bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health‐related quality of life in diabetes mellitus and its social, demographic and clinical determinants: A nationwide cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Rodríguez‐Almagro Julián , García‐Manzanares Álvaro , Lucendo Alfredo J. , Hernández‐Martínez Antonio 
Published: July 2018

Aims and objectivesTo investigate health‐related quality of life in a representative sample of adults with diabetes mellitus in Spain, as well as its clinical and sociodemographic determinants.BackgroundDiabetes mellitus is a chronic disease causing considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide, resulting in an impaired quality of life in affected people.DesignA nationwide cross‐sectional study, based on an online survey and carried out between February–March 2016, was performed on diabetic subjects recruited through diabetic patients’ organisations.MethodsA validated Spanish‐language version of the self‐administered Diabetes Quality of Life questionnaire was used, with 0 being the worst and 100 the best QoL level. Determinant factors of health‐related quality of life were assessed with the aid of multivariate analysis to control for confounding factors.ResultsThe responses provided by 456 patients (52.4% being women) revealed an overall mean score of 66.4 ± 13.3. Social/vocational worries and diabetes‐related worries were the dimensions with the highest (74.3 ± 20.1) and lowest (61.1 ± 20.6) scores, respectively. Younger age, female gender, having no studies and poor glycaemic control were all independent determinants for an impaired overall health‐related quality of life, with most of these factors having a higher impact than the dimensions negative impact of therapy on daily life, satisfaction with therapy and diabetes‐related worries. Married (or equivalent) subjects had better scores in the diabetes‐related worries dimension. The perception of health‐related quality of life progressively worsens as glycaemic control deteriorates and with an increased number of disease complications. Most of the associations did not vary significantly with the type of diabetes mellitus.ConclusionOverall health‐related quality of life perception in the Spanish diabetic population is moderate and depends on several sociodemographic factors. Adequate glycaemic control to avoid disease complications improves perception.Relevance to clinical practiceThe results can help health professionals to develop strategies to promote diabetic patient self‐care, in order to improve the metabolic control of the disease and avoid its complications, as a therapeutic goal towards an improvement in health‐related quality of life perception.
BARRIERS TO FORMAL SAVING: MICRO‐ AND MACROECONOMIC EFFECTS
Authors: Di Giannatale Sonia , Roa María José 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis paper examines different barriers to formal saving, considering various interventions and their possible effects at microeconomic and macroeconomic levels. It presents a comprehensive review of the literature, based on a detailed classification of the barriers associated with supply‐side factors, related to access to financial products, and demand‐side barriers, related to the use and frequency of use of those products. The paper concludes that this classification and analysis contributes to a fuller understanding of the question of financial inclusion, and how to achieve it.
Isolation and identification of phosphate‐solubilizing microorganisms and distribution of orthophosphate in different seasons from sewage‐fed East Kolkata Wetland
Authors: Mondal Subinoy , Haque Smaranya , Kundu Debajyoti , Dutta Deblina , Ghosh Apurba Ratan 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis study focused on isolation and identification of possible phosphate‐solubilizing bacteria (PSB) from the sewage‐fed East Kolkata Wetland (EKWL), a prospective water resource for pisciculture. In addition, different limnological parameters have been correlated with orthophosphate and seasonal variations. PSB have been isolated in Pikovskaya medium and identified morphologically and biochemically and finally analysed by 16S rDNA gene sequence. Limnological studies involving temperature (potentiometric), pH (potentiometric), dissolved oxygen (iodometric), ammonia‐nitrogen (spectrophotometric) and orthophosphate (spectrophotometric) concentrations were conducted. The results of this study established the presence of Bacillus megaterium, a potential PSB in EKWL. The activity of B. megaterium is also supported by the seasonal orthophosphate variations. The changes in concentration of other limnological parameters were also prominent. The water quality parameters of temperature (r = 0.886), dissolved oxygen (r = 0.729) and ammonia‐nitrogen (r = 0.396) concentrations exhibited a positive correlation with orthophosphate and a negative correlation with pH (r = −0.699). The B. megaterium obtained in this study, exhibited a significant alteration in regard to orthophosphate content and relationships with other factors. Further experiment on the soluble phosphorus solubilization potential of B. megaterium revealed the biological availability of phosphorus was increased by threefold after 120 hr of incubation, with the decreasing pH value, although the phytase activity was 0.419 U/ml. PSB have a vital function in plant nutrition in supplying phosphate, essential nutrients and its uptake results in appropriate functioning and metabolism of different aquatic plants and organisms. PSB are competent biofertilizer to amplify aquaculture production for sustainable development.
Little evidence that farmers should consider abundance or diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi when managing crops
Authors: Ryan Megan H. , Graham James H. 
Published: July 2018

