bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidence and outcomes of early percutaneous coronary intervention after isolated valve surgery
Authors: Alqahtani Fahad , Ziada Khaled , Rihal Charanjit S. , Alkhouli Mohamad 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundCoronary ischemia requiring early percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a rare but serious complication of isolated valve surgery. We sought of assess the incidence, predictors and outcomes of early PCI after isolated valve surgery using the national inpatient sample.MethodsPatients who underwent isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR), isolated mitral valve repair (MVr) or replacement (MVR) between 2003 and 2014 were identified. Patients who had early postoperative PCI were compared with patients who did not require PCI. Primary end point was in‐hospital mortality. Secondary endpoints were complications, length‐of‐stay and cost.ResultsAmong the 135,611 included patients, 1,074 (0.8%) underwent PCI prior to discharge. Unadjusted in‐hospital mortality was higher in patients requiring early PCI following AVR (11.2 vs. 3.1%), MVR (24.1 vs. 5.5%), and MVr (22.4 vs. 2.5%) (P < 0.001) compared with patients not requiring PCI. Postoperative PCI remained independently associated with higher mortality after adjusting for demographics, comorbidities and hospital characteristics (adjusted OR [aOR] = 3.74, 95%CI 2.70–5.17 for AVR, aOR = 6.10, 95%CI 4.53–8.23 for MVR, and aOR = 9.90, 95%CI 7.22–13.58 for MVr). Patients undergoing PCI had higher incidences of stroke, acute kidney injury, infectious complications, higher hospital charges, and longer hospitalizations. Age, robotic‐assisted surgery, and chronic renal failure were independent predictors of needing early postoperative PCI.ConclusionsEarly PCI after isolated aortic or mitral valve surgery is rare but is associated with substantial in‐hospital morbidity, mortality, and cost. Further studies are needed to identify preventable causes, and optimal management strategies of this serious complication.
Impact of an invasive strategy in the elderly hospitalized with acute coronary syndrome with emphasis on the nonagenarians
Authors: Couture Etienne L. , Farand Paul , Nguyen Michel , Allard Catherine , Wells George A. , Mansour Samer , Rinfret Stéphane , Afilalo Jonathan , Eisenberg Mark , Montigny Martine , Kouz Simon , Afilalo Marc , Lauzon Claude , Dery Jean‐Pierre , L'Allier Philippe , Schampaert Erick , Tardif Jean‐Claude , Huynh Thao 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundPublished data about nonagenarians with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were mainly descriptive and limited by small sample sizes and unadjusted outcomes. We aim to describe the characteristics, management, and the impact of an invasive strategy on major adverse events in elderly patients hospitalized with ACS with focus on the nonagerians.Methods and ResultsWe analyzed data collected as part of the AMI‐OPTIMA study, a cluster‐randomized study of knowledge translation intervention versus usual care on optimal discharge medications in patients admitted with ACS at 24 Canadian hospitals. To determine whether an invasive strategy improved outcomes in the elderly, we used inverse probability weighting to adjust for confounders between patients who underwent invasive versus conservative strategies. Of 4,569 consecutive patients: 2,395 (52%) were <70 years old, 1,031 (23%) were septuagenarians, 941 (21%) were octogenarians, and 202 (4.4%) were nonagenarians. An invasive strategy was associated with reduced in‐hospital all‐cause mortality in all age groups: 1.1% versus 3.8% in patients <70 years old (P < 0.001), 2.9% versus 7.4% in septuagenarians (P < 0.001), 5.1% versus 14.7% in octogenarians (P < 0.001), and 12.0% versus 25.1% in nonagenarians (P = 0.001). An invasive strategy was also associated with higher thrombolysis in myocardial infarction major bleeds in the nonagenarians (9.0% vs. 2.0%; P = 0.003).ConclusionsThe reduction in in‐hospital mortality associated with an invasive strategy in elderly and nonagenarians presented with ACS is generating hypothesis and merits further studies to confirm these benefits and to guide clinicians in the management of these high‐risk patients.
