bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diversity of Menispermaceae from the Paleocene and Eocene of South China
Authors: Han Meng , Wu Xin‐Kai , Tu Ming , Kodrul Tatiana M. , Jin Jian‐Hua 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe present here the earliest known Asian fossil records of the Menispermaceae based on fossil fruits from Paleocene and Eocene localities in South China. A new genus and species, Paleoorbicarpum parvum sp. nov., and two new species of Stephania Loureiro, S. ornamenta sp. nov. and S. geniculata sp. nov., are recognized from Paleocene deposits of the Sanshui Basin, Guangdong, and a new occurrence of the widespread Eocene species Stephania auriformis (Hollick) Han & Manchester is recognized from the Maoming Basin, Guangdong. The Paleocene Stephania specimens described here represent the earliest fossil endocarp record of the Menispermaceae in eastern Asia. This discovery shows that the moonseed family had arrived in tropical and humid South China by at least the middle Paleocene, which provides important evidence for the origin and phytogeographic history of the family.
Species delimitation and phylogeography of Abies delavayi complex: Inferred from morphological, molecular, and climatic data
Authors: Shao Yi‐Zhen , Chen Yun , Zhang Xian‐Chun , Xiang Qiao‐Ping 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe species delimitation within Abies delavayi complex, consisting of A. delavayi Franch., A. fabri (Mast.) Craib, A. nukiangensis W. C. Cheng & L. K. Fu, and A. delavayi subsp. fansipanensis (Q. P. Xiang, L. K. Fu & Nan Li) Rushforth, has been a subject of long‐term dispute. We combined different lines of evidence, including morphological characters, population‐based mitochondrial DNA and chloroplast DNA sequences, and plastome data to assess its species delimitation. These four independent datasets revealed a consistent result that the four taxa of A. delavayi complex were hardly separated and could be regarded as one species. Our results further suggested that these four taxa might have experienced rapid morphological diversification, following a common expansion triggered by climate oscillations during the Pleistocene. In addition, we surveyed the phylogeographical history of A. delavayi complex as a whole based on ecological niche models and molecular data. These results consistently revealed that this high‐mountain fir complex had experienced glacial expansion and interglacial contraction. Therefore, we propose that A. delavayi complex probably has undergone the phalanx expansion model in response to climate change during the Quaternary. Such expansion patterns demand consideration when establishing conservation strategies for threatened fir species.
Age, race and viral genotype are associated with the prevalence of hepatitis B e antigen in children and adults with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Di Bisceglie Adrian M. , King Wendy C. , Lisker‐Melman Mauricio , Khalili Mandana , Belle Steven H. , Feld Jordan J. , Ghany Marc G. , Janssen Harry L. A. , Lau Daryl , Lee William M. , Ling Simon C. , Cooper Stewart , Rosenthal Philip , Schwarz Kathleen B. , Sterling Richard K. , Teckman Jeffrey H. , Terrault Norah ,   the Hepatitis B Research Network (HBRN)
Published: April 2019

AbstractHepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) is an important serological marker of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and is associated with higher levels of viraemia, increased risk of infectivity to others and increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. We analysed HBeAg status in a large cohort of adults and children enrolled in Cohort Studies of the Hepatitis B Research Network, long‐term natural history studies of chronic HBV infection. A cross‐sectional analysis examined factors associated with HBeAg positivity, including demographic and virologic data, across the age spectrum. Among 2241 enrolled participants who met criteria for this analysis, 825 (37%) were seropositive for HBeAg. The prevalence of HBeAg was lower in those with older age, ranging from 85% among those up to 10 years of age to only 12% among those older than 50 years. In addition to age, both race and HBV genotype were independently associated with HBeAg positivity. There was a significant interaction between age and race; the prevalence of HBeAg was significantly higher among Asians > 10‐30 years old vs Whites or Blacks who were >10 to 30 years old and those infected with HBV genotype C. Conversely, the presence of the basal core promoter and precore variants was associated with significantly lower prevalence of HBeAg, even when adjusted for age, race and genotype. These data will provide a better understanding of factors associated with seropositivity for HBeAg and may lead to better strategies for preventing HBV infection and broader indications for antiviral therapy.
