bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature regulation of marine heterotrophic prokaryotes increases latitudinally as a breach between bottom‐up and top‐down controls
Authors: Morán Xosé Anxelu G. , Gasol Josep M. , Pernice Massimo C. , Mangot Jean‐François , Massana Ramon , Lara Elena , Vaqué Dolors , Duarte Carlos M.
Published: April 2017

Planktonic heterotrophic prokaryotes make up the largest living biomass and process most organic matter in the ocean. Determining when and where the biomass and activity of heterotrophic prokaryotes are controlled by resource availability (bottom‐up), predation and viral lysis (top‐down) or temperature will help in future carbon cycling predictions. We conducted an extensive survey across subtropical and tropical waters of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans during the Malaspina 2010 Global Circumnavigation Expedition and assessed indices for these three types of controls at 109 stations (mostly from the surface to 4,000 m depth). Temperature control was approached by the apparent activation energy in eV (ranging from 0.46 to 3.41), bottom‐up control by the slope of the log‐log relationship between biomass and production rate (ranging from −0.12 to 1.09) and top‐down control by an index that considers the relative abundances of heterotrophic nanoflagellates and viruses (ranging from 0.82 to 4.83). We conclude that temperature becomes dominant (i.e. activation energy >1.5 eV) within a narrow window of intermediate values of bottom‐up (0.3–0.6) and top‐down 0.8–1.2) controls. A pervasive latitudinal pattern of decreasing temperature regulation towards the Equator, regardless of the oceanic basin, suggests that the impact of global warming on marine microbes and their biogeochemical function will be more intense at higher latitudes. Our analysis predicts that 1°C ocean warming will result in increased biomass of heterotrophic prokaryoplankton only in waters with <26°C of mean annual surface temperature.
Hydrochar enhances growth of poplar for bioenergy while marginally contributing to direct soil carbon sequestration
Authors: Baronti Silvia , Alberti Giorgio , Camin Federica , Criscuoli Irene , Genesio Lorenzo , Mass Robert , Vaccari Francesco P. , Ziller Luca , Miglietta Franco
Published: April 2017

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) has been proposed as an alternative method to pyrolysis for producing C‐rich amendments for soil C sequestration. However, the use of hydrochar (HC) as soil amendment is still controversial due to the limited information on the potential benefits and trade‐offs that may follow its application into soil. This study investigated the effects of HC starting from maize silage on plant growth in a 2‐year controlled experiment on poplar for bioenergy and evaluated HC stability in soil by periodic soil respiration and isotopic (δ13C) measurements. HC application caused a substantial and significant increase in plant biomass after one and two years after planting, and no evident signs of plant diseases were evident. Isotopic analysis on soil and CO2 efflux showed that slightly less than half of the C applied was re‐emitted as CO2 within 12 months. On the contrary, considering that the difference in the amount of N fixed in wood biomass in treated and not‐treated poplars was 16.6 ± 4.8 g N m−2 and that the soil N stocks after one year since application did not significantly change, we estimated that approximately 85% of the N applied with HC could have been potentially lost as leachate or volatilized into the atmosphere as N2O, in response to nitrification/denitrification processes in the soil. Thus, the permanence, additionality and leakage of C sequestration strategy using HC are deeply discussed.
Urea and composted cattle manure affect forage yield and nutritive value in sandy soils of south‐central Vietnam
Authors: McRoberts K. C. , Parsons D. , Ketterings Q. M. , Hai T. T. , Quan N. H. , Ba N. X. , Nicholson C. F. , Cherney D. J. R.
Published: April 2017

Improved forage management can support increased production in smallholder beef systems. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of mineral nitrogen (urea) and composted cattle manure on Brachiaria cv. Mulato II yield and nutritive value in south‐central coastal Vietnam. Study design was a randomized complete block on six farms (blocks), with treatments derived from the factorial combination of five rates of composted cattle manure (0, 4, 8, 12 and 24 Mg DM ha−1 year−1) and three urea rates (0, 60 and 120 kg N ha−1 year−1), split into six yearly applications. Yield was measured from 2011 to 2013 with 36‐day average harvest intervals. Forage nutritive value was measured in September 2011 and December 2012. Highest yields were achieved when both compost and urea were applied at high rates. The initial yield and tiller responses to urea application were not sustained over the duration of the study when no compost was applied. Compost applied in isolation did not increase yield. Compost application increased ash concentration. Urea increased nutrient yield for all forage nutritive value parameters measured. Composted cattle manure combined with urea benefits grass yield, but high application rates are needed for sustained high yields on sandy soils.
Interpersonal Emotion Regulation in the Workplace: A Conceptual and Operational Review and Future Research Agenda
Authors: Troth Ashlea C. , Lawrence Sandra A. , Jordan Peter J. , Ashkanasy Neal M.
Published: April 2017