All's well that ends well? A test of the peak‐end rule in couples’ conflict discussions
Authors: Sels Laura , Ceulemans Eva , Kuppens Peter 
Published: September 2018

AbstractDespite its importance for well‐being, surprisingly little is known about what determines how couples feel after a conflict. Using the peak‐end rule, we examined whether partners’ post‐conflict affect was mainly predicted by their most aversive or pleasant emotional experience (peaks) during the conflict, or by the emotional tone at the end of the interaction. One hundred and one couples engaged in a conflict interaction and afterwards evaluated their momentary affect during the interaction. Post‐conflict affect (in terms of positive and negative feelings, and perceived partner responsiveness) was assessed immediately after the conflict, after a subsequent positive discussion, and upon returning to daily life (here, rumination about the relationship was assessed as well). Our results showed that the negative and positive peaks, but not the end emotion, predicted immediate and partly extended post‐conflict affect in individuals. This finding has clinical implications for the mediation of couple conflict.
Form‐based river restoration decreases wetland hyporheic exchange: Lessons learned from the Upper Colorado River
Authors: Sparacino Matthew S. , Rathburn Sara L. , Covino Timothy P. , Singha Kamini , Ronayne Michael J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractRestoration of river–wetland systems to recover lost ecosystem services and restore consistent flood regimes is commonly directed at modifying in‐channel storage and hyporheic exchange. Here, we monitored the hydrologic response to channel realignment in a montane river–wetland system by comparing pre‐ and post‐restoration measurements. In 2015, an earthen berm and 190 m segment of the Upper Colorado River were constructed to consolidate flow from multiple channels into the historic thalweg. We injected a sodium chloride tracer during baseflow and used mass‐balance calculations and electrical resistivity imaging to assess changes in near‐channel hyporheic exchange. Results indicate a decrease in hyporheic exchange within the wetland due to lost complexity along the consolidated flow path. Subsurface complexity appears to control hyporheic exchange more than surface complexity. Flow consolidation increased the area‐adjusted wetland water yield by 231 mm, indicating a loss of wetland water storage capacity. One year of post‐restoration monitoring suggests that the form‐based channel restoration directed at consolidating flow into a single thread adversely affected the hyporheic exchange functioning in the pre‐restoration system. Results from this case study are applicable to restoration planners as they consider the effects of form‐based projects on water storage capacity in similar systems. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The antinutritional and vitamin composition of high‐quality yam flour as affected by yam specie, pretreatment, and drying method
Authors: Adebowale Abdul‐Rasaq A. , Wahab Abimbola B. , Sobukola Philip O. , Obadina Adewale O. , Kajihausa Ester O. , Adegunwa Olanike M. , Sanni Oladimeji L. , Tomlins Keith 
Published: October 2018

AbstractFresh yams are not shelf stable due to its high susceptibility to physiological deterioration; hence, its conversion into a more stable product like flour can stimulate its industrial application as a substitute to wheat flour. The influence of yam species, pretreatment, and drying method on the antinutritional factor and vitamin composition of high‐quality yam flour (HQYF) was determined. Four different yam species were pretreated with 0.28% potassium metabisulphite for 15 min and blanching at 70°C for 15 min. The differently pretreated slices were thereafter dried with cabinet dryer at 60°C for 48 h and open sun for 3 days, then milled into flour. The flour samples were analyzed for antinutritional and vitamin contents using standard laboratory procedures. The antinutritional factors in the high‐quality yam flour were significantly (p < .05) affected by yam specie, pretreatment, and drying methods. The low level of alkaloids (0.02 mg/100 g) and phytates (13.43 mg/100 g) in the flour samples from D. rotundata in this study underscores its safety for absorption in the body when consumed/used as food formulations. The main and interactive effect of specie of specie, pretreatment, and drying methods influenced the vitamin content of the high‐quality yam flour significantly (p < 0.05). The appreciable level of vitamin C (20.87–30.91 mg/100 g) recorded in all the HQYF could indicate the product of good nutritional quality for the consumers.
