bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short photoperiod reduces the temperature sensitivity of leaf‐out in saplings of Fagus sylvatica but not in horse chestnut
Authors: Fu Yongshuo H. , Piao Shilong , Zhou Xuancheng , Geng Xiaojun , Hao Fanghua , Vitasse Yann , Janssens Ivan A. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractLeaf phenology is one of the most reliable bioindicators of ongoing global warming in temperate and boreal zones because it is highly sensitive to temperature variation. A large number of studies have reported advanced spring leaf‐out due to global warming, yet the temperature sensitivity of leaf‐out has significantly decreased in temperate deciduous tree species over the past three decades. One of the possible mechanisms is that photoperiod is limiting further advance to protect the leaves against potential damaging frosts. However, the “photoperiod limitation” hypothesis remains poorly investigated and experimentally tested. Here, we conducted a photoperiod‐ and temperature‐manipulation experiment in climate chambers on two common deciduous species in Europe: Fagus sylvatica (European beech, a typically late flushing species) and Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut, a typically early flushing species). In agreement with previous studies, we found that the warming significantly advanced the leaf‐out dates by 4.3 and 3.7 days/°C for beech and horse chestnut saplings, respectively. However, shorter photoperiod significantly reduced the temperature sensitivity of beech only (3.0 days/°C) by substantially increasing the heat requirement to avoid leafing‐out too early. Interestingly, the photoperiod limitation only occurs below a certain daylength (photoperiod threshold) when the warming increased above 4°C for beech trees. In contrast, for chestnut, no photoperiod threshold was found even when the ambient air temperature was warmed by 5°C. Given the species‐specific photoperiod effect on leaf phenology, the sequence of the leaf‐out timing among forest tree species may change under future climate warming conditions. Nonphotoperiodic species may benefit from warmer springs by starting the growing season earlier than photoperiodic sensitive species, modifying forest ecosystem structure and functions, but this photoperiod limitation needs to be further investigated experimentally in numerous species.
A possible link between polyunsaturated fatty acids and uremic toxins from the gut microbiota in hemodialysis patients: A hypothesis
Authors: Kemp Julie Ann , Esgalhado Marta , Macedo Renata Azevedo , Regis Bruna , Damasceno Nágila Raquel Teixeira , da Silva Torres Elizabeth Aparecida Ferraz , Gonçalinho Gustavo Henrique Ferreira , Borges Natália Alvarenga , Nakao Lia Sumie , Fouque Denis , Mafra Denise 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIntroduction: Indoxyl sulfate (IS) and p‐cresyl sulfate (p‐CS) are albumin‐bound uremic toxins that are difficult to remove by hemodialysis (HD). Human serum albumin (HSA) carries several compounds, including fatty acids that can bind to site II of HSA and represent competing ligands for uremic toxins. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between fatty acids and uremic toxin plasma levels in patients undergoing HD.Methods: Thirty‐three HD patients (51.5% male, 54.9 ± 10.2 years old, 44.63 ± 28.4 months on HD, albumin level of 3.8 ± 0.3 g/dL) were evaluated. The erythrocyte fatty acid content (saturated fatty acid [SFA], monounsaturated fatty acid [MUFA], and polyunsaturated fatty acid [PUFA]) was measured by gas chromatography, and total IS and p‐CS plasma levels were measured by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography.Findings: The mean percentages of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + DHA and gamma‐linolenic (GLA) acid in the erythrocyte membrane were 1.35% ± 0.74%, 1.85% ± 0.79%, and 0.33% ± 0.26%, respectively. The mean levels of IS and p‐CS were 19.4 ± 11.9 mg/dL and 101.5 ± 57.2 mg/dL, respectively. There was no significant association between SFA and MUFA and IS and p‐CS; however, a negative correlation was found between p‐CS and specific PUFAs, and the association between GLA and p‐CS levels was retained after adjusting for potential confounding variables (β = −0.49, P = 0.007).Discussion: Polyunsaturated fatty acids may contribute to the decrease in p‐CS uremic toxin plasma levels in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing HD.