Employees need to regulate their own emotions as well as the emotions of others to enhance the quality of interactions with their colleagues. How well this is achieved has important outcomes for both employees and the organizations in which they work. In the field of organizational science, however, differing approaches have emerged regarding the conceptualization and operationalization of emotion regulation (ER) particularly in terms of interpersonal interactions. The present review examines contemporary theoretical perspectives of ER and its measurement with a view to resolving the confusion that currently exists around interpersonal ER in a workplace context. To understand how this field of research has developed so diversely, the authors begin by demonstrating the influence of three major individual‐level ER models on interpersonal‐level approaches: (1) the ER process model; (2) emotional labor; and (3) emotional intelligence. Moreover, to make sense of the range of interpersonal‐level research underpinned by these theories, the authors present a 2×2 categorization, developed by Zaki and Williams (2013), which shows how workplace researchers have variously approached interpersonal ER as an intrinsic vs. extrinsic process, with activation of either response‐dependent or response‐independent categories. This categorization broadly shows interpersonal ER theory used in work contexts tends to fall into four groupings as: (1) a purely extrinsic process; (2) a differentiation of extrinsic interpersonal from intrinsic individual ER; (3) co‐occurring intrinsic and extrinsic interpersonal ER; or (4) interpersonal coregulation. This paper also discusses the measurement of interpersonal ER and concludes by highlighting emerging research directions.
Identification of risk factors predicting febrile neutropenia in patients with metastatic germ cell tumors receiving cisplatin‐based combination chemotherapy
Authors: Nishikawa Masatomo , Miyake Hideaki , Fujisawa Masato
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To identify clinical features and predictive factors of febrile neutropenia in Japanese patients with metastatic germ cell tumors undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy.

Methods

Between April 2007 and May 2016, 86 consecutive Japanese patients with metastatic germ cell tumors were treated with cisplatin‐based combination chemotherapy, including bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin, and paclitaxel, ifosfamide and cisplatin. A total of 378 chemotherapy cycles administered for these 86 patients were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

During the 378 cycles, consisting of 212 for bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin, and 166 for paclitaxel, ifosfamide and cisplatin, 81 episodes of febrile neutropenia (21.4%) developed in 34 patients (39.5%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that low estimated glomerular filtration rate and albumin levels were independent risk factors for the development of febrile neutropenia. Furthermore, a significant difference in the incidence of febrile neutropenia was noted according to positive numbers of these two independent risk factors; that is, febrile neutropenia occurred in 13 of 171 courses in patients negative for any risk factors (7.6%), 44 of 155 courses in those positive for a single risk factor (28.4%) and 24 of 52 courses in those positive for two risk factors (46.2%).

Conclusions

The incidence of febrile neutropenia in Japanese metastatic germ cell tumor patients receiving cisplatin‐based combination chemotherapy appears to be higher than reported previously by studies in Western countries. When carrying out cytotoxic chemotherapy, special attention should be paid to patients with low estimated glomerular filtration rate and/or albumin levels considering the high probability of febrile neutropenia.
Benefits of clinical facilitators on improving stroke care in acute hospitals: a new programme for Australia
Authors: Purvis Tara , Moss Karen , Francis Linda , Borschmann Karen , Kilkenny Monique F. , Denisenko Sonia , Bladin Christopher F. , Cadilhac Dominique A.
Published: April 2017

Background

Care gaps for stroke lead to preventable disability and deaths. The Victorian State Government implemented a programme of employing clinical Facilitators on a fixed‐term basis for up to 3 years (2008–2011) in eight hospitals to improve stroke care. The Facilitators were to establish stroke units where absent, implement evidence‐based management protocols and provide staff education within an agreed work plan.

Aim

To determine if the Facilitator role was associated with improved stroke care and to describe factors supporting or mitigating enhancements to care.

Methods

A mixed methods design was employed with historical control using patient‐level audit data (pre‐Facilitator: n = 600; post‐Facilitator: n = 387) and qualitative data from independently conducted semistructured interviews with hospital staff, including clinicians, executives and facilitators (n = 10 focus groups; 75 respondents).

Results

Stroke units, clinical pathways and outpatient clinics for managing transient ischaemic attacks (TIA) were established. Compared with the pre‐Facilitator period, significant increases in patient access to stroke unit care (53% vs 86%, P < 0.001) and intravenous thrombolysis (2% vs 9%, P < 0.001) were achieved. Hospital staff reported that the Facilitator was integral to system improvements by fostering communication, encouraging team motivation and cohesiveness and increasing interest in stroke care. Ongoing barriers included limited resources to operate TIA clinics effectively, staff turnover requiring ongoing education, inconsistency in compliance with protocols and, in some hospitals, the need for formalised medical leadership.

Conclusion

Fixed‐term employment of Facilitators was effective in positively influencing stroke care in hospitals through a range of change management strategies where stroke‐specific expertise had been previously limited.
Childhood maltreatment and adulthood poor sleep quality: a longitudinal study
Authors: Abajobir Amanuel A. , Kisely Steve , Williams Gail , Strathearn Lane , Najman Jake M.
Published: April 2017

Background

Available evidence from cross‐sectional studies suggests that childhood maltreatment may be associated with a range of sleep disorders. However, these studies have not controlled for potential individual‐, familial‐ and environmental‐level confounders.

Aim

To determine the association between childhood maltreatment and lower sleep quality after adjusting for potential confounders.