Is immunoglobulin A nephropathy different in different ethnic populations?
Authors: Yeo See Cheng , Goh Su Mein , Barratt Jonathan 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTImmunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is one of the commonest global patterns of primary glomerulonephritis and remains a leading cause of chronic kidney disease and end‐stage renal disease. The sole diagnostic criterion of IgAN remains the presence of dominant mesangial immunoglobulin A deposits on kidney biopsy. Beyond this defining feature, there is significant heterogeneity in the epidemiology, clinical presentation, renal progression and long‐term outcomes of IgAN in different ethnic populations. Mirroring this heterogeneity in clinical phenotypes, there is also marked ethnic variation in the extent of histopathological lesions observed on kidney biopsy, which may partly explain the well‐documented differences in response to immunomodulatory agents reported in different regions of the world. In parallel, disparities have been identified in genetic association studies and key pathogenic pathways in different ethnic populations. Understanding the basis for these differences in IgAN has important implications for both clinical care and future research. In this review, we will examine the impact of ethnicity on the epidemiology, clinical presentation and outcomes, pathogenesis and genetic associations in IgAN.
Comparison of Mid‐term Survivorship and Clinical Outcomes between Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty and Total Hip Arthroplasty with Cementless Stem: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Lin Chen‐Chiang , Yang Chang‐Chen , Yu Tzai‐Chiu 
Published: April 2019

ObjectivesTo compare the clinical outcome between bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BHA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a U2 HA cementless hip stem, and the results of elderly femoral neck fracture patients who underwent BHA with a cementless hip stem.MethodsA multicenter retrospective study enrolled 96 BHA and 115 THA cases using U2 HA cementless hip stems with mean age (BHA: 67.9 years; THA: 64.1 years), body height (BHA: 160.4 cm; THA: 160.7 cm) and weight (BHA: 62.7 kg; THA: 64.5 kg) recorded. Mean follow‐up durations were, respectively, 7.1 (BHA) and 7.8 (THA) years. Survivorship analyses and Oxford hip scores were compared.ResultsBoth the BHA and the THA groups revealed high survival rates at 5‐year (100%) and 10‐year (100.0% and 90.1%) follow‐up. The THA group achieved better joint performance and pain relief. The cementless HA stems had survived perfectly for 10 years for elderly femoral neck fracture patients following BHA.ConclusionsThe U2 HA cementless hip stem provides an effective solution for both BHA and THA surgeries, and for elderly femoral neck fracture patients undergoing BHA. According to the findings of the current study, THA may be inadequate for addressing avascular necrosis, and pain control is a considerable concern for patients who have undergone BHA.
Cardiac conduction abnormalities associated with pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Cresse Stephen , Eisenberg Trevor , Alfonso Carlos , Cohen Mauricio G. , DeMarchena Eduardo , Williams Donald , Carrillo Roger 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundComplete heart block is a known complication after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), often requiring pacemaker implantation within 24 hours of the procedure. However, clinical markers for delayed progression to complete heart block after TAVR remain unclear.ObjectivesWe examined electrocardiographic data that may correlate with delayed progression to complete heart block and need for pacemaker.MethodsThis is a single‐center retrospective study of 608 patients who underwent TAVR between April 2008 and June 2017. We excluded 164 (27.0%) patients due to having a pacemaker before the procedure or expiring within 24 hours of the procedure (8, 1.3%). We excluded an additional 50 (8.2%) patients who received a pacemaker within 24 hours of the procedure. Electrocardiograms (EKGs) obtained after the procedure were compared to the preprocedural EKG to detect new changes.ResultsLeft bundle branch block, intraventricular conduction delay, left anterior fascicular block, and right bundle branch block were the most commonly seen conduction abnormalities after TAVR (25.1%, 10.9%, 7.5%, and 3.6%, respectively). Both left bundle branch block (odds ratio [OR] = 2.77 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.24–6.22]) and right bundle branch block (OR = 13.2 [95% CI: 4.18–41.70]) carried an increased risk of pacemaker implantation after TAVR. Additionally, ΔPR greater than 40 ms from baseline also carried an increased risk of pacemaker implantation (OR = 3.53 [95% CI: 1.49–8.37]).ConclusionLeft bundle branch block, right bundle branch block, and ΔPR greater than 40 ms were all associated with delayed progression to complete heart block and need for pacemaker implantation after TAVR.
