bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for children requiring adenotonsillectomy and their impact on postoperative complications: a retrospective analysis of 2000 patients
Authors: Gehrke T. , Scherzad A. , Hagen R. , Hackenberg S.
Published: September 2019

Adenotonsillectomies are commonly performed procedures and sleep‐disordered breathing is becoming increasingly important as an indication for surgery. Because of the higher risks in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea, the required level of postoperative care for these patients is currently under discussion, and better identification of patients at risk may reduce unnecessary postoperative monitoring. To evaluate the influence of obstructive sleep apnoea, and other risk factors, on peri‐operative complications in children requiring adenotonsillectomy, we performed a retrospective case‐control study that included 1995 patients treated between January 2009 and June 2017. In our analysis, young age (OR 3.8, 95%CI 2.1–7.1), low body weight (OR 2.6, 95%CI 1.5–4.4), obstructive sleep apnoea (OR 2.4, 95%CI 1.5–3.8), pre‐existing craniofacial or syndromal disorders (OR 2.3, 95%CI 1.4–3.8) and adenotonsillectomy, compared with adenoidectomy alone, (OR 7.9, 95%CI 4.7–13.1) were identified as risk factors for complications during or after surgery, p < 0.001. All 13 patients suffering from complications more than 3 h postoperatively had obstructive sleep apnoea plus at least one more of these risk factors. Patients at risk of postoperative complications can therefore be identified by several criteria pre‐operatively, and should be monitored postoperatively using pulse oximetry overnight. For all other patients, postoperative observation on a surgical ward without extra monitoring is sufficient. Admission to paediatric intensive care should be reserved for patients suffering serious intra‐operative complications.
Secondary glaucoma and visual outcome after paediatric cataract surgery with primary bag‐in‐the‐lens intraocular lens
Authors: Nyström Alf , Magnusson Gunilla , Zetterberg Madeleine
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To determine predictors of secondary glaucoma and poor visual outcome in children undergoing cataract surgery with bag‐in‐the‐lens (BIL)‐IOL implantation.

Methods

Medical records were retrospectively analysed for children with primary implantation with BIL‐IOL during 2009–2013.

Results

The study included 109 eyes. Median age at surgery was 2.5 years (range 2 weeks–14.1 years), 26.6% being ≤12 weeks of age (= early group). Median follow‐up time was 2.8 years (7 months‐5.8 years). 15 eyes (13.8%) developed glaucoma, 14 (48.3%) in the early group and 1 (1.3%) in the late group (p < 0.001). Within the early group, mean time for surgery differed significantly. Patients developing glaucoma had cataract surgery at 3.5 ± 1.1 weeks (mean ± SD) and the non‐glaucoma patients at 5.7 ± 3.3 weeks (p = 0.024). In the entire cohort, 21 eyes (19.3%) had conditions associated with glaucoma; 57.1% of these developed glaucoma compared to 3.4% without these conditions (p < 0.001). Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) (decimal) of ≥0.5 was seen in 50 eyes (48.5%), median 0.63 in the late group and 0.15 in the early group. Glaucoma eyes in the early group (surgery at 3.5 weeks) achieved 0.56 median (range, 0.4–1.0) logMAR, (0.28 decimal) CDVA, whereas non‐glaucoma eyes (surgery at 5.7 weeks) achieved 0.89 median (range 0.7–1.6) logMAR (0.13 decimal) CDVA; p = 0.016. Glaucoma development in infants between 5 weeks and 2 years of age was 6.7% (n = 2/30).

Conclusions

Comorbidity strongly increases the risk of secondary glaucoma. Surgery during the first month is correlated with better CDVA outcome and glaucoma. After 5 weeks of age, glaucoma rate is low with the BIL‐IOL.
Suivre la carrière des solutions de politique publique : les grands projets d’aréna au Québec
Authors: Mévellec Anne , Bernier André
Published: September 2019

Sommaire

À partir de trois cas québécois, cet article examine la place qu’occupe le grand projet d’aréna dans l’action publique urbaine. Plus précisément, les auteurs interrogent les raisons expliquant le succès de ces projets. D’un point de vue de politique publique, l’entrée analytique par les « solutions » (Zittoun 2013a) plutôt que par les « problèmes » permet de saisir le caractère dynamique de la construction de ces politiques publiques et de montrer la malléabilité de la « solution aréna ». L’analyse utilise le discours public, tiré de sources documentaires, comme point d’entrée pour suivre la carrière de la « solution aréna ».
Organizational change in Canadian public institutions: The implementations of GBA+ in DND/CAF
Authors: Johnstone Rachael , Momani Bessma
Published: September 2019

In 2016, the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) committed to the adoption of a Gender‐Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) toolkit across the forces. This article finds that the organizational culture of DND/CAF has helped them to adapt to this new policy approach, but that learning and transformation are not occurring. Based on DND/CAF documents, published internal DND/CAF studies, participant observation, interviews, surveys, and focus groups with DND/CAF staff, this article suggests that internal efforts to adjust to GBA+ continue to be challenging because of organizational culture.
Kidney injury enhances renal G-CSF expression and modulates granulopoiesis and human neutrophil CD177 in vivo
Authors: Volkmann J , Schmitz J , Nordlohne J , Dong L , Helmke A , Sen P , Immenschuh S , Bernhardt W M , Gwinner W , Bräsen J H , Schmitt R , Haller H , von Vietinghoff S
Published: September 2019