Methods

Data for the present study were obtained from a pre‐birth cohort study of 3778 young adults (52.6% female) of the Mater Hospital‐University of Queensland Study of Pregnancy follow up at a mean age of 20.6 years. The Mater Hospital‐University of Queensland Study of Pregnancy is a prospective Australian pre‐birth cohort study of mothers consecutively recruited during their first obstetric clinic visit at Brisbane's Mater Hospital in 1981–1983. Participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index at the 21‐year follow up. We linked this dataset to agency‐recorded substantiated cases of childhood maltreatment. A series of separate logistic regression models was used to test whether childhood maltreatment predicted lower sleep quality after adjustment for selected confounders.

Results

Substantiated physical abuse significantly predicted lower sleep quality in males. Single and multiple forms of childhood maltreatment, including age of maltreatment and number of substantiations, did not predict lower sleep quality in either gender in both crude and adjusted models. Not being married, living in a residential problem area, cigarette smoking and internalising were significantly associated with lower sleep quality in a fully adjusted model for the male–female combined sample.

Conclusions

Childhood maltreatment does not appear to predict young adult poor sleep quality, with the exception of physical abuse for males. While childhood maltreatment has been found to predict a range of mental health problems, childhood maltreatment does not appear to predict sleep problems occurring in young adults. Poor sleep quality was accounted for by concurrent social disadvantage, cigarette smoking and internalising.
Mesenteric lymph node CD11b− CD103+ PD‐L1High dendritic cells highly induce regulatory T cells
Authors: Shiokawa Aya , Kotaki Ryutaro , Takano Tomohiro , Nakajima‐Adachi Haruyo , Hachimura Satoshi
Published: April 2017

Dendritic cells (DCs) in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) induce Foxp3+ regulatory T cells to regulate immune responses to beneficial or non‐harmful agents in the intestine, such as commensal bacteria and foods. Several studies in MLN DCs have revealed that the CD103+ DC subset highly induces regulatory T cells, and another study has reported that MLN DCs from programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) ‐deficient mice could not induce regulatory T cells. Hence, the present study investigated the expression of these molecules on MLN CD11c+ cells. Four distinct subsets expressing CD103 and/or PD‐L1 were identified, namely CD11b+ CD103+ PD‐L1High, CD11b− CD103+ PD‐L1High, CD11b− CD103+ PD‐L1Low and CD11b+ CD103− PD‐L1Int. Among them, the CD11b− CD103+ PD‐L1High DC subset highly induced Foxp3+ T cells. This subset expressed Aldh1a2 and Itgb8 genes, which are involved in retinoic acid metabolism and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) activation, respectively. Exogenous TGF‐β supplementation equalized the level of Foxp3+ T‐cell induction by the four subsets whereas retinoic acid did not, which suggests that high ability to activate TGF‐β is determinant for the high Foxp3+ T‐cell induction by CD11b− CD103+ PD‐L1High DC subset. Finally, this subset exhibited a migratory DC phenotype and could take up and present orally administered antigens. Collectively, the MLN CD11b− CD103+ PD‐L1High DC subset probably takes up luminal antigens in the intestine, migrates to MLNs, and highly induces regulatory T cells through TGF‐β activation.
Developing a Tailored Texting Preventive Intervention: A Card Sort Methodology
Authors: Braciszewski Jordan M. , Tran Tanya B. , Moore Roland S. , Bock Beth C. , Tzilos Golfo K. , Chamberlain Patricia , Stout Robert L.
Published: April 2017

Purpose: Intervention content written by adults for youth can result in miscommunication due to generational and cultural differences. Inviting at‐risk youth to participate in the creation of intervention material can augment acceptability for their peers. Methods: To improve intervention messaging, this study examines the utility of a card sort technique when creating cellular phone text messages to be used in a preventive substance‐use intervention. During focus groups with 24 youths who are exiting the foster care system—a population with distinct cultural attributes—participants were asked to rate stage of change‐specific health messages rooted in Motivational Interviewing and the Transtheoretical Model. Results: Participants unanimously favored content that encouraged autonomy and choice. Statements that invited a “look to the future” were also rated favorably. Messages that referenced the past were not rated well, as were suggestions for professional assistance. Finally, encouragement to receive social support for change was met with ambivalence. While some participants regarded support as helpful, many others felt a severe lack of support in their lives, possibly prompting further substance use. Conclusions: Youth exiting foster care constitutes a unique population whose voice is paramount in the development of interventions. The content present in traditional approaches to substance‐use prevention (e.g., increasing social support) may not apply to this group of vulnerable youth. The card sort technique has strong potential to evoke youth‐specific intervention content that is more readily understood and accepted by target audiences. Intervention content written by adults for youth can result in miscommunication due to generational and cultural differences. Co‐creation, rather, can augment acceptability. We examined the utility of a card sort technique when creating text messages for a preventive substance use intervention. Twenty‐four youth exiting foster care rated messages rooted in Motivational Interviewing and the Transtheoretical Model. Participants favored content that encouraged autonomy or “looking forward.” Messages about the past and suggestions for professional assistance were rated poorly. Encouragement to rely on social support was met with ambivalence, as some felt discouraged that they lacked supports. The voice of foster youth is paramount for intervention development. This technique has strong potential to evoke content that is more readily understood and accepted.
Control‐Oriented Coping Buffers Stress Responses in Evacuees from a Technological Accident
Authors: Toussaint Loren L. , Lange Lori J. , Chen Wei‐Ju , Hodge Morgan , O'Connor Molly , Fleming Raymond
Published: April 2017

