bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frequency of Alterations in Apheresis‐Related Abstracts Prior to Publications as Peer‐Reviewed Articles
Authors: Simmons Sierra C , Bui Chau M , Kim Chong H , Feldman Alexander Z , Staley Elizabeth M , Pham Huy P 
Published: June 2019

AbstractHigh‐quality evidence supporting clinical practice is lacking in apheresis. A potential source of evidence is provided by abstracts submitted to the Annual Meetings of the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) and the American Society for Apheresis (ASFA). However, there is potential for study conclusions to be altered significantly following abstract presentations prior to publications in peer‐reviewed journals. Therefore, we evaluated the discordance rate between apheresis‐related meeting abstracts and their corresponding published articles. Abstracts accepted to either AABB or ASFA Annual Meetings from 2005 to 2012 and corresponding PubMed‐indexed peer‐reviewed articles' abstracts published prior to 9/2014 were reviewed for altered methods, results, and conclusions. When present, changes were evaluated for clinical significance. During the 8‐year period, 198 out of 1152 abstracts were published as peer‐reviewed articles. Of these, 36 (18.2%) presented discordant results, six of which (16.7%) were potentially clinically significant. An alteration in results (58.3%) was the leading reason for discordance. The discordance rate for ASFA abstracts was significantly higher (HR = 4.69, P = 0.0028) than the AABB ones. However, clinically significant alterations occurred more frequently among AABB abstracts (P = 0.025). Approximately 18% of meeting abstracts demonstrated alterations prior to publication in peer‐reviewed journals. Given that approximately one in six changes represented clinically significant alterations, potentially affecting clinical practice, we recommend caution when modifying one's clinical practice based on abstract presentations at Annual Meetings. Future studies involving abstracts from both the International Society for Apheresis and the World Apheresis Association should also be performed.
The utility of fluorine‐18‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in the diagnosis and monitoring of large vessel vasculitis: A South Australian retrospective audit
Authors: Nguyen Ai Duyen , Crowhurst Thomas , Lester Susan , Dobson Rachael , Bartholomeusz Dylan , Hill Catherine 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimsTo investigate the utility of fluorine‐18‐labelled deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) in routine clinical practice to diagnose and monitor disease activity and treatment response in large vessel vasculitis in a South Australian cohort.MethodsWe performed a retrospective clinical audit of adult patients who received a FDG‐PET at a tertiary referral center between August 2010 and August 2015, where the term “vasculitis” appeared in either the request or report.ResultsA total of 45 patients met the inclusion criteria. Nine patients (20%) had a positive FDG‐PET for large vessel vasculitis. FDG‐PET was positive in 3/6 (50%) patients who met the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for giant cell arteritis or Takayasu's arteritis (TA) on retrospective review. A positive FDG‐PET for large vessel inflammation assisted the primary clinician in making the diagnosis of unclassified large vessel vasculitis in six patients. Four of the seven patients who had more than one scan for large vessel vasculitis demonstrated normalized FDG uptake on subsequent scans after a period on glucocorticoid treatment. The remaining three patients persisted in having increased FDG uptake on FDG‐PET imaging while on active treatment.ConclusionFluorine‐18‐labelled deoxyglucose positron emission tomography has a role in the diagnosis of large vessel vasculitis, particularly in patients with a high suspicion of active large vessel vasculitis who do not meet the ACR criteria. FDG‐PET may have a role in monitoring disease activity in selected patients with large vessel vasculitis especially in identifying occult sites of large vessel inflammation or to titrate prednisolone therapy.
