bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abstract P031: Plasma Xanthine Oxidoreductase Activity is Associated With Edothelial Dysfucntion and Increased Arterial Stiffness in a General Japanese Population: the Iwate Tohoku Medical Megabank Project
Authors: Kotozaki Yuka , Tanno Kozo , Ohmomo Hideki , Tanaka Fumitaka , Otomo Ryo , Shimizu Atsushi , Sakata Kiyomi , Hitomi Jiro , Sasaki Makoto , Satoh Mamoru 
Published: March 2019

An increase in xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) activity is related to various diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity has been reported. However, so far the association with XOR activity and pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in a general Japanese population are not known. The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between XOR activity and progression of atherosclerosis including pulse wave velocity (PWV) and flow mediated dilation (FMD) in a general Japanese population.
The Iwate Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization pooled individual participant data from a general population-based cohort study in Iwate prefecture (n = 810, male / female = 271 / 539, age = 67.6 ± 7.2).
Plasma levels of XOR activity in males were marginally higher than in females (89.6 ± 187.0 vs. 64.8 ± 145.8 pmol / h/ mL, p = 0.06). Arterial stiffness by PWV after log10 transformation was significantly higher in quartiles III and IV of XOR compared to quartiles I in females (F =4.768, p < 0.01) (quartiles I vs. III, 3.187 ± 0.088 vs. 3.214 ± 0.081, p < 0.01; quartiles I vs. IV, 3.187 ± 0.088 vs. 3.213 ± 0.080, p < 0.05). Endothelial function as assessed by FMD was significantly lower in quartiles III and IV compared to quartiles I in females (F = 6.074, p < 0.001) (quartiles I vs. III, 6.02 ± 3.19 vs. 4.90 ± 2.66 %, p < 0.01; quartiles I vs. IV, 6.02 ± 3.19 vs. 5.04 ± 2.76 %, p < 0.01). XOR activity was related to progression of atherosclerosis (FMD, OR = 0.930, p = 0.06) and the high risk for CVD in females (Suita Score ≥ 41, OR = 1.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04 - 3.54, p < 0.05). XOR activity was no significant association with progression of atherosclerosis and the high risk for CVD in males. The area under the curve (AUC) for XOR activity combined with Suita score was 0.66 (95% CI = 0.52 - 0.77, p < 0.05).
In conclusion, XOR activity is associated with endothelial dysfunction and increased arterial stiffness suggesting that elevated XOR activity may relate to progression of atherosclerosis and indicate the CV risk.
An evaluation of the subspecies Acris crepitans blanchardi (Anura, Hylidae)
Authors: McCALLUM MALCOLM L. , TRAUTH STANLEY E. 
Published: March 2019

We investigated the validity and distribution of the subspecies Acris crepitans blanchardi. Currently Acris crepitans contains three subspecies: the northern cricket frog (A. c. crepitans), Blanchards cricket frog (A. c. blanchardi) and the coastal cricket frog (A. c. paludicola). We examined the diagnostic characters of 1441 specimens from the center of the range (Arkansas, Missouri, and Mississippi), 161 specimens from the extreme northwest portion of this species range (South Dakota and Nebraska), and 85 from the extreme southeast portion of the species range (Florida and Georgia). Discriminate analysis was applied to the tabulated data and no significant differences between portions of the range could be discerned. No concrete evidence was found to support designation of specimens from South Dakota and Nebraska or from Smallens Cave (origin of the type specimen) as A. c. blanchardi. This information places the subspecies A. c. blanchardi in a status of doubtful validity suggesting that no delineation between A. c. blanchardi and A. c. crepitans should be made at this time.
Myanmaro primus gen. et sp. nov., the first orthoclad (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Cretaceous Burmese amber
Authors: GIŁKA WOJCIECH , MAKARCHENKO EUGENYI A. , PANKOWSKI MARY K. , ZAKRZEWSKA MARTA 
Published: March 2019