Spontaneous regression of a renal mass and multiple lung nodules after methotrexate cessation
Authors: Iwaki Takuya , Sugihara Toru , Omura Shota , Yoshizaki Uran , Honda Sachi , Azuma Takeshi , Kume Haruki 
Published: September 2018

IntroductionMethotrexate has been reported to increase the risk of lymphoproliferative disorders. We report a rare case who was clinically diagnosed with methotrexate‐associated lymphoproliferative disorders of the kidney.Case presentationA 77‐year‐old patient with rheumatoid arthritis had taken low‐dose methotrexate for 13 years. The patient developed left renal mass 3 cm in size and multiple pulmonary nodules. Initially, renal malignant tumor with lung metastases was considered and the renal biopsy was planned. However, under possible diagnosis of methotrexate‐related lymphoproliferative disorder, we withdrew methotrexate treatment at first and then observed spontaneous regression of the tumorous lesions of the kidney and lungs.ConclusionAlthough methotrexate‐related lymphoproliferative disorder in kidneys is very rare, our case advocates the importance of a relevant differential diagnosis of methotrexate‐related lymphoproliferative disorder under the setting of long‐term treatment of methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis.
Identification of long noncoding RNAs biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis in patients with colon adenocarcinoma
Authors: Huang Wei , Liu Zhen , Li Yu , Liu Lilong , Mai Gang 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundIn the study, we aimed to find key long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) significantly associated with the diagnosis of colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) and lncRNA signatures to provide survival risk prognosis for patients with COAD.MethodsThe lncRNA and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression profiles and clinical information of patients with COAD were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas database. The differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) and mRNAs (DEmRNAs) between COAD and normal tissues were identified. The optimal diagnostic and prognostic lncRNA biomarkers for COAD were identified by using feature selection procedure and classification model. Functional enrichment analysis revealed the possible roles of mRNAs coexpressed with lncRNAs in some cancer‐related biological processes and pathways. Receiver operating characteristic curve of these lncRNA biomarkers were obtained by using 10‐fold cross‐validation. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis for these DElncRNAs were performed to obtain the lncRNAs related to overall survival time. The expression levels of selected DElncRNAs were validated by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR).ResultsA total of 169 DElncRNAs (60 downregulated and 109 upregulated) and 1236 DEmRNAs (708 downregulated and 528 upregulated) between COAD and normal tissues were identified. Eight lncRNAs of XXbac‐B476C20.9, PP7080, CDKN2B‐AS1, LINC00092, CA3‐AS1, HAND2‐AS1, CTD‐2269F5.1, and LINC01082 were selected as optimal diagnostic lncRNA biomarkers for COAD. The expression of eight optimal diagnostic lncRNA biomarkers in qRT‐PCR validation was consistent with our integrated analysis. Among them, XXbac‐B476C20.9 was not only one of the eight optimal diagnostic lncRNA biomarkers, but also related to the prognosis of COAD.ConclusionOur study demonstrated the promising potential of XXbac‐B476C20.9 as an independent biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of patients with COAD.
MiR‐330‐3p suppresses phosphoglycerate mutase family member 5 ‐inducted mitophagy to alleviate hepatic ischemia‐reperfusion injury
Authors: Sun Xiang‐Li , Zhang Yan‐Le , Xi Shou‐Min , Ma Ling‐Jun , Li Shi‐Peng 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMitochondrial dysfunction plays a central role in hepatic ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI). The significance of mitophagy in hepatic IRI remains poorly understood. The mechanisms that cause IRI are complex, and many factors are involved in the injury formation process. The miR‐330‐3p mediates cell proliferation, cell death, and metabolism in various organisms. In this study, the levels of miR‐330‐3p were significantly downregulated in hepatic IRI, and the number of autophagosomes was increased in response to IRI as obtained under both in vivo and in vitro conditions. These results demonstrate that a reduction in miR‐330‐3p expression represents an important factor involved with promoting hepatic IRI. Moreover, we found that miR‐330‐3p interacted with phosphoglycerate mutase family member 5 (PGAM5) to regulate mitophagy. In specific, an overexpression of miR‐330‐3p diminished PGAM5 levels, which promoted mitophagy in response to IRI. In contrast, a downregulation of miR‐330‐3p was associated with increased PGAM5 levels leading to increased mitophagy. In conclusion, miR‐330‐3p suppresses PGAM5‐induced mitophagy to alleviate hepatic IRI. Such findings not only reveal some of the mechanistic basis for this microRNA in liver injury, but also provide a foundation for new therapeutic approaches in the treatment of this condition.
