bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of clinical trials examining the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in people with diabetes‐related lower limb ulcers
Authors: Golledge J. , Singh T. P. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimTo examine the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in healing diabetes‐related lower limb ulcers through a meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials.MethodsA literature search was conducted to identify appropriate clinical trials. Inclusion required randomized study design and reporting of the proportion of diabetes‐related lower limb ulcers that healed. A meta‐analysis was performed to examine the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on ulcer healing. The secondary outcomes were minor and major amputations.ResultsNine randomized trials involving 585 participants were included. People allocated to hyperbaric oxygen therapy were more likely to have complete ulcer healing (relative risk 1.95, 95% CI 1.51–2.52; P<0.001), and less likely to require major (relative risk 0.54, 95% CI 0.36–0.81; P=0.003) or minor (relative risk 0.68, 95% CI 0.48–0.98; P=0.040) amputations than control groups. Sensitivity analyses suggested the findings were dependent on the inclusion of one trial. Adverse events included ear barotrauma and a seizure. Many of the trials were noted to have methodological weaknesses including absence of blinding of outcome assessors, lack of a justifiable sample size calculation and limited follow‐up.ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis suggests hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves the healing of diabetes‐related lower limb ulcers and reduces the requirement for amputation. Confidence in these results is limited by significant design weaknesses of previous trials and inconsistent findings. A more rigorous assessment of the efficacy of hyperbaric the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy is needed.
Clinical benefits of switching to insulin degludec irrespective of previous basal insulin therapy in people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes: evidence from a European, multicentre, retrospective, non‐interventional study (EU‐TREAT)
Authors: Knudsen S. T. , Lapolla A. , Schultes B. , Tentolouris N. , Catarig A.‐M. , Wolden M. L. , Siegmund T. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimsTo investigate whether the benefits of switching to insulin degludec observed in the European retrospective chart review study EU‐TREAT were dependent on the previous basal insulin used.MethodsPeople with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes were switched to insulin degludec from other basal insulins ≥6 months before data collection. Participants were stratified into three groups based on their previous basal insulin: insulin glargine 100 units/ml (Type 1: n=888; Type 2: n=259); insulin detemir (Type 1: n=726; Type 2: n=415); and neutral protamine Hagedorn (Type 1: n=53; Type 2: n=95). Their glycaemic control and hypoglycaemia incidence at 6 and 12 months post‐switch vs pre‐switch was then evaluated.ResultsSignificant HbA1c reductions were achieved in all previous basal insulin groups for participants with Type 1 diabetes [insulin glargine 100 units/ml: −2.08 mmol/mol (−0.19%); insulin detemir: −2.40 mmol/mol (−0.22%)] and those with Type 2 diabetes [insulin glargine 100 units/ml: −5.90 mmol/mol (–0.54%); insulin detemir: −6.01 mmol/mol (−0.55%); neutral protamine Hagedorn: −2.73 mmol/mol (−0.25%)] at 6 months, except for the relatively small neutral protamine Hagedorn group in those with Type 1 diabetes [−1.75 mmol/mol (−0.16%)], where statistical significance was not reached. At 6 months in the Type 1 diabetes group, switching to insulin degludec from insulin glargine 100 units/ml resulted in significantly lower hypoglycaemia rates across all hypoglycaemia categories; for the insulin detemir group, this significance was also observed for severe and nocturnal non‐severe hypoglycaemia, while the low number of people in the neutral protamine Hagedorn group resulted in nonsignificant reductions in hypoglycaemia rates. At 6 months in the people with Type 2 diabetes, switching to insulin degludec resulted in significantly lower rates of hypoglycaemia across all categories for all groups. Similar outcomes were observed at 12 months.ConclusionsSwitching to insulin degludec from other basal insulins can improve glycaemic control and/or reduce hypoglycaemia risk in people with diabetes (although there was a nonsignificant reduction in HbA1c and hypoglycaemia rates for the neutral protamine Hagedorn group in Type 1 diabetes) under routine care.