A fossil genus Myanmaro gen. nov., with a species M. primus sp. nov. (Diptera, Chironomidae) is described from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber (~100 Ma). The adult male of the new species shows the wing venation pattern lacking a cross-vein MCu, the fore leg ratio lower than 1, and the gonostylus folded inwards - features typical of the subfamily Orthocladiinae. A bifid gonostylus, with an articulate, likely movable inner branch, is the character indicating a close relationship between Myanmaro and Diplocladius Kieffer, 1908, the latter genus previously postulated as an early lineage in Orthocladiinae. Several characters, i.e. the structure of tergite IX and the anal point, are defined as generic autapom orphies for Myanmaro. A combination of the shape of hypopygial volsellae (or their absence) and the lack of tibial combs also separate this genus from related extant Orthocladiinae and from the only known Cretaceous extinct orthoclad genus Lebanorthocladius Veltz, Azar et Nel, 2007.
A New Criterion to Improve Operational Drizzle Detection with Ground-Based Remote Sensing
Authors: Acquistapace Claudia , Löhnert Ulrich , Maahn Maximilian , Kollias Pavlos 
Published: March 2019

AbstractLight shallow precipitation in the form of drizzle is one of the mechanisms for liquid water removal, affecting cloud lifetime and boundary layer dynamics and thermodynamics. The early formation of drizzle drops is of particular interest for quantifying aerosol–cloud–precipitation interactions. In models, drizzle initiation is represented by the autoconversion, that is, the conversion of liquid water from a cloud liquid water category (where particle sedimentation is ignored) into a precipitating liquid water category. Various autoconversion parameterizations have been proposed in recent years, but their evaluation is challenging due to the lack of proper observations of drizzle development in the cloud. This work presents a new algorithm for Classification of Drizzle Stages (CLADS). CLADS is based on the skewness of the Ka-band radar Doppler spectrum. Skewness is sensitive to the drizzle growth in the cloud: the observed Gaussian Doppler spectrum has skewness zero when only cloud droplets are present without any significant fall velocity. Defining downward velocities positive, skewness turns positive when embryonic drizzle forms and becomes negative when drizzle starts to dominate the spectrum. CLADS identifies spatially coherent structures of positive, zero, and negative skewness in space and time corresponding to drizzle seeding, drizzle growth/nondrizzle, and drizzle mature, respectively. We test CLADS on case studies from the Jülich Observatory for Cloud Evolution Core Facility (JOYCE-CF) and the Barbados Cloud Observatory (BCO) to quantitatively estimate the benefits of CLADS compared to the standard Cloudnet target categorization algorithm. We suggest that CLADS can provide additional observational constraints for understanding the processes related to drizzle formation better.
The “What Now?” Workbook: Its potential utility following life-changing events
Authors: Taylor Jackie A. , Jones Vivienne , Farrell Carole D. 
Published: March 2019

Background. Following a life-changing event, such as a serious illness, people can experience a disruption of meaning and identity, making it difficult to move forward. The “What Now?” Workbook was developed to enable exploration of the personal meanings of specific occupations to facilitate future planning. Purpose. The aim of this study was to investigate the utility—usability and usefulness—of the workbook in practice. Method. Five occupational therapists trialled the workbook at a specialist cancer centre in England. Qualitative data were gathered via a focus group, an interview, and questionnaires. The data were subject to a realist thematic analysis. Findings. The findings showed the workbook to have actual and potential utility for service users in this setting, as perceived by their occupational therapists, by helping them to explore occupations, their loss, meanings, and future possibilities as part of an occupational therapy intervention. Implications. The workbook appears to offer a structured yet flexible way to explore personal meanings of occupations, enabling service users to gain insights and move forward following a life-changing illness.
Getting Back Into the Loop: The Perceptual-Motor Determinants of Successful Transitions out of Automated Driving
Authors: Mole Callum D. , Lappi Otto , Giles Oscar , Markkula Gustav , Mars Franck , Wilkie Richard M. 
Published: March 2019