Contents

Summary
1092

I.
Introduction
1093

II.
Investigating activity of AMF in agroecosystems
1093

III.
Crop benefit from AMF: agronomic and mycorrhizal literature differ
1094

IV.
Flawed methodology leads to benefits of mycorrhizas being overstated
1094

V.
Rigorous methodology suggests low colonisation by AMF can sometimes reduce crop yield
1095

VI.
Predicting when mycorrhizas matter for crop yield
1096

VII.
Crop genotype
1099

VIII.
Fungal genotype
1100

IX.
Complex interactions between the mycorrhizal fungal and soil microbial communities
1102

X.
Phosphorus‐efficient agroecosystems
1102

XI.
Conclusions
1103

Acknowledgements
1104

References
1104

SummaryArbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are ubiquitous in agroecosystems and often stated to be critical for crop yield and agroecosystem sustainability. However, should farmers modify management to enhance the abundance and diversity of AMF? We address this question with a focus on field experiments that manipulated colonisation by indigenous AMF and report crop yield, or investigated community structure and diversity of AMF. We find that the literature presents an overly optimistic view of the importance of AMF in crop yield due, in part, to flawed methodology in field experiments. A small body of rigorous research only sometimes reports a positive impact of high colonisation on crop yield, even under phosphorus limitation. We suggest that studies vary due to the interaction of environment and genotype (crop and mycorrhizal fungal). We also find that the literature can be overly pessimistic about the impact of some common agricultural practices on mycorrhizal fungal communities and that interactions between AMF and soil microbes are complex and poorly understood. We provide a template for future field experiments and a list of research priorities, including phosphorus‐efficient agroecosystems. However, we conclude that management of AMF by farmers will not be warranted until benefits are demonstrated at the field scale under prescribed agronomic management.
Extracardiac ice formation during CoolLoop cryoablation of atrial fibrillation
Authors: de Asmundis Carlo , Chierchia Gian‐Battista , La Meir Marc 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA 75‐year‐old male patient was referred for longstanding atrial fibrillation ablation. We performed this procedure combining an epicardial and endocardial approach. Under general anesthesia and via a left‐sided thoracoscopic approach, we isolated the pulmonary veins (PVs) and the roofline and inferior line were created using a radiofrequency tool. To isolate the endocardial PVs, a transseptal puncture was performed via the groin, and a cryoablation CoolLoop catheter (AFreeze GmbH, Innsbruck, Austria) was advanced into the left atrium. Ice crystals started to appear on the epicardial surface of the left inferior PV antrum after 121 seconds later, those crystals had formed an ice plaque. For the first time in humans, we were able to visualize the transmural effects of cryothermal energy ablation via a CoolLoop catheter on the epicardial surface of the ostium of the PV.
Role of implantable loop recorders in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome
Authors: Kanjwal Khalil , Qadir Rehana , Ruzieh Mohammed , Grubb Blair P. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIntroductionWe previously reported on a subgroup of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) patients who may also have features of neurocardiogenic syncope as well. In this subgroup of patients, we found syncope and presyncope were predominant clinical features. To understand the mechanism of syncope in this subgroup, we identified 39 patients who underwent loop recorder insertion.MethodsWe reviewed charts of 450 patients who had POTS and syncope seen at the University of Toledo Medical Center from 2003 to 2017. Thirty‐nine patients had at least four episodes of syncope in the last 6 months and were included for this study. All of these patients had a prior evaluation with a Holter and an event monitor which were inconclusive.ResultsThirty‐nine patients, 33 (85%) women, aged 20–46 years, were included in this study. All patients demonstrated prolonged asystole (>6 seconds) or severe bradycardia (heart rate < 30 beats/min) during their syncope on implantable loop recorder (IRL). Fifteen patients demonstrated an asystole of >10 seconds and also had prolonged and convulsive syncope. All patients had abrupt syncope without any warning sign. All patients underwent dual‐chamber pacemaker implantation using a closed loop stimulation algorithm. Syncope were completely eliminated in all patients following pacemaker implantation; however, they continued to have orthostatic tachycardia.ConclusionPOTS patients with unusually frequent syncope should be considered for ILR implantation if other monitoring modalities like 48‐hour Holter monitor or event recorder are inconclusive. ILR may identify a subgroup of POTS patients who may benefit from pacemaker implantations.
Electroanatomic mapping‐guided localization of alternative right ventricular septal pacing sites in children
Authors: Silvetti Massimo Stefano , Battipaglia Irma , Pazzano Vincenzo , Saputo Fabio Anselmo , Ravà Lucilla , Ammirati Antonio , Calvieri Camilla , Ciani Michele , Drago Fabrizio 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundAlternative right ventricular (RV) sites (RVAPS) have been proposed to prevent or reduce RV pacing‐induced left‐ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Nonfluoroscopic 3D electroanatomic mapping systems (EAM) have been developed to guide cardiac catheter navigation and reduce fluoroscopy during electrophysiological procedures or pacemaker implantations.AimThe aim of the study was to compare the results of EAM‐guided permanent pacemaker implantation aiming at RVAPS with conventional fluoroscopic‐guided implantation in RV apex (RVA) in children and adolescents.MethodsA prospective, randomized analysis was performed on children/adolescents with complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) who underwent EAM‐guided pacemaker and transvenous leads implantation into RVAPS (EAM‐RVAPS) or conventional, fluoroscopic‐guided implantation into RV apex (RVA). In EAM‐RVAPS, a pacing map guided the implantation of ventricular leads in septal sites with narrower QRS. After implantation, LV contractility (ejection fraction [EF], Global Longitudinal Strain [GLS]) and synchrony were evaluated at 1–12 months.ResultsTwenty‐one pediatric patients with CAVB, with (six patients) or without structural heart diseases, aged 4–16 (median 10.5) years, were divided in two groups: EAM‐RVAPS (11 patients, four dual‐chamber/DDD, seven single‐chamber/VVIR pacemakers) and RVA (10 patients, one DDD/nine VVIR). The two groups did not show significant differences for preoperative parameters. EAM‐RVAPS showed: preserved LVEF and synchrony (not significantly different than RVA), significantly lower GLS and radiation doses/exposures, in spite more complex procedures, significantly longer procedure times and narrower paced QRS than RVA.ConclusionsEAM‐guided procedures have been useful to reduce radiation exposure and to localize RVAPS with narrower paced QRS and lower GLS than RVA.
Three new naraoiid species from the Burgess Shale, with a morphometric and phylogenetic reinvestigation of Naraoiidae
Authors: Mayers Benjamin , Aria Cédric , Caron Jean‐Bernard 
Published: July 2018