Kidney injury significantly increases overall mortality. Neutrophilic granulocytes (neutrophils) are the most abundant human blood leukocytes. They are characterized by a high turnover rate, chiefly controlled by granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). The role of kidney injury and uremia in regulation of granulopoiesis has not been reported. Kidney transplantation, which inherently causes ischemia–reperfusion injury of the graft, elevated human neutrophil expression of the surface glycoprotein CD177. CD177 is among the most G-CSF-responsive neutrophil genes and reversibly increased on neutrophils of healthy donors who received recombinant G-CSF. In kidney graft recipients, a transient rise in neutrophil CD177 correlated with renal tubular epithelial G-CSF expression. In contrast, CD177 was unaltered in patients with chronic renal impairment and independent of renal replacement therapy. Under controlled conditions of experimental ischemia–reperfusion and unilateral ureteral obstruction injuries in mice, renal G-CSF mRNA and protein expression significantly increased and systemic neutrophilia developed. Human renal tubular epithelial cell G-CSF expression was promoted by hypoxia and proinflammatory cytokine interleukin 17A in vitro. Clinically, recipients of ABO blood group-incompatible kidney grafts developed a larger rise in neutrophil CD177. Their grafts are characterized by complement C4d deposition on the renal endothelium, even in the absence of rejection. Indeed, complement activation, but not hypoxia, induced primary human endothelial cell G-CSF expression. Our data demonstrate that kidney injury induces renal G-CSF expression and modulates granulopoiesis. They delineate differential G-CSF regulation in renal epithelium and endothelium. Altered granulopoiesis may contribute to the systemic impact of kidney injury.
Extraction of reactive dyes from aqueous solutions by halogen‐free ionic liquids
Authors: Castillo‐Cervantes Jazmin Narcedalia , Lijanova Irina Victorovna , Likhanova Natalya Victorovna , Olivares‐Xometl Octavio , Navarrete‐Bolaños Juan , Gómora‐Herrera Diana Rosa
Published: September 2019

Dyes are commonly used in various industries and unfortunately many of them are discharged into water bodies, causing environmental problems. In the current study, three hydrophobic, halogen‐free ionic liquids were synthesised and their capability as extracting agents was evaluated using four reactive dyes (CI Reactive Blue 4, CI Reactive Black 5, CI Reactive Orange 16 and CI Reactive Red 2). The ionic liquids, immiscible with the aqueous phase, could extract the reactive dyes from aqueous solutions, withdrawing the same amount of weight. The effects of pH and temperature on the extraction process were also studied. Trioctylmethyl ammonium ethylenediaminetetraacetate displayed a high extraction efficiency (99%), where only 33 mg of ionic liquids extracted 50 mg of CI Reactive Blue 4. Fourier Transform–infrared spectroscopy was used to screen the interaction between the ionic liquid and CI Reactive Blue 4 during the extraction stage.
Broader impacts in conservation research
Authors: Gould Rachelle K. , Coleman Kimberly J. , Krymkowski Daniel H. , Zafira Iberia , Gibbs‐Plessl Theodora , Doty Anna
Published: September 2019

This article explores the “broader impacts” of research related to biodiversity conservation. We analyze a sample of abstracts of proposals funded by the United States National Science Foundation's (NSF) Biology (BIO) and Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (SBE) directorates. The analysis, based on the NSF conceptualization of broader impacts, identified 21 important types of broader impacts mentioned in the abstracts. Our results show that the vast majority of NSF grant recipients propose a small range of broader impacts, and that predictable differences exist in the types of broader impacts that are more and less common for conservation‐related work in the biological and social sciences. BIO abstracts contained proportionally fewer mentions of equity, case studies, international links, and workshops for conservation practitioners. SBE abstracts contained proportionally fewer mentions of dissemination to local communities, data sharing, websites, and curriculum. We discuss multiple forms of broader impact (e.g., process‐based impacts vs. sharing of results), and then, like the abstracts we analyzed, focus on communication and engagement mechanisms. In order to aid future efforts, we provide examples of unusual and particularly creative approaches that conservation scientists can use to enhance the broader impacts of their work.
One of the many faces of papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Stephen S. Norton , Gochhait Debasis , Ganesh Rajesh Nachiappan , Ravi Soundarya , Siddaraju Neelaiah
Published: September 2019

Columnar cell variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is a rare subtype which is difficult to predict on cytology and is usually identified histologically. Nevertheless this case highlights the features that allowed the diagnosis to be made pre‐operatively.
EXTENDED MEANING AND UNDERSTANDING IN THE HISTORY OF IDEAS
Authors: BLAU ADRIAN
Published: September 2019