Little is known about how control‐oriented coping affects the stress responses in victims of technological catastrophes. In this study, control‐oriented coping and immediate stress responses were studied in 40 evacuees (during a nearly 3‐week evacuation) from a technological accident and concurrently in 50 participants from a demographically similar comparison site. Control‐oriented coping was significantly and negatively associated with psychological, behavioral, and physiological stress responses in evacuees, but not comparison‐site participants. This is the first investigation we are aware of relating control‐oriented coping to immediate stress responses in the acute phase of exposure to evacuation from a technological accident.
Differential Age‐Related Effects on Visual‐ and Associative‐Based Semantic Encoding
Authors: Tan Davynn G. H. , Tsang Eric W. , Tang Kin‐chung , Chan Chetwyn C. H. , Liu Karen P. Y. , Wu Yi
Published: April 2017

This study investigated how aging modulates semantic encoding. We used a task where participants were required to determine the semantic relatedness between the cue and target stimuli. Single‐character Chinese words were the cues, whereas two‐character words describing the cues were the targets. The targets can be visual‐based (appearance) or associative‐based (meaning). Experiment One compared the reaction times on the two types of targets between older (n = 29) and younger participants (n = 31). Older participants performed significantly slower on the visual‐ than associative‐based trials, while the younger participants showed no difference. The results suggest that aging would hinder semantic encoding of visual‐ rather than associative‐based processes. The slowness in processing is likely attributable to age‐related decline in attentional control. Experiment Two tested the aging effect on top‐down attentional control by presenting pre‐cue before each trial on older (n = 26) and younger participants (n = 49). The results indicated that valid pre‐cue reduced the latency differences between the visual‐ and associative‐based trials among the older participants. The valid pre‐cues were found to effectively shorten the reaction time of the visual‐based trials suggesting possible facilitation of attentional control among the older adults. Our findings substantiate age‐related attentional control decline only in visual‐ but not associative‐based processing. Future studies should explore the mechanisms underlying such differential age‐related effect.
High‐energy storage density and excellent temperature stability in antiferroelectric/ferroelectric bilayer thin films
Authors: Zhang Tiandong , Li Weili , Hou Yafei , Yu Yang , Song Ruixuan , Cao Wenping , Fei Weidong
Published: April 2017

The antiferroelectric/ferroelectric (PbZrO3/PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3) bilayer thin films were fabricated on a Pt(111)/Ti/SiO2/Si substrate using sol‐gel method. PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 layer acts as a buffered layer and template for the crystallization of PbZrO3 layer. The PbZrO3 layer with improved quality can share the external voltage due to its smaller dielectric constant and thinner thickness, resulting in the enhancements of electric field strength and energy storage density for the PbZrO3/PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 bilayer thin film. The greatly improved electric breakdown strength value of 2615 kV/cm has been obtained, which is more than twice the value of individual PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 film. The enhanced energy storage density of 28.2 J/cm3 at 2410 kV/cm has been achieved in PbZrO3/PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 bilayer film at 20°C, which is higher than that of individual PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 film (15.6 J/cm3). Meanwhile, the energy storage density and efficiency of PbZrO3/PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 bilayer film increase slightly with the increasing temperature from 20°C to 120°C. Our results indicate that the design of antiferroelectric/ferroelectric bilayer films may be an effective way for developing high power energy storage density capacitors with high‐temperature stability.
Sintering behavior, structural phase transition, and microwave dielectric properties of La1‐xZnxTiNbO6‐x/2 ceramics
Authors: Zhang Jian , Zuo Ruzhong
Published: April 2017

La1‐xZnxTiNbO6‐x/2 (LZTN‐x) ceramics were prepared via a conventional solid‐state reaction route. The phase, microstructure, sintering behavior, and microwave dielectric properties have been systematically studied. The substitution of a small amount of Zn2+ for La3+ was found to effectively promote the sintering process of LTN ceramics. The corresponding sintering mechanism was believed to result from the formation of the lattice distortion and oxygen vacancies by means of comparative studies on La‐deficient LTN ceramics and 0.5 mol% ZnO added LTN ceramics (LTN+0.005ZnO). The resultant microwave dielectric properties of LTN ceramics were closely correlated with the sample density, compositions, and especially with the phase structure at room temperature which depended on the orthorhombic‐monoclinic phase transition temperature and the sintering temperature. A single orthorhombic LZTN‐0.03 ceramic sintered at 1200°C was achieved with good microwave dielectric properties of εr~63, Q×f~9600 GHz (@4.77 GHz) and τf ~105 ppm/°C. By comparison, a relatively high Q × f~80995 GHz (@7.40 GHz) together with εr~23, and τf ~−56 ppm/°C was obtained in monoclinic LTN+0.005ZnO ceramics sintered at 1350°C.
A qualitative study of community nurses’ decision‐making around the anticipatory prescribing of end‐of‐life medications
Authors: Bowers Ben , Redsell Sarah A
Published: April 2017

Aims

The aim of this study was to explore community nurses’ decision‐making processes around the prescribing of anticipatory medications for people who are dying.

