bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends in Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Children Within the United States, 2000–2009
Authors: Pant Chaitanya , Sferra Thomas J. , Barth Bradley A. , Deshpande Abhishek , Minocha Anil , Qureshi Waqar A. , Olyaee Mojtaba , Anderson Michael P. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTWe investigated the volume of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCPs) performed in hospitalized children in the United States using a nationwide healthcare administrative database for the years 2000 to 2009. A total of 22,153 cases of ERCP were identified: 6372 diagnostic and 17,314 therapeutic (1533 cases were recorded as undergoing both types during a single hospitalization). The number of ERCPs increased from 5337 to 6733 per year; diagnostic ERCPs decreased 43% and therapeutic increased 69% (significant decreasing trends for diagnostic and increasing for therapeutic ERCPs, P < 0.001 for each analysis). Our results define a recent increase in the use of therapeutic ERCPs in hospitalized children.
Association and prediction of amniotic fluid measurements for adverse pregnancy outcome: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Morris RK , Meller CH , Tamblyn J , Malin GM , Riley RD , Kilby MD , Robson SC , Khan KS 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundMeasurements of amniotic fluid volume are used for pregnancy surveillance despite a lack of evidence for their predictive ability.ObjectiveTo evaluate the association and predictive value of ultrasound measurements of amniotic fluid volume for adverse pregnancy outcome.Search strategyElectronic databases (inception to October 2011), reference lists, hand searching of journals, contact with experts.Selection criteriaStudies comparing measurements of amniotic fluid volume with adverse outcome, excluding pre‐labour ruptured membranes or congenital/structural anomalies.Data collectionData on study characteristics, design, quality. Random effects meta‐analysis to estimate summary odds ratios (prognostic association) and summary sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios (predictive ability).Main resultsForty‐three studies (244 493 fetuses) were included demonstrating a strong association between oligohydramnios (varying definitions) and birthweight <10th centile (summary odds ratio [OR] 6.31, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 4.15–9.58; high‐risk population [author definition] n = 6 studies, 28 510 fetuses), and mortality (neonatal death any population summary OR 8.72, 95% CI 2.43–31.26; n = 6 studies, 55 735 fetuses; and perinatal mortality high‐risk population summary OR 11.54, 95% CI 4.05–32.9; n = 2 studies, 27 891 fetuses). There was a strong association between polyhydramnios (maximum pool depth >8 cm or amniotic fluid index ≥25 cm) and birthweight >90th centile (OR 11.41, 95% CI 7.09–18.36; n = 1 study, 3960 fetuses). Despite strong associations, predictive accuracy for perinatal outcome was poor.Author's conclusionCurrent evidence suggests that oligohydramnios is strongly associated with being small for gestational age and mortality, and polyhydramnios with birthweight >90th centile. Despite strong associations with poor outcome, they do not accurately predict outcome risk for individuals.
Longer anogenital distance is associated with higher testosterone levels in women: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Mira‐Escolano MP , Mendiola J , Mínguez‐Alarcón L , Melgarejo M , Cutillas‐Tolín A , Roca M , López‐Espín JJ , Noguera‐Velasco JA , Torres‐Cantero AM 
Published: February 2014

ObjectiveAnimal models have suggested that anogenital distance (AGD) at birth reflects androgen levels during in utero development and predicts adult AGD. A recent study showed an association between perineal length and androgen levels in men, suggesting that serum testosterone levels in adulthood will depend on factors involved during the fetal period. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between AGD measures and reproductive hormone levels in women.DesignCross‐sectional study conducted between February and November 2011.SettingUniversity‐affiliated fertility clinics.Population100 young college students.MethodsPhysical and gynaecological examinations were conducted on university students. All participants provided a blood sample for determination of reproductive hormones and completed an epidemiological questionnaire on lifestyles and gynaecological history. We used multiple linear regression analysis to examine the associations between perineal length measurements [anus‐fourchette (AGDAF) and anus‐clitoris (AGDAC)] and reproductive hormone levels.Main outcome measuresAnogenital distance measurements and reproductive hormone levels.ResultsIn the multiple linear regression analyses, AGDAF was positively associated with serum testosterone levels. Serum testosterone increased 0.06 ng/ml (95%CI 0.01, 0.10; P = 0.02) for each 1‐cm increase in AGDAF. None of the measurements was associated with other reproductive hormones.ConclusionsAnogenital distance may predict normal reproductive development in women, and may be a new tool of potential clinical interest to evaluate ovarian function. Our results suggest that serum testosterone levels in adulthood may depend on factors operating in the prenatal period.