Many historians focus primarily on authors' “intended meanings.” Yet all textual interpreters, including historians, need a second kind of meaning. I call this idea “extended meaning,” a new name for an old idea: “P means Q” is the same as “P logically implies Q.” Extended and intended meaning involve different kinds of understanding: even if we grasp exactly what authors meant, we miss something important if we overlook their errors, for example. Crucially, extended and intended meaning are not alternatives: just as some parts of texts cannot be understood without historical analysis, so too some parts of texts cannot be understood without philosophical analysis. Indeed, some historians are adept at using extended meanings to recover intended meanings. But the failure to make this explicit has led many historians to undervalue philosophical analysis. This article thus applies the idea of extended meaning to three practical questions: whether we can deviate from authors' intended meanings, whether we can use anachronisms, and how we can use extended meanings to recover intended meanings. The idea of extended meaning thus strengthens our theoretical foundations and offers valuable practical tools.
HARTOG, KOSELLECK, AND RICOEUR: HISTORICAL ANTHROPOLOGY AND THE CRISIS OF THE PRESENT
Authors: HOLDEN TERENCE
Published: September 2019

I enquire here into whether historical anthropology may serve to orient the critique of modes of temporalization under the conditions specific to what François Hartog designates as the contemporary regime of historicity. To this end, I bring Hartog into conversation with Paul Ricoeur: both arrive at a diagnosis of the crisis of the present on the basis of a parallel interiorization of the metahistorical categories of Reinhart Koselleck. Sharing a common interlocutor, the diagnoses at which they arrive are nevertheless quite different in nature, a result of the way in which these categories are inflected alternatively toward the anthropological perspective of fundamental temporalization and the semantic perspective of articulation at the level of “orders of time.” I suggest that the crisis of the present eludes the grasp of both and, with a view to gaining a more secure critical purchase over this crisis, propose a framework for bringing them into conversation.
PHILOSOPHY OF HISTORY AFTER 1945: A BIBLIOMETRIC STUDY
Authors: BEVERNAGE BERBER , IECKER DE ALMEIDA GISELE , DELANOTE BROOS , FROEYMAN ANTON , HUIJBERS PATTY , VAN DE MIEROOP KENAN
Published: September 2019

Much has been said about what philosophy of history should be. This bibliometric assessment of research in the philosophy of history examines what scholars in this field have actually produced. The study covers a dataset—a subsection of the bibliography of the International Network for Theory of History—of 13,953 books, articles, book chapters, dissertations, and other scholarly publications, encompassing materials written in seven different languages published between 1945 and 2014. This material was classified according to a multilayered system of taxonomy consisting of keywords representative of themes discussed in the field. Separate quantitative analyses were made to elucidate characteristics about the publication outputs in the field in the different language groups. Changes in paradigm, often referred to as “turns” or “trends,” have been mapped in this study, according to a quantitative analysis of the most recurrent keywords within a five‐year interval, which give an indication of the most debated themes in each period. ∗Religion/theology/secularization∗ is the most frequent keyword during the period 1945 to 1969, followed by ∗Marxism/historical‐materialism∗1 from 1970 to 1984, in what can be considered a second period of the field. Although many of the key publications of the linguistic turn were written within this second period, our dataset shows that it is not until the third period (1985–2014) that their writing goes on to influence other authors in the field.
WHERE NEUROSCIENCE GETS THINGS WRONG (AND RIGHT)
Authors: Gorman Jonathan
Published: September 2019

Alex Rosenberg's book How History Gets Things Wrong holds that our attachment to history as a vehicle for understanding has a long evolutionary pedigree and a genetic basis, but this vehicle involves a defective theory of human nature because it involves a defective theory of the brain as shown by neuroscience. Reviewing his arguments, I argue that our attachment (if any) to history as a vehicle of understanding is not an inherited characteristic as evolutionary theory, if relevant, would require, but is developed culturally. I also argue that an evolutionary basis for a cognitive capacity does not undermine its reliability as a vehicle of knowledge or understanding. Moreover, evolutionary theory and neuroscience are separable theories, and neuroscience is misused and misunderstood by Rosenberg.

Rosenberg holds that neuroscience provides a better theory of mind than does the “theory of mind” used by historians (as he understands them), where the latter is assumed by him to involve explaining by reference to beliefs and desires. However, Rosenberg illegitimately adopts what philosophers of mind call “theory‐theory” to characterize historians' assumptions and does not recognize that neuroscience need not be conceived as a rival theory of explanation of action. He wrongly supposes that historical narratives are essentially explanations of individual action. A better use of neuroscience is to learn that “imagining the past” and “imagining the future” use the same brain processes, and just as imagining the future has no causal chain linking the relevant brain states directly to reality, so we have no reason to think that “imagining the past” does. Getting our imaginings correct requires sound historiographical expertise.
Alginate microparticles as carriers for the UV filter 2‐ethylhexyl 4‐methoxycinnamate: Influence on photostability
Authors: Duarte J. , Almeida I.F. , Costa M. , Da Silva E.S. , Faria J.L. , Sousa Lobo J.M. , Costa P.C. , Scalia S.
Published: September 2019

Objective

The organic ultraviolet UVB filter 2‐ethylhexyl 4‐methoxycinnamate (EHMC) was encapsulated in microparticles (MPs) of sodium alginate and co‐loaded with vitamin E (Vit.E) by an extrusion process using an aerodynamically assisted jetting (AAJ) methodology. The aim was to assess the effect of encapsulation concerning UVB filter release from the MPs and its photochemical stability.

Methods

The EHMC photostability was analysed by exposing the samples (both MPs in aqueous dispersion and incorporated in a cream preparation) during 1 h to simulated solar light. For the MPs (empty‐MP, EHMC‐MP and EHMC + Vit.E‐MP), the morphology and size were characterized; while in the case of the encapsulated samples, the amount of EHMC‐loading was determined. The release of EHMC was evaluated by adding EHMC‐MP or EHMC + Vit.E‐MP to 65% ethanol in water under mechanical stirring at 32°C.

