bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variations in subclinical left ventricular dysfunction, functional capacity, and clinical outcomes in different heart failure aetiologies
Authors: Wang Ying , Yang Hong , Nolan Mark , Pathan Faraz , Negishi Kazuaki , Marwick Thomas H. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimsPatients with heart failure (HF) risk factors are described as being in Stage A of this condition (SAHF). Management is directed towards prevention of HF progression, but to date, no evidence has been described to align the intensity of this intervention to HF risk. We sought to what extent SAHF of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and other HF risks showed differences in subclinical left ventricular function, exercise capacity, and prognosis.Methods and resultsWe recruited 551 elder asymptomatic SAHF patients (age 71 ± 5 years, 49% men, 290 T2DM) with at least one risk factor from a community‐based population with preserved ejection fraction. All underwent a comprehensive echocardiogram including global longitudinal strain (GLS) and a 6 min walk test and were followed for 2 years. The primary endpoints were new‐onset HF and all‐cause mortality. The T2DM group was associated with reduced 6 min walk test distance (451 ± 111 vs. 493 ± 87 m, P < 0.001), worse diastolic function (E/e′ 9.2 ± 2.7 vs. 8.7 ± 2.4, P = 0.028), and impaired GLS (−17.7 ± 2.6% vs. −19.0 ± 2.6%, P < 0.001). Over a median follow‐up of 1.6 years, 49 T2DM‐SAHF and 27 other‐SAHF met the primary endpoint. T2DM‐SAHF had significantly worse outcome than other‐SAHF (P = 0.021). In Cox models, obesity [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.46; P = 0.007], atrial fibrillation (HR = 2.39; P = 0.028), 6 min walk distance (HR = 0.99; P = 0.034), and GLS (HR = 1.14; P = 0.033) were independently associated with the primary endpoint in T2DM‐SAHF, independent of age and glycaemic control.ConclusionsThe T2DM‐SAHF has worse subclinical left ventricular function, exercise capacity, and prognosis than other‐SAHF. Impaired GLS, atrial fibrillation, exercise capacity, and obesity are associated with a worse prognosis in T2DM‐SAHF but not in other‐SAHF.
A case of cardiac sarcoidosis mimicking cardiac amyloidosis on cardiovascular magnetic resonance
Authors: Takemura Kazunori , Nakamura Ryuta , Shimazu Kazuhito , Sugimoto Youichiro , Takase Tetsuro , Ryogo Minamimoto , Hiroe Michiaki 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA 52‐year‐old male visited our hospital with abnormal electrocardiogram and exertional fatigue. The electrocardiogram showed first‐degree atrioventricular block, complete right bundle branch block, and inverted T waves in Leads II, III, aVF, V3, and V4. Echocardiography showed biventricular wall thickening involving granular sparkling of the interventricular septum. Late gadolinium enhancement on cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) was found at the circumferential right ventricular wall and patchy regions of the left ventricle. Although these findings strongly suggested cardiac amyloidosis, he was finally diagnosed with systemic sarcoidosis due to the following. First, endomyocardial biopsy revealed non‐caseating epithelioid granuloma with giant cells. Second, 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography showed uptake in bilateral hilar lymph nodes, para‐aortic lymph nodes, and the biventricular wall of the heart. Although echocardiography and CMR are very useful tools for diagnosis of cardiomyopathies, their specificity and accuracy need to be considered.
Quartz‐crystal Microbalance Measurements of CD19 Antibody Immobilization on Gold Surface and Capturing B Lymphoblast Cells: Effect of Surface Functionalization
Authors: Icoz Kutay , Soylu Mehmet Cagri , Canikara Zeynep , Unal Ekrem 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe have investigated different surface functionalization methods to immobilize CD19 antibody on gold surface to capture B lymphoblast cells associated with the acute lymphoblastic leukemia disease. Quartz Crystal Microbalance measurements were performed to analyze the binding kinetics of each layer and determine the optimum method, which results in higher cell capture rates. The random orientation of antibody and oriented antibody through protein G was investigated and protein G presence resulted in 15,2 Hz frequency shift for 104 cells/mL. The 3‐mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) and 11‐Mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) coatings of gold surface together with 4‐(N‐Maleimidomethyl)cyclohexane‐1‐carboxylic acid 3‐sulfo‐N‐hydroxysuccinimide ester sodium salt (Sulfo‐SMCC) and N‐Ethyl‐N’‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC)/N‐hydroxysulfosuccinimide (NHS) linker layers were tested on QCM for protein G and antibody binding. The results indicate that MUA, EDC/NHS, protein G, antibody CD19 is the optimum surface modification among the tested combinations. By using the optimum surface functionalization method, minimum 103 cell per mL was measured as 1.9 Hz frequency shift.
