bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neonatal haemostasis and the management of neonatal thrombosis
Authors: Will Andrew 
Published: January 2015

SummaryTwo detailed reviews of the management of neonatal thrombosis were published in 2012; one was an up‐dated version of guidance first issued in 2004 and the other was a comprehensive review. Both of these publications gave very similar advice regarding the practical aspects of the indications, dosage and management of antithrombotic therapy. The authors stated that the evidence supporting most of their recommendations for anti‐thrombotic therapy in neonates remained weak and so the therapy for a neonate with a thrombosis has to be based on an individualized assessment of estimated risk versus potential benefit. The aim of this present review is to give the treating physician an outline of the unique physiology of neonatal coagulation and how this affects the monitoring, dosing and even the choice of therapeutic strategy for the management of thrombosis in the neonate.
The orally active urotensin receptor antagonist, KR36676, attenuates cellular and cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Oh K S , Lee J H , Yi K Y , Lim C J , Lee S , Park C H , Seo H W , Lee B H 
Published: January 2015

Background and PurposeBlockade of the actions of urotensin‐II (U‐II) mediated by the urotensin (UT) receptor should improve cardiac function and prevent cardiac remodelling in cardiovascular disease. Here, we have evaluated the pharmacological properties of the recently identified UT receptor antagonist, 2‐(6,7‐dichloro‐3‐oxo‐2H‐benzo[b][1,4]oxazin‐4(3H)‐yl)‐N‐methyl‐N‐(2‐(pyrrolidin‐1‐yl)‐1‐(4‐(thiophen‐3‐yl)phenyl) ethyl)acetamide (KR36676).Experimental ApproachPharmacological properties of KR36676 were studied in a range of in vitro assays (receptor binding, calcium mobilization, stress fibre formation, cellular hypertrophy) and in vivo animal models such as cardiac hypertrophy induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) or myocardial infarction (MI).Key ResultsKR36676 displayed high binding affinity for the UT receptor (Ki: 0.7 nM), similar to that of U‐II (0.4 nM), and was a potent antagonist at that receptor (IC50: 4.0 nM). U‐II‐induced stress fibre formation and cellular hypertrophy were significantly inhibited with low concentrations of KR36676 (≥0.01 μM). Oral administration of KR36676 (30 mg·kg−1) in a TAC model in mice attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis. Moreover, KR36676 restored cardiac function and myocyte size in rats with MI‐induced cardiac hypertrophy.Conclusions and ImplicationsA highly potent UT receptor antagonist exerted anti‐hypertrophic effects not only in infarcted rat hearts but also in pressure‐overloaded mouse hearts. KR36676 could be a valuable pharmacological tool in elucidating the complicated physiological role of U‐II and UT receptors in cardiac hypertrophy.
Genetic and environmental influence on the association between testosterone, sex hormone‐binding globulin and body composition in Korean men
Authors: Lee Kayoung , Sung Joohon , Song Yun‐Mi 
Published: January 2015

SummaryObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate an association between testosterone, sex hormone‐binding globulin and body composition as well as the influence of genetic and environmental factors on the association.DesignA cross‐sectional study.SettingCommunity‐based study.ParticipantsOne thousand and eighty‐three Korean men including 144 pairs of monozygotic twins.Main Outcome MeasureLevels of serum total testosterone (TT) and sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay, and free testosterone (cFT) was calculated using Vermeulen's method. Detailed body composition was measured using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. We performed linear mixed regression analysis with consideration of familial correlations and covariates.ResultsEach 1‐SD increase in age‐adjusted levels of TT, cFT and SHBG was associated with lower levels of adiposity measures and absolute measures of lean body mass. On the other hand, percentage total lean mass increased with increasing levels of TT, cFT and SHBG (P < 0·05). Bivariate variance‐component analyses revealed that most body composition measures had a significant inverse unique environmental correlation with both TT and SHBG, and a significant genetic correlation with TT. A co‐twin control study in monozygotic twins showed that within‐pair differences in adiposity measures were inversely associated with within‐pair differences in the levels of TT and SHBG, while within‐pair differences in lean mass were inversely associated with within‐pair differences in the levels of TT.ConclusionsThe significant associations of body composition with testosterone and SHBG were influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Further efforts to elucidate related genes and modifiable environmental factors are needed.
