bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physical mechanism of spring and early summer drought over North America associated with the boreal warming
Authors: Choi Woosuk , Kim Kwang-Yul 
Published: May 2018

AbstractDrought during the early vegetation growing season (spring through early summer) is a severe natural hazard in the large cropland over North America. Given the recent increasing severity of climate change manifested as surface warming, there has been a growing interest in how warming affects drought and the prospect of drought. Here we show the impact of boreal warming on the spring and early summer drought over North America using Cyclostationary Empirical Orthogonal Function analysis. Northern Hemispheric warming, the leading mode of the surface air temperature variability, has led to a decrease in precipitation, evaporation and moisture transport over the central plain of North America. From a quantitative assessment of atmospheric water budget, precipitation has decreased more than evaporation and moisture transport, resulting in increased (decreased) moisture in the lower troposphere (land surface). Despite the increased moisture content, relative humidity has decreased due to the increased saturation specific humidity arising from the lower-tropospheric warming. The anomaly patterns of the soil moisture and Palmer Drought Severity Index resemble that of the anomalous relative humidity. Results of the present study suggest a credible insight that drought in the main cropland will intensify if the anthropogenic warming continues, exacerbating vulnerability of drought.
Hyperglycemia does not affect tissue repair responses in shear stress-induced atherosclerotic plaques in ApoE−/− mice
Authors: Hsiung Sabrina , Knutsson Anki , Vallejo Jenifer , Dunér Pontus , Heinonen Suvi E. , Jönsson-Rylander Ann-Cathrine , Bengtsson Eva , Nilsson Jan , Hultgårdh-Nilsson Anna 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe mechanisms responsible for macrovascular complications in diabetes remain to be fully understood. Recent studies have identified impaired vascular repair as a possible cause of plaque vulnerability in diabetes. This notion is supported by observations of a reduced content of fibrous proteins and smooth muscle cell mitogens in carotid endarterectomy from diabetic patients along with findings of decreased circulating levels of endothelial progenitor cells. In the present study we used a diabetic mouse model to characterize how hyperglycemia affects arterial repair responses. We induced atherosclerotic plaque formation in ApoE-deficient (ApoE−/−) and heterozygous glucokinase knockout ApoE-deficient mice (ApoE−/− GK+/−) mice with a shear stress-modifying cast. There were no differences in cholesterol or triglyceride levels between the ApoE−/− and ApoE−/− GK+/− mice. Hyperglycemia did not affect the size of the formed atherosclerotic plaques, and no effects were seen on activation of cell proliferation, smooth muscle cell content or on the expression and localization of collagen, elastin and several other extracellular matrix proteins. The present study demonstrates that hyperglycemia per se has no significant effects on tissue repair processes in injured mouse carotid arteries, suggesting that other mechanisms are involved in diabetic plaque vulnerability.
A truncating mutation in EPOR leads to hypo-responsiveness to erythropoietin with normal haemoglobin
Authors: Oskarsson Gudjon R. , Kristjansson Ragnar P. , Lee Amy L. , Sveinbjornsson Gardar , Magnusson Magnus K. , Ivarsdottir Erna V. , Benonisdottir Stefania , Oddsson Asmundur , Davidsson Olafur B. , Saemundsdottir Jona , Halldorsson Gisli H. , Arthur Joseph , Arnadottir Gudny A. , Masson Gisli , Jensson Brynjar O. , Holm Hilma , Olafsson Isleifur , Onundarson Pall T. , Gudbjartsson Daniel F. , Norddahl Gudmundur L. , Thorsteinsdottir Unnur , Sulem Patrick , Stefansson Kari 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe cytokine erythropoietin (EPO), signalling through the EPO receptor (EPO-R), is essential for the formation of red blood cells. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) testing 32.5 million sequence variants for association with serum EPO levels in a set of 4187 individuals. We detect an association between a rare and well imputed stop-gained variant rs370865377[A] (p.Gln82Ter) in EPOR, carried by 1 in 550 Icelanders, and increased serum EPO levels (MAF = 0.09%, Effect = 1.47 SD, P = 3.3 × 10−7). We validated these findings by measuring serum EPO levels in 34 additional pairs of carriers and matched controls and found carriers to have 3.23-fold higher EPO levels than controls (P = 1.7 × 10−6; Pcombined = 1.6 × 10−11). In contrast to previously reported EPOR mutations, p.Gln82Ter does not associate with haemoglobin levels (Effect = −0.045 SD, P = 0.32, N = 273,160), probably due to a compensatory EPO upregulation in response to EPO-R hypo-responsiveness.
