bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between income levels and irregular physician visits after a health checkup, and its consequent effect on glycemic control among employees: A retrospective propensity score‐matched cohort study
Authors: Nishi Takumi , Babazono Akira , Maeda Toshiki 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAims/IntroductionThe present study aimed to evaluate the effects of income levels on physician visit patterns and to quantify the consequent impact of irregular physician visits on glycemic control among employees’ health insurance beneficiaries in Japan.Materials and MethodsWe obtained specific health checkup data of untreated diabetes patients from the Fukuoka branch of the Japanese Health Insurance Association. We selected 2,981 insurance beneficiaries and classified 650 and 2,331 patients into, respectively, the regular visit and irregular visit group. We implemented propensity score matching to select an adequate control group.ResultsCompared with those with a standard monthly income <$2,000 (US$1 = ¥100), those with a higher monthly income were less likely to have irregular visits; $2,000–2,999: odds ratio 0.74 (95% confidence interval 0.56–0.98), $3,000–3,999: odds ratio 0.63 (95% confidence interval 0.46–0.87) and ≥$5,000: odds ratio 0.58 (95% confidence interval 0.39–0.86). After propensity score matching and adjusting for covariates, the irregular visit group tended to have poor glycemic control; increased glycated hemoglobin ≥0.5: odds ratio 1.90 (95% confidence interval 1.30–2.77), ≥1.0: odds ratio 2.75 (95% confidence interval 1.56–4.82) and ≥20% relatively: odds ratio 3.18 (95% confidence interval 1.46–6.92).ConclusionsWe clarified that there was a significant relationship between income and irregular visits, and this consequently resulted in poor glycemic control. These findings would be useful for more effective disease management.
Non‐invasive structure–function assessment of the liver by 2D time‐harmonic elastography and the dynamic Liver MAximum capacity (LiMAx) test
Authors: Heucke Niklas , Wuensch Tilo , Mohr Julia , Kaffarnik Magnus , Arsenic Ruza , Sinn Bruno , Müller Tobias , Pratschke Johann , Stockmann Martin , Sack Ingolf , Tzschätzsch Heiko 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackground and AimAccurate assessment of structural and functional characteristics of the liver could improve the diagnosis and the clinical management of patients with chronic liver diseases. However, the structure–function relationship in the progression of chronic liver disease remains elusive. The aim of this study is the combined measurement of liver function by the 13C‐methacetin Liver MAximum capacity (LiMAx) test and tissue‐structure related stiffness by 2D time‐harmonic elastography for the assessment of liver disease progression.MethodsLiMAx test and time‐harmonic elastography were applied, and the serological scores fibrosis 4 index and aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index were calculated in patients with chronic liver diseases (n = 75) and healthy control subjects (n = 22). In 47 patients who underwent surgery, fibrosis was graded by histological examination of the resected liver tissue.ResultsLiMAx values correlated negatively with liver stiffness (r = −0.747), aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (r = −0.604), and fibrosis 4 (r = −0.573). Median (interquartile range) LiMAx values decreased with fibrosis progression from 395 μg/kg/h (371–460 μg/kg/h) in participants with no fibrosis to 173 μg/kg/h (126–309 μg/kg/h) in patients with severe fibrosis. Median liver stiffness increased progressively with the stage of fibrosis from no fibrosis (1.56 m/s [1.52–1.63 m/s]) to moderate fibrosis (1.60 m/s [1.54–1.67 m/s]) to severe fibrosis (1.85 m/s [1.76–1.92 m/s]).ConclusionOur findings show that structural changes in the liver due to progressing liver diseases and reflected by increased tissue stiffness correlate with a functional decline of the organ as reflected by a decreased metabolic capacity of the liver.