The mechanics of spiral flow: Enhanced washout and transport
Authors: Huang Zhang Pablo , Tkatch Colin , Newman Robert , Grimme William , Vainchtein Dmitri , Kresh J. Yasha 
Published: June 2019

AbstractSpiral/helical forms of blood flow have been observed in large arteries of the cardiovascular system, but their benefits remain underappreciated. Spiral flow has been postulated to improve near‐wall washout, promoting anti‐atherothrombotic conditions. This research aims to study the washout characteristics of spiral flow, specifically, its ability to increase velocity and wall shear stress (WSS) in atherothrombotic‐prone regions. Using 1.2 cm diameter angled test‐conduits (45°, 90°, 135°) with known recirculation/stasis regions at the bend corners, spiral flow washout potential was evaluated in terms of low velocity and low WSS. Two sub‐studies were conducted: the first utilized a spiral flow‐inducing device to enable qualitative analysis of washout‐potential in both computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations and benchtop ultrasound visualization; the second used CFD to study the impact of several induced helical wavelengths on the conduit‐dependent recirculation/stasis zones. Physical models of the angled conduits and spiral flow‐inducer were 3D‐printed to facilitate ultrasound visualization. Compared to straight flow, spiral flow generated by the flow‐inducer significantly cleared the recirculation/stasis zones at the corners of the angled conduits. CFD simulations demonstrated that past a geometry‐dependent threshold, increased helical content improved washout, denoted by decreased regions of low velocity and low WSS. Overall, spiral flow markedly improved washout in difficult to reach areas in the angled conduits. This has several important clinical implications: spiral flow shows great promise in reducing blood‐transport‐related complications and can be used to enhance the performance of future medical devices (eg grafts, mechanical circulatory support devices, hemodialysis access ports).
Species distribution modelling supports “nectar corridor” hypothesis for migratory nectarivorous bats and conservation of tropical dry forest
Authors: Burke Rachel A. , Frey Jennifer K. , Ganguli Amy , Stoner Kathryn E. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimThe Mexican long‐tongued bat (Choeronycteris mexicana), Mexican long‐nosed bat (Leptonycteris nivalis) and lesser long‐nosed bat (Leptonycteris yerbabuenae) (Phyllostomidae: Glossophaginae) undertake long‐distance migrations from south‐central Mexico to the south‐western United States. It is proposed that these bats migrate along a nectar corridor of columnar cacti andAgavespecies, but this has not been tested with independent data and the spatiotemporal nature of this relationship is poorly understood. Our goal was to test this nectar corridor hypothesis and determine the relative importance of food plant and abiotic variables to the distribution and seasonal movements of these migratory nectarivores.LocationMexico and the south‐western United States.MethodsWe generated species distribution models (SDMs) of documented food plants for these bats. We then created SDMs for each bat following a model selection approach, using food plant and abiotic predictor variables. We modelled migration pathways forC. mexicanaandL. yerbabuenaeusing circuit theory and seasonal SDMs based on seasonally available food plants.Main conclusionsFood plants were more important than climatic and topographic variables in shaping the distribution of these bats. The most important predictors of distribution wereAgave, columnar cacti and species richness of food plants.Species richness of food plants was the most consistently important variable, but the components of this diversity varied by bat species:Choeronycteris mexicanawas influenced byAgaveand cacti;Leptonycteris nivaliswas influenced solely byAgave;Leptonycteris yerbabuenaewas influenced more generally by cacti,Agaveand C3 plants. Migration models forC. mexicanaandL. yerbabuenaeprovided independent support for the nectar corridor hypothesis and indicate shifts in relative importance of specific food plants throughout the year. These results suggest that conservation of these bats should focus more broadly on management for species richness of food plants, especially in tropical dry forests.
Effects of cannabidiol on brivaracetam plasma levels
Authors: Klotz Kerstin A. , Hirsch Martin , Heers Marcel , Schulze‐Bonhage Andreas , Jacobs Julia 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe use of cannabidiol (CBD) for treatment of pharmacoresistant epilepsies is increasing. CBD is metabolized via UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) and cytochrome 450 (CYP) enzymes, but information on interactions with common anticonvulsive drugs is incomplete. We report a case series of five patients receiving adjunctive treatment with CBD who showed increases in brivaracetam (BRV) levels by 95% to 280%. Only two patients reported mild adverse events, leading to a reduction of BRV in one patient. One possible mechanism contributing at least partially to increasing BRV level is the inhibition of CYP2C19 by cannabidiol. Further pharmacokinetic studies are required to understand other possible mechanisms of brivaracetam‐cannabidiol interaction.