Physicochemical and Thermal Properties of Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. Great Northern Bean Starch
Authors: Wang Hui , Ratnayake Wajira S. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe compositions and properties of 5 Great Northern bean cultivars (Beryl‐R, Coyne, Gemini, Marquis, and Orion) were investigated. Starch was isolated from each cultivar by a wet milling process. Isolated, unmodified starches were characterized for granular, molecular, thermal, and rheological properties. Smooth surfaces and essentially similar granule sizes and shapes were observed among all cultivars. Amylose contents were in the range 21.0% to 22.6%. Amylose and amylopectin molecular weights were approximately 105 and 109 Da, respectively. Typical C‐type X‐ray pattern was observed in all cultivars. Significant differences were observed among cultivars in percentage relative crystallinities, which were in the range 18.2% to 23.8%. The relative crystallinity was independent of amylose proportion and molecular weight. The 5 Great Northern bean cultivars differed in their thermal and rheological properties. Coyne and Gemini had low gelatinization enthalpies. In pasting profile analysis, Coyne had the lowest peak and final viscosities. Granule size, polymer proportion, and molecular weights had major influences on gelatinization and pasting properties of Great Northern bean starches.Practical ApplicationGreat Northern bean is one of the major varieties of dry‐edible beans produced worldwide. Starch is the major component in Great Northern beans, which accounts for approximately 40% of its composition. Although most legume starches have been studied in detail, physicochemical and functional properties of Great Northern bean starch are largely unknown. This study investigated the properties and thermal behaviors of 5 Great Northern bean cultivars. The new information reported in this article, on starch properties, would pave ways to find new ingredient and product applications for Great Northern beans in food processing.
Diagnostic validity of comorbid bipolar disorder and obsessive–compulsive disorder: a systematic review
Authors: Amerio A. , Odone A. , Liapis C. C. , Ghaemi S. N. 
Published: February 2014

ObjectiveAt least 50% of bipolar disorder (BD) patients have an additional diagnosis, one of the most difficult to manage being obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). Defining the nosology of BD‐OCD comorbidity has important clinical implications, given that treatments for OCD can worsen BD outcomes.MethodA systematic review was conducted on: i) BD‐OCD comorbidity lifetime prevalence and ii) on standard diagnostic validators: phenomenology, course of illness, heredity, biological markers, and treatment response. Relevant papers published through March 30th 2013 were identified searching the electronic databases MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library.ResultsSixty‐four articles met inclusion criteria. Lifetime comorbidity prevalence was 11–21% in BD patients and 6–10% in OCD patients. Compared to non‐comorbid subjects, BD‐OCD has a more episodic course of OC symptoms (up to 75% vs. 3%), typically with worsening during depression (78%) and improvement during mania/hypomania (64%), as well as a higher total mean number of depressive episodes (8.9 ± 4.2 vs. 4.1 ± 2.7) and perhaps more antidepressant‐induced mania/hypomania (39% vs. 9%).ConclusionIn this first systematic review of BD‐OCD comorbidity, it appears that OC symptoms are usually secondary to BD, rather than representing a separate disease.
Chemerin‐Derived Peptide C‐20 Suppressed Gonadal Steroidogenesis
Authors: Li Lei , Huang Chen , Zhang Xu , Wang Jiangbo , Ma Ping , Liu Yongjun , Xiao Tianxia , Zabel Brian A. , Zhang Jian V. 
