bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bicuspid aortic valve morphology and its impact on aortic diameters—A systematic review with meta‐analysis and meta‐regression
Authors: Miśkowiec Dawid , Lipiec Piotr , Szymczyk Ewa , Wejner‐Mik Paulina , Michalski Błażej , Kupczyńska Karolina , Wierzbowska‐Drabik Karina , Kasprzak Jarosław D. 
Published: February 2018

AimTo evaluate the impact of the 2 most common bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) morphology patterns [right‐left (RL) vs right‐noncoronary (RN) cusp fusion] on the aortic diameters and the impact of gender, aortic stenosis (AS), aortic regurgitation (AR), and age on the observed effects.MethodsThe PubMed databases was searched up to December 31, 2016 to identify studies investigating the morphology of BAV and aortic diameters. Inclusion criteria were as follows: the data on diameter of sinuses of Valsalva (SVD) and/or ascending aorta (AAD) and BAV morphology. The additional characteristics [gender, AS and AR (% of patients with moderate or severe AS/AR) and mean age] were collected to perform a meta‐regression analysis.ResultsA total of 12 studies with 2192 patients with indexed AAD, 15 studies with 3104 patients with nonindexed AAD and 8 studies with 1271 patients with indexed SVD, and 16 studies with 3454 patients with nonindexed SVD were included. There was no difference between RL and RN group in indexed/nonindexed AAD—mean difference (MD): 0.06 mm/m2 (95% CI: −0.65 to 0.77 mm/m2, P = .87) and −0.06 mm (95% CI: 1.10–0.97 mm, P = .91). Differently, the RL BAV was associated with larger indexed/nonindexed SVD than RN phenotype—MD: 1.66 mm/m2 (95% CI: 0.83–2.49 mm/m2, P < .001) and 2.03 mm (95% CI: 0.97–3.09 mm, P < .001). Age, gender, AS, and AR had no influence on observed differences.ConclusionsRL BAV phenotype is associated with larger SVD than RN BAV, and the observed differences are independent from aortic valve dysfunction degree, age, and gender.
Evaluation of fetal heart geometry during pregnancy by three‐dimensional ultrasound using the STIC rendering mode
Authors: Bezerra Marilim Souza , Tedesco Giselle Darahem , Barros Fernanda Silveira Bello , Rolo Liliam Cristine , Nardozza Luciano Marcondes Machado , Pares David Baptista Silva , Martins Wellington P. , Araujo Júnior Edward 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveTo determine fetal heart geometry during pregnancy using three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound and the spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) rendering mode.MethodsThis prospective, cross‐sectional study evaluated 250 normal singleton pregnancies from 20 to 33 weeks and 6 days of gestation. STIC rendering was used to calculate the eight angles of the fetal heart: apex, base, mitral valve, tricuspid valve, left ventricle, right ventricle, left atrium, and right atrium angles. The concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) was used for intra‐ and inter‐observer tests.ResultsThe average ± SD maternal age was 31.7 ± 4.9 years, and the average gestational age was 26.3 ± 4.2 weeks. There was little variation in fetal heart angles using STIC rendering according to the gestational age, with determination coefficient (R2) values of 0.01 for the apex and mitral valve angles and <0.01 for the base, tricuspid valve, left ventricle, right ventricle, left atrium, and right atrium angles. Moderate/good intra‐ and inter‐observer concordance was observed for the measurement of fetal heart angles using STIC rendering, and the obtained CCC varied from 0.74 to 0.93.ConclusionThe fetal heart geometry did not present significant variations during pregnancy using 3D ultrasound and the STIC rendering mode.
The ‘light touch’ of the Black Death in the Southern Netherlands: an urban trick?