Background

Community nurses frequently initiate the prescribing of anticipatory medications to help control symptoms in those who are dying. However, little is known about their decision‐making processes in relation to when they instigate anticipatory prescribing and their discussions with families and General Practitioners.

Design

A qualitative interpretive descriptive enquiry.

Methods

A purposive sample of 11 Community Palliative Nurses and District Nurses working in one geographical area participated. Data were collected between March and June 2016 via audio recorded semi‐structured interviews and analysed inductively using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis.

Results

Three themes were identified: (1) Drugs as a safety net. Anticipatory medications give nurses a sense of control in last days of life symptom management; (2) Reading the situation. The nurse judges when to introduce conversations around anticipatory medications, balancing the need for discussion with the dying person and their family's likely response; (3) Playing the game. The nurse owns the decision to initiate anticipatory medication prescribing and carefully negotiates with the General Practitioner.

Conclusion

Nurses view pain control through prescribed medication as key to symptom management for dying people. Consequently, they own the role of ascertaining when to initiate discussions with families about anticipatory medicines. Nurses believe they advocate for dying person and their families’ needs and lead negotiations with General Practitioners for medications to go into the home. This nurse led care alters the traditional boundaries of the General Practitioners‐nurse professional relationship.
In vivo validation of a novel algorithm for automatic premature ventricular contractions recognition
Authors: Kosiuk Jedrzej , Portugal Guilherme , Hilbert Sebastian , John Silke , Oliveira Mario , Hindricks Gerhard , Bollmann Andreas
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Template‐matching algorithms are routinely used in the catheter ablation of patients with premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). However, systematic analysis of the accuracy and spatial resolution of such systems is lacking.

Therefore, the aim of this evaluation was to perform a systematic in vivo validation of performance of a novel automated template‐matching algorithm.

Methods and results

In a porcine model, paced beats simulating PVCs from different origins were investigated. The ability to discriminate between sinus rhythm and PVCs was tested by simulating PVCs using sequential pacing from different cardiac chambers. The accuracy of the algorithm in correctly classifying PVCs was reviewed by an independent investigator. In addition, the spatial resolution of pace matching was evaluated by assessing the QRS morphology discrimination at a distance of 0, 2, 4, and 6 mm of a simulated PVCs focus. The specificity of the algorithm for recognizing simulated PVCs was 99.6% and the sensitivity was 85.3%. There was a significant difference in the discrimination metric discrimination metric (with 0% being a perfect match and 100% being no correlation) between PVC origin (median 0%, interquartile range (IQR) 0–2%) versus at 2 mm (5%, IQR 2–7%), 4 mm (16%, IQR 11–21%), and 6 mm (24%, IQR 19–28%, P < 0.001 for all). The c‐statistic for discrimination between PVC origin and a distance ≥ 2 mm was 0.93.

Conclusions

Automated template matching had high specificity and sensitivity, with good spatial discrimination and a pace‐mapping resolution in range of 2 mm. Clinical application of this algorithm may assist in the interventional treatment of patients with PVCs.
Safety and efficacy of pulmonary vein isolation using a surround flow catheter with contact force measurement capabilities: A multicenter registry
Authors: Stabile Giuseppe , Di Donna Paolo , Schillaci Vincenzo , Di Monaco Antonio , Iuliano Assunta , Caponi Domenico , Urraro Francesco , Solimene Francesco , Grimaldi Massimo , Scaglione Marco
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Pulmonary vein (PV) isolation is the cornerstone of catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Surround flow and contact force (CF) measurement capabilities might enhance procedure efficacy and safety. We report on the safety and midterm efficacy of a novel ablation catheter for PV isolation in patients with AF.

Methods and results

Two hundred thirty‐three consecutive patients (57 ± 11 years, 76% males, 51% with structural heart disease), referred for paroxysmal (157) or persistent (76) AF, underwent PV isolation by a surround flow catheter with CF measurement capability in four centers. Ablation was guided by electroanatomic mapping allowing radiofrequency (RF) energy delivery in the antral region aiming at PV isolation.

Mean overall procedure time was 100 ± 42 minutes with a mean fluoroscopy time of 6 ± 5 minutes. Mean ablation time was 31±15 minutes; 99% of the targeted veins were isolated. The mean CF value during ablation was 13 ± 4 g. Intraprocedural early (30 minutes) PV reconnection occurred in 12% PVs, and all PVs were effectively reisolated. One pericardial effusion and five groin hematomas were reported. During a mean follow‐up of 12 ± 6 months, 30 (12.9%) (10% paroxysmal AF vs. 18% persistent AF, P = 0.07) patients had an atrial arrhythmias recurrence.