Increasing thyroid cancer incidence in Queensland, Australia 1982–2008 – true increase or overdiagnosis?
Authors: Pandeya N. , McLeod D.S. , Balasubramaniam K. , Baade P.D. , Youl P.H. , Bain C.J. , Allison R. , Jordan S.J. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryBackgroundThyroid cancer incidence has been increasing worldwide. Some suggest greater ascertainment of indolent tumours is the only driver, but others suggest there has been a true increase. Increases in Australia appear to have been among the largest in the world, so we investigated incidence trends in the Australian state of Queensland to help understand reasons for the rise.MethodsThyroid cancers diagnoses in Queensland 1982–2008 were ascertained from the Queensland Cancer Registry. We calculated age‐standardized incidence rates (ASR) and used Poisson regression to estimate annual percentage change (APC) in thyroid cancer incidence by socio‐demographic and tumour‐related factors.ResultsThyroid cancer ASR in Queensland increased from 2·2 to 10·6/100 000 between 1982 and 2008 equating to an APC of 5·5% [95% confidence interval (CI) 4·7–6·4] in men and 6·1% (95% CI 5·5–6·6) in women. The rise was evident, and did not significantly differ, across socio‐economic and remoteness‐of‐residence categories. The largest increase seen was in the papillary subtype in women (APC 7·9%, 95% CI 7·3–8·5). Incidence of localized and more advanced‐stage cancers rose over time although the increase was greater for early‐stage cancers.ConclusionThere has been a marked increase in thyroid cancer incidence in Queensland. The increase is evident in men and women across all adult age groups, socio‐economic strata and remoteness‐of‐residence categories as well as in localized and more advanced‐stage cancers. Our results suggest ‘overdiagnosis’ may not entirely explain rising incidence. Contemporary aetiological data and individual‐level information about diagnostic circumstances are required to further understand reasons for rising thyroid cancer incidence.
Management of multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica in pregnancy and childbearing
Authors: Shimizu Yuko 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe age of onset of multiple sclerosis (MS) is between the 20s and 40s, and as this is the fertile age range for women, childbirth and pregnancy among MS patients are issues encountered by medical professionals on a daily basis. To ease the anxieties felt by patients, it is important for medical professionals to have the correct knowledge about pregnancy and childbirth, so they can guide and support women in the process leading up to a safe delivery. Although the activity of MS remains stable during pregnancy, because immunological tolerance of the fetus within the mother's body comes into effect, there is characteristically a high risk of relapse during the puerperal period. Stabilizing the disease activity before pregnancy helps to reduce the risk of relapse after childbirth; it is essential to start patients with high disease activity on treatment with a disease‐modifying therapy, such as interferon‐β before pregnancy to maintain remission. A disease‐modifying therapy that has little effect on the fetus is desirable for this purpose. For childbirth and pregnancy among patients with neuromyelitis optica, although the relapse rate does decrease during pregnancy, this decrease is not as pronounced as that seen in the third trimester in MS, and the relapse rate 3–6 months after childbirth tends to be higher than that for MS. Greater care is required to prevent relapse during pregnancy and after childbirth in neuromyelitis optica than in MS.
Optimization‐Based Gradient Mesh Colour Transfer
Authors: Xiao Yi , Wan Liang , Leung Chi Sing , Lai Yu‐Kun , Wong Tien‐Tsin 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIn vector graphics, gradient meshes represent an image object by one or more regularly connected grids. Every grid point has attributes as the position, colour and gradients of these quantities specified. Editing the attributes of an existing gradient mesh (such as the colour gradients) is not only non‐intuitive but also time‐consuming. To facilitate user‐friendly colour editing, we develop an optimization‐based colour transfer method for gradient meshes. The key idea is built on the fact that we can approximate a colour transfer operation on gradient meshes with a linear transfer function. In this paper, we formulate the approximation as an optimization problem, which aims to minimize the colour distribution of the example image and the transferred gradient mesh. By adding proper constraints, i.e. image gradients, to the optimization problem, the details of the gradient meshes can be better preserved. With the linear transfer function, we are able to edit the colours and colour gradients of the mesh points automatically, while preserving the structure of the gradient mesh. The experimental results show that our method can generate pleasing recoloured gradient meshes.