Results

All MPs showed a homogeneous size distribution with a median of 90.5 ± 2.5 μm for EHMC‐MP and 70.4 ± 1.14 μm for EHMC + Vit.E‐MP. The encapsulation efficiency was 92.9% and 99.4% for EHMC‐MP and EHMC + Vit.E‐MP, respectively. The observed release from the MPs was lower than the dissolution of the pure UV filter. EHMC‐MP and EHMC + Vit.E‐MP were successfully incorporated into a cream formulation, with no evidence of phase separation or colour modification. Upon simulated light exposure, the photoisomerization/phototransformation of EHMC encapsulated in MPs and Vit.E‐MP decreased as compared to free EHMC, both in aqueous dispersion and as a cream. The conformational ratio of the isomers (Z‐/E‐EHMC) was found to be the lowest in the presence of Vit.E.

Conclusion

This work demonstrates that use of these alginate microparticulate carriers could enhance the effectiveness of sunscreen preparations containing this UVB filter.
Influence of grain quality characteristics and basic processing technologies on the mineral and antinutrient contents of iron and zinc biofortified open‐pollinated variety and hybrid‐type pearl millet
Authors: Gwamba John , Kruger Johanita , Taylor John R.N.
Published: September 2019

The present study aimed at determining whether mineral biofortified pearl millets will continue to maintain significantly higher iron and zinc contents after processing, and the effects of decortication, steeping/fermentation and parboiling on mineral, phytate and total phenolic contents in eight varieties of pearl millets (two biofortified hybrids, Dhanashakti and ICMH 1201, five improved varieties with high iron content and one traditional variety) were also investigated. The hybrids showed higher iron and zinc contents after processing compared to the improved varieties, for example, 17–51% and 10–26% higher iron and zinc contents, respectively, after steeping/fermentation followed by decortication compared to the best varieties. Phytate:mineral ratios also indicated that iron bioavailability was higher in the hybrids after processing, several times above the critical 1:1 ratio. Across all the types, iron content after processing was positively correlated (P ≤ 0.05) with high kernel weight, large kernels, and high fat content, and zinc content was positively correlated with high fat content. These kernel characteristics should aid in the selection of high iron and zinc pearl millet types.
Colour and flavour of potato protein preparations, depending on the antioxidants and coagulants used
Authors: Pęksa Anna , Miedzianka Joanna , Szumny Antoni , Łyczko Jacek , Nemś Agnieszka , Kita Agnieszka
Published: September 2019

The colour and profile of the aromatic compounds of potato juice (PJ) protein preparations were investigated following various process modifications. Several antioxidants (sodium bisulphate, tartaric acid, ascorbic acid), acidulants (tartaric, ascorbic and hydrochloric acids) and chelating agents (chloride, lactate and calcium hydrogen phosphate salts) used for pectin removal during the coagulation of the PJ proteins were evaluated. The combination of sodium bisulphate or ascorbic acid as antioxidants, with calcium chloride or lactate, and ascorbic acid as the protein coagulant, increased the brightness of the protein preparations. Forty‐one aromatic compounds, including aldehydes, alcohols and alkanes, were identified. The total concentration of volatiles ranged 59–105 μg g−1. The ascorbate variant contained the lowest n‐hexanal concentration. Different treatments did not impact significantly on the 2‐methyl‐propanal and 2‐methyl‐butanal concentrations. Interestingly, 2‐pentylfuran production was dramatically reduced (16.48 μg g−1) in the lactic variant in comparison to 40.52 μg g−1 with CaHPO4 addition.
Communal responsibility: a history of health collectives in Australia
Authors: Grant Matthew P. , Philip Jennifer A. M. , Deliens Luc , Komesaroff Paul A.
Published: September 2019

Healthcare encompasses multiple discourses to which health professionals, researchers, patients, carers and lay individuals contribute. Networks of patients and non‐professionals often act collectively to build capacity, enhance access to resources, develop understanding and improve provision of care. This article explores the concept of health collectives and three notable examples that have had an enduring and profound impact in the Australian context.
The IL‐13–OVOL1–FLG axis in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Furue Kazuhisa , Ito Takamichi , Tsuji Gaku , Ulzii Dugarmaa , Vu Yen Hai , Kido‐Nakahara Makiko , Nakahara Takeshi , Furue Masutaka
Published: September 2019

Despite sharing interleukin‐4 receptor α (IL‐4Rα) in their signaling cascades, IL‐4 and IL‐13 have different functions in atopic inflammation. IL‐13 preferentially participates in the peripheral tissues because tissue‐resident group 2 innate lymphoid cells produce IL‐13 but not IL‐4. In contrast, lymph node T follicular helper cells express IL‐4 but not IL‐13 to regulate B‐cell immunity. The dominant microenvironment of IL‐13 is evident in the lesional skin of atopic dermatitis (AD). The IL‐13‐rich local milieu causes barrier dysfunction by down‐regulating the OVOL1–filaggrin (FLG) axis and up‐regulating the periostin–IL‐24 axis. Genome‐wide association studies also point to the crucial involvement of the IL‐13, OVOL1 and FLG genes in the pathogenesis of AD. Biologics targeting IL‐13, such as the anti‐IL‐4Rα antibody dupilumab and the anti‐IL‐13 antibody tralokinumab, successfully improve AD lesions and further highlight the importance of IL‐13 in the pathogenesis of AD.
DIMENSIONS OF ADOLESCENT IN‐PATIENT BEHAVIOUR
Authors: Apter A. , Tyano S. , Wijsenbeek H.
Published: September 2019

140 adolescent in‐patients were rated on a 40‐item, 3‐point behaviour scale. A principal component analysis was made and two major factors emerged which accounted for 44.3 % of the total variance: one factor related to level of functioning and over‐inhibition and the other to aggression.