Reactive atrial‐based antitachycardia pacing therapy reduces atrial tachyarrhythmias
Authors: Crossley George H. , Padeletti Luigi , Zweibel Steven , Hudnall J. Harrison , Zhang Yan , Boriani Giuseppe 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundReactive atrial‐based antitachycardia pacing (rATP) aims to terminate atrial tachyarrhythmia/atrial fibrillation (AT/AF) episodes when they spontaneously organize to atrial flutter or atrial tachycardia; however, its effectiveness in the real‐world has not been studied. We used a large device database (Medtronic CareLink, Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) to evaluate the effects of rATP at reducing AT/AF.MethodsPacemaker, defibrillator, and resynchronization device transmission data were analyzed. Eligible patients had device detected AT/AF during a baseline period but were not in persistent AT/AF immediately preceding first transmission. Note that 1:1 individual matching between groups was conducted using age, sex, device type, pacing mode, AT/AF, and percent ventricular pacing at baseline. Risks of AT/AF events were compared between patients with rATP‐enabled versus control patients with rATP‐disabled or not available in the device. For matched patients, AT/AF event rates at 2 years were estimated by Kaplan‐Meier method, and hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated by Cox proportional hazard models.ResultsOf 43,440 qualifying patients, 4,203 had rATP on. Matching resulted in 4,016 pairs, totaling 8,032 patients for analysis. The rATP group experienced significantly lower risks of AT/AF events lasting ≥1 day (HR 0.81), ≥7 days (HR 0.64), and ≥30 days (HR 0.56) compared to control (P < 0.0001 for all). In subgroup analysis, rATP was associated with reduced risks of AT/AF events across age, sex, device type, baseline AT/AF, and preventive atrial pacing.ConclusionsAmong real‐world patients from a large device database, rATP therapy was significantly associated with a reduced risk of AT/AF. This association was independent of whether the patient had a pacemaker, defibrillator, or resynchronization device.
Brain neurochemistry in unmedicated obsessive–compulsive disorder patients and effects of 12‐week escitalopram treatment: 1H‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy study
Authors: Parmar Arpit , Sharan Pratap , Khandelwal Sudhir Kumar , Agarwal Khushbu , Sharma Uma , Jagannathan Naranamanglam Raghunathan 
Published: April 2019

AimThe purpose of this study was to examine treatment‐related neurochemical changes in 28 unmedicated obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) patients using 1H‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS).MethodsWe included subjects diagnosed with OCD (n = 28), each with a total duration of illness of less than 5 years, as a study group and age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (n = 26). The inclusion criteria for the OCD group were right‐handed individuals aged 18 years or older who had not been on any specific treatment for OCD for the last at least 8 weeks and who had no other psychiatric comorbidity. A pre–post and case–control design was employed in which OCD patients underwent 1H‐MRS at baseline and 12 weeks after treatment with escitalopram (n = 21). Clinical assessment was carried out using a semi‐structured pro forma Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Scale 2.0 before and after treatment. Volume‐localized 1H‐MRS was carried out with a 3‐Tesla Philips MR scanner.ResultsOur data suggested higher levels of myoinositol (mI), total choline (tCho), and glutamate+glutamine (Glx) in the medial thalamus at pre‐assessment in OCD subjects as compared to healthy controls and a significant reduction in tCho and Glx after treatment in OCD subjects. The mI levels in the caudate nucleus and Glx levels in the anterior cingulate cortex were significantly correlated with disease severity on the Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale.ConclusionOur study supports the hypothesis of a hyper‐glutaminergic state (as suggested by increased Glx levels) and neurodegeneration (as suggested by increased tCho and mI in the thalamus) in cortico‐striato‐thalamocortical circuitry in OCD patients as suggested by previous studies using MRS as well as other functional imaging studies.