Published: February 2014

ProblemChemerin is a novel chemo‐attractant and adipokine involved in leukocyte recruitment, inflammation, adipogenesis, lipid/carbohydrate metabolism, and reproduction. Based on the bioinformatic search for putative small peptides in the conserved region of pre‐pro‐chemerin, an evolutionary conserved region flanked by potential convertase cleavage sites was identified and we named it as C‐20. The binding capacity of C‐20 to chemerin receptors and its potential bioactivities were investigated in this study.Method of studyRadioligand binding assay, receptor internalization assay, and early response gene C‐FOS simulation, cAMP assay were carried out in chemokine‐like receptor 1 (CMKLR1)/HEK293 transfectants and G protein‐coupled receptor 1 (GPR1)/HEK293 transfectants. In vitro transwell chemotaxis assay in CMKLR1/L1.2 transfectants, primary Leydig cell culture, and antral follicle culture was explored to investigate the bioactivity of C‐20.ResultsC‐20 bound to chemerin receptors CMKLR1 and GPR1 with high affinity triggered CMKLR1 internalization and stimulated subsequent signal C‐FOS expression and cAMP production. C‐20, such as chemerin, showed CMKLR1‐dependent chemotactic property. Furthermore, in primary Leydig cells and antral follicles, C‐20 showed similar but less potent suppressive effect on human chorionic gonadotropin‐stimulated testosterone production and progesterone production, compared with chemerin.ConclusionThe novel chemerin‐derived C‐20 peptide binds to chemerin receptors CMKLR1 and GPR1 and showed similar but less potent bioactivity in chemotaxis and the suppression of gonadal steroidogenesis, suggesting that after optimization, C‐20 is possible to be a useful experimental tool for the understanding of the biological functions of chemerin/CMKLR1 and chemerin/GPR1 signaling.
Children with Chronic Renal Disease Undergoing Dialysis or Conservative Treatment–Differences in Structural and Functional Echocardiographic Parameters
Authors: Scavarda Valeska Tavares , Pinheiro Aurélio Carvalho , Costa Symône Damasceno , de Andrade Zélia Maria , Carvalhaes João Tomás de Abreu , Campos Orlando , Carvalho Antonio Carlos , Moises Valdir Ambrosio 
Published: February 2014

Cardiac disease frequently occurs in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing dialysis (DI), but it is not well studied in patients undergoing conservative treatment (CT). The aim of our study was to use echocardiography to analyze and compare the cardiac involvement of children with CKD undergoing DI or CT.MethodsSeventy‐one children with CKD were included; 41 undergoing DI and 30 undergoing CT. There were 33 controls. Measurements of arterial pressure and structural and functional echocardiographic variables were obtained; the children were followed up for 18 months. Tests of comparison and multiple regression were used; significant if P < 0.05.ResultsArterial hypertension (AH) was present in 37 of 71 (52%) children with CKD: 27 (65.8%) in DI and 10 (33.3%) in CT (X2 = 8.7; P = 0.003). An abnormal left ventricular geometric pattern was present in 37/41 (90.3%) undergoing DI, 33 had left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and in 14/30 (46.7%) undergoing CT, 5 had LVH. Ejection fraction was normal in all groups; diastolic function alteration (DFA) occurred in 28/41 (68.3%) children on DI and in 10/30 (33.3%) on CT (X2 = 9.2; P = 0.002). For children with CKD, DI (P = 0.002) and hypertension (P = 0.04) were associated with LVH; among those on DI, only AH was associated with LVH (P = 0.02). During the follow‐up, 18 (43.9%) children undergoing DI had at least one cardiovascular event.ConclusionChildren with CKD undergoing CT had less cardiac involvement than those undergoing DI. LVH was associated with DI and AH in all children with CKD and with AH in those on DI.
Reference Values of the Mitral Annular Peak Systolic Velocity (Sm) in 690 Healthy Pediatric Patients, Calculation of Z‐Score Values, and Comparison to the Mitral Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (MAPSE)
Authors: Koestenberger Martin , Nagel Bert , Ravekes William , Avian Alexander , Cvirn Gerhard , Rehak Thomas , Gamillscheg Andreas 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundThe mitral annular peak systolic velocity (Sm) is an echocardiographic measurement using tissue Doppler imaging to assess longitudinal left ventricular (LV) systolic function in children and adults. We determined growth‐related changes in Sm to establish reference values for the entire pediatric age group.Methods and ResultsA prospective study was conducted in a group of 690 healthy pediatric patients (age: 1 day–18 years). We determined the effects of age, sex, and body surface area (BSA) on the Sm values. Regression analysis was used to estimate Sm from age, BSA, and sex. In addition, a correlation of normal Sm with normal age‐matched values of the M‐mode parameter mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) was measured. The Sm ranged from a mean of 5.8 cm/sec (Z‐score ±2: 3.6–8.0 cm/sec) in the newborn to 11.8 cm/sec (Z‐score ±2: 8.5–15.1 cm/sec) in the 18‐year‐old adolescent. The Sm values showed a positive correlation with age and BSA with a nonlinear course. There was no significant difference in Sm values between females and males. A significant correlation was found between Sm and MAPSE values.ConclusionZ‐scores of Sm values were calculated and percentile charts were established to serve as reference data in patients with congenital heart diseases.