An anticlockwise P–T–t path at high‐pressure, high‐temperature conditions for a migmatitic gneiss from the island of Fjørtoft, Western Gneiss Region, Norway, indicates two burial events during the Caledonian orogeny
Authors: Liu Penglei , Massonne Hans‐Joachim 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe Blåhø Nappe on the island of Fjørtoft, which represents an isolated portion of the Seve Nappe Complex in the Western Gneiss Region, Norway, has been suggested to have experienced two deep burial cycles during the Caledonian orogeny. However, evidence on this multiple burial process by the derivation of a pressure–temperature–time (P–T–t) path has never been given in the literature. In this study, the ‘diamondiferous’ kyanite–garnet gneiss from the Blåhø Nappe on Fjørtoft was revisited to determine if such a process was correct. Two types of garnet, porphyroblastic garnet‐1 and fine‐grained garnet‐2, were recognized in the gneiss. The core of garnet‐1 is poor in Ca and documents P–T conditions of 1.2–1.3 GPa at c. 880°C based on pseudosection modelling. The inner rims of garnet‐1 and the core of garnet‐2 are both richer in Ca, recording P–T conditions of 1.35–1.45 GPa and 770–820°C. Application of conventional geothermobarometry on the outer rim of garnet‐1 and the rim of garnet‐2 yielded retrograde P–T conditions of 0.75–0.90 GPa and 610–685°C. These estimates define an anticlockwise P–T path at pressures below 1.5 GPa. Accessory monazite was dated with the electron microscope. Relicts of detrital monazite in the gneiss point to Sveconorwegian and possibly also Cryogenian provenance for the detritus of the sedimentary protolith. Metamorphic monazite in the gneiss records a wide age range from 460 to 380 Ma, with a peak c. 435 Ma and a shoulder at 395 Ma. These data suggest that the original (Ediacaran?) Baltica margin sediment (gneiss protolith) was transported to the base of an overlying plate during the early Caledonian (pre‐Scandian) orogeny. A long residence time of the metasedimentary rock at this base caused its heating to 880°C and homogenization of the early garnet chemistry. The late Caledonian (Scandian) collision between Baltica and Laurentia led to further burial, during which the studied gneiss was close to the former surface of the downgoing continental plate and, thus, cooled. The reconstructed P–T–t path confirms the multiple burial history of the Blåhø Nappe but contradicts previous ideas of deep burial of the Fjørtoft gneiss to more than 100 km.
Integrated garnet and zircon–titanite geochronology constrains the evolution of ultra‐high–pressure terranes: An example from the Sulu orogen
Authors: Wang Da , Vervoort Jeffrey D. , Fisher Christopher M. , Cao Hui , Li Guangxu 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDating ultra‐high–pressure (UHP) metamorphic rocks provides important timing constraints on deep subduction zone processes. Eclogites, deeply subducted rocks now exposed at the surface, undergo a wide range of metamorphic conditions (i.e. deep subduction and exhumation) and their mineralogy can preserve a detailed record of chronologic information of these dynamic processes. Here, we present an approach that integrates multiple radiogenic isotope systems in the same sample to provide a more complete timeline for the subduction–collision–exhumation processes, based on eclogites from the Dabie–Sulu orogenic belt in eastern China, one of the largest UHP terranes on Earth. In this study, we integrate garnet Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd ages with zircon and titanite U–Pb ages for three eclogite samples from the Sulu UHP terrane. We combine this age information with Zr‐in‐rutile temperature estimates, and relate these multiple chronometers to different P–T conditions. Two types of rutile, one present as inclusions in garnet and the other in the matrix, record the temperatures of UHP conditions and a hotter stage, subsequent to the peak pressure (‘hot exhumation') respectively. Garnet Lu–Hf ages (c. 238–235 Ma) record the initial prograde growth of garnet, while coupled Sm–Nd ages (c. 219–213 Ma) reflect cooling following hot exhumation. The maximum duration of UHP conditions is constrained by the age difference of these two systems in garnet (c. 235–220 Ma). Complementary zircon and titanite U–Pb ages of c. 235–230 Ma and c. 216–206 Ma provide further constraints on the timing of prograde metamorphism and the ‘cold exhumation' respectively. We demonstrate that timing of various metamorphic stages can thus be determined by employing complementary chronometers from the same samples. These age results, combined with published data from adjacent areas, show lateral diachroneity in the Dabie–Sulu orogeny. Three sub‐blocks are thus defined by progressively younger garnet ages: western Dabie (243–238 Ma), eastern Dabie–northern Sulu (238–235 Ma) and southern Sulu terranes (225–220 Ma), which possibly correlate to different crustal slices in the recently proposed subduction channel model. These observed lateral chronologic variations in a large UHP terrane can possibly be extended to other suture zones.
