bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fibromyalgia incidence among patients with hepatitis B infection
Authors: Yazmalar Levent , Deveci Özcan , Batmaz İbrahim , İpek Davut , Çelepkolu Tahsin , Alpaycı Mahmut , Hattapoğlu Erkam , Akdeniz Dicle , Sarıyıldız Mustafa A. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimThe purpose of our investigation was to evaluate the incidence of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and identify FMS‐related clinical symptoms in hepatitis B virus (HBV) patients.MethodsOne hundred and eighteen HBV surface antigen (HbsAg)‐positive patients (40 with chronic active hepatitis B, 40 hepatitis B carriers and 38, all of whom had been antiretroviral‐treated for at least 3 months) were included in this study. In addition, 60 age‐ and gender‐matched HbsAg‐negative healthy controls were included in the study.ResultsThere was no significant difference in age, gender or body mass index (BMI) between the two groups (P > 0.05). Serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were significantly higher in HBV patients relative to the control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of FMS, widespread body pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, anxiety, morning stiffness, arthralgia was significantly greater among HBV patients relative to the control group. Additionally, the mean tender point counts and the visual analog scale values were significantly higher among the HBV patients (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe results of the present study demonstrate that FMS incidence is greater among HBV patients relative to control subjects. However, there were no differences in FMS incidence among the subgroups of HBV diagnoses.
Central serous chorioretinopathy: what we have learnt so far
Authors: Wong Kah Hie , Lau Kin Pong , Chhablani Jay , Tao Yong , Li Qing , Wong Ian Y. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractCentral serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a common retinal cause of visual loss. The mainstays of management are observation, photodynamic therapy (PDT) and laser procedures. Over the past decade, there has been rapid development in the existing and novel imaging techniques, functional testing and management of CSCR. However, there is no convincing treatment designed for CSCR yet. In recent years, the advances in PDT, with various adjustments in fluence and verteporfin dosage, and the comparisons between different types of PDT for acute and chronic CSCR in recent studies have provided greater insights into the role of PDT in treating CSCR. Novel laser procedures, such as the diode micropulse laser, have shown comparable efficacy to conventional lasers without laser‐induced damage. Antivascular endothelial growth factor, which was originally developed for treating cancers, has emerged to be a potentially effective treatment for CSCR. The potential role of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in treating CSCR has provided greater understanding of the pathogenesis. Based on the relevant studies, mainly from the past decade, we discuss updates to the management of CSCR according to the risk factor modifications, pharmacological interventions, PDT and laser procedures and concluded that PDT is the current best option for CSCR.
Potentiation of Glibenclamide Hypoglycaemia in Mice by MK‐467, a Peripherally Acting Alpha2‐Adrenoceptor Antagonist
Authors: Ruohonen Suvi T. , Ranta‐Panula Ville , Bastman Sanna , Chrusciel Paulina , Scheinin Mika , Streng Tomi 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPharmacological antagonism and genetic depletion of pancreatic α2A‐adrenoceptors increase insulin secretion in mice and enhance the insulinotropic action of glibenclamide, a representative of the sulphonylurea class of insulin secretagogues used in the therapy of type 2 diabetes. Antagonism of α2‐adrenoceptors in the central nervous system (CNS) causes tachycardia and hypertension, making generalized α2‐adrenoceptor blockade unfavourable for clinical use despite its potential to decrease blood glucose levels. The purpose of this study was to test the acute effects of the peripherally acting α2‐adrenoceptor antagonist MK‐467 alone and in combination with glibenclamide in non‐diabetic C57BL/6N mice. Cardiovascular safety was assessed in freely moving mice with radiotelemetry. Dose‐dependent decreases in blood glucose and increases in plasma insulin concentrations were seen with the combination of MK‐467 and glibenclamide; the combinations were much more potent than glibenclamide or MK‐467 alone. Furthermore, MK‐467 had no effect on mean arterial pressure or heart rate in freely moving mice and did not prevent the centrally mediated hypotensive effect of the α2‐adrenoceptor agonist medetomidine. Thus, peripheral blockade of α2‐adrenoceptors does not evoke the same cardiovascular adverse effects as antagonism of CNS α2‐adrenoceptors. The current results indicate that the combined use of small doses of a peripherally acting α2‐adrenoceptor antagonist with a sulphonylurea drug could provide a novel option for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, especially in patients with increased tonic α2‐adrenoceptor‐mediated inhibition of insulin secretion.