A graphical representation of the patients with respect to the above factors provided important information as regards prognosis and clinical diagnosis.

As in previous related studies (Klein & Davis (1969)), the validity of clinical diagnostic categories was confirmed and information on the process of making these diagnoses was provided.
Recurrence quantification analysis of complex‐fractionated electrograms differentiates active and passive sites during atrial fibrillation
Authors: Baher Alex , Buck Benjamin , Fanarjian Manuel , Paul Mounsey J. , Gehi Anil , Chung Eugene , Akar Fadi G. , Webber Charles L. , Akar Joseph G. , Hummel James P.
Published: September 2019

Objectives

To differentiate electrograms representing sites of active atrial fibrillation (AF) drivers from passive ones.

Background

Ablation of complex‐fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAEs) is controversial due to difficulty in distinguishing CFAEs representing sites of active AF drivers from passive mechanisms. We hypothesized that active CFAE sites exhibit repetitive wavefront directionality, thereby inscribing an electrogram conformation (Egm‐C) that is more recurrent compared with passive CFAE sites; and that can be differentiated from passive CFAEs using nonlinear recurrence quantification analysis (RQA).

Methods

We developed multiple computer models of active CFAE mechanisms (ie, rotors) and passive CFAE mechanisms (ie, wavebreak, slow conduction, and double potentials). CFAE signals were converted into discrete time‐series representing Egm‐C. The RQA algorithm was used to compare signals derived from active CFAE sites to those from passive CFAEs sites. The RQA algorithm was then applied to human CFAE signals collected during AF ablation (n  =  17 patients).

Results

RQA was performed in silico on simulated bipolar CFAEs within active (n = 45) and passive (n = 60) areas. Recurrence of Egm‐C was significantly higher in active compared with passive CFAE sites (31.8% ± 19.6% vs 0.3% ± 0.5%, respectively, P < .0001) despite no difference in mean cycle length (CL). Similarly, for human AF (n = 39 signals), Egm‐C recurrence was higher in active vs passive CFAE areas despite similar CLs (%recurrence 13.6% ± 15.5% vs 0.1% ± 0.3%, P < .002; mean CL 102.5 ± 14.3 vs 106.6 ± 14.4, P = NS).

Conclusion

Active CFAEs critical to AF maintenance exhibit higher Egm‐C recurrence and can be differentiated from passive bystander CFAE sites using RQA.
Ventricular arrhythmias in the Chagas disease are not random phenomena: Long‐term monitoring in Chagas arrhythmias
Authors: Ferreira Silva Nancy Christiane , Reis Maria do Carmo M. , Póvoa Rui M. dos S. , de Paola Angelo A. V. , Luna Filho Bráulio
Published: September 2019

Background

Variability of ventricular arrhythmias among days in patients with Chagas disease is not detected by 24 hours of Holter monitoring.

Objective

To analyze whether ventricular arrhythmias are a random phenomenon or have a reproducible behavior in patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy.

Method

Holter monitoring was recorded in 16 subjects with a mean age of 52 ± 8 years. They were clinically stable and had ventricular couplets, isolated premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT). The recordings occurred for 7 days. Hurst exponent (HE) evaluated randomness and predictability index (PI) and repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA) assessed reproducibility.

Results

The HE was significantly greater than 0.5 in all 16 patients, which confirms the nonrandomness of arrhythmias in this Chagas sample. The PI for ventricular couplets and isolated PVCs was, on average, 38% and 54%, respectively. ANOVA with repeated measurement showed significant differences in the daily frequency of ventricular couplets (n = 15, P ≤ .05), isolated PVC (n = 12, P ≤ .05), and NSVT (n = 7, P ≤ .05).

Conclusion

Ventricular arrhythmias in Chagas cardiomyopathy are not random. Dissimilarities in arrhythmias frequency make unlikely that 24 hours of Holter recording can capture this variability.
Safety of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in the octogenarian population
Authors: Romero Jorge , Ogunbayo Gbolahan , Elayi Samy C. , Darrat Yousef , Rios Saul A. , Diaz Juan C. , Alviz Isabella , Cerna Luis , Gabr Mohamed , Chernobelsky Elizabeth , Mohanty Sanghamitra , Trivedi Chintan G. , Della Rocca Domenico G. , Natale Andrea , Di Biase Luigi
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Catheter ablation (CA) has been shown to be an effective treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). The complication rates and outcomes among octogenarians remain poorly studied. We aimed to compare trends, morbidity, and mortality associated with CA for AF among octogenarians versus those less than 80 years old.