Randomized, single‐blinded, crossover study of a novel wound dressing vs current clinical practice after percutaneous collagen induction therapy
Authors: Gold Michael H. , Biron Julie , RN Brynne Thompson 
Published: February 2019

SummaryIntroductionSkin rejuvenation procedures have become common with sophisticated technologies with reduced downtime and related risks. Recently, microneedling has been paired with radiofrequency to create Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedling (FRFM) to induce neocollagenesis. Frequently, topical products are applied immediately after the needling. This procedure is known as percutaneous collagen induction therapy (PCIT). Postoperative topical wound care is critical for prompt rapid and safe healing, with moist wound healing deemed of primary importance for fast and correct scarring process. An ideal dressing enables a moist environment while reducing postprocedural inflammatory responses in the first stages of wound healing.ObjectiveTo evaluate whether an innovative silicone‐based wound dressing is superior than standard of care therapy in decreasing severity and duration of treatment‐site acute inflammatory reactions post PCIT.Materials and MethodsEndymed PRO Intensif Handpiece (Endymed, Israel) was used for the full‐face FRFM procedure. Subjects (n = 20) applied treatment (Stratacel®—Stratpharma SG, Switzerland) and control (Aquaphor®—Beiersdorf Inc, USA) immediately after the procedure and daily; they were evaluated immediately postprocedure (baseline assessment), at 2, 3 and 7 days postprocedure. Digital and 3D pictures (Antera 3D Camera for Skin Analysis—Miravex, Ireland) were taken at each assessment.ResultsAll patients healed properly without reporting adverse reactions to any of the studied products. Erythema at each study visit was significantly reduced with the use of the novel wound dressing (P < 0.001). A statistically significant difference in favor of the innovative wound dressing also emerged with respect to the patient‐rated product properties (P = 0.008), such as feel on skin, drying time and stickiness.ConclusionsThe novel wound dressing reduced signs of acute inflammation following PCIT when compared to standard of care, without reporting adverse events and resulting in a more favorable outcome from a patient perspective.
Insulin action is severely impaired in adipocytes of apparently healthy overweight and obese subjects
Authors: Rydén M. , Petrus P. , Andersson D. P. , Medina‐Gómez G. , Escasany E. , Corrales Cordón P. , Dahlman I. , Kulyté A. , Arner P. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectiveMany overweight/obese subjects appear metabolically healthy with normal in vivo insulin sensitivity. Still, they have increased long‐term risk of developing type 2 diabetes. We hypothesized that adipose tissue dysfunction involving decreased insulin action in adipocytes is present in apparently healthy overweight/obese subjects.Design/MethodsSubjects with normal metabolic health according to Adult Treatment Panel‐III or Framingham risk score criteria were subdivided into 67 lean, 32 overweight and 37 obese according to body mass index. They were compared with 200 obese individuals with metabolic syndrome. Insulin sensitivity and maximum action on inhibition of lipolysis and stimulation of lipogenesis was determined in subcutaneous adipocytes. Gene expression was determined by micro‐array and qPCR. DNA methylation was assessed by array, pyrosequencing and reporter assays.ResultsCompared with lean, adipocytes in overweight/obese displayed marked reductions in insulin sensitivity in both antilipolysis and lipogenesis as well as an attenuated maximum lipogenic response. Among these, only antilipolysis sensitivity correlated with whole‐body insulin sensitivity. These differences were already evident in the overweight state, were only slightly worse in the unhealthy obese state and were not related to fat cell size. Adipose tissue analyses linked this to reduced expression of the insulin signalling protein AKT2, which associated with increased methylation at regulatory sites in the AKT2 promoter.ConclusionsApparently healthy subjects have severely disturbed adipocyte insulin signalling already in the overweight state which involves epigenetic dysregulation of AKT2. This may constitute an early defect in insulin action that appears even upon modest increases in fat mass.