Development and Psychometric Testing of the Rate and Accumulation Concept Inventory
Authors: Flynn Carli D. , Davidson Cliff I. , Dotger Sharon 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundBecause a fundamental understanding of rate and accumulation principles is important for engineering students across all subdisciplines, a method is needed to assess their understanding of these principles.Purpose/HypothesisThis article discusses the development of the Rate and Accumulation Concept Inventory (RACI) instrument and provides an analysis of its validity and reliability. The RACI is designed to test students’ (1) overall mastery of rate and accumulation concepts and (2) mastery of specific rate and accumulation concepts (e.g., mathematics, mass flow, and heat flow).Design/MethodsExploratory findings of students’ conceptual understanding prompted the development of a preliminary RACI instrument. Two pilot studies were conducted, with adjustments made to the instrument between each. Data from the second pilot were used to assess evidence of validity and reliability through classical test theory, item response theory, and structural equation modeling.ResultsValidity and reliability evidence indicates that the RACI can be used to measure students’ overall understanding of the concepts identified, though several items require revision or removal. Issues of potential construct underrepresentation were found in two of the conceptual categories.ConclusionsThe evidence of reliability and validity indicates the appropriateness of the RACI for assessing engineering students’ overall understanding of rate and accumulation principles. Additional research is needed to further enhance the validity and reliability of the RACI as a diagnostic tool, particularly in measuring students’ understanding of rate and accumulation concepts in particular physical contexts.
On perfect matchings in matching covered graphs
Authors: He Jinghua , Wei Erling , Ye Dong , Zhai Shaohui 
Published: October 2018

AbstractA graph is matching‐covered if every edge of is contained in a perfect matching. A matching‐covered graph is strongly coverable if, for any edge of , the subgraph is still matching‐covered. An edge subset of a matching‐covered graph is feasible if there exist two perfect matchings and such that , and an edge subset with at least two edges is an equivalent set if a perfect matching of contains either all edges in or none of them. A strongly matchable graph does not have an equivalent set, and any two independent edges of form a feasible set. In this paper, we show that for every integer , there exist infinitely many ‐regular graphs of class 1 with an arbitrarily large equivalent set that is not switching‐equivalent to either or , which provides a negative answer to a problem of Lukot’ka and Rollová. For a matching‐covered bipartite graph , we show that has an equivalent set if and only if it has a 2‐edge‐cut that separates into two balanced subgraphs, and is strongly coverable if and only if every edge‐cut separating into two balanced subgraphs and satisfies and .
The 1‐2‐3‐conjecture holds for dense graphs
Authors: Zhong Liang 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis paper confirms the 1‐2‐3‐conjecture for graphs that can be edge‐decomposed into cliques of order at least 3. Furthermore we combine this with a result by Barber, Kühn, Lo, and Osthus to show that there is a constants such that every graph with and , where is the minimum degree of satisfying the 1‐2‐3‐conjecture.
Improved sleep and rehabilitation in a post‐traumatic stress disorder patient after commencement of prazosin
Authors: Lourens Helen 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundFirst‐line treatment of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is trauma‐focused psychotherapy. If drug treatment is indicated, then selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the first choice. Other drugs studied include prazosin, antipsychotics and anti‐seizure medications.AimA case report of the marked improvement in the patient's rehabilitation following appropriately treating PTSD symptoms with prazosin.Clinical detailsA 28‐year‐old man was admitted to the Rehabilitation Ward, at Redcliffe Hospital, with a right quadricep tendon rupture which had been repaired 3 months previously. The patient was not able to weight‐bear and was admitted in a wheelchair. Past medical history included epilepsy and PTSD treated with quetiapine to assist sleep. Since quetiapine was not managing the PTSD symptoms it was ceased and prazosin was commenced to decrease PTSD nightmares.OutcomesSleep quality and decreased trauma nightmares were significantly improved after commencement of prazosin. The patient progressed from being wheelchair‐bound to being more ambulant on discharge.ConclusionPrazosin is effective for enhanced sleep quality, reduction in trauma nightmares and marked reduction in PTSD symptoms. Better control of PTSD symptoms may have an impact on recovery and rehabilitation.