Influences of fish on food web structure and function in mountain lakes
Authors: Detmer Thomas , Lewis William M. 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Introduction of new fish species to lakes that contain fish is known to disrupt food webs, but few studies have quantified the effects of introduced fish on flow of organic matter and mechanisms governing food web structure in historically fishless lakes. Contrasting flow of organic matter and food web structure in macroinvertebrate communities in lakes with and without fish provides an opportunity to characterise resiliency of macroinvertebrate food web function when there are changes in community composition and reductions in biomass.

Organic matter flow and food web structure were characterised in six lakes with and six lakes without fish at high elevation in the southern Rocky Mountains of Colorado, U.S.A. Carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) were used to determine the proportionate contribution of organic matter from primary organic matter sources (periphyton, phytoplankton, terrestrial plants) to consumers including herbivores and higher trophic levels. Contributions of organic matter sources to macroinvertebrates were combined with estimates of littoral macroinvertebrate production in quantifying the contribution of each primary source to total invertebrate production.

Although introduced fish altered community composition, body size, and biomass, they did not alter contributions of the organic matter sources to production of macroinvertebrates. The dominant resources contributing to macroinvertebrate production were periphyton and phytoplankton, which combined contributed to 80% of macroinvertebrate production.

Despite occupying the highest trophic position (difference in δ15N relative to primary sources), fish did not alter trophic structure of littoral macroinvertebrate communities in maximum macroinvertebrate trophic position and community trophic position. Community trophic position weighted by production for macroinvertebrates was related to macroinvertebrate production per unit area but was independent of lake area. In lakes with fish, maximum macroinvertebrate trophic position was similar to that of lakes without fish because large predators (predaceous beetles and dragonflies) were replaced by small predators (tanypod chironomids).

The present study indicates that macroinvertebrate food webs can exhibit resilience to introduced or invasive fish even when there are changes in community composition and biomass. This suggests that changes in structure (e.g. biomass, community composition) associated with introduced or invasive species do not necessarily equate to changes in food web function (e.g. flow of organic matter, maximum trophic position). Further, the present study suggests that although maximum trophic position has been shown to increase with lake size for lakes containing fish, the pattern is unlikely to extend to lakes without fish. The relationship between lake size and maximum trophic position for lakes containing fish may occur because fish have expandable niches associated with high motility and indeterminate growth, in contrast to macroinvertebrates.
Periprostatic nerve block alone versus combined with perineal pudendal nerve block or intrarectal local anesthesia during transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostate biopsy: A prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Aslan Rahmi , Erbin Akif , Celik Sebahattin , Ucpinar Burak , Eryilmaz Recep , Taken Kerem 
Published: June 2019

ObjectivesTo compare the efficacy, safety and cost of combinations of perineal pudendal nerve block + periprostatic nerve block and intrarectal local anesthesia + periprostatic nerve block with the standard technique (periprostatic nerve block).MethodsThe study was designed as a randomized prospective controlled trial. Patients with elevated serum prostate‐specific antigen values (prostate‐specific antigen ≥4 ng/mL) and/or abnormal digital rectal examination findings were included in the study. Patients with anorectal diseases, chronic prostatitis, previous history of prostate biopsy and anorectal surgery were excluded from the study. A total of 148 patients (group 1 [periprostatic nerve block], n = 48; group 2 [intrarectal local anesthesia + periprostatic nerve block], n = 51; group 3 [perineal pudendal nerve block + periprostatic nerve block], n = 49) were included in the final analysis. Pain during insertion and manipulation of the transrectal ultrasound probe was recorded as visual analog scale 1, pain during penetration of the biopsy needle into the prostate and sampling was recorded as visual analog scale 2, and pain during the entire procedure recorded as visual analog scale 3.ResultsThe mean visual analog scale 1 score was significantly lower in group 3, when compared with group 1 and group 2 (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the mean visual analog scale 2 score. The mean visual analog scale 3 score was significantly lower in group 3 when compared with other groups (P < 0.001). The total cost for transrectal ultrasound‐guided biopsy in the intrarectal local anesthesia + periprostatic nerve block group was significantly higher than the other two groups.ConclusionsThe combination of perineal pudendal nerve block and periprostatic nerve block provides more effective pain control than intrarectal local anesthesia plus periprostatic nerve block and periprostatic nerve block alone, with similar complication rates and without increasing cost.
