bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk stratification of elderly patients with acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Klingenberg Roland , Schlager Oliver , Limacher Andreas , Méan Marie , Vuilleumier Nicolas , Beer Juerg H. , Staub Daniel , Frauchiger Beat , Aschwanden Markus , Lämmle Bernhard , Righini Marc , Egloff Michael , Osterwalder Joseph , Angelillo‐Scherrer Anne , Kucher Nils , Banyai Martin , Rodondi Nicolas , von Eckardstein Arnold , Aujesky Drahomir , Husmann Marc , Matter Christian M. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundCombining high‐sensitivity cardiac Troponin T (hs‐cTnT), NT‐pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) may improve risk stratification of patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) beyond the PESI risk score.MethodsIn the prospective multicentre SWITCO65+ study, we analysed 214 patients ≥ 65 years with a new submassive PE. Biomarkers and clinical information for the PESI risk score were ascertained within 1 day after diagnosis. Associations of hs‐TnT, NT‐proBNP, hs‐CRP and the PESI risk score with the primary endpoint defined as 6‐month mortality were assessed. The discriminative power of the PESI risk score and its combination with hs‐cTnT, NT‐proBNP and hs‐CRP for 6‐month mortality was compared using integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) index and net reclassification improvement (NRI).ResultsCompared with the lowest quartile, patients in the highest quartile had a higher risk of death during the first 6 months for hs‐cTnT (adjusted HR 10.22; 95% CI 1.79‐58.34; P = 0.009) and a trend for NT‐proBNP (adjusted HR 4.3; 95% CI 0.9‐20.41; P = 0.067) unlike hs‐CRP (adjusted HR 1.97; 95% CI 0.48‐8.05; P = 0.344). The PESI risk score (c‐statistic 0.77 (95% CI 0.69‐0.84) had the highest prognostic accuracy for 6‐month mortality, outperforming hs‐cTnT, NT‐proBNP and hs‐CRP (c‐statistics of 0.72, 0.72, and 0.54), respectively. Combining all three biomarkers had no clinically relevant impact on risk stratification when added to the PESI risk score (IDI = 0.067; 95% CI 0.012‐0.123; P = 0.018; NRI = 0.101 95% CI −0.099‐0.302; P = 0.321).ConclusionsIn elderly patients with PE, 6‐month mortality can adequately be predicted by the PESI risk score alone.
Eskasoni First Nation's transformation of youth mental healthcare: Partnership between a Mi'kmaq community and the ACCESS Open Minds research project in implementing innovative practice and service evaluation
Authors: Hutt‐MacLeod Daphne , Rudderham Heather , Sylliboy Arnold , Sylliboy‐Denny Mallery , Liebenberg Linda , Denny Jeannine F. , Gould Matthew R. , Gould Norma , Nossal Margot , Iyer Srividya N. , Malla Ashok , Boksa Patricia 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimACCESS Open Minds (ACCESS OM) is a pan‐Canadian project aimed at improving youth mental healthcare. This paper describes implementation of the ACCESS OM objectives for youth mental health service transformation within a pre‐existing Fish Net Model of transformative youth mental healthcare service in the First Nation community of Eskasoni, on Canada's east coast.MethodsWe describe an adaptation of the ACCESS OM service transformation objectives through the complementary blending of Indigenous and Western methodologies. This concept of “Two‐Eyed Seeing” is illustrated as central to engaging youth in the community and attending to their mental health needs and wellness.ResultsThe ACCESS OM Eskasoni First Nation Youth Space acts as a central location for the site team and its activities, which expand into the rest of the community to facilitate early identification of youth in need. Rapid access to care is promoted via barrier‐free availability through a central intake crisis and referral centre, and ease of contact through social media and other modalities. Youth are given the choice between standard Western mental health services, or Indigenous methods of improving well‐being, or a combination of the two.ConclusionsThe ACCESS OM framework has shown early results of being a positive addition to the Eskasoni community. Local leadership and community buy‐in are identified as key factors to success. Further exploration, research, and evaluation of this transformation is ongoing. Successful implementation of this model in Eskasoni could act as a model for youth mental health programmes in other First Nations across Canada.