Methods

Using weighted sampling from the National Inpatient Sample database, we identified patients with a primary diagnosis of AF and a primary procedure of CA (2004‐2013). Our primary outcome was mortality. Secondary outcomes included incidence of major and minor complications.

Results

Among 86,119 patients who underwent CA for AF, 3,482 were 80 years old or older. Complications were significantly more frequent in octogenarians; [16.2% (564 of 3,482) versus 9.8% (8,092 of 82,637), P < 0.001]. Of note, there was no significant difference for the composite of major complications; [3.6% (124 of 3482) in octogenarians versus 2.8% (2286 of 82637), P = 0.20]. The total mortality rate was not significant in a multivariate regression analysis (odds ratio [OR], 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35‐2.64; P = .94). The presence of chronic renal failure (OR, 4.19; 95% CI, 2.75‐6.36; P < 0.001), anemia (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.03‐2.97; P = .04), and chronic pulmonary disease (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.11‐2.62; P = .015) were predictors of major complications in octogenarians.

Conclusion

Catheter ablation for AF in octogenarians does not confer a higher mortality risk than in those less than 80 years old. The procedure is associated with a higher rate of overall complications but there was no difference in terms of major complications or death. The presence of anemia, CKD or pulmonary disease were predictors of major complications in octogenarians.
Comparison of gingiva‐derived and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells for osteogenesis
Authors: Sun Quan , Nakata Hidemi , Yamamoto Maiko , Kasugai Shohei , Kuroda Shinji
Published: September 2019

Presently, bone marrow is considered as a prime source of mesenchymal stem cells; however, there are some drawbacks and limitations. Compared with other mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) sources, gingiva‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) are abundant and easy to obtain through minimally invasive cell isolation techniques. In this study, MSCs derived from gingiva and bone marrow were isolated and cultured from mice. GMSCs were characterized by osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation, and flow cytometry. Compared with bone marrow MSCs (BMSCs), the proliferation capacity was judged by CCK‐8 proliferation assay. Osteogenic differentiation was assessed by ALP staining, ALP assay and Alizarin red staining. RT‐qPCR was performed for ALP, OCN, OSX and Runx2. The results indicated that GMSCs showed higher proliferative capacity than BMSCs. GMSCs turned more positive for ALP and formed a more number of mineralized nodules than BMSCs after osteogenic induction. RT‐qPCR revealed that the expression of ALP, OCN, OSX and Runx2 was significantly increased in the GMSCs compared with that in BMSCs. Moreover, it was found that the number of CD90‐positive cells in GMSCs elevated more than that of BMSCs during osteogenic induction. Taking these results together, it was indicated that GMSCs might be a promising source in the future bone tissue engineering.
Long‐term rearing affects pheromone‐mediated flight behaviour of the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella
Authors: Heydorn Per , Anderbrant Olle , Jonsson Lars J. , Svensson Glenn P.
Published: September 2019

The pest Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) is reared in many research laboratories. In a culture established in 1996, attraction of males to the female‐produced sex pheromone in flight tunnel assays gradually decreased after ≈15 years of rearing. A new culture was established to enable comparison with the old culture regarding traits associated with mate finding. Female calling activity, pheromone titre and male antennal response to pheromone components did not differ between cultures. In contrast, very few males from the old culture reached the pheromone source in flight tunnel assays compared with 61%–81% of males from the other culture. Our results highlight the importance of maintaining viable insect cultures for research purposes and suggest frequent evaluation of traits involved in chemical communication in such cultures to ensure reliable results in experiments.
How are the salmon lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis Krøyer, 1837) in Atlantic salmon farming affected by different control efforts: A case study of an intensive production area with coordinated production cycles and changing delousing practices in 2013–2018
Authors: Jevne Lone Sunniva , Reitan Kjell Inge
Published: September 2019

The aims of the present study were to describe the salmon lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis Krøyer, 1837) situation in an intensive salmon production area in mid‐Norway and to consider implications of changing practices of how salmon lice infestation can be controlled. The results in this study suggest that there are steps that can be carried out to keep salmon lice under control even during years when the temperature facilitates a quick salmon lice development. The present work indicates that the use of cleaner fish can delay the time it takes adult female lice to reach 0.1 per salmon in the beginning of a production cycle. It suggests that the timing of cleaner fish deployment into salmon cages can influence its effectiveness in controlling salmon lice. It also gives caution to letting salmon lice develop unchecked, even at levels far below the current lice limit, because of the difficulties to control salmon lice when the external infection pressure is too high. This study took place during a rapid change in delousing methods, in an area with coordinated salmon production. Despite its exploratory nature, this study offers insights into the salmon lice fluctuations in relation to efforts aimed at controlling it.
Rural‐Urban Differences in Breast Reconstruction Utilization Following Oncologic Resection
Authors: DeCoster Ryan C. , Bautista Jr Robert‐Marlo F. , Burns Jack C. , Dugan Adam J. , Edmunds R. Wesley , Rinker Brian D. , Webster J. Matthew , Vasconez Henry C.
Published: September 2019

Background

Breast reconstruction (BR) is the reconstructive surgical technique that focuses on restoring normal form and function to the breast following oncologic resection. The goal of this study was to determine if BR disparities exist among rural female patients in Kentucky.