Uniform resolution of compact identifiers for biomedical data
Authors: Wimalaratne Sarala M. , Juty Nick , Kunze John , Janée Greg , McMurry Julie A. , Beard Niall , Jimenez Rafael , Grethe Jeffrey S. , Hermjakob Henning , Martone Maryann E. , Clark Tim 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMost biomedical data repositories issue locally-unique accessions numbers, but do not provide globally unique, machine-resolvable, persistent identifiers for their datasets, as required by publishers wishing to implement data citation in accordance with widely accepted principles. Local accessions may however be prefixed with a namespace identifier, providing global uniqueness. Such “compact identifiers” have been widely used in biomedical informatics to support global resource identification with local identifier assignment. We report here on our project to provide robust support for machine-resolvable, persistent compact identifiers in biomedical data citation, by harmonizing the Identifiers.org and N2T.net (Name-To-Thing) meta-resolvers and extending their capabilities. Identifiers.org services hosted at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory - European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), and N2T.net services hosted at the California Digital Library (CDL), can now resolve any given identifier from over 600 source databases to its original source on the Web, using a common registry of prefix-based redirection rules. We believe these services will be of significant help to publishers and others implementing persistent, machine-resolvable citation of research data.
Computational screening of high-performance optoelectronic materials using OptB88vdW and TB-mBJ formalisms
Authors: Choudhary Kamal , Zhang Qin , Reid Andrew C.E. , Chowdhury Sugata , Van Nguyen Nhan , Trautt Zachary , Newrock Marcus W. , Congo Faical Yannick , Tavazza Francesca 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe perform high-throughput density functional theory (DFT) calculations for optoelectronic properties (electronic bandgap and frequency dependent dielectric function) using the OptB88vdW functional (OPT) and the Tran-Blaha modified Becke Johnson potential (MBJ). This data is distributed publicly through JARVIS-DFT database. We used this data to evaluate the differences between these two formalisms and quantify their accuracy, comparing to experimental data whenever applicable. At present, we have 17,805 OPT and 7,358 MBJ bandgaps and dielectric functions. MBJ is found to predict better bandgaps and dielectric functions than OPT, so it can be used to improve the well-known bandgap problem of DFT in a relatively inexpensive way. The peak positions in dielectric functions obtained with OPT and MBJ are in comparable agreement with experiments. The data is available on our websites http://www.ctcms.nist.gov/~knc6/JVASP.html and https://jarvis.nist.gov.
Time series dataset of fish assemblages near thermal discharges at nuclear power plants in northern Taiwan
Authors: Chen Hungyen , Chen Ching-Yi , Shao Kwang-Tsao 
Published: May 2018

AbstractLong-term time series datasets with consistent sampling methods are rather rare, especially the ones of non-target coastal fishes. Here we described a long-term time series dataset of fish collected by trammel net fish sampling and observed by an underwater diving visual census near the thermal discharges at two nuclear power plants on the northern coast of Taiwan. Both experimental and control stations of these two investigations were monitored four times per year in the surrounding seas at both plants from 2000 to 2017. The underwater visual census mainly monitored reef fish assemblages and trammel net samples monitored pelagic or demersal fishes above the muddy/sandy bottom. In total, 508 samples containing 203,863 individuals from 347 taxa were recorded in both investigations at both plants. These data can be used by ecologists and fishery biologists interested in the elucidation of the temporal patterns of species abundance and composition.