Flexible guided self‐determination intervention for younger adults with poorly controlled Type 1 diabetes, decreased HbA1c and psychosocial distress in women but not in men: a real‐life RCT
Authors: Zoffmann V. , Vistisen D. , Due‐Christensen M. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimTo report results from an 18–month randomized controlled trial (RCT) testing the effectiveness of a flexible guided self‐determination (GSD) intervention on glycaemic control and psychosocial distress in younger adults with poorly controlled Type 1 diabetes.MethodsBetween January 2010 and February 2012, we randomly allocated two hundred 18–35‐year‐olds [mean age 25.7 (5.1) years, 50% men] with Type 1 diabetes for ≥ 1 year [mean duration 13.7 (6.8) years] and HbA1c ≥ 64 mmol/mol (8.0%) to either an immediate GSD (intervention; n = 134) or 18‐months delayed GSD group (control; n = 66). Group‐based or individual GSD sessions were offered, drawing on reflection sheets and advanced professional communication. The primary outcome was HbA1c (measured at baseline and every three months thereafter) and among secondary outcomes was psychosocial distress (self‐reported at baseline and after nine and 18 months). Intention‐to‐treat analyses included linear regression and repeated measurement analyses.ResultsA borderline significant decrease in HbA1c in the intervention group compared with the control group ( – 4 vs – 1 mmol/mol or – 0.4% vs – 0.1%; P = 0.073) was driven by a significantly greater reduction in the GSD women ( – 5 vs + 1 mmol/mol or – 0.5% vs + 0.1%; P = 0.017); parallel decreases were observed in the GSD and control men ( – 3 mmol/mol or – 0.3%; P = 0.955). Significantly greater reduction in the GSD group's psychosocial distress was again driven by differences between the GSD and the control women. The men's improvements were not connected with the intervention.ConclusionsThe flexible GSD intervention benefitted younger adult women by significantly improving glycaemic control and decreasing diabetes related distress. No effect was seen among men.
Impulse control disorders in Parkinson's disease: don't set your mind at rest by self‐assessments
Authors: Baumann‐Vogel H. , Valko P. O. , Eisele G. , Baumann C. R. 
Published: January 2015

Background and purposeImpulse control disorders (ICDs) and related conditions in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients are frequent, disabling and sometimes devastating neuropsychiatric behaviors. Current knowledge on the prevalence of ICDs in PD is mainly based on assessments with questionnaires or patient interviews. This study was designed to evaluate the reliability of self‐assessed ICDs and related conditions in PD by exploring the agreement between self‐assessment of ICDs and related conditions in PD patients on the one hand and the estimation of their caregivers on the other hand.MethodsAfter a short validation study of a novel ICD screening questionnaire, a cross‐sectional study in 150 PD patients was performed. All patients filled out the self‐assessment version of a screening questionnaire for ICDs, and caregivers completed an adapted version (n = 64).ResultsWhen comparing self‐assessments of PD patients and ratings by their caregivers, significant differences with regard to the estimated prevalence of hypersexuality (55% vs. 17%), dopamine dysregulation syndrome (31% vs. 3%) and punding (22% vs. 9%) were found.ConclusionsPatients underestimate the presence and severity of some ICDs and related conditions, which shows how important assessments with caregivers are. After all, ICDs are probably much more frequent in PD than previously reported.
The angle contrast ultrasound technique in the flexed limb improves assessment of proximal suspensory ligament injuries in the equine pelvic limb
Authors: Denoix J.‐M. , Bertoni L. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryDiagnosis of proximal suspensory ligament (PSL, third interosseous muscle) injuries in equine hindlimbs can be challenging because of the complex anatomy of the proximal metatarsal region. Ultrasonographic examination of the PSL using the angle contrast ultrasound technique in the flexed limb facilitates assessment of PSL desmopathies and enthesopathies, with subjectively improved sensitivity compared with the standard approach. The main limitation of ultrasonography is identification of deep osseous injuries, but combined with other imaging procedures, ultrasonography provides valuable diagnostic information of the injured structures. Ultrasonography also helps to specify the stage of a lesion. The repair process can be monitored, helping the clinician to adapt the rehabilitation programme and establish a prognosis for the horse to return to its previous level.