Controlled intramyocardial release of engineered chemokines by biodegradable hydrogels as a treatment approach of myocardial infarction
Authors: Projahn Delia , Simsekyilmaz Sakine , Singh Smriti , Kanzler Isabella , Kramp Birgit K. , Langer Marcella , Burlacu Alexandrina , Bernhagen Jürgen , Klee Doris , Zernecke Alma , Hackeng Tilman M. , Groll Jürgen , Weber Christian , Liehn Elisa A. , Koenen Rory R. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractMyocardial infarction (MI) induces a complex inflammatory immune response, followed by the remodelling of the heart muscle and scar formation. The rapid regeneration of the blood vessel network system by the attraction of hematopoietic stem cells is beneficial for heart function. Despite the important role of chemokines in these processes, their use in clinical practice has so far been limited by their limited availability over a long time‐span in vivo. Here, a method is presented to increase physiological availability of chemokines at the site of injury over a defined time‐span and simultaneously control their release using biodegradable hydrogels. Two different biodegradable hydrogels were implemented, a fast degradable hydrogel (FDH) for delivering Met‐CCL5 over 24 hrs and a slow degradable hydrogel (SDH) for a gradual release of protease‐resistant CXCL12 (S4V) over 4 weeks. We demonstrate that the time‐controlled release using Met‐CCL5‐FDH and CXCL12 (S4V)‐SDH suppressed initial neutrophil infiltration, promoted neovascularization and reduced apoptosis in the infarcted myocardium. Thus, we were able to significantly preserve the cardiac function after MI. This study demonstrates that time‐controlled, biopolymer‐mediated delivery of chemokines represents a novel and feasible strategy to support the endogenous reparatory mechanisms after MI and may compliment cell‐based therapies.
The presence, function and regulation of IL‐17 and Th17 cells in periodontitis
Authors: Cheng Wan‐Chien , Hughes Francis J. , Taams Leonie S. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPeriodontitis (PD) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterised by tissue inflammation and destruction of the associated alveolar bone. It is caused by the colonisation of the bacterial plaque biofilm and the resultant host immune responses in the surrounding periodontal tissues. The pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐17, and IL‐17 producing CD4+ T cells (also called Th17 cells) have been shown to play an important role in many inflammatory diseases. There is increasing evidence of the presence of IL‐17 and Th17 cells in human PD lesions and this may be associated with disease severity. Moreover, several animal studies indicate the potential role of IL‐17 and Th17 cells in gingival inflammation and the resultant bone destruction in PD. Here we review recent findings regarding the presence, function and regulation of IL‐17 and Th17 cells in PD, and we highlight potential areas of future research interest.
Diagnostic accuracy of three biopsy techniques in 117 dogs with intra‐nasal neoplasia
Authors: Harris B. J. , Lourenço B. N. , Dobson J. M. , Herrtage M. E. 
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVESTo determine if nasal biopsies taken at rhinoscopy are more accurate for diagnosing neoplasia than biopsies taken blindly or using advanced imaging for guidance.METHODSA retrospective study of 117 dogs with nasal mass lesions that were divided into three groups according to the method of nasal biopsy collection; advanced imaging‐guided, rhinoscopy‐guided and blind biopsy. Signalment, imaging and rhinoscopic findings, and histopathological diagnosis were compared between groups. The proportion of first attempt biopsies confirming neoplasia were determined for each group.RESULTSThere were no statistically significant differences in the proportion of biopsies that confirmed neoplasia obtained via advanced imaging‐guided, rhinoscopy‐guided or blind biopsy techniques.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEIn dogs with a high index of suspicion of nasal neoplasia, blind biopsy may be as diagnostic as rhinoscopy‐guided biopsy. Repeated biopsies are frequently required for definitive diagnosis.