Feasibility of pulmonary valve imaging using transesophageal echocardiography upper esophageal view
Authors: Taskesen Tuncay , Prabhu Somnath J. , Steinberg Zachary L. , Oxorn Donald , Gill Edward A. 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundThe present study designed to evaluate feasibility of transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) imaging of the pulmonary valve (PV) at the transaortic upper esophageal (TAUE) window. We hypothesized that patients with larger aorta would be more likely to have visualization of the PV from this TAUE window.Methods2D TEE images of the PV were prospectively acquired by one operator at the TAUE window looking through the aortic arch. Patients were divided into four groups based on image quality of PV (group 1, not visualized; group 2, barely visualized; group 3, sufficient visualization; group 4, excellent visualization). Clinical, echocardiographic, and radiologic parameters were collected.ResultsA total of 212 consecutive patients (54 ± 14 years, 63.7% male) were enrolled. Group distribution was as follows: group 1, n = 60 (28.3%); group 2 n = 39 (18.4%); group 3, n = 27 (12.7%); group 4, n = 86 (40.6%). There were no differences between groups’ baseline clinical characteristics. There was a weak although statistically negative correlation between PV image quality and aortic arch dimension (r = −0.17 P = 0.01). There was a stronger positive correlation between PV thickness (r = 0.38 P < 0.001) and PV image quality. Retrospective subgroup analysis of 76 patients with recent chest CT showed similar, but not significant trends as by TEE.ConclusionThe use of 2D TEE TAUE results in diagnostic image quality of the PV in the majority of patients and outstanding image quality in a subset of patients. PV image quality is negatively affected by increasing aorta diameter and positively affected by PV thickness.
Correlation and agreement between 2D and 3D speckle‐tracking echocardiography for left ventricular volumetric, strain, and rotational parameters in healthy volunteers and in patients with mild mitral stenosis
Authors: Poyraz Esra , Kemaloglu Oz Tugba , Çetin Güvenç Rengin , Guvenc Tolga Sinan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundRecent advances had allowed measurement of myocardial deformation parameters using 3D speckle‐tracking echocardiography (STE). Agreement between these two modalities and interchangeability of findings remain as an issue since 2DSTE is more widely available than 3DSTE. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation and agreement between 2DSTE and 3DSTE in healthy volunteers and in patients with mild mitral stenosis (MS).MethodsData from 31 patients with mild MS and 27 healthy volunteers were included in this study. Data were analyzed for the correlation and agreement between 2DSTE and 3DSTE for volumetric, strain, and rotational parameters.ResultsThere were no significant differences between 2DSTE and 3DSTE in both control and MS groups for left ventricular volumetric and rotational parameters. 3D global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global circumferential strain (GCS) were significantly higher in healthy volunteers (P < 0.001 for both), while only 3DGCS was significantly higher than 2DGCS in MS group (P < 0.001). The correlation between 3DSTE and 2DSTE was weak‐to‐moderate in both groups for strain and rotational parameters, and overall, correlation coefficients were higher in MS group. An exception was GLS in MS group, where coefficient of correlation was excellent (r = 0.907). Agreement between two modalities was poor for strain and rotational parameters, and the average bias was high.ConclusionsOverall, the agreement between 2DSTE and 3DSTE for strain and rotational measures was poor with a high average bias. The agreement between 2DSTE and 3DSTE is affected by the presence of underlying MS and the direction of strain.
Coronary flow reserve is related to the extension and transmurality of myocardial necrosis and predicts functional recovery after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Montisci Roberta , Ruscazio Massimo , Tona Francesco , Corbetti Francesco , Sarais Cristiano , Marchetti Maria Francesca , Cacciavillani Luisa , Iliceto Sabino , Perazzolo Marra Martina , Meloni Luigi 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundFew studies have examined the effect of transmurality of myocardial necrosis on coronary microcirculation. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of cardiac magnetic resonance‐derived (GE‐MRI) structural determinants of coronary flow reserve (CFR) after anterior myocardial infarction (STEMI), and their predictive value on regional functional recovery.MethodsNoninvasive CFR and GE‐MRI were studied in 37 anterior STEMI patients after primary coronary angioplasty. The wall motion score index in the left descending anterior coronary artery territory (A‐WMSI) was calculated at admission and follow‐up (FU). Recovery of regional left ventricular (LV) function was defined as the difference in A‐WMSI at admission and FU. The necrosis score index (NSI) and transmurality score index (TSI) by GE‐MRI were calculated in the risk area. Baseline (BMR) and hyperemic (HMR) microvascular resistance, arteriolar resistance index (ARI), and coronary resistance reserve (CRR) were calculated at the Doppler echocardiography.ResultsBivariate analysis indicated that the CPK and troponin I peak, heart rate, NSI, TSI, BMR, the ARI, and CRR were related to CFR. Multivariable analysis revealed that TSI was the only independent determinant of CFR. The CFR value of >2.27, identified as optimal by ROC analysis, was 77% specific and 73% sensitive with accuracy of 76% in identifying patients with functional recovery.ConclusionsPreservation of microvascular function after AMI is related to the extent of transmurality of myocardial necrosis, is an important factor influencing regional LV recovery, and can be monitored by noninvasive CFR.