Increased risk of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in hemodialysis—A nationwide study
Authors: Chaudry Mavish S. , Gislason Gunnar H. , Kamper Anne‐Lise , Rix Marianne , Larsen Anders R. , Petersen Andreas , Andersen Paal S. , Skov Robert L. , Fosbøl Emil L. , Westh Henrik , Schønheyder Henrik C. , Benfield Thomas L. , Fowler Vance G. , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Bruun Niels E. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIntroduction: Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) is a high‐risk infection and feared complication related to hemodialysis. This study aimed to investigate incidence and risk factors for SAB depending on hemodialysis access type.Methods: The Danish National Registry on Regular Dialysis and Transplantation was used to identify patients from January 1, 1996 to December 31, 2011 with end‐stage kidney disease. Patients were followed until death, the first episode of SAB, or end of study (December 31, 2011). Independent risk factors were assessed by multivariable Poisson regression with time‐updated exposure variables.Findings: Total of 9997 patients were included. The initial modality of renal replacement therapy was hemodialysis in 6826 patients and peritoneal dialysis in 2882 patients; 289 patients had preemptive kidney transplantation. SAB occurred in 1278 patients (12.8%). The incidence rate of SAB declined after 90 days and leveled off after 270 days in hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplanted. As compared to peritoneal dialysis, the adjusted rate ratio (RR) for SAB was 7.42 (95% CI 5.63–9.79) in uncuffed central venous catheter (CVC), 5.68 (95% CI 4.39–7.36) in cuffed CVC, 4.43 (95% CI 2.10–9.53) in arteriovenous graft, and 3.40 (95% CI 2.79–4.15) in arteriovenous fistula. SAB risk did not differ between uncuffed and cuffed CVC. The risk of SAB was increased during the first three months of renal replacement therapy especially for CVC (RR 11.37 [95% CI7.09–18.22]) compared with peritoneal dialysis. Diabetes mellitus (RR 1.35 [95% CI 1.20–1.51]) and male sex (RR 1.15 [95% CI 1.03–1.29]) were also associated with SAB.Discussion: Patients on hemodialysis had a high incidence rate of SAB, particularly those undergoing hemodialysis via CVC. SAB risk was comparable for cuffed and uncuffed CVC. Diabetes mellitus, male sex, and the first three months in renal replacement therapy were independently associated with SAB.
A prototype line clamp for venous access bleeding in hemodialysis: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Kennedy Claire , McGrath‐Chong Margaret , Arustei Daniela , d'Gama Celine , Faratro Rose , Fung Stella , Magtoto Eduardo , Wong Elizabeth , Chan Christopher T. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIntroduction: Venous needle dislodgement (or venous port disconnection) during hemodialysis (HD) may lead to catastrophic blood loss, particularly during unsupervised home HD. A prototype venous line clamp was developed for use in conjunction with the Redsense blood loss sensor. We hypothesize that this prototype device will provide additional safety to dialysis without excessive burden.Methods: This was a single‐center, prospective cohort study. Participants kept a log of bleeding, troubleshooting and clamp deployment events, and completed questionnaires before device first use and after device final use. The primary outcome was appropriate device function, evaluated by review of bleeding and clamp deployment events. The secondary outcomes were patient/nursing staff expectations and experience of the device.Findings: Fourteen patients used the device during a combined total of 214 HD treatments. Five participants (36%) had experienced a bleeding or disconnection event prior to study recruitment. All vascular access types were represented. The device was tested during incenter HD (n = 7 patients) and home HD (n = 7 patients). There were eight clamp deployment events, three of which were in the setting of minor bleeding at the venous access site. No other bleeding events were reported. The main troubleshooting issues were related to cumbersome device connections. Participants perceived additional safety with the device (median score 4.25 out of 5; range 1–5). However, the amount of additional work created was variable, and large in some cases (median score 2 out of 5; range 0–4.5). There was no association between HD vintage and device burden (P = 0.55).Discussion: This “proof of concept” study confirmed that a clamp on the venous line, operating in conjunction with a venous access blood detector, is feasible regardless of HD location or vascular access type. The device improved patient safety perception during HD but was burdensome. Design modifications could improve future device iterations.