Methods

A retrospective (2006‐2015), population‐based cohort study was conducted on breast cancer patients (stages I‐III) treated with mastectomy with or without BR. We used 2013 Beale codes to stratify patients according to geographic status. Chi‐square tests were used to examine the association of BR along the rural‐urban continuum. A multivariate logistic regression model controlling for patient, disease, and treatment factors was used to predict BR. The likelihood of BR was reported in odds ratios (OR) using a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Overall, 10,032 patients met study criteria. Of those, 2,159 (21.5%) underwent BR. The rate of BR among urban, near‐metro, and rural patients was 31.1%, 20.4%, and 13.4%, respectively (P < .001). Multivariate analysis revealed that women from near metro (OR 0.54, CI: 0.47‐0.61; P < .001) and rural areas (OR 0.36, CI: 0.31‐0.41; P < .001) were less likely to undergo BR than women from urban areas.

Conclusion

Although BR benefits are well documented, women from rural Kentucky undergo BR at lower rates and are less likely to receive BR than their urban counterparts. Efforts should seek to promote equitable access to BR for all patients, including those from rural areas.
An Evidence‐Based Model for Disseminating‐Implementing Coordinated Anxiety Learning and Management in Department of Veterans Affairs’ Community‐Based Outpatient Clinics
Authors: Cucciare Michael A. , Marchant Kathy , Lindsay Jan , Craske Michelle G. , Ecker Anthony , Day Stephanie , Hogan Julianna , Henn Jeremy , LeBeau Richard T. , Rabalais Aline , Rose Raphael D. , Qualls Mason , Treanor Michael , Abraham Traci H.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To explore the feasibility and utility of using a workshop, and supervision‐consultation plus external facilitation to disseminate and implement cognitive‐behavioral therapy in Veterans Affairs (VA) community‐based outpatient clinics (CBOCs).

Methods

This study occurred in the context of a randomized controlled trial aimed at comparing 2 methods for implementing Coordinated Anxiety Learning Management (CALM) in VA CBOCs. A 3‐phase (workshop, supervision‐consultation, external facilitation) model was used to support 32 VA CBOC mental health providers in learning and adopting CALM in their clinical practice. Qualitative data describe training activities and the feasibility and utility of each training phase in addressing challenges to adopting CALM.

Findings

All 3 phases of the model were feasible to use with our sample of CBOC mental health providers. Providers reported challenges learning CALM during the workshop and concerns about not having enough training post‐workshop to use CALM in practice. Providers primarily utilized supervision‐consultation to tailor CALM to their practice, including learning how to prioritize a target disorder, “switch” the focus of treatment to a different disorder when comorbidities were present, and modify CALM sessions to fit shorter treatment visits. Providers primarily utilized external facilitation to further tailor CALM to their practice through implementation (eg, concrete help) and support‐oriented help. Key lessons for implementing CALM in CBOCs are presented and discussed.

Conclusions

Findings provide initial evidence for the feasibility and utility of using each component of a facilitation‐enhanced training model to promote CBOC VA providers’ implementation of a computer and manual version of CALM in their practice.
Regional financial market bloc and spillover of the financial crisis: A heterogeneous agents approach
Authors: Chen Zhenxi
Published: September 2019

A discrete‐time model is developed for a market bloc consisting of multiple financial markets. Investors face a discrete choice of adopting heterogeneous trading strategies for each destination market. In maximizing utility, the compositions of investors change with market conditions. Market opening within the market bloc has stabilizing and destabilizing effects. The relatively stable market in isolation exerts a stabilizing force on the market bloc, while itself suffers destabilizing effects from the rest of the market bloc. Markets with large investor population have a large influence on the market bloc. Two mechanisms of the spillover effects of the financial crisis within the market bloc are demonstrated.
Concrete crack detection with handwriting script interferences using faster region‐based convolutional neural network
Authors: Deng Jianghua , Lu Ye , Lee Vincent Cheng‐Siong
Published: September 2019

The current bridge maintenance practice generally involves manual visual inspection, which is highly subjective and unreliable. A technique that can automatically detect defects, for example, surface cracks, is essential so that early warnings can be triggered to prevent disaster due to structural failure. In this study, to permit automatic identification of concrete cracks, an ad‐hoc faster region‐based convolutional neural network (faster R‐CNN) was applied to contaminated real‐world images taken from concrete bridges with complex backgrounds, including handwriting. A dataset of 5,009 cropped images was generated and labeled for two different objects, cracks and handwriting. The proposed network was then trained and tested using the generated image dataset. Four full‐scale images that contained complex disturbance information were used to assess the performance of the trained network. The results of this study demonstrate that faster R‐CNN can automatically locate crack from raw images, even with the presence of handwriting scripts. For comparative study, the proposed network is also compared with You Only Look Once v2 detection technique.
Clinical and subclinical acute kidney injury in multidrug‐resistant septic patients treated with colistimethate sodium: Incidence and clinical outcomes
Authors: Thammathiwat Theerachai , Tiranathanagul Khajohn , Srisawat Nattachai , Susantitaphong Paweena , Praditpornsilpa Kearkiat , Eiam‐Ong Somchai
Published: September 2019

Aim

Colistimethate sodium (CMS) has been postulated as the principal cause of high incidence of clinical acute kidney injury (AKI) in multidrug‐resistance (MDR) septic patients with normal baseline serum creatinine (sCr) who were treated with CMS. This prospective observational study was conducted to examine the incidence and clinical outcomes of clinical and subclinical AKI in MDR septic patients receiving CMS.