An exposure‐weighted score test for genetic associations integrating environmental risk factors
Authors: Han Summer S. , Rosenberg Philip S. , Ghosh Arpita , Landi Maria Teresa , Caporaso Neil E. , Chatterjee Nilanjan 
Published: July 2015

SummaryCurrent methods for detecting genetic associations lack full consideration of the background effects of environmental exposures. Recently proposed methods to account for environmental exposures have focused on logistic regressions with gene–environment interactions. In this report, we developed a test for genetic association, encompassing a broad range of risk models, including linear, logistic and probit, for specifying joint effects of genetic and environmental exposures. We obtained the test statistics by maximizing over a class of score tests, each of which involves modified standard tests of genetic association through a weight function. This weight function reflects the potential heterogeneity of the genetic effects by levels of environmental exposures under a particular model. Simulation studies demonstrate the robust power of these methods for detecting genetic associations under a wide range of scenarios. Applications of these methods are further illustrated using data from genome‐wide association studies of type 2 diabetes with body mass index and of lung cancer risk with smoking.
Double-Observer Line Transect Surveys with Markov-Modulated Poisson Process Models for Animal Availability
Authors: Borchers D. L. , Langrock R. 
Published: July 2015

Summary
We develop maximum likelihood methods for line transect surveys in which animals go undetected at distance zero, either because they are stochastically unavailable while within view or because they are missed when they are available. These incorporate a Markov-modulated Poisson process model for animal availability, allowing more clustered availability events than is possible with Poisson availability models. They include a mark-recapture component arising from the independent-observer survey, leading to more accurate estimation of detection probability given availability. We develop models for situations in which (a) multiple detections of the same individual are possible and (b) some or all of the availability process parameters are estimated from the line transect survey itself, rather than from independent data. We investigate estimator performance by simulation, and compare the multiple-detection estimators with estimators that use only initial detections of individuals, and with a single-observer estimator. Simultaneous estimation of detection function parameters and availability model parameters is shown to be feasible from the line transect survey alone with multiple detections and double-observer data but not with single-observer data. Recording multiple detections of individuals improves estimator precision substantially when estimating the availability model parameters from survey data, and we recommend that these data be gathered. We apply the methods to estimate detection probability from a double-observer survey of North Atlantic minke whales, and find that double-observer data greatly improve estimator precision here too.
The transatlantic productivity gap: Is R&D the main culprit?
Authors: Ortega‐Argilés Raquel , Piva Mariacristina , Vivarelli Marco 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe literature has pointed to different causes to explain the productivity gap between the EU and the US in the last decades. This paper tests the hypothesis that the lower European productivity performance in comparison with the US can be explained not only by a lower level of corporate R&D investment but also by a lower capacity to translate R&D investment into productivity gains. The proposed microeconometric estimates are based on a unique longitudinal database covering the period 1990–2008 and comprising 1,809 US and EU companies for a total of 16,079 observations. Consistent with previous literature, we find robust evidence of a significant impact of R&D on productivity; however, using different estimation techniques, the R&D coefficients for the US firms always turn out to be significantly higher. To see to what extent these transatlantic differences in the R&D/productivity relationship may be related to the different sectoral structures in the US and the EU, we differentiated the analysis by sectors. The result is that bothin manufacturing, services and high‐tech manufacturing sectors US firms are more able to translate their R&D investments into productivity increases.