Work, Stress and Play: Students’ perceptions of factors impacting on their studies and well‐being
Authors: Jenkins Susan , Johnson Ilona , Ginley Jennifer 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIntroductionThis study gathered information about life outside of the course for undergraduates studying at the School of Dentistry, Cardiff University. The aim was to explore how these external factors to the course may affect an individual’s academic performance and well‐being.Materials and MethodsA cross‐sectional study design was used. An online questionnaire designed for the purpose of the study was used to capture (quantitative and qualitative) data. Questions with dichotomous options, a range of statements with Likert scales (level of agreement) and open (free‐text) questions were used. Data were analysed in SPSS using simple descriptive statistics and frequency distributions. Spearman’s Rho was used to explore relationships for scaled categorical data. Content analysis was used for qualitative data.ResultsTwo‐thirds (n = 69, 63%) of participants reported being very stressed about their studies in the previous 12 months. The majority felt that external factors to their course (eg, lack of sleep, health issues, financial concerns, hobbies and issues with friends) had impacted on their academic lives with only 9% (n = 10) stating that their lives outside dentistry had no effect.DiscussionThose who felt able to pursue hobbies and activities reported a better work‐life balance and less stress. Questions about pursuing hobbies and sleep may help identify students at risk of being stressed or who may benefit from additional support in order to achieve a better work‐life balance.ConclusionThis study has highlighted key areas for further investigation and opportunities for improving support to reduce student stress and improve well‐being.
A water retention curve model describing the effect of temperature
Authors: Liu Chang , Tong Fuguo , Li Biao , Zhao Yitong 
Published: April 2019

AbstractProperly simulating multiphase flow involving non‐isothermal processes in unsaturated soils requires the development of water retention curve (WRC) models with temperature effects. However, the majority of the existing WRC models are developed for isothermal conditions. This study aims to develop a new WRC model describing the effect of temperature on suction. Based on an assumption of an isotropic and homogeneous porous medium at the macroscopic scale, the formulations of non‐isothermal suction account for the temperature effects on the surface tension of the water–air interface and air bubble shape. The tension of the water–air interface is expressed as a function of temperature, and the air bubble shape becomes a function of temperature and saturation degree. The suction formulations are then used to extend the van Genuchten equation to non‐isothermal conditions. The final equation of the proposed model is a function of suction, and effective degree of saturation and temperature. A laboratory test was also designed to measure the WRCs of a loamy sand at different temperatures. The proposed model was validated against the measured results as well as experimental data of clayey‐silt sand, Boom clay and FEBEX bentonite reported in the literature. The very good agreements show the capability and feasibility of the model to predict the temperature dependence of water retention behaviour with a wide range of soils.Highlights

A new WRC model was developed for non‐isothermal conditions.
The model considers temperature effects on water surface tension and air bubble shape.
We tested the model against measured and literature data, with very good agreements.
The model is applicable to predict non‐isothermal water retention behaviour of unsaturated soils.
Genotypic diversity of Salmonella ser. Abortusequi isolates from Argentina
Authors: Bustos C. P. , Moroni M. , Caffer M. I. , Ivanissevich A. , Herrera M. , Moreira A. R. , Guida N. , Chacana P. 
Published: April 2019

SummaryBackgroundSalmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Abortusequi (S. Abortusequi) is a serotype restricted to equines, which produces abortion outbreaks. Nowadays the disease is being reported in different countries including Argentina thus generating an important impact in the equine industry. Molecular characterization of the 95 kb virulence plasmid and the spvC gene of S. Abortusequi demonstrated their importance in the pathogenicity of the serotype. In the last decades, high clonality of S. Abortusequi was identified in Japan, Mongolia and Croatia.ObjectivesThe aim of this work was to characterize S. Abortusequi isolates obtained in Argentina between 2011 and 2016 by virulence‐gene profiling and pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis.Study designCase report.MethodsS. Abortusequi isolates were studied by virulence‐gene profiling and pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis.ResultsFour virulence profiles and nine pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis pulsotypes were identified among the 27 isolates included in the study. Different strains were found in the same outbreak and/or farm suggesting the presence of different sources of infection or mutation of isolates.Main limitationsThe number of related and nonrelated strains. More isolates may be necessary for a more intensive study.ConclusionsMost strains presented the same virulence profile, being positive for all the studied genes except gipA and sopE1, which are involved in intestinal virulence. Only few isolates showed different results in the same outbreak or farm. Unlike other studies, our results demonstrate a considerable diversity of S. Abortusequi pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis pulsotypes, which suggests that different sources of infection may be involved within the same outbreak.
Factors associated with long‐term athletic outcome in Thoroughbred neonates admitted to an intensive care unit
Authors: Chidlow H. , Giguère S. , Sanchez L. C. 