Contemporary trends in stroke complicating cardiac catheterisation
Authors: Whitehead Nicholas , Williams Trent , Brienesse Stephen , Ferreira David , Murray Natalia , Inder Kerry , Beautement Stephen , Spratt Neil , Boyle Andrew J. , Collins Nicholas 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundStroke remains an important complication of diagnostic cardiac catheterisation and percutaneous coronary intervention and is associated with high rates of in‐hospital mortality.AimsTo evaluate the incidence of stroke over a 10‐year period and assess the long‐term influence of stroke following cardiac catheterisation and PCI on functional outcomes, based on modified Rankin score and mortality.MethodsThe study was performed using a case–control design in a single tertiary referral centre. Patients were identified by correlating those patients undergoing cardiac catheterisation between October 2006 and December 2016 with patients who underwent neuroimaging within 7 days to identify possible cases of suspected stroke or transient ischaemic attack.ResultsA total of 21 510 patients underwent cardiac catheterisation during the study period. Sixty (0.28%) patients experienced stroke or transient ischaemic attack. Compared to control patients, those who did experience cerebral ischaemic events were older (70.5 vs 64 years; P < 0.001), with higher rates of atrial fibrillation, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Stroke complicating cardiac catheterisation was associated with an increased risk of readmission, with a significantly higher hazard of readmission for stroke noted. Despite minimal functional impairment based on modified Rankin score, stroke was associated with a significant risk of early and cumulative mortality. Stroke incidence remained stable over the study period despite changes in procedural practice.ConclusionsThe incidence and functional severity of stroke remains low despite evolving procedural practice with a stable incidence over time despite changes in procedural practice; however, post‐procedural stroke confirms an increased mortality hazard.
Gender equity within medical specialties of Australia and New Zealand: cardiology's outlier status
Authors: Burgess Sonya , Shaw Elizabeth , Ellenberger Katherine A. , Segan Louise , Castles Anastasia V. , Biswas Sinjini , Thomas Liza , Zaman Sarah 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundGender disparity remains a prominent medical workforce issue, extending beyond surgical specialties with low proportions of female doctors.AimsTo examine female representation within Australia and New Zealand (NZ) among physician specialties and certain comparator surgical specialties with a focus on cardiology as an outlier of workforce gender equality.MethodsData of practising medical specialists, new consultants and trainees were sought from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, the Medical Council of NZ and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (2015–2017). The stratified data pertaining to interventional cardiologists were obtained through direct contact with individual hospitals (from 2017 to 2018) and derived from state‐based cardiac registries.ResultsIn Australia and NZ, there were fewer female practising adult medicine physician consultants (n = 8956, 32%, P < 0.001), with gender disparities seen across most physician specialties. Cardiology (15%) was the only physician specialty with <20% representation; gastroenterology (23%), neurology (27%) and respiratory medicine (29%) had <30% female representation at the consultant level. The rates of cardiology (15%) and interventional cardiology (5%) were similar to general surgery (15%) and orthopaedics (4%). Although more than half of physician trainees are female, and most physician specialties are approaching or have equal gender ratios at the trainee level, cardiology (23%) and interventional cardiology (9%) remain significantly underrepresented.ConclusionsCardiology is the only physician specialty with <20% female consultants, and this disparity is reflected throughout every stage of the cardiology training programme. Increased awareness and proactive strategies are needed to improve gender disparity within this underrepresented medical specialty.