Prophylactic clip closure may reduce the risk of delayed bleeding after colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Ogiyama Hideharu , Tsutsui Shusaku , Murayama Yoko , Maeda Shingo , Satake Shin , Nasu Ayaka , Umeda Daisuke , Miura Yoshio , Tominaga Kouhei , Horiki Masashi , Sanomura Tamana , Imanaka Kazuho , Iishi Hiroyasu 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Background and study aims Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has a high en bloc resection rate and is widely performed for large superficial colorectal tumors, but delayed bleeding remains one of the most common complications of colorectal ESD. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of prophylactic clip closure of mucosal defects for the prevention of delayed bleeding after colorectal ESD.
Patients and methods We enrolled consecutive patients with colorectal lesions between January 2012 and May 2017 in this retrospective study. In the early part of this period, post-ESD mucosal defects were not closed (non-closure group); however, from January 2014, post-ESD mucosal defects were prophylactically closed with clips when possible (closure group). The main outcome measured was delayed bleeding. Variables were analyzed using the chi-squared test, Fisher’s exact test, or Student’s t-test.
Results Of 156 lesions analyzed, 61 were in the non-closure group and 95 in the closure group. Overall, delayed bleeding occurred in 5 cases (3.2 %). The delayed bleeding rate was 0 % (0/95) in the closure group and 8.2 % (5/61) in the non-closure group (P = 0.008). The mean procedure time for closure was 10.4 ± 4.6 min (range 3 – 26 min).
Conclusions We demonstrated that prophylactic clip closure of mucosal defects might reduce the risk of delayed bleeding after colorectal ESD.
Transoral Incisionless fundoplication for reflux after peroral endoscopic myotomy: a crucial addition to our arsenal
Authors: Tyberg Amy , Choi Anthony , Gaidhane Monica , Kahaleh Michel 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Introduction Increased esophageal acid exposure is seen in a large percentage of patients with achalasia who undergo peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). Endoscopic transoral fundoplication (TIF) is a novel endoscopic technique for the management of patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). We present the first case series evaluating the role of TIF post-POEM.
Methods Consecutive patients 18 years or older from our academic institution who underwent a POEM procedure and subsequently underwent TIF for symptomatic reflux or regurgitation between December 2014 and June 2017 were included. The primary outcome was discontinuation of proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) use and healing of esophagitis (when initially present) on post-procedure esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Technical success was defined as successful completion of the endoscopic fundoplication. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded for all patients.
Results Five patients were included (60 % male, average age 55 ± 14 years). Technical success was achieved in 100 % of patients. Discontinuation of PPI use was achieved in 5/5 patients (100 %). Three patients had esophagitis pre-procedure and all were noted to have resolution of inflammation on post-procedure EGD. No adverse events were noted. Mean follow-up time was 27 months (range 5 – 34 months).
Conclusion TIF post-POEM appears feasible, safe, and efficacious in improving symptoms and esophagitis, decreasing long-term risks of acid exposure, and decreasing risks of long-term PPI use in patients post-POEM in this small cohort of patients. Larger studies are needed to confirm these initial findings.
Size of colorectal polyps determines time taken to remove them endoscopically
Authors: Kang Heechan , Thoufeeq Mo 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Background an study aims Polypectomy and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) are effective and safe ways of removing polyps from the colon at endoscopy. Guidelines exist for advising the time allocation for diagnostic endoscopy but not for polypectomy and EMR. The aim of this study was to identify if time allocated for polypectomy and EMR at planned therapeutic lists in our endoscopy unit is sufficient for procedures to be carried out. We also wanted to identify factors that might be associated with procedures taking longer than the allocated time and to identify factors that might predict duration of these procedures.
Patients and methods A retrospective case study of planned 100 lower gastrointestinal EMR and polypectomy procedures at colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy was performed and analyzed with quantitative analysis.
Results The mean actual procedural time (APT) for 100 procedures was 52 minutes and the mean allocated time (AT) was 43.05 minutes. Hence the mean APT was 9 minutes longer than the mean AT. Factors that were significantly associated with procedures taking longer than the allocated time were patient age (P = 0.029) and polyp size (P = 0.005). Factors that significant changed the actual procedure time were patient age (P = 0.018), morphology (P = 0.002) and polyp size (P < 0.001). Procedures involving flat and lateral spreading tumor (LST) type polyps took longer than the protruding ones. On multivariate analysis, polyp size was the only factor that associated with actual procedure time. Number of polyps, quality of bowel preparation, and distance of polyp from insertion did significantly change procedure duration.