Medication regimen complexity and medication adherence in elderly patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Parker Krystina , Bull‐Engelstad Ingrid , Aasebø Willy , von der Lippe Nanna , Reier‐Nilsen Morten , Os Ingrid , Stavem Knut 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIntroduction: Elderly patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 5 with or without dialysis treatment usually have concomitant comorbidities, which often result in multiple pharmacological therapies. This study aimed to identify factors associated with medication complexity and medication adherence, as well as the association between medication complexity and medication adherence, in elderly patients with CKD.Methods: This prospective study involved elderly patients with CKD stage 5 (estimated glomerular filtration rate < 15 ml/min/1.73m2) recruited from three Norwegian hospitals. Most of the patients were receiving either hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. We used the Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) to assess the complexity of medication regimens, and the eight‐item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS‐8) to assess medication adherence. Factors associated with the MRCI and MMAS‐8 score were determined using either multivariable linear or ordinal logistic regression analysis.Findings: In total, 157 patients aged 76 ± 7.2 years (mean ± SD) were included in the analysis. Their overall MRCI score was 22.8 ± 7.7. In multivariable linear regression analyses, female sex (P = 0.044), Charlson Comorbidity Index of 4 or 5 (P = 0.029) and using several categories of phosphate binders (P < 0.001 to 0.04) were associated with the MRCI. Moderate or high adherence (MMAS‐8 score ≥ 6) was demonstrated by 83% of the patients. The multivariable logistic regression analyses found no association of medication complexity, age or other variables with medication adherence as assessed using the MMAS‐8.Discussion: Female sex, comorbidity and use of phosphate binders were associated with more‐complex medication regimens in this population. No association was found between medication regimen complexity, phosphate binders or age and medication adherence. These findings are based on a homogeneous elderly group, and so future studies should test if they can be generalized to patients of all ages with CKD.
Imiquimod 3.75% for field‐directed therapy of actinic keratosis: results of a prospective case‐series study in Greece
Authors: Befon Angeliki , Tzanetakou Vassiliki , Panagiotopoulos Antonios , Chasapi Vasiliki , Antoniou Christina , Stratigos Alexander J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundImiquimod 3.75% is a field‐directed treatment for actinic keratosis that can detect and treat clinical and subclinical lesions across an entire sun‐exposed field. The detection of subclinical lesions is evidenced by an increase in lesions to the maximum lesion count during treatment (Lmax). We report clinical outcomes for the first 15 patients treated with imiquimod 3.75% in daily clinical practice in Greece.MethodsFifteen patients with actinic keratosis lesions were treated with imiquimod 3.75% in an outpatient setting in two 2‐week treatment cycles separated by a 2‐week treatment‐free interval. Actinic keratosis lesions were counted before treatment, at the end of the first treatment cycle (Week 2; Lmax), and 2 weeks after the second treatment cycle (Week 8). Local skin reactions (LSR) were also evaluated at Weeks 2 and 8.ResultsThe median baseline actinic keratosis lesion count was 25, which increased to a median Lmax of 29 at Week 2 and decreased to a median of 5 at Week 8. The median percentage and absolute reduction in actinic keratosis lesions from Lmax to Week 8 were 87% and 23%, respectively. Most of the LSR were mild‐to‐moderate in intensity at Week 2 and had resolved by Week 8.ConclusionImiquimod 3.75% effectively detected and cleared both the clinical and subclinical actinic keratosis lesions across the entire sun‐exposed field in this cohort of Greek patients. Treatment was well tolerated.
