bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Persistent elevations in circulating INS DNA among subjects with longstanding type 1 diabetes
Authors: Neyman Anna , Nelson Jennifer , Tersey Sarah A. , Mirmira Raghavendra G. , Evans‐Molina Carmella , Sims Emily K. 
Published: August 2018

AimTo evaluate whether β cells continue to undergo death in the later stages of type 1 diabetes (T1D).Materials and MethodsFasting banked sera from a cross‐section of 90 participants in the T1D Exchange Registry with longstanding T1D (median duration of 9 years) were analysed. Subjects were determined to be C‐peptide (−) or (+) based on mixed‐meal tolerance testing. Results were compared with 54 adult non‐diabetic controls. Stimulated samples were assayed in a subset of subjects. Levels of unmethylated and methylated preproinsulin (INS) DNA were analysed using digital droplet PCR.ResultsFasting and stimulated circulating unmethylated INS DNA levels were increased among both C‐peptide (−) and C‐peptide (+) subjects with longstanding T1D compared with non‐diabetic controls (P < 0.01). Consistent with prior reports, unmethylated INS DNA values correlated with methylated INS DNA values, which were also elevated among T1D subjects (P < 0.001). There was wide variation in the effects of mixed‐meal stimulation on DNA levels, with fasting values in the highest quartiles decreasing with stimulation (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThese results could reflect ongoing β cell death in individuals with longstanding T1D, even in the absence of detectable C‐peptide production, suggesting that therapies targeting β cell survival could be beneficial among individuals with longstanding T1D.
Predictors of myocardial functional recovery following successful reperfusion of acute ST elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Shehata Islam ElSayed , Cheng Cheng‐I , Sung Pei‐Hsun , Ammar Ahmed S. , El‐Sherbiny Islam Abd El‐Moneem , Ghanem Islam Ghanem Ahmed 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundFollowing acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), restoration of large‐vessel patency does not mean complete perfusion recovery. Little is known regarding the predictors of successful myocardial reperfusion for the STEMI patients undergoing pharmacologic and mechanical reperfusion strategies.Aim of the WorkThe aim of this clinical study was to find out the predictors of myocardial functional recovery following reperfusion of acute STEMI, represented by 3‐month global longitudinal strain (GLS) value assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography.Material/MethodsThe study population included 400 patients presented with first acute STEMI with successful reperfusion by thrombolysis (group I) or primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) (group II). Electrocardiography (ECG) at baseline and 90 minutes after coronary reperfusion was performed with assessment of ST resolution. Basal and 3‐month follow‐up echocardiography was performed with assessment of ejection fraction (EF), myocardial performance index (MPI), systolic myocardial excursion (S′), and GLS.ResultsThere was nonsignificant difference between patients of both groups regarding age (P = 0.422) and gender (P = 0.272). Also, there was a nonsignificant difference between both groups regarding the risk factors of coronary artery disease like hypertension (P = 0.511), diabetes mellitus (P = 0.332), and smoking (P = 0.381). But there was significant statistical difference between both groups regarding dyslipidemia (P = 0.012). Ninety‐minute ST resolution was significantly higher in PPCI group (P = 0.042). Moreover, PPCI group had significant improvement of EF (P = 0.013) during follow‐up, and highly significant improvement of MPI, S′ and GLS (P ˂ 0.001) compared to the basal echocardiographic study. The percentage of change (∆) of each of the echocardiographic parameter was compared between both groups and revealed statistically significant improvement regarding EF, highly significant improvement of MPI, S′ and GLS in favor of PPCI arm (group II). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that pain to reperfusion time, MI territory, ST resolution, and basal GLS value are the most important predictors for LV functional recovery.ConclusionThe study found pain to reperfusion time, MI territory, ST resolution, basal GLS value are the most important predictors of myocardial functional recovery. Regular follow‐up with echocardiography for STEMI patients with different reperfusion strategies has informative impact on long‐term clinical outcome. Also the study confirmed that PPCI is better than thrombolysis not only in restoring epicardial coronary flow but also in restoring microvascular and tissue perfusion assuring better myocardial functional recovery and better long‐term clinical outcomes.