Objective: To present a structured, narrative review highlighting research into human perceptual-motor coordination that can be applied to automated vehicle (AV)–human transitions. Background: Manual control of vehicles is made possible by the coordination of perceptual-motor behaviors (gaze and steering actions), where active feedback loops enable drivers to respond rapidly to ever-changing environments. AVs will change the nature of driving to periods of monitoring followed by the human driver taking over manual control. The impact of this change is currently poorly understood. Method: We outline an explanatory framework for understanding control transitions based on models of human steering control. This framework can be summarized as a perceptual-motor loop that requires (a) calibration and (b) gaze and steering coordination. A review of the current experimental literature on transitions is presented in the light of this framework. Results: The success of transitions are often measured using reaction times, however, the perceptual-motor mechanisms underpinning steering quality remain relatively unexplored. Conclusion: Modeling the coordination of gaze and steering and the calibration of perceptual-motor control will be crucial to ensure safe and successful transitions out of automated driving. Application: This conclusion poses a challenge for future research on AV-human transitions. Future studies need to provide an understanding of human behavior that will be sufficient to capture the essential characteristics of drivers reengaging control of their vehicle. The proposed framework can provide a guide for investigating specific components of human control of steering and potential routes to improving manual control recovery.
Clinical superiority of an innovative two-component compression system versus four-component compression system in treatment of active venous leg ulcers: A randomized trial
Authors: Gillet Jean L , Guex Jean J , Allaert François A , Avouac Bernard , Leger Philippe , Blaise Sophie , Marchand Angélique , Maillard Hervé , Simon Magali , Amor Cyrine B , Pasqualini Marion 
Published: March 2019

Objective To evaluate the efficacy, safety and acceptability of an innovative two-component versus a well-established four-component compression systems in the management of venous leg ulcer. Method Multicentre randomized controlled trial in patients with active venous leg ulcer. Patients were followed-up monthly for a maximum of 16 weeks. The primary endpoint was the complete healing rate at 16 weeks. Results Ninety-two patients were randomized to either the two-component BIFLEX® Kit group ( n = 49) or the four-component PROFORE® group ( n = 43). In the full analysis set ( n = 88), a complete healing rate of 48.9% and 24.4% was reported in BIFLEX® Kit versus PROFORE® groups, respectively (i.e. a superiority of 24.5%, p = 0.02). Acceptability of BIFLEX® Kit was higher from both the patients’ and physicians’ perspectives. Conclusion The BIFLEX® Kit represents a valid alternative therapy in the management of venous leg ulcer according to its clinical efficacy, safety and acceptability with potential positive impacts on healthcare costs.
Outcomes in Medical Intensive Care Patients Housed in Geographically Distant Units
Authors: Lazar Michael H. , Moscoso Eric Espinoza , Jennings Jeffrey H. 
Published: March 2019

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine whether in patients admitted to a medical intensive care unit (ICU) service there are outcome differences between those in a medical ICU bed (“home”) and a geographically distant subspecialty ICU bed (“overflow”). Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 4091 patients admitted to a medical ICU of a large tertiary-care urban teaching hospital. Depending on bed availability, some patients were housed in surgical or cardiac subspecialty ICUs while still being cared for by the primary medical ICU service. We assessed the association of these overflow patients with readmission rates and ICU and hospital length of stay (LOS). Potential differences in care was assessed by measuring the number of central line days, urinary catheter days, and ventilator days. Results: Of the 4091 consecutive patients admitted to the medical ICU, 362 (9%) were housed in an overflow ICU and 3729 (91%) were home patients. There was no difference in demographics, patient characteristics, ICU admission diagnosis, or risk of mortality between the 2 groups. Compared to home patients, overflow patients had a higher rate of readmission to the ICU (10.5% vs 6.63% respectively P = .006), a slightly shorter ICU LOS (median 2 [interquartile range, IQR: 1-4] days versus home group of 2 [IQR: 1-5] days; P = .001), and a slightly longer hospital LOS (overflow 7 [IQR: 4-17] days vs home 7 [IQR: 4-13] days, P = .001). There was no differences in number of central venous catheter days, urinary catheter days, ventilator days, or mortality. Conclusions: Medical ICU patients who are housed in ICUs geographically distant from the primary team’s location have increased morbidity when compared to patients admitted to the home ICU. However, there are no differences in number of central venous catheter days, urinary catheter days, ventilator days, or mortality.
Maintaining Breastfeeding During Severe Infant and Maternal HSV-1 Infection: A Case Report
Authors: D’Andrea Margaret A. , Spatz Diane L. 
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Childbearing women with primary or secondary Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 infection are at risk of transmitting neonatal herpes infection to their infants; a medical emergency that is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Neonatal herpes infection has been commonly associated with Herpes Simplex Virus type 2, or genital herpes, but can be caused by either subtype and the presentations are indistinguishable. This case describes the course of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery for a mother and infant during a severe maternal and neonatal herpes infection, and how lactation was maintained and breastfeeding re-established. Our children’s hospital coordinated its efforts to assist and monitor this breastfeeding family, and they were able to resume breastfeeding soon after discharge. It is our opinion that it is imperative that mothers receive evidence-based lactation care to maintain their breastfeeding relationship during extended hospital stays. Main Issue: An acutely ill infant was admitted to our urban children’s hospital with severe neonatal herpes infection for a total of 3 weeks. His mother was severely affected on her breasts and she required a brief hospitalization. The mother’s breasts were covered with draining herpetic lesions that required daily dressing changes. However, her lesions were slow to heal, and a wound care consultation was facilitated and her treatment plan was adjusted. We were surprised that she experienced minimal discomfort with pumping and dressing changes. The mother maintained a positive outlook, complied with the plan to express frequently to maintain milk production, and was able to breastfeed again when they both recovered. Management: This mother received immediate support and appropriate pumping equipment from our hospital personnel and was subsequently able to establish and maintain her milk supply. The difficulty in this case was the management of the mother’s extensive herpetic wounds that were slow to heal. A certified wound care specialist was required. Both mother and child recovered from their infections and were able to restart breastfeeding; eventually reaching their goal of breastfeeding for 2 years. Conclusions: Neonatal herpes infection is a potentially fatal disease and maternal child health professionals should have a high suspicion for any ill-appearing newborn with or without a rash. When a breastfeeding infant and mother become infected with Herpes Simplex Virus type 1, it is the responsibility of the healthcare institution to support lactation and the return to breastfeeding rather than recommend cessation of lactation, which is rarely necessary. A multi-disciplinary evidence-based approach to lactation care is essential to preserve lactation during infant hospitalization.
Prenatal Provider Support for Breastfeeding: Changes in Attitudes, Practices and Recommendations Over 22 Years
Authors: Rosen-Carole Casey , Allen Katherine , Thompson Julissa , Martin Hayley , Goldstein Nicolas , Lawrence Ruth A. 
Published: March 2019