Synergy Potential of Indole Alkaloids and Its Derivative against Drug‐resistant Escherichia coli
Authors: Dwivedi Gaurav Raj , Gupta Shikha , Maurya Anupam , Tripathi Shubhandra , Sharma Ashok , Darokar Mahendra P. , Srivastava Santosh K. 
Published: July 2015

Antibacterial and synergy potential of naturally occurring indole alkaloids (IA): 10‐methoxy tetrahydroalstonine (1), isoreserpiline (2), 10 and 11 demethoxyreserpiline (3), reserpiline (4), serpentine (5), ajmaline (6), ajmalicine (7), yohimbine (8), and α‐yohimbine (9) was evaluated using microbroth dilution assay. Further, α‐yohimbine (9) was chemically transformed into six semisynthetic derivatives (9A‐9F), and their antibacterial and synergy potential in combination with nalidixic acid (NAL) against E. coli strains CA8000 and DH5α were also evaluated. The IA 1, 2, 4, 5, 9 and the derivative 9F showed eightfold reduction in the MIC of NAL against the DH5α and four‐ to eightfold reduction against CA8000. These alkaloids also reduced MIC of another antibiotic, tetracycline up to 8folds, against the MDREC‐KG4, a multidrug‐resistant clinical isolate of E. coli. Mode of action study of these alkaloids showed efflux pumps inhibitory potential, which was supported by their in silico binding affinity and downregulation of efflux pump genes. These results may be of great help in the development of cost‐effective antibacterial combinations for treating patients infected with multidrug‐resistant Gram‐negative infections.
Effects of light on retinal pigment epithelial cells, neurosensory retinal cells and Müller cells treated with Brilliant Blue G
Authors: Mansoor Saffar , Sharma Ashish , Cáceres‐del‐Carpio Javier , Zacharias Leandro C , Patil A Jayaprakash , Gupta Navin , Limb G Astrid , Kenney M Cristina , Kuppermann Baruch D 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study is to evaluate the safety profile of Brilliant Blue G (BBG) with and without exposure to light (L) on three different retinal cell lines.MethodARPE‐19, R28 and MIO‐M1 cells were treated with BBG: 0.125 mg/mL (0.5x clinical concentration), 0.25 mg/mL (1x) or 0.5 mg/mL (2x) with or without surgical illumination of halogen light exposure for 10 min, 15 min or 30 min. Cells were further cultured after 24 h and then analysed for cell viability, late stages of apoptosis and mitochondrial damage associated with early apoptosis using assays that measure trypan blue dye exclusion, increases in caspase‐3/7 activity or changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), respectively.ResultAll three cell lines that were exposed to BBG in the presence or absence of light exposure for 30 min were found to have cell viability and caspase‐3/7 activity levels similar to the untreated cultures. The mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was decreased significantly at the 2x + L dose and 2x dose in all three retinal cell lines compared to their respective untreated control cells. At the lower doses of BBG, with or without exposure to light, the ΔΨm values were similar to the untreated control cultures.ConclusionExposure to BBG dye concentrations that are used clinically (0.125 mg/mL and 0.25 mg/mL) in the presence up to 30 min of surgically equivalent light intensity is safe for retinal cells.
The Effects of Alveolar Ridge Preservation: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Willenbacher Maximillian , Al‐Nawas Bilal , Berres Manfred , Kämmerer Peer W , Schiegnitz Eik 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this article was to analyze the horizontal, vertical, and histological effects of alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) versus the ones of unassisted socket healing, in the format of an up‐to‐date review and meta‐analysis.Materials and MethodsAn extensive electronic search in the electronic databases of the National Library of Medicine was conducted for articles published up to June 2014 to identify literature presenting data on the topic of ARP. Only randomized controlled trials, controlled clinical trials, and prospective trials were included for meta‐analysis.ResultsAfter screening 903 abstracts from the electronic database, we included 64 studies in qualitative and 18 in quantitative synthesis. Quality assessment characterized a medium risk of bias for the included literature. The meta‐analysis showed a mean difference between test and control groups of approximately 1.31 to 1.54 mm in bucco‐oral bone width and 0.91 to 1.12 mm in bone height. Additionally, the intergroup difference in percentage of vital bone was assessed to be inconclusive across the included studies. Implants could be inserted into the determined position without further augmentation in 90.1% of the experimental sites, while this was the case in only 79.2% of the control sockets.ConclusionsResorption of the alveolar ridge cannot be totally stopped by ARP, while it still can be prevented compared with unassisted healing. No reliable predictions on the histological effects could be made due to limited data. Further on, no recommendation for a specific technique of ARP could be made. In conclusion, there is still need for ongoing research on the topic, even though the lower percentage of implant sites that needed additional augmentation in test sockets seemed to bring a patient benefit.
