bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Appendicectomy mortality: an Australian national audit
Authors: Young Edward , Stewart Sasha , McCulloch Glenn A. J. , Maddern Guy J. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundAppendicectomy is a safe surgical procedure with minimal risks. Low mortality rates (0.04–0.24%) have been reported from a number of countries. Appendicectomy mortality rates have not been reported in Australia in recent years. The aim of the study was to conduct an appendicectomy mortality audit, to identify clinical management issues and to calculate the mortality rate of appendicectomy in Australia.MethodsThis study analysed data from a peer review of appendicectomy deaths in Australian hospitals of all states and territories, from 2006 to 2017. Additional procedural data were obtained from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare for the calculation of mortality rates.ResultsThe final analysis included 82 patients of whom 62 were elderly (age >65 years) with 47 males and 35 females. Two or more comorbidities were present in 68 patients. Open operation was performed in 62 patients, with complicated appendicitis found in 50 cases. The majority of management issues were non‐surgical. Of the 16 surgical management issues identified, 11 issues occurred post‐operatively in the elderly, which were potentially preventable. The overall mortality was 0.02% with 0.01% in the young (age <65 years) and 0.20% in the elderly.ConclusionAustralia's appendicectomy mortality rate was very low and comparable to international figures. Surgical management of appendicectomy was satisfactory in general. However, post‐operative care in the elderly was found to be poor at times, with room for improvement. Further research is needed whether improvements in post‐operative care could alter the clinical course to death in the elderly.
New method in treatment of post‐operative air leakage with fresh frozen plasma
Authors: Stamenovic Davor , Messerschmidt Antje , Steger Volker , Schneider Thomas 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundNo consensus regarding the best post‐operative treatment option for air leak has been established. In this study, we evaluate the use of intra‐pleural fresh frozen plasma (FFP) as a promising treatment method.MethodsTreatment for a sustained air leak (3 days) was warranted in approximately 12% of the lung surgeries at our institution. Fifty‐two patients were treated with FFP by application of 250 mL daily. The patients were divided into two cohorts: cohort 1 consisted of 35 patients undergoing anatomical lung resections and cohort 2 consisted of 17 patients after miscellaneous types of lung surgery. Successfulness of the procedure as well as the potential influential factors was evaluated statistically and validated by a bootstrapping. Area under receiver operating characteristic curve was used to establish a cut‐off value of the predictor.ResultsIn the first cohort, air leakage was successfully treated in 28 (80%), while in seven (20%) it was still present after third treatment with FFP. The success rate in cohort 2 was 76.5%. The only covariate which appeared to remain significant in both cohorts was flow as displayed on the digital suction device prior to application of FFP. Flow ≤375 mL/min was indicative of successful aerostasis.ConclusionIntra‐pleural instillation of FFP seems to be a feasible method for the treatment of post‐operative air leakage. Although the optimum strategy regarding its application as well as its limitations is yet to be established, an absence of complications or undesirable events makes this (off label) method a safe and promising alternative to existing options.
Analysis of Cleveland Clinic continuous‐flow total artificial heart performance using the Virtual Mock Loop: Comparison with an in vivo study
Authors: Miyamoto Takuma , Horvath David J. , Horvath Dennis W. , Kuban Barry D. , Fukamachi Kiyotaka , Karimov Jamshid H. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe Virtual Mock Loop (VML) is a mathematical model designed to simulate mechanism of the human cardiovascular system interacting with mechanical circulatory support devices. Here, we aimed to mimic the hemodynamic performance of Cleveland Clinic’s self‐regulating continuous‐flow total artificial heart (CFTAH) via VML and evaluate the accuracy of the VML compared with an in vivo acute animal study. The VML reproduced 124 hemodynamic conditions from three acute in vivo experiments in calves. Systemic/pulmonary vascular resistances, pump rotational speed, pulsatility, and pulse rate were set for the VML from in vivo data. We compared outputs (pump flow, left and right pump pressure rises, and atrial pressure difference) between the two systems. The pump performance curves all fell in the designed range. There was a strong correlation between the VML and the in vivo study in the left pump flow (r2 = 0.84) and pressure rise (r2 = 0.80), and a moderate correlation in right pressure rise (r2 = 0.52) and atrial pressure difference (r2 = 0.59). Although there is room for improvement in simulating right‐sided pump performance of self‐regulating CFTAH, the VML acceptably simulated the hemodynamics observed in an in vivo study. These results indicate that pump flow and pressure rise can be estimated from vascular resistances and pump settings.