Microscale isolation of native forms of lysozyme from chicken egg white by gel isoelectric focusing
Authors: Shimazaki Youji , Ochi Yoshiko , Fujimura Kennosuke 
Published: February 2018

AbstractTo separate and extract the native states of lysozyme from chicken egg white, a hybrid method for the mobilization of proteins after non‐denaturing gel isoelectric focusing (IEF) combined with detection of lysozyme activity was developed. When the proteins in the chicken egg white were first separated using non‐denaturing gel IEF, a lysozyme was obtained at the top of the gel column at the cathode end of the IEF. And, when the IEF‐separated proteins of the egg white were mobilized by replacing the cathodic sodium hydroxide solution with phosphoric acid solution, an additional active state of the lysozyme that could be bound to proteins, such as ovotransferrin, was extracted from the solution. Furthermore, it was shown that the addition of lysozyme, obtained via IEF, to pure ovotransferrin generated a complex manifesting lysozyme activity, clearly indicating a successful reconstruction of the lysozyme‐ovotransferrin complex in vitro. Therefore, the obtained results demonstrated that the native states of lysozymes, such as lysozyme and the lysozyme‐ovotransferrin complex, can be effectively separated and extracted using non‐denaturing gel IEF. Thus, this method can be applied to separate and extract different charge states of native proteins that retain their biological activities.
Accumulation of Heavy Metals from Battery Waste in Topsoil, Surface Water, and Garden Grown Maize at Omilende Area, Olodo, Nigeria
Authors: Afolayan Adedotun Onoyinka 
Published: February 2018

AbstractLand pollution is a threat to sustainable agricultural development and food security in developing countries. Consumption of farm products from contaminated areas can generate health hazards to the diverse consumers along the food chain through the different pollutants in the products. This study is designed to determine the accumulation of Pb, Cd, and Fe in topsoil, surface water, and maize leaf, stem, grains, and root, cultivated in a garden nearby Ori‐Ile battery waste dumpsite, Omilende Area, Olodo, Nigeria. Soil samples, garden maize parts, and surface water samples are collected from the study area using standard procedures. Corresponding reference samples are collected from Moor Plantation, Ibadan. All collected samples are analysed for Pb, Cd, and Fe concentrations. Mean Pb, Cd, and Fe concentrations in topsoil are found to be significantly higher than 157.0 ± 39.8, 2.2 ± 1.2, and 976.3 ± 353.9 mg kg−1, respectively, which are obtained from reference soil and National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency limits (Pb: 164 mg kg−1 and Cd: 50 mg kg−1). The soil contamination factor values obtained are greater than 6, indicating severe pollution. Downstream has the highest Pb, Cd, and Fe concentrations. In maize parts, the root has the highest concentration of Pb (40.95 ± 1.98 mg L−1) and Cd (2.84 ± 0.19 mg L−1), which are significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) than those from the reference site. A high concentration of heavy metals found in topsoil further bio‐accumulates in maize parts. Consequently, this garden maize is unfit for consumption.