Short implants compared to implants in vertically augmented bone: a systematic review
Authors: Nisand D. , Picard N. , Rocchietta I. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo assess relevant data comparing short implants or implants associated with vertical ridge augmentation derived from RCT's and CCT's.Material and methodsA PubMed and hand search was performed to identify all RCT's and CCT's published in English language comparing short implants to implants associated with vertical ridge augmentation.ResultsThe initial search resulted in 3387 articles. A total of 17 articles were eligible for full‐text analysis and four were finally included. This review tends to demonstrate similar implant survival rates between implants placed in vertically augmented bone and short implants (95.09% vs. 96.24%, respectively) with a follow‐up ranging from 1 to 5 years. In terms of prosthetic survival rates, there were no differences between the treatments. More surgical complications were reported when using implants placed in vertically augmented bone compared to short implants (56 patients with surgical complications compared to 18 patients, respectively).ConclusionsThis evidence should, however, be interpreted with caution as it is derived from four RCT's with limited sample size (ranging from 15 to 30 per group), limited follow‐up and performed by the same research group.
One‐year swallowing outcomes following transoral laser microsurgery +/− adjuvant therapy versus primary chemoradiotherapy for advanced stage oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: O'Hara J. , Goff D. , Cocks H. , Moor J. , Hartley C. , Muirhead C. , Patterson J. 
Published: July 2015

ObjectivesTo assess the between‐group change in swallowing function from baseline to 12 months following treatment, for patients treated for resectable stage III and IVA oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. To assess the within‐group change in swallowing function between 3 and 12 months following treatment.DesignNon‐randomised cohort study.SettingA single head and neck cancer unit with oncology services held at the nearby regional treatment centre.ParticipantsTwenty‐five patients treated with Transoral Laser Microsurgery +/‐ adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy (Transoral Laser Microsurgery) observed alongside an historic cohort of 33 patients treated with (chemo)radiotherapy.Main Outcome MeasuresThe patient reported MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI), an objective timed Water Swallow Test, and the clinician rated normalcy of diet subsection of the Performance of Swallowing Scale .ResultsBetween baseline and 12 months, patients treated with primary (chemo)radiotherapy demonstrated greater deterioration in swallowing function compared to Transoral Laser Microsurgery for all 3 swallowing measures. Between 3 and 12 months, the only significant change was an improvement in Performance of Swallowing Scale scores in the (chemo)radiotherapy group.ConclusionsThis is the first study to report the results of a complimentary set of swallowing measures for patients treated with Transoral Laser Microsurgery, observed alongside a cohort of (chemo)radiotherapy patients. The preliminary results suggest a benefit in swallowing function for Transoral Laser Microsurgery over (chemo)radiotherapy during the year following treatment.
Are we burying our heads in the sand? Preventing small bowel obstruction from the V‐loc® suture in laparoscopic ventral rectopexy
Authors: Sakata S. , Kabir S. , Petersen D. , Doudle M. , Stevenson A. R. L. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimThere have been increasing reports in the literature highlighting the complication of V‐loc® associated small bowel obstruction in patients after laparoscopic ventral rectopexy.Methods and ResultsUsing clinical and experimental evidence, we demonstrate that bowel obstruction from the V‐loc® following laparoscopic ventral rectopexy will still occur despite the technical recommendations to bury or cut its barbed end flush.ConclusionThe risk of bowel obstruction from the V‐loc® following laparoscopic ventral rectopexy is not negated by burying or cutting its barbed end flush. We have proposed its pathogenesis to refute commonly held assumptions about its prevention.