Effect of transcatheter aortic valve replacement on left atrial function
Authors: Truong Vien T. , Chung Eugene , Nagueh Sherif , Kereiakes Dean , Schaaf Jennifer , Volz Brian , Ngo Tam N. M. , Mazur Wojciech 
Published: August 2018

ObjectivesTo investigate the effect of transcatheter aortic valve replacement on left atrial volumetric function and left atrial volume for the prediction of adverse outcomes.MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of 121 patients in sinus rhythm who underwent TAVR for severe AS. Maximum LA volume index (LAVI max), minimum LA volume index (LAVI min), and “pre‐A” volume index (LAVIpre‐A, the volume before atrial contraction) were measured by biplane Simpson's method at baseline, 1 month, and 1 year. The reservoir function, conduit function, booster pump function were calculated. All patients were followed for new‐onset of atrial fibrillation, hospitalization and all‐cause mortality.ResultsThe reservoir function, conduit function and booster function before TAVR were 46%, 21%, 32%, respectively. LA volumetric function assessment demonstrated that reservoir function, conduit function increased over the time (all P < 0.01). There was no difference in booster function after TAVR (P = 0.18). Baseline markedly enlarged LA was significantly increased for AF (HR: 4.72; 95% CI, 1.11‐20.13, P = 0.04). In addition, There was a progressive decrease in LAVI max (P = 0.02) and RVSP (P = 0.03) over the time in non‐AF group but not in AF group (P = 0.62 and P = 0.65, respectively). Although, the proportion of high left ventricular filling pressure decreased in both groups but a marked decrease was noted in non AF group in compared with AF group.ConclusionReservoir function, conduit function increased over time. Lack of negative LA remodeling post TAVR was associated with higher incidence of AF.
Semi‐automated estimation of left ventricular ejection fraction by two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional echocardiography is feasible, time‐efficient, and reproducible
Authors: Myhr Katrine A. , Pedersen Frederik H. G. , Kristensen Charlotte B. , Visby Lasse , Hassager Christian , Mogelvang Rasmus 
Published: August 2018

PurposeTo compare two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) methods to estimate left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) with respect to feasibility, time consumption, and retest reproducibility.MethodsA total of 100 patients planned to undergo coronary artery bypass grafting and/or aortic valve replacement were included consecutively. 2D and 3D echocardiography was performed on all patients. Acquisition and analysis time as well as intra‐ and inter‐examiner variability were assessed in 50 consecutive patients with 3 repeated echocardiographic examinations and analyses. LVEF was estimated by five different methods: uniplane, biplane, and single‐beat triplane (SB3P), as well as semi‐automated biplane (AutoEF) and 3D volumetric tracings (4D Auto LVQ). All methods were compared to Simpson's biplane method and feasibility was determined.ResultsFeasibility of Simpson's uniplane method, Simpson's biplane method, AutoEF, SB3P, and 4D Auto LVQ was 97%, 92%, 86%, 70%, and 89%, respectively. All methods evaluated were 18%–33% faster (P < 0.001) than Simpson's biplane method (115 seconds, standard deviation 15 seconds). Compared to Simpson's biplane method mean LVEF was slightly underestimated by 4D Auto LVQ (−2 ± 8%, P = 0.02), but not significantly different when assessed by the other methods. AutoEF and 4D Auto LVQ showed the lowest test variability (intra‐examiner coefficient of variation (CV) 10%–11%; inter‐examiner CV 10%–12% vs intra‐examiner CV 12%–18%; inter‐examiner CV 12%–20%).ConclusionsEstimation of LVEF by modern semi‐automated 2D and 3D echocardiographic modalities is feasible, time‐efficient, and reproducible.