Plasma electrolyte imbalance in pediatric kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Hayes Wesley , Longley Catherine , Scanlon Nicola , Bryant William , Stojanovic Jelena , Kessaris Nicos , Van’t Hoff William , Bockenhauer Detlef , Marks Stephen D. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundIn current practice, pediatric kidney transplant recipients receive large volumes of intravenous fluid intraoperatively to establish allograft perfusion, and further fluid to replace urinary and insensible losses postoperatively. Acute electrolyte imbalance can result, with potential for neurological sequelae. We aimed to determine the incidence and severity of postoperative plasma electrolyte imbalance in pediatric kidney transplant recipients managed with the current standard intravenous crystalloid regimen.MethodsA retrospective analysis of plasma electrolytes in the first 72 hours post‐kidney transplant in 76 children transplanted between January 1, 2015, and January 31, 2018, managed with a standard intravenous fluid strategy used in most UK pediatric transplant centers.ResultsOf 76 pediatric transplant recipients of median age 9.9 (range 2.2‐17.9) years predominantly managed with 0.45% sodium chloride 5% glucose, 45 (59%) developed acute hyponatremia, 23 (30%) hyperkalemia, and 43 (57%) non‐anion‐gap acidosis in the postoperative period. Hyperglycemia occurred in 74 (97%) patients. Hyperkalemia was more prevalent in deceased than live donor recipients (P = 0.003) and was significantly associated with non‐anion‐gap acidosis (P < 0.001). Recipient weight was not associated with overt electrolyte imbalance.ConclusionPostoperative plasma electrolyte imbalance is common in pediatric kidney transplant recipients. Current clinical care strategies mitigate the associated risks of neurological sequelae to some degree. Further studies to optimize intravenous fluid therapy and minimize electrolyte disturbance in this group of patients are needed.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use in the first 24 hours following pediatric heart transplantation: Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes
Authors: Godown Justin , Bearl David W. , Thurm Cary , Hall Matt , Feingold Brian , Soslow Jonathan H. , Mettler Bret A. , Smith Andrew H. , Profita Elizabeth L. , Singh Tajinder P. , Dodd Debra A. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPrimary graft dysfunction following HTx is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the incidence of, risk factors for, and outcomes of children requiring ECMO within 24 hours of HTx. This study utilized a linked PHIS/SRTR database of pediatric HTx recipients (2002‐2016). Post‐HTx ECMO was identified using inpatient billing data. Logistic regression assessed risk factors for post‐HTx ECMO. Kaplan‐Meier analyses assessed in‐hospital mortality and post‐discharge survival. A total of 2820 patients were included with 224 (7.9%) requiring ECMO. Independent risk factors for post‐HTx ECMO include age <1 year (aOR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.3‐3.7, P = 0.006) or 1‐5 years (aOR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.3‐3.4, P = 0.002), and ECMO support at HTx (aOR: 27.4, 95% CI: 15.2‐49.6, P < 0.001). Survival to discharge decreased with increasing duration of post‐HTx ECMO support; 89% for 1‐3 days, 79.1% for 4‐6 days, 63.2% for 7‐9 days, and 18.8% for ≥10 days. There was no difference in long‐term survival for patients requiring post‐HTx ECMO who survived to hospital discharge (P = 0.434). There are identifiable risk factors associated with the need for ECMO in the post‐HTx period. Length of time on ECMO post‐HTx is strongly associated with the risk of in‐hospital mortality. Patients who require ECMO early post‐HTx and survive to discharge have comparable outcomes to patients who did not require ECMO.
Double benefits of mechanical wounding in enhancing chilling tolerance and lodging resistance in wheat plants
Authors: Si T. , Wang X. , Huang M. , Cai J. , Zhou Q. , Dai T. , Jiang D. 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Chilling and lodging are major threats to wheat production. However, strategies that can be used to effectively mitigate the adverse effects of these threats are still far from clear. Mechanical wounding is a traditional agronomic measure, whereas information about the role it plays in wheat chilling and lodging is scant.