Methods

Forty‐two MDR septic patients with normal sCr who required CMS were included. Clinical AKI was diagnosed by increased sCr levels according to the KDIGO2012 criteria while subclinical AKI was identified by elevated levels of urinary neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (uNGAL > 150 ng/mL) or urinary liver‐type fatty‐acid‐binding protein (uL‐FABP > 10.5 ng/mL).

Results

Clinical AKI was noted in 47.6% of patients on day 5 and 38.1% on day 7 after initiating CMS. By using uL‐FABP, subclinical AKI was observed in 45.2% and 54.8% on day 5 and 7, respectively. At baseline prior to CMS treatment, subclinical AKI was already present in 90%. The baseline uL‐FABP was superior to the baseline uNGAL in early prediction of clinical AKI on day 5. The subclinical AKI patients had comparable worse outcomes as clinical AKI patients.

Conclusion

The incidence of subclinical AKI in MDR septic patients before CMS treatment was extremely high. The baseline uL‐FABP provided the best predictive capacity of clinical AKI. The causes of clinical AKI might include the persistence of sepsis process, subclinical AKI and CMS nephrotoxicity. Proper management of subclinical AKI patients before CMS initiation should be concerned to prevent further renal damage and improve patient and renal outcomes.
Street connectivity, physical activity, and childhood obesity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jia Peng , Zou Yuxuan , Wu Zhifeng , Zhang Dong , Wu Tong , Smith Melody , Xiao Qian
Published: September 2019

Street connectivity, as a neighbourhood built environmental factor, may affect individual physical activity (PA) and subsequently weight status. However, these associations remain inconclusive. This study aimed to systematically review the association between street connectivity and childhood obesity. A literature search was conducted in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science for articles published before January 1, 2019. All original studies that investigated the association between street connectivity and weight‐related behaviours or outcomes among children and adolescents were included. Forty‐seven articles were identified, including eight longitudinal and 41 cross‐sectional studies conducted in eight countries. The sample size ranged from 88 to 46 813. Street intersection density (SID), measured by Geographic Information Systems in 36 studies and reported in 13 studies, was the main indicator used to represent street connectivity. Forty‐four studies examined the association between SID and weight‐related behaviours, including overall PA (n = 15), moderate‐to‐vigorous PA (n = 13), active transport (n = 12), dog walking (n = 1), walking (n = 1), sedentary behaviours (n = 2), and TV viewing (n = 1). Fifteen studies focused on the association between SID and weight‐related outcomes. Overall, evidence from this systematic review and meta‐analyses suggested a positive association between street connectivity and PA. However, it was difficult to draw a conclusion on the association between street connectivity and BMI. More longitudinal evidence is needed to confirm the causal association between street connectivity and weight status.
Belowground inter‐ramet water transport capacity in Populus euphratica, a Central Asian desert phreatophyte
Authors: Hoppe J. , Zhang X. , Thomas F. M.
Published: September 2019

Populus euphratica Oliv. is a widespread phreatophytic tree species that forms riparian forests in (hyper‐)arid regions of Central Asia. Its recruitment strongly relies on vegetative propagation from ‘root suckers’ that emerge from underground root spacers. The water transport through the spacers, although decisive for emerging ramets, has only rarely been quantified, but is crucial for the vegetative regeneration of the forests.

In root spacers with different diameters collected from a mature poplar forest in northwest China, we calculated the hydraulic conductivity (kc) from anatomical investigations on the basis of a modified Hagen‐Poiseuille equation and measured it (km) with a perfusion solution in the laboratory. The km values were compared with the water use by young and mature P. euphratica trees determined in previous studies.

We obtained a significant correlation between km and kc (which, however, was higher by at least one order of magnitude). Due to the extensive occurrence of tyloses, particularly in older conduits and thicker spacers, and because the conduit area did not increase with spacer diameter, neither kc nor km increased with an increase in spacer diameter. The water supply through the spacers would be sufficient to meet the water demand even of mature trees.

Our results provide a mechanistic explanation for the observed occurrence of P. euphratica clones across large areas and, provided that they are also valid for stands with larger distances to the water table, for the sustained growth and vegetative reproduction of P. euphratica stands growing at larger distances from the groundwater.
From Statehouse to Courthouse: Legislative Professionalism and High Court Auditing Behavior
Authors: Armaly Miles T.
Published: September 2019

Objectives

The objective of this article is to determine whether the institutional resources available to state legislatures impact the cases that a state's court of last resort chooses to hear. Specifically, does legislative professionalism influence the number of cases the court audits that reference an act of the legislature?

Method

I use time‐series cross‐sectional analysis to examine over 10,000 cases for 44 state courts from 1998 to 2009.

Results

I find that courts of last resort in states low in legislative professionalism tend to hear a greater number of cases that reference the legislature than states higher in professionalism, even after controlling for confounders such as ideological disagreement and judicial resources.

Conclusion

This suggests that state supreme courts offer themselves a disproportionate influence in public policy in states with low professionalism legislatures relative to those with lawmakers more capable of authoring litigation‐proof legislation.