AbstractNaraoiids are non‐biomineralized euarthropods characterized by the complete fusion of post‐cephalic tergo‐pleurae into a single shield, as well as an extensively ramified digestive tract. Ranging from the early Cambrian to the late Silurian (Pridoli), these arthropods of simple appearance have traditionally been associated with the early diversification of trilobites and their close relatives, but the interrelationships and affinities of naraoiids within Artiopoda remain poorly characterized. Three new species from the Burgess Shale (middle Cambrian, Stage 5) of British Columbia, Canada, are described here: Misszhouia canadensis sp. nov., from Marble Canyon (Kootenay National Park), the first species belonging to the genus Misszhouia outside of China; Naraoia magna sp. nov., from Marble Canyon and also from the Raymond Quarry (Yoho National Park), the largest species of Naraoia described thus far, reaching up to 9 cm in length; and Naraoia arcana sp. nov., from two sublocalities on Mount Stephen (Yoho National Park), defined by its unusual combination of spines. This new material shows that gut morphology is no longer a reliable character to distinguish Misszhouia from Naraoia. We demonstrate that Naraoia and Misszhouia can instead be discriminated morphometrically, based on simple metrics of the dorsal exoskeleton. Our quantitative results also help with inter‐specific discrimination and illustrate possible cases of sexual dimorphism. Phylogenetically, the inclusion of morphometric data adds resolution to our cladogram, although parsimony and likelihood treatments provide somewhat different evolutionary scenarios. In all cases, liwiines are nested within Naraoiidae, resolved as the most derived clade of trilobitomorph arthropods.
Natural variation in cytokinin maintenance improves salt tolerance in apple rootstocks
Authors: Feng Yi , Liu Jing , Zhai Longmei , Gan Zengyu , Zhang Guifen , Yang Shuhua , Wang Yi , Wu Ting , Zhang Xinzhong , Xu Xuefeng , Han Zhenhai 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPlants experiencing salt‐induced stress often reduce cytokinin levels during the early phases of stress‐response. Interestingly, we found that the cytokinin content in the apple rootstock “robusta” was maintained at a high level under salt stress. Through screening genes involved in cytokinin biosynthesis and catabolism, we found that the high expression levels of IPT5b in robusta roots were involved in maintaining the high cytokinin content. We identified a 42 bp deletion in the promoter region of IPT5b, which elevated IPT5b expression levels, and this deletion was linked to salt tolerance in robusta×M.9 segregating population. The 42 bp deletion resulted in the deletion of a Proline Response Element (ProRE), and our results suggest that ProRE negatively regulates IPT5b expression in response to proline. Under salt stress, the robusta cultivar maintains high cytokinin levels as IPT5b expression cannot be inhibited by proline due to the deletion of ProRE, leading to improve salt tolerance.
Photophysical and Photoacoustic Properties of π‐Extended Curcumin Dyes. Effects of the Terminal Dimethylamino Electron‐donor and the Bridging Aryl Ring
Authors: Borg Raymond E. , Hatamimoslehabadi Maryam , Bellinger Stephanie , La Jeffrey , Mithila Farha , Yelleswarapu Chandra , Rochford Jonathan 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe synthesis, photophysical and photoacoustic characterization for a series of nine π‐extended quadrupolar curcumin dyes is presented. A systematic evaluation of the π‐bridging unit including the p‐phenyl, naphth‐4‐yl, thien‐2‐yl and hybrid 4‐naphthathien‐2‐yl groups is presented. Furthermore, evaluation of the strongly donating donor‐π‐acceptor‐π‐donor quadrupolar dimethylamino terminated derivatives is also included. Select dyes exhibit excited state absorption at increased laser fluence which translates to the production of a nonlinear enhanced photoacoustic response. In particular, the bis‐4‐dimethylaminonaphtha‐2‐thien‐5‐yl curcuminBF2 contrast agent DMA‐5 exhibits an excellent molar photoacoustics (PA) emission at both low (9.4 × 103 V M−1) and high (1.47 × 105 V M−1) laser fluence which is confirmed by its strong contrast by photoacoustic tomography (PAT). In summary, the strong absorbance and enhanced photoacoustic properties of naphthyl and thienyl curcuminoids here presented provides great promise for future photoacoustic imaging applications as demonstrated by preliminary PAT studies.
Loneliness in Chinese older adults in primary care: prevalence and correlates