The aim of the present study was to investigate mechanisms underlying the protective roles of mechanical wounding in alleviating damage from chilling at jointing stage and enhancing lodging resistance after anthesis of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Our data show that net photosynthesis rate, maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II, activity of the antioxidant enzymes and osmolytes were significantly increased in the latest fully expanded leaves of wounded plants under chilling. Wounding also reduced hydrogen peroxide accumulation, electrolyte leakage and water loss in wounded plants. Moreover, mechanical wounding significantly reduced the length but increased the diameter and wall thickness of the basal second internode of the main stem. Quantitative and histochemical analysis further indicated that wounding increased lignin accumulation and activity of enzymes involved in lignin synthesis, which resulted in increased mechanical strength and the lodging resistance index in the main stem.

We conclude from our data that mechanical wounding confers both cold tolerance by alleviating the damage caused by chilling at jointing stage and lodging resistance after anthesis of wheat plants.
Application of Spirulina in aquaculture: a review on wastewater treatment and fish growth
Authors: Zhang Feng , Man Yu Bon , Mo Wing Yin , Wong Ming Hung 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThere is an urgent need to find alternatives to fish meal and fish oil in compound feeds due to their rapidly rising prices and the demand for sustainable fisheries. Spirulina, a filamentous blue‐green microalga, is an excellent source of plant protein and could replace expensive animal‐derived proteins in fish feed. Studies have evaluated the use of spirulina as a fish meal for different fish species. This paper reviews research on the effects of spirulina on the growth performance of various fish species. It is apparent that spirulina can be a highly important component of the diet of fish; it has a number of benefits, such as promoting the growth of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and carp (Labeo rohita), improving the reproductive performance of yellow tail cichlid (Pseudotropheus acei) and enhancing the immune response of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Recent studies have shown that spirulina can be used for treating wastewater, including effluent from fish culture activities, as it can efficiently metabolize the nutrients and remove the heavy metals contained in aquaculture effluent. Fish aquaculture could apply an integrated strategy of simultaneously treating aquaculture effluent while producing spirulina biomass to supplement fish diets.
Evaluation of large‐scale marking methods in farmed salmonids for tracing purposes: Impact on fish welfare
Authors: Uglem Ingebrigt , Kristiansen Tore S. , Mejdell Cecilie M. , Basic Dean , Mortensen Stein 
Published: April 2019

AbstractEscaped farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is considered a threat to wild salmon. In order to take action to reduce the impact of escapees, methods to distinguish escapees from wild fish and to trace them back to their origin are in demand. This paper gives an overview of available methods and discusses the impact on fish welfare, both in the short‐ and long‐term. Adipose fin clipping, freeze branding, different external and internal tags, as well as natural and chemical marks are considered. All marking procedures that involve handling of fish have an impact on fish welfare. Spraying with pigments and most externally attached tags significantly reduce the welfare, both on short‐term and long‐term perspectives. Although the use of natural or chemical marks, like exposure to stable isotopes via egg immersion or vaccination, involves no or no extra handling, subsequent analysis may require killing the fish after catch. Large‐scale marking with implanted or external tags could represent higher risks of human errors and reduced fish welfare, as opposed to small‐scale marking. In general, the knowledge about effects of marking on fish welfare is limited for most of the available methods, in particular regarding other effects than mortality and growth reductions.
Sectarianism and Governance in Syria
Authors: Hinnebusch Raymond 
Published: April 2019

AbstractHow does the multi‐sectarian make‐up of multi‐sectarian states affect governance, most notably the variation between democracy and authoritarianism, and how does the latter impact on sectarianism? This paper examines the literature on identity, especially sectarianism, and how it affects the formation of different kinds of governance, as well as the literature from Historical Sociology on how institutions affect identities, specifically sectarian ones. From this, the paper devises a framework of analysis which is used to guide an understanding of the interaction between governance and sectarianism in the case of Syria. The paper traces their interaction over time, showing how the salience of sectarianism varied sharply under different forms of governance. It examines (1) whether Syria's sectarian structure was responsible for the pre‐Ba'thist failure of democracy; (2) how Ba'thist populist authoritarianism both generated and contained sectarianism while post‐populist authoritarianism stimulated it and consequently destabilized the state; and (3) how the instrumentalization of sectarianism shaped civil war, obstructing democratic transition and mass revolution and generating more sectarian exclusivist governance in both regime‐ and opposition‐controlled areas.