < 0.01) and sixth hours (P < 0.05).ConclusionIntra‐articular dexmedetomidine (2 μg/kg) has superior analgesic efficacy, delayed the first postoperative requirement for analgesia and decreasing the need for postoperative analgesics with no major adverse effects.
Patient Outcomes and Spinal Cord Stimulation: A Retrospective Case Series Evaluating Patient Satisfaction, Pain Scores, and Opioid Requirements
Authors: Sanders Rebecca A. , Moeschler Susan M. , Gazelka Halena M. , Lamer Tim J. , Wang Zhen , Qu Wenchun , Hoelzer Bryan C. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIntroductionSpinal cord stimulators (SCS) are used to treat various chronic pain states. Establishing patient outcomes in terms of pain control, opioid medication use, and overall satisfaction is vital in maintaining SCS's role in clinical practice.MethodsAll patients who underwent SCS implantation between January 2001 and December 2011 at a tertiary academic pain medicine center were included if he or she underwent permanent cervical or thoracolumbar dorsal column SCS implantation and age was 18 or greater. For the 199 patients who met inclusion criteria, data were collected retrospectively. Preimplant information included indication for implantation, Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score, and dose in oral morphine equivalents (OME). Postimplant NRS score was recorded at 6 months and 1 year. OME requirement and patient satisfaction were determined at 1 year postimplantation.ResultsThis data set showed an overall decrease in OME requirements and NRS scores at both 6 months and 1 year. These differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01) compared to preimplantation values. Additionally, 84.27% of patients were satisfied with their implants at 1 year. Patient outcomes were analyzed further in respect to implant indication; groups included failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), angina, and other. For all groups, there were statistically significant (P < 0.01) decreases in NRS scores at 6 months and 1 year. In the FBSS and CRPS groups, statistically significant (P < 0.02) decreases in OME usage existed.ConclusionRetrospective review of patients with spinal cord stimulators revealed OME reduction at 1 year for those patients in the FBSS and CRPS groups; patient satisfaction at 1 year and NRS score reduction at 6 months and 1 year were statistically significant for all groups.
Feasibility of Contralateral Oblique Fluoroscopy‐guided Cervical Interlaminar Steroid Injections
Authors: Park Chan Hong , Lee Sang Ho 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundCervical epidural steroid injection (CESI), given in conjunction with local anesthetics, is a common remedy for cervical radicular pain and is generally performed under c‐arm fluoroscopic guidance, computed tomography (CT), or ultrasound. Interlaminar procedures, such as CESI, typically rely on anteroposterior and lateral (APL) views during needle placement. However, lateral views may be obscured by body habitus in certain individuals. Swimmer's view or contralateral oblique (CLO) view may be used to avoid this.ObjectiveOur intent was to assess technical success and procedural risk in patients subjected to image‐guided CESI procedures with CLO c‐arm fluoroscopy.MethodsA total of 186 of patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups undergoing image‐guided CESI via (1) CT, (2) c‐arm fluoroscopy CLO, and (3) c‐arm fluoroscopy APL. Complication rates and technical success were assessed, basing the latter on image reviews to confirm the presence of epidural contrast.ResultsAll image‐guided CESI procedures utilizing CT and CLO fluoroscopy proved technically successful. In the CT group, epidural needle tip and contrast dispersion were clearly visible at all levels of study. In the CLO subset, needle tip visibility was unclear in isolated instances at levels C6‐7 and C7‐T1 (1 patient each level). In APL procedures, needle tip was regularly obscured by shoulder anatomy at levels C6‐7 (26 of 41 patients) and C7‐T1 (15 of 16 patients), and contrast dispersion was often uncertain.ConclusionCLO fluoroscopy‐guided CESI is feasible and safe, comparing favorably with CT‐guided CESI.
NGF/TrkA Signaling as a Therapeutic Target for Pain
Authors: Hirose Munetaka , Kuroda Yoshihiro , Murata Eri 
Published: August 2015

AbstractNerve growth factor (NGF) was first discovered approximately 60 years ago by Rita Levi‐Montalcini as a protein that induces the growth of nerves. It is now known that NGF is also associated with Alzheimer's disease and intractable pain, and hence, it, along with its high‐affinity receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) A, is considered to be 1 of the new targets for therapies being developed to treat these diseases. Anti‐NGF antibody and TrkA inhibitors are known drugs that suppress NGF/TrkA signaling, and many drugs of these classes have been developed thus far. Interestingly, local anesthetics also possess TrkA inhibitory effects. This manuscript describes the development of an analgesic that suppresses NGF/TrkA signaling, which is anticipated to be 1 of the new methods to treat intractable pain.
Early Diagnosis of Diabetes through the Eye
Authors: Karumanchi Devi Kalyan , Gaillard Elizabeth R. , Dillon James 
Published: August 2015

AbstractDiabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels which give rise to complications in the eye, kidneys and the brain. Diabetes triggers the development of ocular diseases like diabetic retinopathy and cataracts which are the leading cause of blindness around the world. The most common method for the diagnosis of diabetes involves measuring the blood sugar levels in the body. One major disadvantage of this method is the fluctuating blood sugar levels which contribute to false negative results. This leads to delay in treatment, eventually causing permanent damage to the organs. Therefore, diagnosis of diabetes at an early stage is very crucial. One biomarker for diabetes related diseases is the formation of Advanced Glycation End‐products (AGEs) that result from the Maillard reaction of proteins with glucose. α‐crystallin in the ocular lens is a small heat shock protein with no protein turnover and hence acts as a record for post‐translational modifications especially glycation which forms AGEs. We have used steady state and time resolved fluorescence measurements to study the spectroscopic changes in α‐crystallin with increase in time of glycation and the intact lenses from diabetic and nondiabetic donors. Overall, this study was focused on developing a noninvasive diagnostic tool for early detection of diabetes mellitus.