Toward evidence‐based severity assessment in rat models with repeated seizures: III. Electrical post‐status epilepticus model
Authors: Seiffert Isabel , van Dijk Roelof Maarten , Koska Ines , Di Liberto Valentina , Möller Christina , Palme Rupert , Hellweg Rainer , Potschka Heidrun 
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectiveEthical approval of experiments in chronic epilepsy models requires a careful balancing of the expected gain‐in‐knowledge with the level of distress. Thus recommendations for evidence‐based severity assessment and classification are urgently needed for preclinical epilepsy research.MethodsTherefore, we have completed a comprehensive analysis of alterations in behavioral, biochemical, and physiological parameters in a rat electrical post‐status epilepticus model. Selected parameters were repeatedly analyzed during different experimental phases to obtain information about the level of distress throughout the course of the model.ResultsBehavioral patterns comprised an increase in activity along with a reduction in risk assessment behavior, active social interaction, saccharin preference as well as nonessential, but evolutionary‐determined behavior such as nest building and burrowing. Among the biochemical parameters, fecal corticosterone metabolites proved to be increased in different phases of the experiment. In the early post‐insult phase, this increase was reflected by elevated serum corticosterone concentrations. Telemetric recordings demonstrated increases in home cage activity and heart rate in selected experimental phases but argued against relevant changes in heart rate variability. Comparison between animals with tethered or telemetric recordings including a principal component analysis revealed differences between both groups.SignificanceThe present findings further confirm that burrowing behavior and saccharin preference might serve as valid parameters for severity assessment in chronic epilepsy models. Considering the course of alterations providing evidence for a more pronounced level of distress in the early phase following status epilepticus (SE), we suggest a classification of the electrical post‐SE model as severe. This suggestion may serve as a guidance for laboratory‐specific evaluations. Comparison between data from animals with tethered and telemetric recordings indicated an impact of the mode of recordings. However, further research is necessary to analyze the validity of telemetry as a putative refinement measure.
What is new in the psychology of chronic itch?
Authors: Evers Andrea W. M. , Peerdeman Kaya J. , van Laarhoven Antoinette I. M. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractItch is often regarded as unpleasant or bothersome and is accompanied by symptoms of distress and impairments in daily life. The biopsychosocial model of chronic itch describes how psychological factors can contribute to the improvement or exacerbation of chronic itch and related scratching behaviour. Recent research underlines the important role of cognitive‐affective information processing, such as attention, affect and expectancies. This may not only play a role for acute itch states, but may particularly apply to the process of itch chronification, for example, due to the vicious cycle in which these factors shape the experience of itch. The present paper focuses on new insights into the relation between itch and the cognitive‐affective factors of attention, affect and expectancies. These factors are thought to play a possible aggravating role in itch in the long term and have received increasing attention in the recent empirical literature on maintaining and exacerbating factors for chronic physical symptoms. Possible psychophysiological and neurobiological pathways regarding these factors are discussed, as well as possible intervention methods.
Allocating natural resource reduction amounts: A data envelopment analysis based‐approach considering production technology heterogeneity
Authors: Song Jiayun , Wei Fangqing , Chu Junfei , Zhu Qingyuan , Yang Feng 
Published: June 2019

AbstractPrevious studies resource allocation methods based on data envelopment analysis assume that all the assessed decision‐making units share a common production technology, and all decision‐making units become efficient after the resources are allocated. However, in the real world, production technology tends to be heterogeneous among the decision‐making units because of the differences in economic development, geographic location, and market conditions. Correspondingly, when some decision‐making units are far away from the efficient frontier, they may not become efficient easily using the resources allocated to them. In this paper, we propose a data envelopment analysis‐based approach which considers production technology heterogeneity among decision‐making units when allocating resource reduction amounts to each. In our model, the decision‐making units are divided into subgroups based on their economic development level, an important indicator directly reflecting each decision‐making unit's production technology level. Each subgroup has its specific production technology, and the decision‐making units in the same subgroup have a similar technology level, which allows better identification of how the production of those decision‐making units can change when their resource inputs change. We present an empirical example using China's mainland provinces as decision‐making units to demonstrate the practicability and applicability of our proposed model.