Endoscope‐assisted conservative resection and reconstruction in recurrent subglottic carcinoma
Authors: Joseph Shawn T. , Tharayil Jose , Mihir Mohan T. , Naveen B.S. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundVery few cases of conservative laryngectomy in recurrent carcinoma of subglottis postradiotherapy have been reported. Technical aspects of conservative resection and reconstruction in subglottic carcinoma have not been well described.MethodsHerein, we present a case of recurrent carcinoma of subglottis for which conservative resection with adequate margins was done with endoscope assistance and defect reconstructed by buccal mucosa, conchal cartilage, and temporoparietal free flap. The technique of resection, reconstruction, complications, postoperative outcome, and our suggestions are described.ResultsThe lesion could be removed with wide margins. Reconstruction could preserve the voice, and deglutition was unaffected. There was no donor site‐related complication. Complications were a result of the choice of the stent, which included infection and difficulty in removal.ConclusionSelected cases of recurrent carcinoma of the subglottis can be managed by conservative resection with adequate margins and appropriate reconstruction with good functional outcomes.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of cannabinoids in palliative medicine
Authors: Mücke Martin , Weier Megan , Carter Christopher , Copeland Jan , Degenhardt Louisa , Cuhls Henning , Radbruch Lukas , Häuser Winfried , Conrad Rupert 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe provide a systematic review and meta‐analysis on the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of cannabinoids in palliative medicine. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and http://clinicaltrials.gov, and a selection of cancer journals were searched up until 15th of March 2017. Of the 108 screened studies, nine studies with a total of 1561 participants were included. Overall, the nine studies were at moderate risk of bias. The quality of evidence comparing cannabinoids with placebo was rated according to Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation as low or very low because of indirectness, imprecision, and potential reporting bias. In cancer patients, there were no significant differences between cannabinoids and placebo for improving caloric intake (standardized mean differences [SMD]: 0.2 95% confidence interval [CI]: [−0.66, 1.06] P = 0.65), appetite (SMD: 0.81 95% CI: [−1.14, 2.75]; P = 0.42), nausea/vomiting (SMD: 0.21 [−0.10, 0.52] P = 0.19), >30% decrease in pain (risk differences [RD]: 0.07 95% CI: [−0.01, 0.16]; P = 0.07), or sleep problems (SMD: −0.09 95% CI: [−0.62, 0.43] P = 0.72). In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients, cannabinoids were superior to placebo for weight gain (SMD: 0.57 [0.22; 0.92]; P = 0.001) and appetite (SMD: 0.57 [0.11; 1.03]; P = 0.02) but not for nausea/vomiting (SMD: 0.20 [−0.15, 0.54]; P = 0.26). Regarding side effects in cancer patients, there were no differences between cannabinoids and placebo in symptoms of dizziness (RD: 0.03 [−0.02; 0.08]; P = 0.23) or poor mental health (RD: −0.01 [−0.04; 0.03]; P = 0.69), whereas in HIV patients, there was a significant increase in mental health symptoms (RD: 0.05 [0.00; 0.11]; P = 0.05). Tolerability (measured by the number of withdrawals because of adverse events) did not differ significantly in cancer (RD: 1.15 [0.80; 1.66]; P = 0.46) and HIV patients (RD: 1.87 [0.60; 5.84]; P = 0.28). Safety did not differ in cancer (RD: 1.12 [0.86; 1.46]; P = 0.39) or HIV patients (4.51 [0.54; 37.45]; P = 0.32) although there was large uncertainty about the latter reflected in the width of the CI. In one moderate quality study of 469 cancer patients with cancer‐associated anorexia, megestrol was superior to cannabinoids in improving appetite, producing >10% weight gain and tolerability. In another study comparing megestrol to dronabinol in HIV patients, megestrol treatment led to higher weight gain without any differences in tolerability and safety. We found no convincing, unbiased, high quality evidence suggesting that cannabinoids are of value for anorexia or cachexia in cancer or HIV patients.
Low FODMAP diet in Egyptian patients with Crohn's disease in remission phase with functional gastrointestinal symptoms
Authors: Elhusseiny Maha H , Amine Ali K , Salem Osama E , Tayel Dalia I , Elsayed Eman A 
Published: February 2018

Background and AimDespite being in remission, functional gastrointestinal disease (FGID) in Crohn's disease (CD) patients can reduce their quality of life. The Egyptian daily diet contains a high amount of FODMAP (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, And Polyols). As the low FODMAP diet has been proven to be effective in irritable bowel syndrome worldwide, it was reasonable to take a step further and begin to study the effect of low FODMAP in Egyptian CD patients with FGID. The outcomes were assessed in terms of improvement in symptoms and hence the quality of life, and the factors that led to this improvement were also recorded.MethodsIn total, 100 CD patients with FGID in the remission stage who were already on a low‐fiber diet (± lactose‐free diet) were selected to follow the low FODMAP diet. A structured interview was performed after 3 months with a number of scored‐scale questionnaires comparing symptoms before and after the diet and the impact on quality of life. Evaluation of the adherence, satisfaction, palatability, and affordability of the diet was performed. Different demographic data were also evaluated in correspondence with improvements in the quality of life.ResultsThe mean score of FGID improvement was 38.45 ± 21.56%. The quality of life was significantly improved; 90% of female patientsversus49.4% males had a better quality of life. The households (not working) as well as those with morning jobs (6 hours) reported an increase in quality of life. Although the Egyptian low FODMAP diet was expensive (in terms of gluten‐free wheat), 67% were adherent to it (18.16 ± 6.85).ConclusionAs a first step in Egypt, the low FODMAP diet was effective in improving the quality of life of CD patients with FGID.