Retrospective study on the effect of wither fracture on racing performance in Thoroughbred racehorses in Hong Kong (2003 to 2013)
Authors: Graham R. J. T. Y. , Riggs C. M. , Rosanowski S. M. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThe training programme for Thoroughbred flat racehorses is intense, with pressure to limit nontraining days. Fracture of the dorsal spinous processes is a traumatic event that affects a horse's ability to train and race, with little information available regarding short‐term treatment and long‐term outcomes for elite racing horses. Using a retrospective cohort study of the Hong Kong Jockey Club's veterinary clinical records, cases of wither fracture were identified radiographically, with clinical features, treatment and subsequent return to training and racing described. The prevalence of wither fracture was 0.152% and in 6 out of 8 cases, the fracture occurred following identified trauma. Clinical signs varied from mild swelling and pain of the affected region to acute, severe forelimb lameness with spinal deformation. Prognosis for recovery was excellent, with all horses returning to a level of racing performance equal to or better than before the injury. The time from injury to return to ridden work was <2.5 months and return to racing was 9 months, with horses that returned to training sooner after injury having more favourable outcomes. The period of rest identified in this study was shorter than previously reported, with the median interval between injury and first gallop <2.5 months and most horses back racing within 6 months.
Structural and biochemical characterization of VIM‐26 shows that Leu224 has implications for the substrate specificity of VIM metallo‐β‐lactamases
Authors: Leiros Hanna‐Kirsti S. , Edvardsen Kine Susann Waade , Bjerga Gro Elin Kjæreng , Samuelsen Ørjan 
Published: January 2015

During the last decades antimicrobial resistance has become a global health problem. Metallo‐β‐lactamases (MBLs) which are broad‐spectrum β‐lactamases that inactivate virtually all β‐lactams including carbapenems, are contributing to this health problem. In this study a novel MBL variant, termed VIM‐26, identified in a Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate was studied. VIM‐26 belongs to the Verona integron‐encoded metallo‐β‐lactamase (VIM) family of MBLs and is a His224Leu variant of the well‐characterized VIM‐1 variant. In this study, we report the kinetic parameters, minimum inhibitory concentrations and crystal structures of a recombinant VIM‐26 protein, and compare them to previously published data on VIM‐1, VIM‐2 and VIM‐7. The kinetic parameters and minimum inhibitory concentration determinations show that VIM‐26, like VIM‐7, has higher penicillinase activity but lower cephalosporinase activity than VIM‐1 and VIM‐2. The four determined VIM‐26 crystal structures revealed mono‐ and di‐zinc forms, where the Zn1 ion has distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry with an additional water molecule (W2) at a distance of 2.6–3.7 Å, which could be important during catalysis. The R2 drug binding site in VIM‐26 is more open compared to VIM‐2 and VIM‐7 and neutrally charged due to Leu224 and Ser228. Thus, the VIM‐26 drug binding properties are different from the VIM‐2 (Tyr224/Arg228) and VIM‐7 (His224/Arg228) structures, indicating a role of these residues in the substrate specificity.
Preliminary study to predict the spatial distribution of dung from beef cattle in a slope‐grazed pasture
Authors: Yoshitoshi Rena , Watanabe Nariyasu , Yasuda Taisuke , Kawamura Kensuke , Sakanoue Seiichi , Lim Jihyun , Lee Hyo‐Jin 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThis study aimed to predict the spatial distribution of cattle dung based on Bayesian estimation with a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) and an intrinsic conditional autoregressive (CAR) model using herbage green biomass (GBM) and distance from a water trough (Dw) in a rectangular slope‐grazed pasture (0.85 ha) in Hokkaido, Japan. After a 4‐day grazing trial (June 14–18, 2010) with 20 Japanese Black cattle, we set 10 × 10 m grid cells (total of 85 cells) in the paddock and counted the number of dung deposits (Nd) in each cell. The 95% posterior probability intervals indicated that a greater Nd was distributed in areas with a higher GBM and those located closer to the water trough. Lower value of deviance information criterion (DIC) was obtained in CAR model (DIC = 291.5) than in GLMM (DIC = 502.6) to be suggested as a better model.