Authors: Roosen Joris , Curtis Daniel R. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAlthough the fanciful notion that the Black Death bypassed the Low Countries has long been rejected, nevertheless a persistent view remains that the Low Countries experienced only a ‘light touch’ of the plague when placed in a broader European perspective, and recovered quickly and fully. However, in this article an array of dispersed sources for the Southern Netherlands together with a new mortmain accounts database for Hainaut show that the Black Death was severe, perhaps no less severe than other parts of western Europe; that serious plagues continued throughout the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries; and that the Black Death and recurring plagues spread over vast territories—including the countryside. The previous conception of a ‘light touch’ of plague in the Low Countries was created by the overprivileging of particular urban sources, and a failure to account for the rapid replenishment of cities via inward migration, which obscured demographic decimation. We suggest that the population of the Low Countries may not have recovered faster than other parts of western Europe but instead experienced a greater degree of post‐plague rural–urban migration.
Pre‐analytical stability of coagulation parameters in plasma stored at room temperature
Authors: Linskens E. A. , Devreese K. M. J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIntroductionHaemostasis testing is influenced by many pre‐analytical variables, such as storage time and temperature, which can affect the stability of coagulation factors and influence the results of coagulation assays. We investigated the stability of haemostasis tests after storage of aliquoted plasma at RT, including the variability of measurement principle and reagent used for determination.MethodsBlood samples from 20 healthy volunteers were obtained, processed to PPP and aliquoted. Aliquots were stored at RT for 0 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours. PT, aPTT, fibrinogen, D‐Dimers and coagulation factors (FII, FV, FVII, FX, FVIII, FIX, FXI, FXII) were determined by STA‐R Max® and ACL‐TOP®. VWF:Ag and vWF:RCo were determined by AcuStar®. Clinically relevant changes, compared to the initial measurement, were denoted as a percentage change of > 10% according to the 99% CI.ResultsFor both analysers, a clinically relevant change of > 10% was observed for FV after 2 hours, FVIII after 4 hours and for aPTT, FII, FVII, FX and FXII after 48 hours of storage at RT. Statistically significant, but no clinically relevant differences were observed after 48‐hours storage for PT, fibrinogen and FIX. D‐Dimers, FXI, vWF:Ag and vWF:RCo were found stable up to 48 hours at RT.ConclusionOverall, compared to the limits given by the current CLSI guidelines, for most coagulation parameters investigated in this study a longer storage period could be accepted. Time intervals for FVIII and FV dosage were shorter than recommended by the CLSI guidelines. For PT determination, our findings were consistent.
Outsider ethnic minorities and wage determination in China
Authors: MACDONALD Andrew W. , HASMATH Reza 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWhile some studies on urban ethnic minorities in China indicate that they earn lower wages relative to the Han majority, others show little evidence of this gap. To understand this contradiction, the authors propose that the primary issue is a failure to fully disaggregate ethnic minority groups’ labour market experiences. Leveraging a large data set looking at China's ethnic minorities, findings suggest that “outsider minorities”, such as Tibetans and Turkic groups, suffer a significant wage penalty when controlling for covariates, while minorities in aggregate do not. These findings are robust across various specifications and have notable theoretical and policy implications.
General hospital health professionals’ attitudes and perceived dangerousness towards patients with comorbid mental and physical health conditions: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Giandinoto Jo‐Ann , Stephenson John , Edward Karen‐leigh 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe stigmatization of mental health is present in general hospital settings impacting quality of care. We hypothesized that health professionals in these areas would elicit negative attitudes and a perceived level of dangerousness across a range of mental health disorders. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis to examine these attitudes and perceptions. We searched the bibliographic databases of CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE Complete, PsycINFO, and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection in May 2017 (no date parameters were set). Quantitative studies investigating generalist health professionals’ attitudes towards mental health conditions were selected. Initially, prevalence meta‐analyses were conducted to assess the extent of perceived danger, followed by a series of comparative meta‐analyses in which the perceived dangerousness of mental health conditions was compared. Of the 653 citations retrieved, eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The overall sample included 2548 health professionals. A majority of health professionals perceived patients with substance use disorder as dangerous 0.60 (95% CI: 0.32–0.88) when compared with patients who had an alcohol‐related disorder, schizophrenia, and depression. The results also indicated that a large proportion of staff perceived patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia as dangerous 0.42 (95% CI: 0.33–0.52). Negative attitudes towards people experiencing mental illness in general hospital settings may be attributed to poor mental health literacy, skills and limited exposure, and social and cultural beliefs about mental illness. Ongoing professional development targeting mental health knowledge is recommended for health professionals working in general hospital settings.