Deforming God: Why Nothing Really Matters A Lacanian Reading of Thomas Aquinas
Authors: Beattie Tina 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis paper takes its cue from studies that point to the influence of Thomas Aquinas on the psychoanalytical theory of Jacques Lacan and explores key Lacanian themes of language, desire, God/the real, embodiment and gender from the perspective of the Summa Theologiae. To illustrate how a Lacanian perspective opens new interpretative possibilities with regard to the Summa, it focuses on language and desire, on the doctrines of creation ex nihilo and the incarnation, and on Thomas's attempt to incorporate gendered Aristotelian concepts of form and matter into Christian theology. It argues that it is possible to resist Lacan's nihilism, while allowing his psychoanalytical approach to language to bring about a deconstructive reading of Aristotelian philosophy from the perspective of Christian theology. This allows the reconciling paradox of the incarnation to challenge the dualism of form and matter inherent in philosophical cosmologies, to offer a more dynamic understanding of the significance of material creation and its incorporation into God by way of the resurrected body of Christ. A Lacanian approach brings to light hidden and neglected dimensions of Thomas's theology, making possible a postmodern Thomism, which offers a viable theological response to some of the most challenging questions facing theology today, around questions of language, desire, gender and creation.
The Early Aquinas on the Question of Universal Salvation, or How a Knight May Choose Not to Ride His Horse
Authors: Harkins Franklin T. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis article considers how the young Thomas Aquinas treats the question of universal salvation by examining his reading of 1 Timothy 2.4, God wills that all humans should be saved, in two of his early works, the Scriptum on the Sentences of Peter Lombard and the sixth Disputed Question on Truth, both dated to the period 1252–1257. Drawing on John Damascene's distinction between God's antecedent and consequent will, Thomas here teaches that whereas God wills antecedently in a unimodal way that all humans should be saved, He wills consequently in a bimodal way based on foreknown merits. Though foreknown merits are not a cause of predestination itself, they are a cause of glory, one of predestination's temporal effects. On Thomas's account, then, reading 1 Tim 2.4 as a straightforward statement of what God has done eternally—namely, predestine or save every individual human—would undermine the freedom of the human will that is necessary in order to attain to beatitude.
Faith before Hope and Love
Authors: O'Donovan Oliver 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThomas’ Compendium was composed in imitation of Augustine's Enchiridion, and with the intention of correcting features which struck Thomas, as they have struck other readers, as strange. The treatment of faith was the principal focus of Thomas’ discontent. In place of Augustine's wandering history of the engagement of divine goodness with the world, Thomas emphasised the cognitive aspect of faith and its concern with being. The two approaches differ in the extent to which they can allow a distinction of the cognitive from the voluntative in virtue. Augustine's insistence on keeping them together has definite strengths in resisting voluntarism, but Thomas’ emphasis imposes constraints on the moralising reduction of faith to action.
Why Do We Still Need Aquinas?
Authors: Ryan Fáinche 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis paper seeks to demonstrate the enduring importance of the teachings and methodologies of Thomas Aquinas to the theological project. The paper has three parts. The first part emphasises the importance of Aquinas’ clarity in dealing with the question of God, emphasising how God is radically transcendent and yet sovereignly present to, and active in, creation. The second part addresses Thomas Aquinas’ thought on human relatedness to God, especially in the area of prayer. The third part focuses on Aquinas’ account of human flourishing as virtuous living. A no less goal of this paper is to demonstrate that, even if Aquinas had not said anything about a particular issue as perhaps the question we seek to address is of of our time, much is to be gleaned from his precise and clear, analytical and argumentative approach to all questions.
Aquinas and Augustine on Creation and God as “Eternal Being”
Authors: Soskice Janet 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis paper considers the centrality of the doctrine of creation ex nihilo to both Augustine and Aquinas, especially as these pertain to knowing and naming God. It argues that too much has been ceded to Augustine's purported debt to neo-Platonism, and too little to the doctrine of creation as found in the Christian (and Jewish) middle-Platonists. In these thinkers God's self-disclosure from the burning bush was of signal importance, the ‘I AM WHO I AM’ glossed in terms of God's creative and redemptive power. The theme is traced through Augustine and Aquinas before returning the Christology of the Book of Revelation.