Background: Prenatal care providers play a central role in breastfeeding outcomes. A survey on obstetricians’ support of breastfeeding was conducted in 1993 in Monroe County, NY. Since the landscape of prenatal care and breastfeeding support has changed significantly in the past 2 decades, we repeated and extended this survey in 2015. Research aim: To determine changes in breastfeeding support by prenatal care providers over a 20 year period. Methods: We sent a 46-item on-line or paper questionnaire to all categories of prenatal care providers identified by an online search. A breastfeeding support score was created based on the prior survey, with a maximum score of 3. One point was awarded for: (1) personally discussing breastfeeding; (2) generally suggesting breastfeeding; and (3) commonly receiving questions from patients. Data were analyzed using Chi-square. Results: We had 164 participants (response rate 80%). More current participants, compared to 1993, reported discussing (97% vs. 86%, p < .001) and recommending (93% vs. 80%, p = .001) breastfeeding. Only 10% of 2015 participants gave infant formula samples, compared with 34% in 1993 ( p < .0001). Improvement in the support score was seen, with 98% of current participants having high scores compared to 87% in 1993 ( p < .001). Similar numbers reported receiving breastfeeding education, though more reported that the education was inadequate (54% vs. 19%, p < .0001). Conclusion: Breastfeeding support improved significantly over time, even though breastfeeding education has not improved in quality or quantity. Improving education of prenatal care providers may help future providers be more prepared to support breastfeeding.
Preliminary Outcomes of Calcaneal Lengthening in Adolescent Flatfoot in Müller-Weiss Disease
Authors: Ahmed Abdel-Salam Abdel-Aleem , Kandil Mahmoud Ibrahim , Tabl Eslam Abdelshafi 
Published: March 2019