A quantitative analysis of the indentation fracture of fused silica
Authors: Li Changsheng , Zhang Liangchi , Sun Lin , Yang Shuming , Wu Chuhan , Long Xingyuan , Ding Jianjun , Jiang Zhuangde 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIt is unclear how the densification of fused silica influences the damage of its precision optics subjected to machining. This paper presents a quantitative analysis of the indentation fracture of fused silica involving densification with the embedded center of dilation (ECD) model. The Hertzian stress field and the ECD‐induced stress field were superposed to provide the overall stress distribution in the loading stage. A new method was established to accurately determine the strength of the ECD‐induced stress field with densification effects. With the aid of the ECD model, the starting locations, initiation stages and initiation sequence of crack morphologies were predicted by analyzing the stress fields. To quantitatively study the initiation of conical cracks in fused silica, the strain energy release rate was calculated by linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM). The predicted minimum threshold load leading to conical cracking was consistent with the measured values.
High surface area SiC(O)‐based ceramic by pyrolysis of poly (ethylene glycol) methacrylate‐modified polycarbosilane
Authors: Kaur Sarabjeet , Fischer Simon , Falta Jens , Rezwan Kurosch , Wilhelm Michaela 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIn the present work, a high surface area SiC(O)‐based ceramic powder was synthesized upon thermal transformation of a polymer‐derived macromolecular precursor, which was obtained by the chemical modification of a allylhyldrido polycarbosilane with poly(ethylene glycol) methaacrylate under argon environment. The pyrolysis of developed precursor led to the formation of amorphous and high surface area SiC(O)‐based ceramic powder with in situ generated micro/meso‐porosity. The specific surface area of the obtained powders depends on the processing temperature. It decreases from 363 to 122 m2/g as the pyrolysis temperature increases from 600 to 1200°C, respectively. Furthermore the promising samples were fabricated using pressing technique, which led to crack‐free SiC(O) monoliths on subsquent heat treatment. The present study also emphasizes the potential of produced SiC(O) ceramic powder to support NiO catalyst. The impregnation method were used to produce high surface area NiO@SiC(O) ceramic powder (NiO as a catalyst; SiC(O) as a catalyst support) for further catalytic applications. Interestingly, the distribution of the NiO was shown to strongly depend on the oxygen content present in the SiC(O) matrix. Thus, larger oxygen contents induce homogeneously distributed flower‐like NiO catalyst onto SiC(O).
Significance of the combination of inter‐limb blood pressure differences in the elderly: The Northern Shanghai Study
Authors: Yu Shikai , Ji Hongwei , Lu Yuyan , Chen Shanquan , Xiong Jing , Chi Chen , Teliewubai Jiadela , Fan Ximin , Blacher Jacque , Li Jue , Zhang Yi , Xu Yawei ,   On behalf of the Northern Shanghai Study investigators
Published: June 2019

AbstractWhether the combination of inter‐arm and inter‐leg systolic blood pressure differences (BPDs) and ankle‐brachial index is of clinical significance remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of the combination of inter‐limb systolic BPDs with cardiovascular risk factors and hypertension‐mediated organ damage (HMOD). A total of 2621 elderly subjects from the Northern Shanghai Study were divided into Group A, B, and C consisting of participants with 0, 1, and ≥2 abnormal inter‐limb systolic BPDs, respectively. Comparisons of cardiovascular risk factors and parameters of cardiac, vascular, and renal damage between groups and logistic regression models were conducted. The proportions of subjects presenting 0, 1, and ≥2 abnormal inter‐limb systolic BPDs were 60.9%, 25.1%, and 14.0%, respectively. Upward trends, from Group A, through Group B, to Group C, were observed for the level or prevalence of nearly all cardiovascular risk factors and HMOD (P for trend ≤0.007 for all). In multiple logistic regression, Group C showed significantly higher odds for carotid plaque (vs Group A: Odds ratio [OR] = 1.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.43‐2.48; vs Group B: OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.08‐1.97), arterial stiffness (vs Group A: OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 0.96‐1.65; vs Group B: OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.01‐1.83), and left ventricular hypertrophy (vs Group A: OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.04‐1.76; vs Group B: OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 0.93‐1.67), when compared with Group A and B. In conclusion, the combination of abnormal inter‐limb systolic BPDs significantly associates with greater burden of cardiovascular risk factors and higher likelihood for HMOD, especially carotid plaque, arterial stiffness, and left ventricular hypertrophy.