Risk factors forCandidaurinary tract infections in dogs and cats
Authors: Reagan Krystle L. , Dear Jonathan D. , Kass Philip H. , Sykes Jane E. 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundCandidaurinary tract infections occur in both dogs in cats but there is limited data about risk factors.ObjectiveTo identify risk factors for candiduria in dogs in cats.AnimalsEighteen dogs and 8 cats with candiduria.MethodsA retrospective case‐control study, using univariate exact logistic regression. Medical records were searched for a diagnosis ofCandidaand animals with culture‐confirmed candiduria were enrolled. Controls had bacterial cystitis (dogs and cats) or cutaneousMalasseziainfection (dogs only).ResultsAdministration of antibacterial drugs in the 30 days before diagnosis was associated with candiduria in dogs compared to controls with bacterial cystitis (OR 14.5; 95% CI 3.1‐66.9) or withMalasseziainfection (OR 26.4; 95% CI 3.4‐206.7). Antecedent antibacterial drug administration was associated with candiduria in cats (OR 15.7; 95% CI 1.9‐132.3). Immunosuppression was associated with candiduria in dogs when compared to controls withMalasseziainfection (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.4‐12.8), but not significantly when compared to dogs with bacterial cystitis (OR 2.7, 95% CI 0.9‐8.0). Lower urinary tract diseases other than infection were associated with candiduria in cats (OR 6.7, 95% CI 1.6‐27.9), but not significantly in dogs (OR 2.5, 95% CI 0.7‐8.7). Neither diabetes mellitus nor history of hospitalization was significantly associated with candiduria in either species.Conclusions and clinical importanceThe recent administration of antibacterial drug therapy is a potential risk factor for development of candiduria in dogs and cats. Judicious use of antibacterial drugs might help to prevent candiduria.
Food and feeding habits of Octopus insularis in the Veracruz Reef System National Park and confirmation of its presence in the southwest Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Rosas‐Luis Rigoberto , Jiménez Badillo María de Lourdes , Montoliu‐Elena Lucia , Morillo‐Velarde Piedad S. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractOctopuses are active predators that feed on a wide range of prey including crustaceans, fishes, and mollusks. They are important components of coral reef systems and support local and artisanal fisheries in the Gulf of México. Octopus insularis has been found to be one of the most relevant components in catches from the coral reef system of Veracruz in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, and its role in the ecosystem requires assessment. To corroborate the morphological identification of O. insularis, six octopuses were identified by genetic methods. And to understand the trophic relationships between this octopus species and its prey, 394 octopuses caught during 2016 and 2017 by an artisanal fleet were sampled and their stomach contents analyzed. Results showed that crustaceans are the most frequently consumed group, with the genera Mithraculus and Etisus being the most important in the diet. Fishes, bivalves, and gastropods were identified as uncommon prey items in the diet. Their presence in the stomachs could be related to the movement of this octopus outside of the coral reef. Considering that our samples were of medium‐ and large‐sized individuals, cannibalism could be discarded for O. insularis in this size range in the Veracruz reef system. These findings suggest a generalist and opportunistic predation of O. insularis on the most abundant and available prey in the study area, namely the crustaceans. These represents an effective transfer of biomass from the low trophic levels to top predators in the coral reef system.
Retinal microvascular changes in microvascular angina: Findings from the Australian Heart Eye Study
Authors: Liew Gerald , Mitchell Paul , Chiha Joseph , Plant Adam J. H. , White Andrew , Joachim Nichole , Wang Sarah , Burlutsky George , Kovoor Pramesh , Thiagalingam Aravinda , Gopinath Bamini 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectiveMicrovascular changes in microvascular angina are poorly understood due to difficulties in imaging the coronary microcirculation in vivo. The retinal microvasculature may reflect changes in coronary microcirculation. We assessed microvascular changes in the retina in patients with microvascular angina and compared them with patients with angiographically proven coronary artery disease.MethodsWe performed retinal photography and coronary angiography on 915 patients. Retinal vessel calibers were measured using a validated computer‐assisted method; coronary artery disease was graded from coronary angiograms. Microvascular angina was defined as angina with <25% stenosis in all coronary epicardial arteries.ResultsA total of 139 patients (15.2%) had microvascular angina, while 776 (84.8%) had coronary artery disease. Participants with microvascular angina and coronary artery disease had similar retinal arteriolar and venular calibers. After adjustment for age, ethnicity, mean arterial pressure, diabetes, current smoking, body mass index, and fellow vessel caliber, women with smaller venules were threefold more likely to have microvascular angina than women with larger venules (multivariable‐adjusted odds ratio 3.54, 95% confidence interval 1.35 to 9.24, P < 0.01). This difference was not observed in men.ConclusionsMicrovascular angina in women was associated with microvascular changes distinct from those in coronary artery disease.