Contrast in monsoon precipitation over oceanic region of north Bay of Bengal and east equatorial Indian Ocean
Authors: Pokhrel Samir , Hazra Anupam , Saha Subodh Kumar , Chaudhari Hemantkumar S. , Metya Abirlal , Ghude Sachin D. , Konwar Mahen 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTThis study explores the possible causes of rainfall distribution over the two major oceanic raining regions of the north Bay of Bengal (nBoB) and the east equatorial Indian Ocean (eEIO). Despite 17% difference in vertically averaged humidity, there is almost 34% difference in mean rainfall over these two regions. The climatological seasonal [June–September (JJAS)] mean (standard deviation) rainfall over nBoB region is always higher (lower) than that over the eEIO region in all the independent data used. The eEIO region has a much larger percentage of low stratiform and convective rainfall (<5 mm day−1) distribution as compared to nBoB, which is totally opposite in case of moderate stratiform and convective rainfall (>5 mm day−1) distribution. This is further substantiated by a much lower values of outgoing long‐wave radiation (OLR) in nBoB (<200 W m−2) as compared to the eEIO (217 W m−2) region. Mean Hadley circulation along with relative vorticity/divergence profile supports more intense (gentle) updrafts over nBoB (eEIO) region. Latent heat (LH) is almost three times at the upper level (∼8 km) in case of nBoB as compared to eEIO; however, at the lower level (∼3 km) LH is marginally higher over eEIO region. Microphysical variables, namely cloud ice optical thickness and cloud ice water path, are in much larger quantities over nBoB as compared to eEIO. Furthermore, the cold (warm) rain processes dominate among other microphysical processes over nBoB (eEIO) region. Thus, the interplay among large‐scale dynamics, thermodynamics and microphysics is very crucial in the formation of deep clouds and convective rain over the nBoB region and similarly shallow clouds and stratiform rain over the eEIO region. This study will be very useful to guide present‐day coupled models for proper representation of different rain components over the nBoB and eEIO region.
Long‐term variability of the cloud amount and cloud genera and their relationship with circulation (Kraków, Poland)
Authors: Matuszko Dorota , Węglarczyk Stanisław 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTThe article demonstrates the impact of atmospheric circulation on the long‐term variability of cloudiness (amount and certain cloud genera) in Kraków based on midday observations of the amount and genera of clouds in the period from 1 January 1906 to 31 December 2015. There was found statistically significant (although rather moderate) correlation between circulation indices and the frequency of cloud cover consisting of a single cloud genus or a group of clouds. The 11‐year moving averages of frequency of occurrence of one‐genus cloud cover show periods of alternating increasing/decreasing trends, some of which are multi‐decadal. Decreasing trends, lasting till now, are shown for Cirrostratus, Nimbostratus and Stratus beginning from the 1920s to 1930s and for Altostratus from the 1970s. The Cirrus, Stratocumulus and Cumulus trends are generally increasing from the 1920s, 1950s and 1950s, respectively.