Conclusions

In this multicenter registry, RF ablation using a new surround flow catheter, with CF sensor, resulted as feasible, achieving a high rate of isolated PVs. Procedural and fluoroscopy times and success rates were comparable with other techniques with a low complication rate.
Description and quantitative analysis of the dentition of the southern thorny skate Amblyraja doellojuradoi
Authors: Delpiani G. , Spath M. C. , Deli Antoni M. , Delpiani M.
Published: April 2017

A description of the tooth morphology of 234 jaws from the southern thorny skate Amblyraja doellojuradoi in the south‐west Atlantic Ocean is given. Seven rows of teeth were selected and length and width of each tooth in these rows were measured. It was found that functional series corresponds to the third teeth and the average width and length of these teeth were compared among jaws, maturity stages, sexes and rows. Generalized linear models were used to determine the subset of measures that most contribute to explain the variability between groups. It was observed that males have longer teeth than females, but the teeth of females are wider. These differences are attributed to reproductive behaviour, in which males bite females to hold them during copulation. This study provides a description of the teeth of A. doellojuradoi, supplying a valuable tool for identification of species. In addition, the establishment of the main variations observed in the dentition, improves the understanding of the species' biology.
New host record and molecular characterization of Dicauda atherinoidiHoffman & Walker (Bivalvulida: Myxobolidae): a parasite of the emerald shinerNotropis atherinoidesRafinesque, 1818 and mimic shinerNotropis vollucellusCope, 1865
Authors: Loch T P , Rosser T G , Baumgartner W A , Boontai T , Faisal M , Griffin M J
Published: April 2017

Updated morphological and histopathological descriptions forDicauda atherinoidi(Bivalvulida:Myxobolidae) and an expanded host range are supplemented with the first molecular data and phylogenetic analyses of the genus. Plasmodia were located on the head, ventrum/body and fins of infected emerald shinerNotropis atherinoidesRafinesque, 1818 and mimic shinerNotropis vollucellusCope, 1865, a new host species. Myxospores were spherical, ranging 9.3–11.4 μm (10.5 ± 0.4) in length, 9.0–11.0 μm (9.7 ± 0.4) in width and 6.6–7.0 μm (6.8 ± 0.2) thick in sutural view, and possessed 2‐3 caudal processes (5.3–68.3 μm, 31.1 ± 13.6) connected to the spore body at the sutural groove, all of which are consistent with the genusDicauda. In the absence of availableDicaudasequence data, the 18SrDNAsequences from Michigan isolates were most similar toMyxobolusspp. Phylogenetic analyses clustered these isolates with myxobolid species from cyprinid fish, suggesting these parasites may represent an underpopulated group of cyprinid‐infecting myxozoans. Histopathology revealed thin‐walled plasmodial pseudocysts in the dermis and associated connective tissue, where granulomatous inflammation and focal scale atrophy were also present. Further sampling/sequencing of myxobolids fromNotropisspp. should expand these underrepresented myxozoans and offer further insight into Myxobolidae host family tropisms.
Antiviral activity of exopolysaccharides from Arthrospira platensis against koi herpesvirus
Authors: Reichert M , Bergmann S M , Hwang J , Buchholz R , Lindenberger C
Published: April 2017

Although koi herpesvirus (KHV) has a history of causing severe economic losses in common carp and koi farms, there are still no treatments available on the market. Thus, the aim of this study was to test exopolysaccharides (EPS) for its antiviral activity against KHV, by monitoring inhibition and cytotoxic effects in common carp brain cells. These substances can be easily extracted from extracellular algae supernatant and were identified as groups of sulphated polysaccharides. In order to reach this aim, Arthrospira platensis, which is well known for its antiviral activity of intra‐ and extracellular compounds towards mammalian herpesviruses, was investigated as standard organism and compared to commercial antiviral drug, ganciclovir, which inhibits the viral DNA polymerization. The antiviral activity of polysaccharides of A. platensis against KHV was confirmed in vitro using qualitative assessment of KHV life cycle genes, and it was found by RT‐PCR that EPS, applied at a concentration of >18 μg mL−1 and a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 0.45 of KHV, suppressed the viral replication in common carp brain (CCB) cells even after 22 days post‐infection, entirely. Further, this study presents first data indicating an enormous potential using polysaccharides as an additive for aquacultures to lower or hinder the spread of the KHV and koi herpesvirus disease (KHVD) in future.
Integrating Frailty Research into the Medical Specialties—Report from a U13 Conference
Authors: Walston Jeremy , Robinson Thomas N. , Zieman Susan , McFarland Frances , Carpenter Christopher R. , Althoff Keri N. , Andrew Melissa K. , Blaum Caroline S. , Brown Patrick J. , Buta Brian , Ely E. Wesley , Ferrucci Luigi , High Kevin P. , Kritchevsky Stephen B. , Rockwood Kenneth , Schmader Kenneth E. , Sierra Felipe , Sink Kaycee M. , Varadhan Ravi , Hurria Arti
Published: April 2017

Although the field of frailty research has expanded rapidly, it is still a nascent concept within the clinical specialties. Frailty, conceptualized as greater vulnerability to stressors because of significant depletion of physiological reserves, predicts poorer outcomes in several medical specialties, including cardiology, human immunodeficiency virus care, and nephrology, and in the behavioral and social sciences. Lack of a consensus definition, proliferation of measurement tools, inadequate understanding of the biology of frailty, and lack of validated clinical algorithms for frail individuals hinders incorporation of frailty assessment and frailty research into the specialties. In 2015, the American Geriatrics Society, the National Institute on Aging (NIA), and the Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine held a conference for awardees of the NIA‐sponsored Grants for Early Medical/Surgical Specialists Transition into Aging Research program to review the current state of knowledge regarding frailty in the subspecialties and to highlight examples of integrating frailty research into the medical specialties. Research questions to advance frailty research into specialty medicine are proposed.
A Survey of Women's Awareness of and Reasons for Lack of Postfracture Osteoporotic Care
Authors: Boudreau Denise M. , Yu Onchee , Balasubramanian Akhila , Wirtz Heidi , Grauer Andreas , Crittenden Daria B. , Scholes Delia
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To identify women's beliefs and other factors associated with lack of osteoporosis (OP) pharmacotherapy (OP‐RX) during the 6 months after a fragility fracture, including the woman's perspective on fracture risk, OP, and treatment.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

Group Health Cooperative, a mixed‐model delivery system.