Mitral valve navigator. A new diagnostic tool for effective regurgitant orifice quantification in mitral regurgitation
Authors: Gonzalez Navarrete Sandra L. , de Agustín Loeches José Alberto , Pozo Osinalde Eduardo , de Jesús Keyla , Madrigal Adahir , López Silvana L. , Ortiz Eduardo , Saltijeral Adriana , Enriquez‐Rodriguez Eduardo , Gómez de Diego José J. , Mahía Patricia , Marcos Alberca Pedro , García Fernández Miguel A. , Macaya Carlos , Pérez de Isla Leopoldo 
Published: August 2018

IntroductionMitral regurgitation severity assessment is usually carried out using qualitative, semiquantitative, and quantitative parameters. The mitral valve navigation (MVN) tool allows to measure the mitral effective regurgitant orifice (MERO) from 3D echo datasets. Our aim was to validate the MVN as a new tool to quantify MERO. A secondary aim was to assess the intra‐ and interobserver variability.MethodsThis is a retrospective study in which consecutive subjects undergoing a transoesophageal echocardiogram for more than mild mitral regurgitation evaluation were included. MERO measurement obtained by means of 3D color Doppler was used as the gold standard method for comparison. In every patient, MERO was also obtained using the MVN tool.ResultsFifty‐nine consecutive patients were analyzed (47.5% female; mean age 50.8 years). Mitral regurgitation was moderate in 23 (39%) and severe in 36 (61%) patients. Forty patients (67.8%) had a primary and 19 (32.2%) a secondary mitral regurgitation. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between 3D color Doppler and MVN was excellent (ICC: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.82 to 0.98; P < 0.001) in the total group and for patients with primary and secondary mitral regurgitation. Intra‐ and interobserver agreements were also good.ConclusionsMitral valve navigator shows an excellent accuracy for measuring MERO when the transoesophageal 3D color Doppler is used as the reference method, either primary or secondary mitral regurgitation. Intraobserver reproducibility and interobserver reproducibility are also excellent. These findings make this software a good alternative method to measure mitral regurgitation severity.
Financial Markets, Industry Dynamics and Growth
Authors: Iacopetta Maurizio , Minetti Raoul , Peretto Pietro F 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
This article introduces corporate governance frictions into a growth model with endogenous market structure. Managers engage in corporate resource diversion and empire building. Shareholders discipline managers with incentive compensation contracts. A reform that mitigates corporate governance frictions boosts firms’ entry and, for a given market structure, has an ambiguous impact on incumbents’ return to product improvement. However, as the market structure adjusts, becoming more diffuse, incumbents invest less in product improvement. Calibrating the model to U.S. data, we find that a reform of the kind recently enacted in several advanced economies can lead to a welfare loss.
Optimal panel unit root testing with covariates
Authors: Juodis Artūras , Westerlund Joakim 
Published: August 2018

SummaryThis paper provides asymptotic optimality results for panel unit root tests with covariates by deriving the Gaussian power envelope. The main conclusion is that the use of covariates holds considerable promise in the panel data context, much more so than in the time series context. In fact, the use of the covariates not only leads to increased power, but can actually have an order effect on the shrinking neighbourhoods around unity for which power is non-negligible.
Unions and the Great Compression of wage inequality in the US at mid‐century: evidence from local labour markets
Authors: Collins William J. , Niemesh Gregory T. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis article tests whether places with higher exposure to unionization during the 1940s, due to their pre‐existing industrial composition, tended to have larger declines in wage inequality, conditional on local economic and demographic observables and regional trends. We find a strong negative correlation between exposure to unionization and changes in local inequality from 1940–50 and 1940–60. This does not appear to be underpinned by skill‐specific sorting of workers or by firms leaving places with high exposure to unionization. We also find that the correlation between exposure to unionization in the 1940s and the change in inequality after 1940 persists in long‐difference regressions to the end of the twentieth century.
Randomized exploratory study to measure ion release from calcium sodium phosphosilicate‐containing dentifrice
Authors: Burnett Gary R. , Morrison Joanna , Whitworth Darren , Hughes Alison J. , Nehme Marc , Sanyal Susmita , Brotherhood Andrew J. , Hall Peter J. 
Published: August 2018

This exploratory study investigated salivary concentrations of silicon, calcium, sodium, and phosphorous over a 60‐min time period following the use of a calcium sodium phosphosilicate (CSPS)‐containing dentifrice. Participants brushed with a dentifrice containing 5% (w/w) or 0% (w/w) CSPS or swilled with a slurry containing 5% (w/w) CSPS/glycerol. Saliva samples were collected before, and 2, 5, 15, and 60 min after, product use and were analysed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. Intra‐oral pH measurements were also taken. Primary analysis was of centrifuged saliva supernatant containing only dissolved material. At most time points, the CSPS‐containing dentifrice and slurry generated significantly more salivary silicon than the dentifrice containing 0% CSPS. At 2–15 min after brushing there was significantly more salivary calcium after use of the CSPS‐containing dentifrice and slurry, compared with the 0% CSPS dentifrice; a significant reduction, from baseline, in salivary calcium after use of dentifrice containing 0% CSPS; and an increase in salivary sodium after use of dentifrices containing either 5% or 0% CSPS, but no differences between them. Salivary phosphorous concentration decreased significantly with all treatments 2–5 min after use. There were no significant between‐treatment differences in intra‐oral pH. Products were generally well tolerated. This study establishes that it is possible to measure changes in salivary ionic composition derived through oral retention of CSPS, delivered via a dentifrice.