High‐Frequency Ultrasound Investigation of Port‐Wine Stains: Hemodynamic Features Revealed By 10‐ and 22‐MHz Transducers
Authors: Gong Xia , Yu Wenxin , Li Jia , Ding Angang , Xiong Ping , Lin Xiaoxi 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesThe hemodynamics of the ultrasound (US) features of port‐wine stains (PWSs) have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the high‐frequency US findings of PWSs.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 98 PWS cases and categorized them into 4 groups based on clinical manifestations and pathologic findings (14 nodular, 28 thickened, 52 flattened, and 4 acquired). We evaluated the US findings with 10‐ and 22‐MHz transducers.ResultsFor nodular PWSs, the mean thickened skin ± SD was 0.6 ± 0.5 mm, and the nodule thickness was 5.7 ± 3.3 mm; 63.6% of skin lesions showed vessel density of 2.16 ± 0.93/cm2 with venous flow of 4.6 ± 1.1 cm/s, and all nodules showed vessel density of 6.14 ± 1.92/cm2 with arterial and venous flow of 26.6 ± 17.9 and 9.9 ± 5.1 cm/s, respectively. The thickened skin of the thickened type was 1.4 ± 2.7 mm; 76.5% of skin lesions showed vessel density of 3.81 ± 1.98/cm2 with venous flow 4.6 ± 2.1 cm/s. The thickened skin of 36 flattened lesions was 0.1 ± 0.1 mm; 91.7% of skin lesions showed vessel density of 1.08 ± 0.28/cm2. The thickened skin of 4 acquired lesions was 0.7 ± 0.4 mm; 50% showed vessel density of 1.08 ± 0.28/cm2. The thickened skin and vessel density of nodular and thickened PWSs were thicker and higher than those of the flattened ones. The 22‐MHz transducer produced clearer contrast and higher vessel density than the 10‐MHz transducer.ConclusionsThese results showed differences in US findings of PWSs, which may be useful for clinical diagnosis.
Real‐time ultrasound elastography evaluation of achilles tendon properties in patients with mild hemiplegic stroke after rehabilitation training
Authors: Shao Yu‐Hong , Peng Ze , Kong Xun , Wang Bin , Zhang Hui 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the Achilles tendon's properties after rehabilitation training in patients with stroke using real‐time ultrasound elastography.MethodsA total of 24 patients with mild hemiplegic stroke in the past 6 to 12 months and unilateral lower limb movement disorder were prospectively enrolled. All patients accepted 9‐week rehabilitation training with the same schema. The 2‐dimensional elastography and real‐time elastography findings in the impaired and contralateral normal Achilles tendon were measured at pretraining and at 3, 6, and 9 weeks after training, which included tendon length, thickness, elasticity score (grade 1–3), and strain ratio of fat to tendon. The functional properties, which include the 10‐meter walk test and timed up‐and‐go scores, were evaluated before and after the 9‐week training.ResultsThe impaired Achilles tendon had a longer length (P = .002), lower frequency of grade 1 (P = .012), and lower strain ratio (P = .009) than the contralateral tendon before training. The impaired tendons at the third, sixth, and ninth weeks after training were compared to ones before training, respectively, which revealed shorter length, increased frequency of grade 1, and increased strain ratio. The first statistically significant changes in the length were observed at the sixth week, while such changes in elasticity score and strain ratio were observed at the ninth week.ConclusionsTwo‐dimensional elastography and real‐time elastography can provide valuable imaging markers for quantitatively evaluating the Achilles tendon's properties after rehabilitation training in patients with stroke.
A compact microstrip crossover using NRI‐TL metamaterial lines
Authors: Abbasi Muhammad Ali Babar , Antoniades Marco A. , Nikolaou Symeon 
Published: October 2018

AbstractA practical implementation of a miniaturized crossover is presented using negative‐refractive‐index transmission‐line (NRI‐TL) metamaterial lines. NRI‐TL metamaterial theory has demonstrated that by loading a conventional transmission line with lumped LC elements, a large phase shift per‐unit‐length can be achieved. Employing this technique, the conventional microstrip transmission lines in a three‐section branch‐line coupler crossover are replaced with 90° NRI‐TL lines, and thus a compact NRI‐TL crossover with an area 47 times smaller than the area of its conventional counterpart is demonstrated. Measured results demonstrate that the proposed NRI‐TL metamaterial crossover exhibits a −10 dB |S11| bandwidth of 33% and a |3 dB| |S31| bandwidth of 26% around 1 GHz.