Background: Müller-Weiss disease (MWD) remains a controversial painful foot condition without consensus on its pathogenesis or a gold standard treatment modality. The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcomes of calcaneal lengthening in adolescent patients with symptomatic MWD with flatfoot. Methods: The study included 13 feet of 7 patients including 5 females and 2 males who were treated from March 2012 until June 2015 by calcaneal lengthening. The mean age was 15.6 years. The mean duration of symptoms was 13.5 months. The body mass index (BMI) averaged 28.9 kg/m2 at presentation. The patients were followed up for a mean of 37.8 months. Results: The osteotomy healed in all cases after a mean of 7.2 weeks. The second foot was operated on after an average of 11.5 months. The mean talometatarsal-1 angle improved from 39.8 degrees preoperatively to 5.9 degrees. The mean preoperative calcaneal pitch angle of 7.5 degrees increased to an average of 17.8 degrees postoperatively. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Score was improved from 61.9 preoperatively to 94.2 postoperatively. Four patients had occasional exertional pain. Four feet had mild residual forefoot abduction. Arthrodesis was not needed in any case by the last follow-up. Conclusion: Early diagnosis of MWD with flatfoot was important and allowed for nonfusion treatment options. Calcaneal lengthening osteotomy in selected MWD cases achieved satisfactory outcomes with pain control, deformity correction, and improvement of the functional results. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
Retinal dystrophy associated with Danon disease and pathogenic mechanism through LAMP2-mutated retinal pigment epithelium
Authors: Fukushima Masaya , Inoue Tatsuya , Miyai Takashi , Obata Ryo 
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Lysosome-associated membrane protein 2 plays an important role in autophagy and lysosomal function and its mutation is responsible for pathogenesis of Danon disease, which can cause retinopathy, though its pathophysiological contribution to retinal dysfunction remains unclear. The purpose of our research is to report the first case of Japanese Danon disease retinopathy and to understand how LAMP2 dysfunction contributes to pathogenesis of retinopathy. Methods: One case underwent ophthalmic examination including slit-lamp exam, fundus imaging, visual field testing, and electroretinogram. In molecular biological study, relative messenger RNA expression levels of three splicing variants of Lamp2 or LAMP2 in wild type mouse retina and retinal pigment epithelium, human retinal pigment epithelium cell line adult retinal pigment epithelium-19 were quantified. LAMP2 was knocked down by small interfering RNA in adult retinal pigment epithelium-19 and its effect to LC3, an autophagy marker, was assessed by Western blotting. Intracellular localization of LAMP2 and LC3 in untreated and LAMP2-knocked-down adult retinal pigment epithelium-19 was analyzed by confocal microscopy. Results: Our case manifested cone dystrophy in both eyes. In mice, expression of Lamp2a and Lamp2b was significantly higher in retinal pigment epithelium than that in neural retina. Expression of Lamp2a and Lamp2b were significantly higher than that of Lamp2c in mouse retinal pigment epithelium. Adult retinal pigment epithelium-19 cells showed similar LAMP2 expression pattern to mouse retinal pigment epithelium. LAMP2 knockdown in adult retinal pigment epithelium-19 reduced LC3-II amount and the number and size of autophagosome. Discussion: We report a Japanese case of Danon disease retinopathy, and our study implies that LAMP2 plays an important role in autophagosome formation in retinal pigment epithelium.
Pseudotumours, cobalt and clinical outcome in small head metal-on-metal versus conventional metal-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty
Authors: van der Veen Hugo C , Reininga Inge HF , Zijlstra Wierd P , Boomsma Martijn F , Bulstra Sjoerd K , van Raay Jos JAM 
Published: March 2019

Background: Metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty (MoM THA) is associated with the formation of pseudotumours. Studies mainly concern pseudotumour formation in large head MoM THA. We performed a long-term follow-up study, comparing pseudotumour incidence in small head metal-on-metal (SHMoM) THA with conventional metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) THA. Predisposing factors to pseudotumour formation were assessed. Methods: From a previous randomised controlled trial comparing SHMoM (28 mm) cemented THA with conventional MoP cemented THA, patients were screened using a standardised CT protocol for the presence of pseudotumours. Serum cobalt levels and functional outcome were assessed. Results: 56 patients (33 MoP and 23 MoM) were recruited after mean follow-up of 13.4 years (SD 0.5). The incidence of pseudotumours was 1 (5%) in the SHMoM THA cohort and 3 (9%) in the MoP THA cohort. Prosthesis survival was 96% for both SHMoM and MoP THAs. Serum cobalt levels did not exceed acceptable clinical values (<5 µg/L) whereas no differences in cobalt levels were detected at follow-up between both groups. Oxford and Harris Hip Scores were good and did not differ between SHMoM and MoP THA. Conclusions: This long-term follow-up study shows a low incidence of pseudotumour formation and good functional outcome in cemented head-taper matched SHMoM and MoP THA.