Adeno‐associated virus (AAV)‐mediated neuroprotective effects on the degenerative retina: the therapeutic potential of erythropoietin
Authors: Tao Ye , Zhu Qi , Wang Liqiang , Zha Xiaobing , Teng Dengke , Xu Lei 
Published: June 2019

AbstractRetinal degeneration (RD) results in photoreceptor loss and irreversible visual impairments. This study sought to alleviate the photoreceptor degeneration via the adeno‐associated virus (AAV)‐mediated erythropoietin (EPO) therapy. AAV‐2/2‐mCMV‐EPO vectors were constructed and delivered into the subretinal space of a RD model. The retinal morphology, optokinetic behaviour and electrophysiological function of the treated animals were analysed. The subretinal delivery of AAV‐2/2 vectors induced robust EPO gene expressions in the retinas. AAV2/2‐mediated EPO therapy ameliorated the photoreceptor degeneration and visual impairments of the RD animal model. Furthermore, the multi‐electrodes array (MEA) was used to detect the firing activities of retinal ganglion cells. MEA recording showed that the EPO therapy could restrain the spontaneous firing response, enhance the light‐induced firing response and preserve the basic configurations of visual signal pathway in RD model. Our MEA assay provided an example to evaluate the potency of pharmacological compounds on retinal plasticity. In conclusion, AAV2/2‐mediated EPO therapy can ameliorate the photoreceptor degeneration and rectify the abnormities in visual signal transmission. These beneficial results suggest the AAV vector is a viable therapeutic option for retinopathies with rapidly degenerating kinetics and lay the groundwork for future development of EPO gene therapy.
Hydrofluoric Acid‐Free Digestion of Geological Samples for the Quantification of Rare Earth Elements by Inductively Coupled Plasma‐Optical Emission Spectrometry
Authors: Bezerra de Oliveira Andrey Linhares , Afonso Júlio Carlos , da Silva Lilian , Alcover Neto Arnaldo , Castro Carneiro Manuel , Dias da Silva Lílian Irene , Couto Monteiro Maria Inês 
Published: June 2019

Rare earth elements (REEs) are very important to technological development as well as to geochemical and environmental studies. In this work, hydrofluoric acid (HF) was replaced by condensed phosphoric acid (CPA) in the digestion of geological samples, and the quantification of REEs was performed by inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES). Six international reference materials (RMs), named DC86318, CGL 111, CGL 124, CGL 126, OKA‐2 and COQ‐1 and three Brazilian ore samples, named Araxá, Catalão and Pitinga were analysed. Only zircon and xenotime, which are potential REE‐bearing minerals, were not completely dissolved. Nevertheless, no REE associated with zircon was detected. The investigated digestion method presented many advantages: It was relatively fast (3 h), avoided fluoride precipitation, it was less hazardous because handling diluted H3PO4 is safer than HF, NH4F or NH4HF2 aqueous solutions, it preserved the quartz fittings of the measurement equipment and the final solution contained lower levels of total dissolved solids than those produced by the fusion method.
Evolution of interfacial structures and mechanical performance of sapphire and Sn–9Zn–2Al joints by ultrasound
Authors: Xu Yan , Ma Xinran , Yan Jiuchun 
Published: June 2019

AbstractA method of ultrasonic‐assisted soldering was applied to join sapphire with Sn–9Zn–2Al at 250°C in air. The sapphire samples were hot‐dipped in the liquid filler metal under the ultrasonic action before ultrasonic‐assisted soldering. The experimental results have shown that the joints dipped for different durations had similar morphologies, while the shear strength was dependent on the dipping duration. The shear strength of the joints increased rapidly from 13 to 22 MPa within the hot‐dipping duration of 50 seconds, and increased slowly to 46 MPa at 2000 seconds. The evolution of the interface structure and the fracture mode was analyzed. The interfacial strength was dominated by the deposited Al2O3 at the interface in the early stage. After the entire surface of sapphire was covered by deposited Al2O3, Zn‐rich phases at the interface and the thickening of deposited Al2O3 layer enhanced the interfacial strength at the later stage. Our study revealed the evolution of the interface structure and the strengthening mechanism in the joint of sapphire with Sn–Zn–Al alloys.