Standardization of reticulocyte counts in the athlete biological passport
Authors: Naud Jean‐François , Giraud Sylvain , Robinson Neil , Desharnais Philippe , Ericsson Magnus , Saugy Martial , Kuuranne Tiia , Ayotte Christiane , Boghosian Thierry , Aikin Reid , Sottas Pierre‐Edouard 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe percentage of circulating reticulocytes (RET%) is a useful marker of blood doping in the context of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP). The viability of the ABP depends on the comparability of sample data obtained across multiple laboratories for a given athlete. With the recent introduction of a different technology for the measurement of reticulocytes, the goal of this study was to compare currently employed Sysmex XT/XE analyzers to the recently introduced Sysmex XN analyzer.MethodsRET% differences were searched in two independent data sets, the first consisting of 95 369 RET% values coming from 29 laboratories located in five continents as part of routine testing for the ABP, the second from a targeted study involving 510 samples analyzed on both a Sysmex XT and XN analyzers by two different laboratories.ResultsA relatively small but significant bias of 0.27 ([0.22‐0.35] 95% CI) for the first data set and 0.19% ([0.16‐0.22] 95% CI) for the second data set was observed with Sysmex XN analyzers returning higher values than Sysmex XT/XE analyzers. This bias appears constant over most of the range of RET% measured in elite athletes.ConclusionWhen RET% values are obtained for the same athlete with different technologies (XT/XE vs XN), an adjustment of RET% emanating from the XT/XE instruments through a decrease of 0.22% within the ABP calculated ranges appears to be sufficient to integrate the results from the two technologies.
Human inborn errors of the actin cytoskeleton affecting immunity: way beyond WAS and WIP
Authors: Tangye Stuart G , Bucciol Giorgia , Casas‐Martin Jose , Pillay Bethany , Ma Cindy S , Moens Leen , Meyts Isabelle 
Published: February 2019

AbstractInherited defects in genes encoding for proteins that are involved in the assembly and dynamics of the actin skeleton have increasingly been identified in patients presenting with primary immunodeficiencies. In this review, we summarize a subset of the recently described conditions, emphasizing the clinical features as well as the immunophenotype and pathophysiology.
Cognitive function during exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Poot Betty , Travers Justin , Weatherall Mark , McGinty Melinda 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe reported prevalence of cognitive impairment in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) ranges 36‐77%. Few studies report the prevalence of cognitive impairment in acutely unwell COPD patients.AimsTo determine the prevalence and time course of cognitive impairment in patients with COPD during and after an admission to hospital with an exacerbation of the disease.MethodsPatients admitted to hospital with an exacerbation of COPD between October 2013 and November 2014 were administered the Montreal Cognitive Assessment tool, COPD assessment test and modified Borg dyspnoea scale at three points in time: within 24 h of admission, between 48 and 72 h after admission and 6 weeks post discharge.ResultsTwenty‐five patients agreed to participate. Four withdrew from the study after the initial evaluation. The mean (range) COPD assessment test score 24 h after admission was 26 (18–37). Cognitive impairment was found in 19/25 (76%) patients at the initial evaluation, 16/21 (76%) patients at the second evaluation. Overall, 22/25 (88%) showed cognitive impairment within 72 h of an exacerbation of COPD. Fourteen out of 21 (66%) patients showed cognitive impairment at the final evaluation. The mean Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores improved from admission (22.6) to the second evaluation (23.3) to the final evaluation 3 (24.4), but this change was not statistically significant.ConclusionCognitive impairment is highly prevalent during hospital admissions with an exacerbation of COPD. This impairment does improve with time, but only a minority recover within a normal range. This will affect patients’ abilities to understand and remember information given to them in hospital and adhere to medication regimens.
Why go to the emergency department? Perspectives from persons with borderline personality disorder
Authors: Vandyk Amanda , Bentz Andrea , Bissonette Sarah , Cater Caitlyn 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThrough this qualitative study, we explored frequent emergency department use by persons with borderline personality disorder from their perspective. Interpretive description guided the study design, and data were collected through interviews with six individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder who had at least 12 emergency department visits for reasons related to their mental illness within a 1‐year timeframe. Using thematic data analysis, we articulate the participants’ experiences through two broad themes: cyclic nature of emergency department use and coping skills and strategies. Unstable community management that leads to self‐ or crisis presentation to the emergency department often perpetuated emergency department use by our participants and the ensuing interventions aimed at acute stabilization. The participants identified a desire for human interaction and feelings of loneliness, failure of community resources (such as crisis lines or therapy), and safety concerns following suicidal ideation, self‐harm, or substance use as the main drivers for their emergency department visits. Our participants identified several potential strategies to protect them against unnecessary emergency department use and improve their health care overall. More work is needed to explore the viability and effectiveness of these suggestions.