Participants

Female Group Health Cooperative enrollees aged 55 and older with an OP‐related fracture according to diagnostic and procedure codes from January 1, 2013, to March 30, 2014 (N = 985).

Measurements

OP‐RX and participant characteristics were ascertained from electronic health records including medications dispensed. A mailed survey was used to obtain data on health behaviors; OP‐related history; concern about, knowledge of, and perceived risk of future fracture; beliefs about OP‐RX; sources of information on OP; postfracture discussions with providers; and provider recommendations.

Results

The response rate was 73%. Of 634 eligible respondents, 84% did not undergo OP‐RX during the 6 months after fracture. Fewer than 20% of women thought that OP caused their fracture, 52% did not think they were at risk of future fracture, and 75% did not think or know whether OP‐RX reduces risk of fracture. Knowledge about OP and the benefits of treatment was higher in the 16% of women who underwent OP‐RX after their fracture. Women reported low levels of engagement with their healthcare providers regarding OP and fracture risk management.

Conclusion

These findings suggest low awareness about OP and its contribution to fracture risk, lack of understanding about the benefits of pharmacotherapy, and limited discussion about OP with primary care physicians. Information about individual's beliefs and knowledge gaps can help design targeted patient and provider education to improve treatment rates.
Oral intake of Boesenbergia pandurata extract improves skin hydration, gloss, and wrinkling: A randomized, double‐blind, and placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Kim Do Un , Chung Hee Chul , Kim Changhee , Hwang Jae‐Kwan
Published: April 2017

Background

Photoaging is a severe skin damage that occurs as a result of exposure to external elements, primarily ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Chronically, UV‐irradiated skin exhibits the signs of sunburn and hyperpigmentation with the destruction of connective tissues. Previously, Boesenbergia pandurata (B. pandurata) and its active compound panduratin A showed antiphotoaging activities in vitro and in vivo.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of B. pandurata intake on skin hydration, gloss, wrinkling, and elasticity.

Methods

A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted to clinically evaluate the effect of B. pandurata ethanol extract (BPE) containing 8% of panduratin A on human skin hydration, gloss, wrinkling, and elasticity. Ninety‐two subjects were randomly assigned to receive tablets containing either BPE or placebo for 12 weeks.

Results

The test group had significantly increased skin hydration and gloss and decreased wrinkling compared to the placebo group at 12 weeks. There was no significant difference in skin elasticity between the two groups; however, the increment rate in the test group was higher than that in the placebo group at 12 weeks. None of the subjects developed adverse symptoms during the study period.

Conclusion

These results suggest that BPE can be used as a nutraceutical or nutricosmetic material for improving human skin hydration, gloss, and wrinkling.
Factors associated with mucosal dryness in multiple regions and skin: A web‐based study in women
Authors: Ito Kayoko , Takamatsu Kiyoshi , Nohno Kaname , Sugano Aki , Funayama Saori , Katsura Kouji , Kaneko Noboru , Ogawa Mariko , Meurman Jukka H. , Inoue Makoto
Published: April 2017

Aim

We hypothesized that feeling mucosal dryness in one body region and the skin may be associated with dryness in other regions and that there are common background factors for dryness. In an earlier web‐based survey, we reported prevalence figures of dry eyes, nose, mouth, skin, and vagina. In the present study, additional analyses were made to investigate the factors associated with dryness in each region, and simultaneous dryness in multiple regions.

Methods

A web‐based questionnaire was completed by 310 Japanese women. The questions included dryness of the eyes, nose, mouth, vagina, and skin. Menopausal and other symptoms were also addressed. Multiple logistic regression modeling was performed to identify factors associated with dryness in each region and in multiple dry regions.

Results

Dry eyes were associated with dryness in the nose and with headache; dry nose was associated with dryness in the vagina and eyes; dry mouth was associated with sticky mouth symptom and dryness of the nose; dry skin was associated with use of xerogenic medications and vaginal discharge; and dryness of the vagina was associated with vaginal itchiness and dry nose. Vaginal discharge (odds ratio, 9.64; 95% confidence interval, 3.15–29.51) and sticky mouth (odds ratio, 6.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.29–31.29) were further associated with dryness in multiple regions.