Workers’ Remittances and Domestic Investment in South Asia: A Comparative Econometric Inquiry
Authors: Abbas Shujaat 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThis study explores the effect of workers’ remittances on domestic investment in four selected South Asian countries: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, using contemporary time series estimation techniques from 1980 to 2017. The estimated results of the ARDL bounds approach to cointegration analysis have revealed that among selected South Asian countries, Pakistan has witnessed a significant negative effect in the long run. Similarly, the findings of other forms of capital flows also revealed varying effects across the countries considered. This study urges the transformation of aggregate economic behaviour from consumption to the production side, by adopting policies that would encourage domestic saving and investment activities. In this regard, among others, reduction in the interest rate and the interest rate spread would be beneficial. It urges the identification of factors that conditions varying effect of workers’ remittances and other capital inflows to mitigate negative effects into positive.
Does Remittance Outflow Stimulate or Retard Economic Growth?
Authors: Khan Khalid , Su Chi‐Wei , Tao Ran , Yang Lin 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThis article evaluates the association between remittance outflow (RMO) and economic growth in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The results of this evaluation indicate that RMO Granger creates gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in three countries, namely, Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia. Similarly, the results for causality from GDP per capita to RMO are significant for four countries, namely, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The findings differ from those of the household consumption model, stating that higher RMO will decrease economic activity. GDP per capita is the main determinant of RMO, suggesting that economic growth promises and encourages continuous RMO and vice versa. The adverse impact of RMO can be minimized by encouraging the local population to be productive in the private sector, as local productivity will reduce the huge influx of foreign workers and provide valuable local investment opportunities to lessen the amount being remitted.
“Bending” and beyond: Better estimates of quantitative genetic parameters?
Authors: Meyer Karin 
Published: June 2019

AbstractMultivariate estimation of genetic parameters involving more than a handful of traits can be afflicted by problems arising through substantial sampling variation. We present a review of underlying causes and proposals to improve estimates, focusing on linear mixed model‐based estimation via restricted maximum likelihood (REML). Both full multivariate analyses and pooling of results from overlapping subsets of traits are considered. It is suggested to impose a penalty on the likelihood designed to reduce sampling variances at the expense of a little additional bias. Simulation results are discussed which demonstrate that this can yield REML estimates that are on average closer to the population values than their unpenalized counterparts. Suitable penalties can be obtained based on assumed prior distributions of selected parameters. Necessary choices of penalty functions and of the stringency of penalization are examined. We argue that scale‐free penalty functions lend themselves to a simple scheme imposing a mild, default penalty which can yield “better” estimates without being likely to incur detrimental effects.
Salt intake and body weight correlate with higher blood pressure in the very elderly population: The Sukagawa study
Authors: Iida Hidekazu , Kurita Noriaki , Takahashi Sei , Sasaki Sho , Nishiwaki Hiroki , Omae Kenji , Yajima Nobuyuki , Fukuma Shingo , Hasegawa Takeshi , Fukuhara Shunichi ,   The Sukagawa Study Group
Published: June 2019

AbstractAs few epidemiological studies have investigated the effect of lifestyle factors on hypertension in the very elderly population, we conducted a cross‐sectional study to examine the association of estimated salt intake and body weight with blood pressure in the very elderly population. We enrolled 288 participants aged 75 years or older who were residents of Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, who attended the health checkup conducted in 2015. Salt intake was estimated from spot urine samples using the Tanaka method. The mean values for age, estimated salt intake, and body weight of all participants were 79.7 years, 9.1 g/d (standard deviation 2.4 g), and 54.3 kg (standard deviation 10.2 kg), respectively. General linear models showed that salt intake and body weight were associated with higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels (per standard deviation higher level, adjusted difference 4.13 mm Hg [95% confidence interval 1.69‐6.57] and 5.34 mm Hg [95% confidence interval 2.12‐8.56], respectively). Body weight was associated with higher diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels (per standard deviation higher level, 2.74 mm Hg [95% confidence interval 0.58‐4.90]). However, salt intake was not associated with higher diastolic blood pressure levels (per standard deviation higher level, 1.15 mm Hg [95% confidence interval −0.49 to 2.79]). Our findings suggest that higher SBP is associated with both salt intake and body weight and that higher DBP is associated with body weight in the very elderly population. This study provides a rationale for lifestyle modifications to prevent hypertension as a population approach.