Published: April 2019

SummaryBackgroundLimited information exists on the long‐term outcome of foals that survive following hospitalisation for disease as a neonate. Significant financial investment is required to raise foals to racing age, therefore improved understanding of factors that affect long‐term outcome and future athletic performance is important.ObjectivesTo analyse racing performance in Thoroughbred foals hospitalised as neonates, compared with their maternal siblings and to determine factors associated with failure to race and racing performance.Study designRetrospective cohort study.MethodsMedical records of Thoroughbred foals admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit between 1982 and 2008 were reviewed. Surviving foals of registered mares were included. Data including the foal's primary and concurrent diseases were extracted from the medical record. Racing records for foals and maternal siblings were evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify disorders associated with failure to race and decreased racing performance.ResultsTwo‐hundred and sixty‐nine of 454 previously hospitalised foals (59%) raced. Sixty‐eight percent (269/394) of registered foals raced, compared with 79% (697/880) of registered siblings. Foals with prematurity/dysmaturity (P = 0.002) and those with orthopaedic disease (P = 0.007) were significantly less likely to race than their siblings. Premature/dysmature foals also had significantly fewer starts and wins and lower earnings than siblings. Foals with orthopaedic disorders had a lower percentage of wins, relative to their siblings. There was no significant association between racing performance and other disease categories.Main limitationsSmall sample size in some disease categories and retrospective nature of study.ConclusionsFoals hospitalised due to prematurity/dysmaturity or orthopaedic disorders were less likely to race than their maternal siblings and those that did race had decreased performance.
A novel player in the field: Merkel disc in touch, itch and pain
Authors: Feng Jing , Hu Hongzhen 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe mechanosensitive Merkel cell‐neurite complex comprising two distinct cell types in both hairy and glabrous skin has been widely recognized as touch receptor for more than 100 years. In 2014, three elegant studies further demonstrated that the Merkel cell‐neurite complex mediates touch transduction via the mechanosensitive Piezo2 channel. However, whether it is involved in genesis of itch and pain sensations, has been unclear. Recently, we reported that Merkel cells modulate the development of mechanical itch under the conditions of dry skin and aging, whereas two other studies demonstrated that Piezo2 channel mediates mechanical pain. In this assay, we summarized the current knowledge of Merkel disk under both normal and pathological conditions, with a focus on its role in touch, itch, and pain.
A freshwater analog for the production of Epiphyton‐like microfossils
Authors: Ibarra Yadira , Sanon Sonicah 
Published: April 2019

AbstractCalcified microbial microfossils—often interpreted as cyanobacteria—were important components of Precambrian and Paleozoic limestones, but their paucity in modern marine environments complicates our ability to make conclusive interpretations about their taxonomic affinity and geologic significance. Freshwater spring‐associated limestones (e.g., travertine and tufa) serve as terrestrial analogs to investigate mineralization in and around aquatic biofilms on observable timescales. We document the diagenesis of calcite fabrics associated with the freshwater algae Oocardium stratum, an epiphytic colonial green algae (desmid) known for producing stalks of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and passively producing a bifurcating tubular calcite monocrystal. Bifurcating EPS stalks produced by Oocardium colonies can become calcified and preserved in ancient carbonate deposits. Calcified micritic EPS stalks have a filamentous morphology, show evidence of branching, and maintain uniformity in diameter thickness throughout the mm‐scale colony, much like the enigmatic calcimicrobe Epiphyton. We provide a mechanism by which calcification associated with a colonial semispherical micro‐organism produces microfossils that deceptively resemble filamentous forms. These findings have implications for the use of morphological traits when assigning taxonomic affinities to extinct microfossil groups and highlight the utility of calcifying freshwater modern environments to investigate microbial taphonomy.
Responses of soil carbon sequestration to climate‐smart agriculture practices: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Bai Xiongxiong , Huang Yawen , Ren Wei , Coyne Mark , Jacinthe Pierre‐Andre , Tao Bo , Hui Dafeng , Yang Jian , Matocha Chris 
Published: April 2019

AbstractClimate‐smart agriculture (CSA) management practices (e.g., conservation tillage, cover crops, and biochar applications) have been widely adopted to enhance soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring crop productivity. However, current measurements regarding the influences of CSA management practices on SOC sequestration diverge widely, making it difficult to derive conclusions about individual and combined CSA management effects and bringing large uncertainties in quantifying the potential of the agricultural sector to mitigate climate change. We conducted a meta‐analysis of 3,049 paired measurements from 417 peer‐reviewed articles to examine the effects of three common CSA management practices on SOC sequestration as well as the environmental controlling factors. We found that, on average, biochar applications represented the most effective approach for increasing SOC content (39%), followed by cover crops (6%) and conservation tillage (5%). Further analysis suggested that the effects of CSA management practices were more pronounced in areas with relatively warmer climates or lower nitrogen fertilizer inputs. Our meta‐analysis demonstrated that, through adopting CSA practices, cropland could be an improved carbon sink. We also highlight the importance of considering local environmental factors (e.g., climate and soil conditions and their combination with other management practices) in identifying appropriate CSA practices for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring crop productivity.