Egg ejection cost can limit defence strategies against brood parasitism
Authors: Biagolini‐Jr Carlos , dos Santos Paulo Victor Resende 
Published: August 2018

AbstractA cost associated with the evolution of antiparasite strategies is the failure to recognize parasitic eggs, leading the host to evict its own eggs. However, there is evidence that birds recognize their own eggs through imprinting. This leads to the question of why birds accept parasitic eggs if such eggs can be identified. Here, we tested whether egg ejection per se can be costly due to increased predation risk to the remaining clutch and whether olfactory or visual cues of egg ejection increase predation. We carried out three field experiments to answer the following questions: (a) Does ejecting an egg increase nest predation risk? (b) Does the presence of olfactory cues, such as the smell of a broken egg, increase nest predation risk? And (c) Does the presence of visual cues, such as an egg shell below the nest, increase nest predation risk? We found evidence that egg ejection increases nest predation and that olfactory cues alone also increase nest predation. The presence of visual cues did not change predation rates. These data indicate that egg ejection is costly for both host and parasitic eggs that may remain in the nest. Our results suggest why host and parasite eggs are commonly found within the same nests, despite the possibility that hosts recognize and could possibly eject the parasite’s egg.
The effect of a compression bandage on the distribution of radiodense contrast medium after palmar digital nerve blocks
Authors: Gylling S. M. K. , Frandsen S. S. , Østergaard S. , Thomsen M. H. , Christophersen M. T. , Krüger T. , Jacobsen S. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryBackgroundStudies have shown proximal diffusion of injected drugs in perineural blocks; such diffusion may affect specificity of the nerve block.ObjectivesTo investigate the effect of a compression bandage applied to the pastern region on proximal diffusion of contrast medium injected over the palmar digital nerves.Study designExperimental study, randomised cross‐over design.MethodsRadiodense contrast medium was injected over the lateral and medial palmar digital nerves of the left front limb of nine mature horses. Each horse was injected on two separate occasions, once with a 5 cm wide compression bandage applied proximal to the injection site and once without. The order of the two treatments was randomised with a wash‐out period between treatments of at least 7 days. Radiographs were obtained at 5, 10, 20 and 30 min and distribution of the contrast column assessed.ResultsProximal distribution of the contrast medium was significantly reduced (P<0.01) with compression bandage. Furthermore, the compression bandage inhibited lymphatic drainage of the injected contrast medium.Main limitationsClinical effect of the differences in diffusion length was not assessed.ConclusionsThe compression bandage reduced proximal diffusion and lymphatic drainage of contrast material causing it to stay localised around the injection site. Use of compression bandages could thus result in increased specificity of the nerve block and potentially prolong its effect.