Conclusion

The present results confirmed our study hypothesis by showing that dryness in one region was clearly associated with that in another or in multiple regions. The result implies the need for holistic diagnosis and counseling for patients with dryness complaints.
Accuracy and response time of dual biomarker model of insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐1/ alpha fetoprotein (Amnioquick duo+) in comparison to placental alpha‐microglobulin‐1 test in diagnosis of premature rupture of membranes
Authors: Eleje George Uchenna , Ezugwu Euzebus Chinonye , Eke Ahizechukwu Chigoziem , Ikechebelu Joseph Ifeanyichukwu , Ezeama Chukwuemeka Okwudili , Ezebialu Ifeanyichukwu Uzoma , Ojiegbe Nnabuike Okechukwu , Obiora Chukwudi Celestine , Okafor Charles Ikechukwu , Udigwe Gerald Okanandu , Nwosu Betrand Obi , Ezugwu Frank O.
Published: April 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine accuracy and response time of duo of insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐1 (IGFBP‐1)/alpha‐fetoprotein (Amnioquick duo+) versus placental alpha‐microglobulin‐1 (PAMG‐1) in diagnosing premature rupture of membranes (PROM).

Methods

A multicenter prospective study was conducted among women with features suggestive of PROM between 24 and 42 gestational weeks (GW). PROM was confirmed post‐delivery based on presence of any two of these criteria: delivery within 48 h to 7 days, chorioamnionitis, membranes overtly ruptured at delivery, and adverse perinatal outcomes strongly correlated with prolonged PROM. Response time analysis was also done. Outcome measures included specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, accuracy, and response time for both tests.

Results

Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for Amnioquick duo+ were 97.9%, 97.6%, and 97.9%, which were higher than the levels for PAMG‐1, of 95.3%, 90.0%, and 95.7%, respectively (not significant). Accuracy of Amnioquick duo+ versus PAMG‐1 in equivocal (pooling = negative) cases was (98.4% vs 96.8%) at ≥34 GW but each was 100.0% at <34 GW (not significant). Overall diagnostic concordance rate of Amnioquick duo+ and PAMG‐1 was 97.0% and both have equal positive predictive value (99.5%). Response time analysis showed that the overall response time of PAMG‐1 was 4.5% higher than that of Amnioquick duo+.

Conclusion

This is the largest study to date to reveal that Amnioquick duo+ and PAMG‐1 have a comparatively high diagnostic accuracy in identifying women with PROM, with a concordance rate of 97.0%. The diagnostic response time of Amnioquick duo+ appears shorter. In equivocal cases, accuracy of Amnioquick duo+ was equal to that of the PAMG‐1.
Comparing the long‐acting and short‐acting forms of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonists in the long protocol of IVF/ICSI Cycles: A retrospective study
Authors: Duan Liyan , Bao Shihua , Li Kunming , Teng Xiaoming , Hong Ling , Zhao Xiaoyu
Published: April 2017

Aim

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of long‐ and short‐acting gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist on clinical outcomes of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) long protocol cycles.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 478 patients were enrolled from October 2012 to November 2014. The pituitary downregulation result, serum hormone levels, gonadotropin (Gn) dose during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, and outcome of IVF/ICSI–embryo transfer were compared between the two groups.

Results

Compared with the long‐acting group, in the short‐acting group the duration of downregulation and stimulation was significantly shorter; the total Gn doses, cost of an IVF cycle, rate of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, superior‐quality embryo rate, and implantation rate were significantly lower; and the serum luteinizing hormone concentrations on the day of Gn and human chorionic gonadotropin administration were significantly higher. The serum estradiol level on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin was higher in the long‐acting group. However, no significant differences were noted in other parameters.

Conclusion

The long‐acting group was associated with greater amounts of Gn and a longer duration of use for ovarian stimulation. This increased the cost per IVF cycle and may have had a detrimental effect on the pregnancy outcome because of a subsequent increase in the rate of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and decrease in the superior‐quality embryo rate and implantation rate.
Is mean platelet volume a better biomarker in pre‐eclampsia?
Authors: Vilchez Gustavo , Lagos Moraima , Kumar Komal , Argoti Pedro
Published: April 2017

Aim

Platelet activation and destruction is a well recognized feature of pre‐eclampsia, but the current literature is contradictory regarding the role of mean platelet volume (MPV) in the diagnosis of this condition. We investigated whether MPV, compared with other routine laboratory markers such as platelet count, is a more significant biomarker of pre‐eclampsia, giving special attention to the intrapartum period.

Methods

Biochemical and hematological markers along pregnancy including MPV were compared retrospectively between pre‐eclampsia and matched controls. Laboratory marker data were compared using independent t‐test. A logistic regression model was used to compare the strength of the associations of MPV and other routine markers such as platelet count with pre‐eclampsia. Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted.

Results

There were a total of 150 cases of pre‐eclampsia and 297 controls. In the pre‐eclampsia group, there were 60 cases of mild pre‐eclampsia (40.0%); 84, severe (56.0%); and six of eclampsia (4.0%). MPV was significantly higher in the pre‐eclampsia than in the control group (11.3 ± 1.0 vs 10.1 ± 0.8 fL, P = 0.002). On multivariate analysis, MPV was the only statistically significant biomarker of pre‐eclampsia (OR, 4.5; 95%CI: 1.5–13.7), and severe pre‐eclampsia (OR, 6.2; 95%CI: 1.6–24.6); performing superiorly to platelet count.

Conclusions

Mean platelet volume is a more significant biomarker of pre‐eclampsia. It is more significantly associated with this condition than other routinely measured laboratory markers such as platelet count. MPV is routinely obtained on complete blood cell count and its utilization in the assessment of pre‐eclampsia in a clinical setting should continue to be evaluated.