FLAMSA reduced‐intensity conditioning is equally effective in AML patients with primary induction failure as well as in first or second complete remission
Authors: Holtick Udo , Shimabukuro‐Vornhagen Alexander , Chakupurakal Geothy , Theurich Sebastian , Leitzke Silke , Burst Anke , Hallek Michael , von Bergwelt‐Baildon Michael , Scheid Christof , Chemnitz Jens M. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractReduced‐intensity conditioning regimens have demonstrated lower toxicity but increased relapse rates in the context of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aSCT) for patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). The FLAMSA‐ reduced‐intensity conditioning (RIC) regimen, combining a cytoreductive and a transplant‐conditioning part, has been described to be efficacious in patients with refractory disease. We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 130 patients with AML after aSCT following FLAMSA RIC at our center. The median follow‐up was 37 (10–125) months. The 4‐yr overall and disease‐free survival rates of the whole cohort were 45% and 40%. Cumulative incidence of relapse was 29%, 35%, and 40% at 1, 2, and 4 yr. There were no significant differences regarding overall and disease‐free survival for patients transplanted in CR1, CR2, or primary induction failure (PIF). Patients with refractory disease after salvage therapy had significantly lower disease‐free and overall survival (OS). Disease‐free and OS rates were also significantly decreased in patients with 10% or more BLASTS at transplant. non‐relapse mortality was 15%, 19%, and 20% at 1, 2, and 4 yr and similar in all cohorts. These data underscore the potency of the FLAMSA RIC regimen for patients with AML especially with PIF. The decision for re‐induction therapy prior to aSCT in relapsed patients has to be weighed against the potential toxicity of this approach and might be influenced by the amount of leukemic BLASTS present. Only randomised trials will answer this important question.
The cortical contrast accumulation from brain computed tomography after endovascular treatment predicts symptomatic hemorrhage
Authors: Kim J.‐M. , Park K.‐Y. , Lee W. J. , Byun J. S. , Kim J. K. , Park M.‐S. , Ahn S.‐W. , Shin H.‐W. 
Published: July 2015

Background and purposeThe prognostic value of contrast accumulation from non‐contrast brain computed tomography taken immediately after endovascular reperfusion treatment in acute ischaemic stroke patients to predict symptomatic hemorrhage was studied.MethodsBetween July 2007 and August 2014, acute anterior circulation ischaemic stroke patients who were treated by intra‐arterial thrombolysis or thrombectomy were included. Contrast accumulation was defined as a high attenuation area from non‐contrast brain computed tomography immediately taken after endovascular reperfusion treatment, and patients were categorized into three groups according to the presence and location of contrast: (i) negative, (ii) cortical involvement and (iii) non‐cortical involvement. The rates of symptomatic hemorrhage after 24 h and functional outcome at discharge were compared between patients with and without cortical involvement.ResultsOf 64 patients who were treated by endovascular intervention, contrast accumulation was detected in 56, including 33 patients with cortical involvement and 23 patients without cortical involvement. The cortical involvement pattern was more frequently associated with symptomatic hemorrhage (13 vs. 1 patient, P = 0.003) and with grave outcome at discharge with modified Rankin Scale 5 or 6 (14 vs. 4, P = 0.048) than the non‐cortical involvement group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis including initial collateral status and occlusion site disclosed that cortical involvement pattern independently predicted symptomatic hemorrhage after endovascular treatment (odds ratio 19.0, confidence interval 1.6–227.6, P = 0.020).ConclusionOur study provides evidence that the cortical involvement of contrast accumulation is associated with symptomatic hemorrhage after endovascular reperfusion treatment.