Conclusion Factors that significantly contribute to duration of polypectomy and EMR at lower gastrointestinal endoscopy include patient age and polyp size and morphology on univariate analysis, with polyp size being the factor with a significant association on multivariate analysis. We recommend that endoscopy units take these factors into consideration locally when allocating time for these procedures to be safe and effective.
Needle fracture during endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration using a needle with a side hole
Authors: Sasaki Takashi , Kanata Ryo , Sasahira Naoki 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Background and study aims Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is widely performed to obtain pathological evidence from several parts of the body. Major complications of EUS-FNA are bleeding, pancreatitis, and abdominal pain. Needle fracture is a rare complication of EUS-FNA and only a few relevant reports are available. Here, we report a case of needle fracture during EUS-FNA using a needle with a side hole. A 61-year-old man underwent EUS-FNA of the uncinate process of the pancreas to confirm malignancy. A 20-gauge needle with a side hole was used to puncture the mass from the first part of the duodenum. The needle fracture occurred at the side hole during the third passage, and the fragment remained in the pancreas. Fortunately, the patient did not exhibit any symptoms due to the needle fragment. This case indicates that repeated puncture using the same needle with a side hole might increase risk of needle fracture during EUS-FNA. It is important to inform clinicians about the potential risk of needle fracture, particularly given the increasing number of EUS-FNAs being performed.
Topische Kortikosteroide und nicht steroidale Antiphlogistika zur Behandlung der nicht infektiösen Uveitis
Authors: Doycheva Deshka , Deuter Christoph , Grajewski Rafael 
Published: May 2018

ZusammenfassungTopische Kortikosteroide sind effektive entzündungshemmende Medikamente in der Therapie der anterioren Uveitis. Die intraokulare Effektivität der topischen Steroide ist überwiegend durch ihre Penetrationsfähigkeit ins Auge limitiert. Lipophile Präparate wie Dexamethason oder Prednisolonacetat penetrieren besser in die Vorderkammer als hydrophile. Prednisolonacetat 1% ist das Mittel der Wahl in der Behandlung von Patienten mit anteriorer Uveitis. Loteprednol und Fluorometholon besitzen eine schwächere antientzündliche Wirkung, beeinflussen aber weniger den Augeninnendruck und sind deswegen hilfreich bei Patienten mit Steroidresponse. Die antientzündliche Therapie mit lokalen Steroiden muss individuell angepasst werden in Abhängigkeit von Verlauf und Schweregrad der Uveitis. Die häufigsten unerwünschten Wirkungen der lokalen Kortisontherapie sind das steroidinduzierte Glaukom und die Katarakt. Nicht steroidale Antiphlogistika hemmen das Enzym Zyklooxygenase, das für die Bildung proinflammatorischer Prostaglandine zuständig ist. Sie haben eine ergänzende Rolle bei der Behandlung und Vorbeugung postoperativer Reizzustände nach Kataraktoperation. Eine therapeutische Rolle in der Behandlung der Uveitis und des zystoiden Makulaödems sekundär nach Uveitis konnte bisher nicht etabliert werden.
Colonic stent versus emergency surgery as treatment of malignant colonic obstruction in the palliative setting: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ribeiro Igor , Bernardo Wanderley , Martins Bruno , de Moura Diogo , Baba Elisa , Josino Iatagan , Miyajima Nelson , Coronel Cordero Martin , Visconti Thiago , Ide Edson , Sakai Paulo , de Moura Eduardo 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Background and study aims Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Malignant colonic obstruction (MCO) due to CRC occurs in 8 % to 29 % of patients.The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs comparing colonic SEMS versus emergency surgery (ES) for MCO in palliative patients. This was the first systematic review that included only randomized controlled trials in the palliative setting.