Carers of people from LGBTQ communities interactions with mental health service providers: Conflict and safety
Authors: Martin Jennifer , Butler Meredith , Muldowney Anne , Aleksandrs Gabriel 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis exploratory study examines the experiences of informal/family carers of people from LGBTQ communities living with mental illness, or experiencing a mental health crisis, in relation to conflict and safety in their interactions with mental health service providers. Carers were surveyed to gain an understanding of their experiences of services. The data were analysed according to the six main originating domains in the Safewards model where conflict may arise as well as the nature of the activity in the domain with the addition of new categories of ‘carer characteristics’ and ‘carer modifiers’. The study findings identified the main domains where conflict occurred, as well as modifications to activities undertaken by staff, consumers, and carers that reduced tensions and misunderstandings. Carer responses revealed the interplay between the Safewards domains and activities and the location of much of what was considered conflict with staff reflecting the regulatory environment services were provided in. This study highlights distinctive carer characteristics and the important conflict modifying role of carers. The findings suggest that the expansion of the Safewards model to include carers may be beneficial.
Ejection chain moves for automatic neighborhood synthesis in constrained cardinality‐minimization problems
Authors: Adamo Tommaso , Ghiani Gianpaolo , Guerriero Emanuela , Manni Emanuele 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn this paper, we deal with the problem of automatically synthesizing “good” neighborhoods for a specific class of problems, namely constrained cardinality‐minimization problems. Exploiting the peculiarity of the objective function of such problems, we develop automatic ejection chain moves that define neighborhood structures to be explored with a black‐box solver. In particular, starting from a formulation of a cardinality‐minimization problem and a feasible solution, our procedure automatically detects the “entities” involved in the problem and learns the strength of the relationships among them. This information is then used to define the characteristics of our moves that consist in ejecting one entity at a time from the solution. If one of such moves results in an infeasible solution, then feasibility is recovered by performing an additional step based on the solution of an auxiliary problem. The computational results show that, when assessed on four well‐known constrained cardinality‐minimization problems, our approach outperforms both a black‐box mixed integer programming solver and a state‐of‐the‐art model‐based neighborhood search procedure with respect to both solution quality and computing times.
Preparation of rGO/AgCl QDs and its enhanced photoelectrocatalytic performance for the degradation of Tetracycline
Authors: Kadeer Kuerbangnisha , Reheman Abulajiang , Maimaitizi Hujiabudula , Talifu Dilinuer , Tursun Yalkunjan , Abulizi Abulikemu 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA novel rGO/AgCl QDs composites have been obtained by an ultrasonic‐assisted method for the first time. Photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) performances of the obtained samples were studied by the degradation of 20 mg/L Tetracycline (TC) under visible light irradiation with an applied bias potential of 1.5 V (vs Ag/AgCl). Degradation of TC by different processes including Photocatalysis (PC), Electrocatalysis (EC), and PEC was compared, and the effect of different bias potential on the PEC degradation of TC was discussed. Results showed that rGO/AgCl QDs composites had displayed superior PEC activity than that of pristine AgCl QDs with degrading 85.2% of TC during 120 minutes, which was about 1.5 times higher than that of AgCl QDs (33%). Besides, compared to PC and EC removal of TC, PEC process showed the highest degradation efficiency of TC (85.2%) by rGO/AgCl QDs, which was about three times and one time higher than that of PC (39.18%) and EC (20.73%) system, respectively. Moreover, the reusibility and stability of the samples were tested by five times cycling tests, and results demonstrated that the stability of bare AgCl QDs was improved after the introduction of rGO. The enhanced PEC activity and stability of the samples could be attributed to the intimate contact between rGO and AgCl QDs and external electric field, which had benefitted the formation of more active sites and accelerated electron‐hole separation.