Authors: Zhong Bao‐Liang , Liu Xiu‐Jun , Chen Wen‐Cai , Chiu Helen Fung‐Kum , Conwell Yeates 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundLoneliness is a significant public health concern among older adults (OA) given its association with a wide range of adverse health outcomes. Primary care is an opportune setting to manage loneliness. However, the epidemiology of loneliness in Chinese OA treated in primary care remains unclear. The present study investigated the prevalence and correlates of loneliness in OA treated in Chinese primary care.MethodsA total of 744 OA patients (65+ years) were consecutively recruited from 13 primary care clinics in Wuhan, China, and interviewed with a standardized questionnaire, concerning sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, relationships with family and others, physical health, and sensory impairments. Consistent with prior research on the construct, loneliness was measured with a single‐item self‐report question. Logistic regression was used to identify correlates of loneliness.ResultsOf primary care OA patients, 26.2% endorsed loneliness. Factors significantly and independently associated with loneliness included 75+ age group (odds ratio [OR]: 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07, 2.44, P: 0.023), being illiterate (OR: 2.07, 95%CI: 1.26, 3.42, P: 0.004), unmarried (OR: 2.30, 95%CI: 1.40, 3.78, P: 0.001), living alone (OR: 4.37, 95%CI: 2.27, 8.41, P < 0.001), having fair and poor family (OR: 2.44, 95%CI: 1.48, 4.00, P < 0.001) and non‐family relationships (OR: 1.75, 95%CI: 1.10, 2.78, P: 0.019), and ≥2 chronic medical conditions (OR: 2.91, 95%CI: 1.22, 6.95, P: 0.016).ConclusionsLoneliness is common in Chinese primary care OA. The high prevalence and many negative health consequences of loneliness for OA highlight the importance of routine screening, assessment, and interventions to reduce loneliness in the primary health‐care setting.
Moderating effect of depression on the association between pain and activities of daily living in older adults
Authors: Ko Kai‐Ting , Yu Shu‐Han , Lee Chun‐Yi , Tseng Han‐Yun , Chiu Yen‐Feng , Hsiung Chao A. 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundMaintaining older adults’ ability to function independently in the community is a critically important public health concern. One of the most common symptoms threatening that ability is pain. Depression is a common co‐occurring symptom in older adults with pain. In the present study, we determined the moderating effect of depression on the association between pain and functional limitations.MethodsData were from the Healthy Aging Longitudinal Study in Taiwan, a population‐based study of community‐dwelling older adults in Taiwan (N = 2680). All data were collected by face‐to‐face interviews. Sociodemographic and health‐related factors along with the location and severity of pain were collected. Functional limitation was assessed using the Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living, whereas depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale.ResultsPain presence was not significantly associated with functional limitation, but overall pain severity and number of pain sites were. Depressive older adults exhibited a stronger association of pain and functional limitation.ConclusionDepression moderates the relation between pain and functional limitation. This knowledge may be valuable in developing effective public health and clinical management strategies to reduce functional limitation in older adults.
Assessing wandering risk among individuals with Alzheimer's disease and dementia: a pilot study
Authors: Barnard‐Brak Lucy , Richman David M. , Owen Donna C. 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundWe examined a screening instrument to assess risk for wandering among individuals with Alzheimer's disease and dementia according to caregiver informants.MethodsPilot data were collected on the Risk of Wandering (RoW) screening instrument by 48 responses from an online survey using the Alzheimer's Association Trial Match system.ResultsResults indicated acceptable evidence of the internal consistency of scores for the data obtained, α = 0.81. Receiver operating characteristic curve results indicated acceptable evidence of the screening instrument scores’ ability to discriminate between individuals who eloped and those who did not wander off, AUC = 0.72, P = 0.003.ConclusionsA cut‐off score for future use is suggested along with directions for future research. The development of a screening instrument would appear to be preferable to restricting the movement of these individuals or unnecessarily invading their privacy through monitoring devices while simultaneously balancing the desire to prevent distress, serious injury, or death.
Letermovir successfully used for secondary prophylaxis in a heart transplant recipient with ganciclovir‐resistant cytomegalovirus syndrome (UL97 mutation)
Authors: Chong Pearlie P. , Teiber Dagny , Prokesch Bonnie C. , Arasaratnam Reuben J. , Peltz Matthias , Drazner Mark H. , Garg Sonia 
Published: July 2018

AbstractLetermovir was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2017 for use in adult cytomegalovirus (CMV)‐seropositive allogeneic stem cell transplant (SCT) recipients for primary prophylaxis of CMV infection and disease. We report off‐label use of letermovir for secondary prophylaxis of genotype‐confirmed ganciclovir‐resistant cytomegalovirus (CMV) syndrome (UL 97 mutation [C603W]) in a heart transplant recipient initially treated with intravenous cidofovir followed by foscarnet, both discontinued due to unacceptable toxicities.