Methods A literature search was performed according to the PRISMA method using online databases with no restriction regarding idiom or year of publication. Data were extracted by two authors according to a predefined data extraction form. Primary outcomes were: mean survival, 30-day adverse events, 30-day mortality and length of hospital stay. Stoma formation, length of stay on intensive care unit (ICU), technical success and clinical success were recorded for secondary outcomes. Technical success (TS) was defined as successful stent placement across the stricture and its deployment. Clinical success (CS) was defined as adequate bowel decompression within 48 h of stent insertion without need for re-intervention.
Results We analyzed data from four RCT studies totaling 125 patients. The 30-day mortality was 6.3 % for SEMS-treated patients and 6.4 % for ES-treated patients, with no difference between groups (RD: – 0.00, 95 % CI [–0.10, 0.10], I2: 0 %). Mean survival was 279 days for SEMS and 244 days for ES, with no significant difference between groups (RD: 20.14, 95 % CI: [–42.92, 83.21], I2: 44 %). Clinical success was 96 % in the ES group and 86.1 % in the SEMS group (RD: – 0.13, 95 % CI [–0.23, – 0.02], I2: 51 %). Permanent stoma rate was 84 % in the ES group and 14.3 % in the SEMS group (RR: 0.19, 95 % CI: [0.11, 0.33], I2: 28 %). Length of hospital stay was shorter in SEMS group (RD: – 5.16, 95 % CI: [–6.71, – 3.61], I2: 56 %). There was no significant difference between groups regarding adverse events (RD 0.18, 95 % CI: [–0.19, 0.54;]) neither regarding ICU stay. (RD: – 0.01, 95 % CI: [–0.08, 0.05], I2: 7 %). The most common stent-related complication was perforation (42.8 % of all AE).
Conclusion Mortality, mean survival, length of stay in the ICU and early complications of both methods were similar. SEMS may be an alternative to surgery with the advantage of early hospital discharge and lower risk of permanent stoma.
How Do Transcatheter Heart Valves Fit in Mitral Annuloplasty Rings and Which Combination Can be Recommended?
Authors: Ostovar Roya , Kuehnel Ralf-Uwe , Erb Michael , Hartrumpf Martin , Claus Thomas , Haase Robert , Albes Johannes M. 
Published: May 2018

Background Transcatheter heart valve (THV) as valve-in-ring is increasingly used in the mitral position. Semi-rigid rings may serve as a more appropriate scaffold for proper anchoring of a THV as they may change from their oval to a round shape thereby fitting to the implanted THV.
Methods One rigid and five semi-rigid rings of four manufacturers, Edwards Physio I and II, Sorin 3D Memo, Medtronic Simulus, and St. Jude Medical (SJM) Saddle and SJM Sequin, with sizes 28 to 36 mm and Edwards Sapien III THV 23, 26, and 29 mm were used. Preevaluation comprised insertion/inflation of the THV into the ring and visual inspection for the paravalvular gap ≥ 4 mm2. Only valves not showing paravalvular gap were then submitted to hemodynamic evaluation with a pulse duplicator. Cusp movement was assessed with a high-speed-camera. Mean transvalvular gradients (TVGs) were measured.
Results SJM Saddle ring of all sizes and SJM Sequin ring 34 showed marked gaps combined with all THV sizes, thus not undergoing hemodynamic testing. It was further shown that ring sizes ≥ 36 mm did not allow for a proper fit of even the largest THV into the ring of all the manufacturers and were consequently not hemodynamically evaluated. The 23 mm THV was too small for any ring size. The lowest gradients were achieved with the 26 mm THV in 30 and 32 mm and the 29 mm THV in 32 and 34 mm rings.
Conclusion Not all currently available annuloplasty rings are ideal scaffolds for THV placement. It appears that a more proper fit can be achieved with semi-rigid rings than with rigid ones. Note that 23 mm THV appeared to be too small for an adequate anchoring in even the smallest available ring. Thus, 26 mm as well as 29 mm THV fit properly in ring sizes between 28 and 34 mm. Surgeons may consider to choose from those ring brands and sizes which allow for good placement of a THV in view of possible valve degeneration in the later course.