Changes in nutritive value of alfalfa (Medicago × varia T. Martyn) and Festulolium (Festulolium braunii (K. Richt) A. Camus) under drought stress
Authors: Staniak M. , Harasim E. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractLegume–grass mixtures showed a weaker response to adverse environmental conditions than to monocultures. A yield decrease due to the scarcity of water is well documented, while the impact on the food value is inconsistent. Therefore, we undertook studies to assess the impact of water deficit in the soil on the content of the nutrients in alfalfa and Festulolium grown in monoculture and in mixture. A pot experiment was carried out in 2012–2014 in a completely randomized design, with four replications. The research was carried out at two levels of soil moisture: 70% field water capacity FWC (optimal conditions) and 40% FWC (drought stress). We found that the effect of drought stress on the food value of alfalfa and Festulolium was smaller than on the yield. Water deficit caused a significant yield decrease, the biggest in alfalfa in monoculture. Drought stress significantly reduced the content of crude fibre, the contents of crude protein and crude fat tended to increase. The influence of stress on water‐soluble carbohydrates content was not determined. Nutrient content was varied depending on a species. Introducing alfalfa as a component to a mixture with Festulolium caused a significant yield increase and improved the nutritional value of dry matter.
Anisotropic domain switching in Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐0.30PbTiO3 single crystals with rhombohedral structure
Authors: Zhou Yaming , Li Qiang , Xu Chao , Zhuo Fangping , Yan Qingfeng , Zhang Yiling , Chu Xiangcheng 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAnisotropic domain switching paths in [001]‐, [011]‐, and [111]‐poled Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐0.30PbTiO3 single crystals were studied by in situ polarized light microscopic driven by an antiparallel electric field. Orientation‐dependent electric field induced polarization and strain behaviors were investigated systematically. For [001]‐oriented crystals, only one‐step 71° switching occurred during the domain switching process, resulting in the appearance of stripe domain walls whose traces on (001) plane were along 45° or 135° with respect to [100] direction. But for [011]‐oriented samples, a two‐step 71° switching was observed during 109° switching and the projections of formed twin domain walls on the (011) plane are along 35.3° or 144.7° with respect to [01] direction. Moreover, a three‐step 71° switching was found during 180° switching in [111]‐oriented samples. It was demonstrated by the produced domain walls whose projections on the (10) plane are along 35.3°, 90° or 160.6° with respect to [11] direction. The energetically motivated mechanism based on multistep polarization switching process was also proposed to explain the anisotropic domain switching paths. Our results provided a visualized observation on the ferroelectric domain switching process and also laid the solid foundations for controlling polarization order parameter in ferroelectric single crystals.
Chemical structure and mechanical properties of soda lime silica glass surfaces treated by thermal poling in inert and reactive ambient gases
Authors: Luo Jiawei , Bae Stephen , Yuan Mengxue , Schneider Erik , Lanagan Michael T. , Pantano Carlo G. , Kim Seong H. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis study employed thermal poling at 200°C as a means to modify the surface mechanical properties of soda lime silica (SLS) glass. SLS float glass panels were allowed to react with molecules constituting ambient air (H2O, O2, N2) while sodium ions were depleted from the surface region through diffusion into the bulk under an anodic potential. A sample poled in inert gas (Ar) was used for comparison. Systematic analyses of the chemical composition, thickness, silicate network, trapped molecular species, and hydrous species in the sodium‐depleted layers revealed correlations between subsurface structural changes and mechanical properties such as hardness, elastic modulus, and fracture toughness. A silica‐like structure was created in the inert gas environment through restructuring of Si–O–Si bonds at 200°C in the Na‐depleted zone; this occurred far below Tg. This silica‐like surface also showed enhancement of hardness comparable to that of pure silica glass. The anodic thermal poling condition was found so reactive that O2 and N2 species can be incorporated into the glass, which also alters the glass structure and mechanical properties. In the case of the anodic surfaces prepared in a humid environment, the glass showed an improved resistance against crack formation, which implies that abundant hydrous species incorporated during thermal poling could be beneficial to improve the toughness.
Catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia in nonischemic cardiomyopathy: A propensity score‐matched analysis of in‐hospital outcomes in the United States
Authors: Briceño David F. , Gupta Tanush , Romero Jorge , Kolte Dhaval , Khera Sahil , Villablanca Pedro A. , Tran An , Mohanty Sanghamitra , Trivedi Chintan , Mohanty Prasant , Gianni Carola , Kim Soo G. , Garcia Mario , Fonarow Gregg C. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Natale Andrea , Di Biase Luigi 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIntroductionMonomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Use and outcome data of catheter ablation for VT in nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) are limited.Methods and resultsWe obtained data from the 2003–2014 National Inpatient Sample databases. We used propensity score matching to compare patients undergoing catheter ablation versus medical therapy of VT related to NICM, and described the temporal trends in utilization and in‐hospital outcomes of catheter ablation of VT in patients with NICM in the United States. From 2003 to 2014, of 133,529 patients hospitalized with the principal diagnosis of VT in NICM, 14,651 (11.0%) underwent catheter ablation. In this period, there was an increasing trend in utilization of catheter ablation (9.3% in 2003–2004 to 12.1% in 2003–2014, adjusted OR [per year], 1.12; 95% CI, 1.08–1.16; Ptrend < 0.001). After propensity score matching, in‐hospital mortality occurred in 172 of 14,318 (1.2%) patients in the catheter ablation group, compared with 297 of 14,156 (2.1%) of patients undergoing medical therapy (47% lower; 43% relative difference [adjusted OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.43–0.66]).ConclusionsIn patients with NICM, catheter ablation of VT is associated with lower in‐hospital mortality compared with those managed medically. The utilization rates of CA for VT related to NICM have increased in the past decade. Adequately powered randomized trials will be necessary to confirm these findings.
Irreversible electroporation ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Wojtaszczyk Adam , Caluori Guido , Pešl Martin , Melajova Katarina , Stárek Zdeněk 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAtrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most important problems in modern cardiology. Thermal ablation therapies, especially radiofrequency ablation (RF), are currently “gold standard” to treat symptomatic AF by localized tissue necrosis. Despite the improvements in reestablishing sinus rhythm using available methods, both success rate and safety are limited by the thermal nature of procedures. Thus, while keeping the technique in clinical practice, safer and more versatile methods of removing abnormal tissue are being investigated. This review focuses on irreversible electroporation (IRE), a nonthermal ablation method, which is based on the unrecoverable permeabilization of cell membranes caused by short pulses of high voltage/current. While still in its preclinical steps for what concerns interventional cardiac electrophysiology, multiple studies have shown the efficacy of this method on animal models. The observed remodeling process shows this technique as tissue specific, triggering apoptosis rather than necrosis, and safer for the structures adjacent the myocardium. So far, proposed IRE methodologies are heterogeneous. The number of devices (both generators and applicators), techniques, and therapeutic goals impair the comparability of performed studies. More questions regarding systemic safety and optimal processes for AF treatment remain to be answered. This work provides an overview of the electroporation process, and presents different results obtained by cardiology‐oriented research groups that employ IRE ablation, with focus of AF‐related targets. This contribution on the topic aspires to be a practical guide to approach IRE ablation for cardiac arrhythmias, and to highlight controversial features and existing knowledge, to provide background for future improved experimentation with IRE in arrhythmology.