Evidence of potential vertical transmission of tilapia lake virus
Authors: Yamkasem Jidapa , Tattiyapong Puntanat , Kamlangdee Attapon , Surachetpong Win 
Published: June 2019

AbstractTilapia lake virus disease (TiLVD) is an emerging viral disease in tilapia with worldwide distribution. Although the horizontal transmission of TiLV has been demonstrated through the cohabitation of infected fish with susceptible fish, no direct experiment showed the potential of vertical transmission from broodstock to progeny. In this study, natural outbreaks of TiLV in broodstock and fry in two tilapia hatcheries were confirmed. The TiLV genomic RNA was detected in liver and reproductive organs of infected broodstock, while infective virus was isolated in susceptible cell line. In situ hybridization assay confirmed the presence of TiLV in the ovary and testis of naturally infected fish and experimentally challenged fish. Moreover, early detection of TiLV in 2‐day‐old fry and the presence of TiLV genomic RNA and viable virus in the testis and ovary suggested the possible transfer of this virus from infected broodstock to progenies. As infective virus was present in gonads and fry in natural outbreak and experimental fish, the importance of biosecurity and prevention of the virus to establish in the hatchery should be emphasized. Hence, the development of TiLV‐free broodstock and the maintenance of high biosecurity standards in the hatcheries are essential for any attempt of virus eradication.
Antiaging and smoothness‐improving properties of farnesol‐based facial masks on rat skin exposed to ultraviolet B
Authors: Huang Yu Wen , Huang Han Hsiang , Wu Guan Xuan , Chang Huoy Rou , Wu Kun Lieh , Kuo Shyh Ming 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundFarnesol is an acyclic sesquiterpene presents in various natural sources including fruits, vegetables, and herbs. In this study, we successfully prepared a farnesol‐containing gel with ultraviolet B‐screening and skin‐repairing capabilities. Furthermore, the advantageous potential of farnesol‐containing facial masks for UVB‐caused sunburnt skin was evaluated.AimsThus, the objectives of this study are to design and prepare optimal facial masks possessing collagen production and smoothness‐enhancing capabilities for the skin.MethodsA series of formulations consisting of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hyaluronan, and farnesol were used to prepare the facial masks. The effects of the facial masks on collagen production by skin fibroblasts in vitro were examined. The effects of the prepared masks on collagen synthesis, smoothness, and inflammation of the skin were further evaluated in vivo using two modes (mask administration interspersed with UVB exposure and mask administration after UVB exposure) of a rat model.ResultsFacial masks containing both 0.3 and 0.8 mM farnesol improved skin smoothness and enhanced collagen content and arrangement in the skin of rats with mask administration interspersed with and after UVB exposure. The masks containing 0.8 mM farnesol exerted the greatest effects on collagen production/arrangement and smoothness improvement in vivo model. Histopathologically observed inflammation was alleviated, and interleukin (IL)‐6 was decreased in the 0.8 mM farnesol‐containing facial mask‐covered skin compared with that without facial masks.ConclusionsThe farnesol‐containing facial masks prepared in this study may have collagen production‐increasing, smoothness‐improving, and anti‐inflammatory properties for UVB‐caused sunburn; thus, farnesol is potentially a beneficial component in facial masks.