First‐in‐human retrieval of chronically implanted Micra transcatheter pacing system
Authors: Curnis Antonio , Cerini Manuel , Mariggiò Davide , Mitacchione Gianfranco , Giacopelli Daniele , Inama Lorenza , Bontempi Luca 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe report the first‐in‐human retrieval of a chronically implanted Micra transcatheter pacing system (TPS; Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA). A 41‐year‐old woman suffering from third‐degree atrioventricular block was successfully implanted with a TPS in the low septum of the right ventricle. After 29 months, due to an increased electrical threshold and 100% pacing percentage, the device showed low battery voltage. Despite the long implant duration, the attempt of device retrieval using a snare loop inserted in the delivery system of a TPS was successful. In the same procedure, a new leadless pacemaker was implanted in the high right ventricular septum with optimal pacing threshold.
Pediatric ventricular assist devices: Bridge to a new era of perioperative care
Authors: Navaratnam Manchula , Maeda Katsuhide , Hollander Seth A. 
Published: February 2019

SummaryPediatric ventricular assist devices (VADs) are evolving as a standard therapy for end stage heart failure in children. Major recent developments include the increased use of continuous flow (CF) devices in children and increased experience with congenital heart disease (CHD) and outpatient management. In the current and future era anesthesiologists will encounter more children presenting for VAD implantation, subsequent procedures and heart transplantation. Successful perioperative management requires an understanding of the interaction between the patient's physiology and the device and a framework to troubleshoot problems. This review focuses on CF devices, VAD support for CHD and perioperative management of pulsatile and CF devices in the pediatric population.
The T‐helper cells 17 instead of Tregs play the key role in acute rejection after pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Wang Kai , Song Zhuo‐Lun , Wu Bin , Zhou Chun‐Lei , Liu Wei , Gao Wei 
Published: February 2019

AbstractTh17 and imbalance of Treg/Th17 might be one of the mechanisms of acute rejection. We aim to explore the role of Th17s in the balance of Treg/Th17 in acute rejection after LT in children diagnosed with BA. The ratios of Treg and Th17 in peripheral blood were detected by flow cytometry pre‐LT, post‐LT, and when rejection occurred. Treg proportion was higher before transplantation than at 2 weeks and 1 month after transplantation, with no statistical difference between 2 weeks and 1 month. However, Treg proportions were lower in pediatric recipients than healthy controls. The proportion of Tregs before anti‐rejection treatment was lower than control group, with no statistical difference compared to the stable group and it showed no difference compared with that at 2 weeks and 1 month post‐LT. The Th17 proportions were higher at 2 weeks and 1 month after transplantation than healthy controls. The Th17 proportion under the circumstances of rejection was higher than that in the stable group and control group; the proportion in stable group was higher than that in control group. After anti‐rejection therapy, the proportions of Th17 were lower than those before therapy. In conclusion, the imbalance of Treg/Th17, especially Th17s instead of Tregs, may be one of the important mechanisms in acute rejection.
Risk Perceptions Toward Drinking Water Quality Among Private Well Owners in Ireland: The Illusion of Control
Authors: Hooks Teresa , Schuitema Geertje , McDermott Frank 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn rural areas where no public or group water schemes exist, groundwater is often the only source of drinking water and is extracted by drilling private wells. Typically, private well owners are responsible for the quality and testing of their own drinking water. Previous studies indicate that well owners tend to underestimate the risks of their well water being contaminated, yet little is known about why this is the case. We conducted a qualitative study by interviewing private well owners in Ireland to investigate their beliefs surrounding their water quality, which, in turn, inform their risk perceptions and their willingness to regularly test their water. Based on our findings we designed a theoretical model arguing that perceived control is central in the perceived contamination risks of well water. More specifically, we argue that well owners have the illusion of being in control over their water quality, which implies that people often perceive themselves to be more in control of a situation than they actually are. As a result, they tend to underestimate contamination risks, which subsequently impact negatively on water testing behaviors. Theoretical and practical implications are highlighted.