A late Wisconsin (32–10k cal a BP) history of pluvials, droughts and vegetation in the Pacific south‐west United States (Lake Elsinore, CA)
Authors: Kirby M. E. , Heusser L. , Scholz C. , Ramezan R. , Anderson M. A. , Markle B. , Rhodes E. , Glover K. C. , Fantozzi J. , Hiner C. , Price B. , Rangel H. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTContinuous, sub‐centennially resolved, paleo terrestrial records are rare from arid environments such as the Pacific south‐west United States. Here, we present a multi‐decadal to centennial resolution sediment core (Lake Elsinore, CA) to reconstruct late Wisconsin pluvials, droughts and vegetation. In general, the late Wisconsin is characterized by a wetter and colder climate than during the Holocene. Specifically, conditions between 32.3 and 24.9k cal a BP are characterized by large‐amplitude hydrologic and ecologic variability. Highlighting this period is a ∼2000‐year glacial mega‐drought (27.6–25.7k cal a BP) during which the lake shallowed (3.2–4.5 m depth). This period is approximately coeval with a Lake Manix regression and an increase in xeric vegetation in the San Bernardino Mountains (Baldwin Lake). The Local Last Glacial Maximum (LLGM) is bracketed between 23.3 and 19.7k cal a BP − a ∼3000‐year interval characterized by reduced run‐off (relative to the glacial), colder conditions and vegetative stability. Maximum sustained wetness follows the LLGM, beginning at 19.7 and peaking by 14.4k cal a BP. A two‐step decrease in runoff characterizes the Lateglacial to Holocene transition; however, the vegetation change is more complex, particularly at the beginning of the Younger Dryas chronozone. By 12.6–12.4k cal a BP, the climate achieved near Holocene conditions.
Evaluation of the Brachial Plexus With Shear Wave Elastography After Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer
Authors: Kültür Turgut , Okumuş Müyesser , İnal Mikail , Yalçın Selim 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to analyze the elasticity characteristics of the brachial plexus by shear wave elastography (SWE) in patients receiving radiation therapy (RT) for breast cancer and to compare them with their contralateral brachial plexus to evaluate whether elasticity properties can be used as supporting findings for the early diagnosis of brachial plexus involvement in patients receiving RT.MethodsA prospective analysis with electromyography and SWE was performed on 23 brachial plexuses of patients receiving RT for breast cancer and their contralateral brachial plexuses. An electromyographic device was used for nerve conduction studies. Evaluations were done by the same investigator, and superficial electrodes were used in the recordings. A quantitative analysis of the brachial plexus with SWE was performed, with values in kilopascals on a color scale ranging from 0 (red, soft) to 150 (dark blue, hard) kPa.ResultsMean SWE values ± SD were 51.0 ± 14.0 kPa for the ipsilateral brachial plexuses of patients receiving RT and 18.0 ± 4.2 kPa for the contralateral brachial plexuses. Statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in the analysis of SWE values (P < .001). No significant correlation was found between the nerve conduction parameters and elastographic values (P > .05).ConclusionsShear wave elastography showed that the brachial plexuses of patients receiving RT were stiffer than the unaffected brachial plexuses. Brachial plexus stiffening may be associated with fibrotic processes.
Automated Reaction Mechanism Generation Including Nitrogen as a Heteroatom
Authors: Dana Alon Grinberg , Buesser Beat , Merchant Shamel S. , Green William H. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTThe open source rate‐based Reaction Mechanism Generator (RMG) software and its thermochemical and kinetics databases were extended to include nitrogen as a heteroatom. Specific changes to RMG and the mining of thermochemistry and reaction kinetics data are discussed. This new version of RMG has been tested by generating a detailed pyrolysis and oxidation model for ethylamine (EA, CH3CH2NH2) at ∼1400 K and ∼2 bar, and comparing it to recent shock tube studies. Validation of the reaction network with recent experimental data showed that the generated model successfully reproduced the observed species as well as ignition delay measurements. During pyrolysis, EA initially decomposes via a CC bond scission, and the CH2NH2 product subsequently produces the first H radicals in this system via β‐scission. As the concentration of H increases, the major EA consuming reaction becomes H abstraction at the α‐site by H radicals, leading to a chain reaction since its product generates more H radicals. During oxidation, the dominant N2‐producing route is mediated by NO and N2O. The observables were found to be relatively sensitive to the CC and CN EA bond scission reactions as well as to the thermodynamic values of EA; thermodynamic data for EA were computed at the CBS‐QB3 level and reported herein. This work demonstrates the ability of RMG to construct adequate kinetic models for nitrogenous species and discusses the pyrolysis and oxidation mechanisms of EA.