Variability in plasma concentrations of methylprednisolone 6 days after intrasynovial injection of methylprednisolone acetate in racing horses: A field study
Authors: Machin J. , Duer W. , Maylin G. , Fenger C. , Wilson D. , Ivey M. , Berthold B. , Allison S. , Tobin T. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryBackgroundMethylprednisolone (MP) acetate is a commonly used corticosteroid for suppression of inflammation in synovial structures in horses. Its use is often regulated in equine sports by plasma MP concentrations.ObjectivesTo describe variability in MP plasma concentrations after MP acetate injection in different synovial structures and with co‐administration with hyaluronic acid (HA).Study designField study in actively racing horses in three disciplines (Thoroughbred, Standardbred and Quarter Horse).MethodsSeventy‐six horses (15 Thoroughbreds, 20 Standardbreds and 41 Quarter Horses) were included in the study. Injection of any synovial structure with a total body dose of 100 mg MP acetate was permitted, data were grouped according to the synovial structure injected and co‐administration with HA. Plasma was collected before injection and at 6 days post‐injection. Per cent censored data (below the limit of quantification) for each synovial structure were determined, and summary statistics generated by Robust Regression on Order. Differences between synovial structures and co‐administration with HA were identified by ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc testing.ResultsThe MP plasma concentration at 6 days for injection for the entire group (mean ± standard deviation [s.d.], pg/mL) was 96 ± 104. Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) plasma concentrations contained 86% censored data and could not be included in the statistical analysis. The carpal joints (CJO) group had a lower plasma MP concentration (P<0.05) than the distal tarsal joints (DTJ) or medial femorotibial (MFT), the no HA (NHA) group had a lower plasma MP concentration (P<0.05) than HA.Main limitationsThe synovial structures injected varied by racing discipline, so this study was unable to identify any differences between disciplines.ConclusionsPractitioners should be aware that injection of DTJ, CS and MFT joints, and combining MP acetate with HA may prolong its clearance, and withdrawal times for competition in regulated equine sports.
Limitations of a chromogenic agar plate for the identifying bacteria isolated from equine endometritis samples
Authors: Vera L. , Boyen F. , de Visscher A. , Vandenbroucke V. , Vanantwerpen G. , Govaere J. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryBackgroundThe use of commercial chromogenic agar plates for the rapid, easy and correct identification of equine endometritis‐causing bacteria has been proposed. Preliminary tests in our lab revealed undescribed limitations. Therefore, we tested the ability of the Brilliance UTI agar, a commercially available chromogenic agar, to accurately identify bacteria causing equine endometritis.ObjectivesTo 1) investigate whether bacteria present in the equine uterus are able to grow on this chromogenic agar plate, 2) determine whether these bacteria belong to the genera for which these agar plates were originally designed and 3) consider whether these bacterial genera can be correctly identified, based only on the colour appearance.Study designIn vitro experiments.MethodsMacroscopic growth and colour appearance on the Brilliance UTI agar of 58 bacterial isolates, from previously collected equine uterine samples, were evaluated. Isolates were tentatively identified at the genus level using the manufacturer's guidelines and results were compared with MALDI‐TOF MS as a “gold standard”.ResultsThe study revealed that 1) 77% (N = 45/58) of the bacterial isolates grew well on this chromogenic agar, 2) 83% of the investigated isolates (N = 48/58) belonged to one of the genera for which guidelines for identification were provided by the manufacturer and 3) only 50% of the isolates (N = 29/58) were correctly identified at the genus level, based only on colour appearance.Main limitationsThe current study uses purified bacterial isolates to inoculate the chromogenic agar plates, instead of fresh uterine samples. Bacteria were identified to the genus level using MALDI‐TOF MS.ConclusionThis study shows that identification at the genus level based only on colour appearance, without additional tests or the simultaneous use of other media, is not reliable based on the existing identification guidelines.
Experimental and numerical analyses of mean stress relaxation in cold expanded plate of Al‐alloy 2024‐T3 in double shear lap joints
Authors: Abdollahi Elyas , Chakherlou Tajbakhsh Navid 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn this paper, the mean stress relaxation behavior of simple Al‐alloy 2024‐T3 specimens and also the mean stress relaxation around the hole of cold expanded specimen are studied. The analyses are performed through the combination of the nonlinear isotropic hardening and Chaboche nonlinear kinematic hardening model accompanied by the results of experimental tests. The strain‐controlled axial tests are performed at two different strain amplitudes, while the stress‐controlled tests of cold expanded specimens are performed for three different imposed load amplitudes. The constitutive equations of the hardening model are coded as a UMAT subroutine in FORTRAN programming language and implemented in the commercial finite element code of ABAQUS. The accuracy of the hardening model has been proved in two steps: first by simulations of mean stress relaxation during the uniaxial strain‐controlled cyclic tests and second by simulation of strain ratcheting during the stress‐controlled cyclic loading. The stress and strain distributions after cold expansion process are examined as well as the mean stress relaxation due to cyclic loading. The results show the influences of imposed stress amplitude on increasing mean stress relaxation and also the effect of cold expansion level on reducing the mean stress relaxation.