Determining spatial heterogeneity in species richness of plant community
Authors: Chen Jun , Shiyomi Masae , Wei Zhicheng 
Published: January 2015

AbstractSpecies richness (number of species) per small quadrat is an important characteristic of plant communities that, along with cover and biomass, can be readily measured in field surveys. We show that variance in the number of species among quadrats can be used to determine the spatial heterogeneity of plant communities. Comparisons between variance estimated based on the observed number of species among quadrats, and variance calculated based on an assumption that all species are arranged randomly among quadrats, can describe the spatial structure of species richness. We show field examples with different degrees of spatial heterogeneity in species richness to demonstrate how to survey, analyze and interpret: three natural grasslands with low heterogeneity in China, and a weedy grassland community with high heterogeneity in Japan.
Hepatitis B virus infection in hemodialysis patients in Japan: Prevalence, incidence and occult hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Katayama Keiko , Sato Tomoki , Do Son Huy , Yamada Hiroko , Tabuchi Ayako , Komiya Yutaka , Matsuo Junko , Nakashima Ayumu , Ohisa Masayuki , Akita Tomoyuki , Yorioka Noriaki , Miyakawa Yuzo , Yoshizawa Hiroshi , Tanaka Junko 
Published: January 2015

AimA survey of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in hemodialysis (HD) patients was conducted to determine the burden and risk of infection and to suggest preventive measures against HBV infection among HD patients at nine hospitals in Hiroshima, Japan, from 1999 to 2003.MethodsHBV markers were investigated for 1860 HD patients. The prevalence, incidence of HBV and prevalence of occult HBV were calculated.ResultsThe prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was 2.6%, the positive rate of anti‐hepatitis B core (HBc) was 20.6% and that of anti‐hepatitis B surface (HBs) was 11.7%. Among 1372 patients who started HD after the approval of erythropoietin in Japan in 1991, the prevalence of HBsAg was 2.1%. The incidence rate of HBsAg positivity was 0/1000 person‐years and the incidence of anti‐HBc was 0.3/1000 person‐years. Among 1812 HBsAg negative patients HBV DNA was detected in two: one case was negative for anti‐HBc and anti‐HBs, and the other was only positive for anti‐HBc. Prevalence of occult HBV was 0.11%.ConclusionThe incidence rate of HBV was much lower than that of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the same cohort. We supposed that the discrepancy between incidence rate of HBV and that of HCV was caused by the difference of their carrier rates and of their characteristics for persistent infection. So, we concluded that it is prerequisite to grasp the burden of HBV carriers in the group to prevent new HBV infections in HD patients.
Sperm protein 17 and AKAP‐associated sperm protein cancer/testis antigens are expressed in ciliated hepatic foregut cysts
Authors: Grizzi Fabio , Franceschini Barbara , Di Biccari Sonia , Musardo Stefano , Pedretti Elisa , Chiriva‐Internati Maurizio , Osipov Vladimir , Fernández‐Aceñero Maria J 
Published: January 2015

AimsCiliated hepatic foregut cysts (CHFCs) are retained benign lesions of the liver. However, a case of squamous cell metaplasia and five cases of squamous cell carcinoma arising from a CHFC have been described. The potential of malignant transformation makes the identification of new biomarkers necessary. As the cancer/testis antigen sperm protein 17 (Sp17) has been detected in oral and oesophageal squamous cell carcinomas, the aim of this study was to investigate the expression of Sp17 and AKAP‐associated sperm protein (ASP), which has a shared N‐terminal sequence with Sp17, in four surgically resected CHFCs.Methods and resultsCHFC specimens were taken from two patients who attended the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA and two patients who attended the Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain. CHFCs were found to be immunopositive for Sp17 and ASP. Both proteins were localized to the cytoplasm of ciliated cells lining the cysts, and their cilia. Confocal microscopy demonstrated that Sp17 and ASP overlapped in the same region of the cell.ConclusionSp17 and ASP cancer/testis antigens were found in ciliated cells of four CHFCs. Further characterization of Sp17 and ASP in patients with CHFCs may provide significant clues for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying their predisposition to develop squamous cell carcinomas.