Esthetic and functional management of an ankylosed central incisor with a conservative restorative approach
Authors: Ritter Andre V. , Cunha Leonardo Fernandes , Correr Gisele M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn this case report, we share a conservative and simple restorative management approach for a relatively complex esthetic situation on an adult patient with an ankylosed maxillary central incisor in infra‐occlusion. A 37‐year‐old healthy female patient presented for a consultation with a chief complaint of an unappealing smile. The intraoral exam revealed tooth #8 (FDI 11) was in obvious and significant infra‐occlusion due to altered eruption. Periapical radiographs of this area were non‐contributory and all teeth responded within normal limits to pulp vitality tests. After review of several treatment options, the patient opted for a conservative restorative approach in which a partial ceramic veneer was planned for the ankylosed tooth, while composite resin was used on the contralateral central incisor to achieve a symmetric and pleasant result.Clinical SignificanceA relatively complex clinical problem was satisfactorily resolved with a very conservative option in which composite resin and a ceramic veneer were used to restore an asymmetric smile.
A literature review on the new polymer‐infiltrated ceramic‐network material (PICN)
Authors: Facenda Júlia Cadorim , Borba Marcia , Corazza Pedro Henrique 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectivesCeramics and composites are the most used materials for dental application. Recently, the characteristics of both were combined on the called “polymer‐infiltrated ceramic‐network” (PICN). The aim of this review is to report the behavior of PICN, comparing the findings that may support the correct clinical application.OverviewThe PICN material is a structure with a sintered ceramic matrix infiltrated with a polymer matrix. Studies evaluated this material microstructure and composition, mechanical properties and adhesive behavior. The most cited mechanical properties are flexural strength, compressive strength, elastic modulus, Weibull modulus, hardness, fracture toughness and fatigue resistance. Most studies compared PICN with feldspathic porcelain, lithium disilicate glass–ceramic, lithium silicate, zirconia‐reinforced glass–ceramic, leucite reinforced glass–ceramic, polycrystalline alumina and zirconia. Other studies evaluated a similar material (a nanoceramic resin).Clinical SignificanceThe mechanical properties of the PICN are equivalent to the properties of nanoceramic resins, lower to lithium disilicate glass ceramic and superior to feldspathic porcelain. Yet, the findings suggest a highly resistant material to degradation at low loads (close to physiological situation) when cemented on a substrate.
Molecular Phylogenetic Positions and Ultrastructure of Marine Gregarines (Apicomplexa) Cuspisella ishikariensis n. gen., n. sp. and Loxomorpha cf. harmothoe from Western Pacific scaleworms (Polynoidae)
Authors: Iritani Davis , Horiguchi Takeo , Wakeman Kevin C. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMarine gregarines are unicellular parasites of invertebrates commonly found infecting the intestine and coelomic spaces of their hosts. Situated at the base of the apicomplexan tree, marine gregarines offer an opportunity to explore the earliest stages of apicomplexan evolution. Classification of marine gregarines is often based on the morphological traits of the conspicuous feeding stages (trophozoites) in combination with host affiliation and molecular phylogenetic data. Morphological characters of other life stages such as the spore are also used to inform taxonomy when such stages can be found. The reconstruction of gregarine evolutionary history is challenging, due to high levels of intraspecific variation of morphological characters combined with relatively few traits that are taxonomically unambiguous. The current study combined morphological data with a phylogenetic analysis of small subunit rDNA sequences to describe and establish a new genus and species (Cuspisella ishikariensis n. gen., n. sp.) of marine gregarine isolated from the intestine of a polynoid host (Lepidonotus helotypus) collected from Hokkaido, Japan. This new species possesses a set of unusual morphological traits including a spiked attachment apparatus and sits on a long branch on the molecular phylogeny. Furthermore, this study establishes a molecular phylogenetic position for Loxomorpha cf. harmothoe, a previously described marine gregarine, and reveals a new group of gregarines that infect polynoid hosts.
A case report of spontaneous staphylococcal meningitis in a cynomolgus monkey
Authors: Lin Zhi , Zhang Lu , Zhang Di , Huo Guitao , Zhou Xiaobing , Yang Yan‐wei , Huo Yan , Li Bo , Geng Xing‐chao 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis report describes a suppurative meningitis in a young cynomolgus. The animal had neutrophil aggregation in the subarachnoid space and hemorrhage in bilateral adrenal glands. Staphylococcus was identified by FISH in brain. To our knowledge, this is the first case of staphylococcal meningitis with Waterhouse‐Friderichsen syndrome in a cynomolgus monkey.