The Effects of Goal Framing on Energy Drink Consumption: The Moderating Role of Temporal Framing
Authors: Kim Jarim 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundWith the rapid expansion of the energy drink market, concerns associated with its adverse effects have been raised. This research examines how goal framing moderated by temporal framing affects attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control related to energy drink consumption.MethodsA 2 (goal framing: gain vs. loss) × 2 (temporal framing: present‐oriented vs. future‐oriented) randomised experiment was employed. The sample consisted of 195 college students who consume energy drinks.ResultsResults showed that a future‐oriented message was more effective than a present‐oriented one when used in gain framing in increasing perceived behavioral control, as predicted. A future‐oriented message was also more effective in increasing perceived negative subjective norms, but only when used in loss framing; this was the opposite of the predicted result.ConclusionsThe findings extend previous research on goal framing by (1) identifying an important moderator—temporal framing—in processing health promotion messages about energy drink consumption and (2) examining such moderated effects on different psychological factors. The findings of this study are expected to inform the development of more effective message strategies in health domains.
Modelling riparian forest distribution and composition to entire river networks
Authors: Pérez‐Silos Ignacio , Álvarez‐Martínez José Manuel , Barquín José 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAim:Developing a methodology to map the distribution of riparian forests to entire river networks and determining the main environmental factors controlling their spatial patterns.Location:Cantabrian region, northern Spain.Methods:We mapped the riparian forests at a physiognomic and phytosociological level by delimiting riparian zones and generating vegetation distribution models based on remote sensing data (Landsat 8 OLI and LiDAR PNOA). We built virtual watersheds to define a spatial framework where the catchment environmental information can be specified for each river reach, in combination with the vegetation map. In order to determine the drivers that play a significant role in the observed spatial patterns in riparian forests, based on our data sets we modelled interactions between environmental information and riparian vegetation by using the Random Forest algorithm.Results:The modelling results obtained reliably reproduced the variation of riparian forest structure and composition across Cantabrian watersheds. The produced maps were highly accurate, with a more than 70% overall accuracy for forest occurrence. A clear differentiation between Eurosiberian (habitats 91E0 and 9160) and Mediterranean (92E0) riparian forests was shown on both sides of the mountain range. Topography and land use were the main drivers defining the distribution of riparian forest as a physiognomic unit. In turn, altitude, climate and percentage of pasture were the most relevant factors determining their composition (phytosociological approach).Conclusions:Our study confirms that anthropic control ultimately defines the distribution of vegetation in the riparian area at a regional to local scale. Human disturbances constrain the extension of forest patches across their potential distribution defined by topoclimatic boundaries, which establish a clear limit between Mediterranean and Eurosiberian biogeographical regions.
Operationalizing vulnerability for social–ecological integration in conservation and natural resource management
Authors: Thiault Lauric , Gelcich Stefan , Marshall Nadine , Marshall Paul , Chlous Frédérique , Claudet Joachim 
Published: October 2019

AbstractSustaining human well‐being is intimately linked to maintaining productive and healthy ecosystems. Avoiding trade‐offs and fostering co‐benefits is however challenging. Here, we present an operational approach that integrates biodiversity conservation, human development, and natural resource management by (1) examining resource and resource user interactions through the lens of social–ecological vulnerability (i.e., encompassing exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity); (2) identifying “ecocentric” and “sociocentric” interventions that directly address the ecological or social sources of vulnerability; (3) prioritizing those expected to yield co‐benefits and minimize trade‐offs; and (4) selecting interventions that are best suited to the broader local context. Application of this approach to a coral reef fishery in French Polynesia recommended a portfolio of development‐, livelihood‐, and ecosystem‐based interventions, thus suggesting a shift from the current resource‐focused approach toward a more social–ecological perspective. Our vulnerability‐based approach provides practitioners with a valuable tool for broadening their set of management options, leading to escape from panacea traps.
Secreted frizzled‐related protein 2 promotes the osteo/odontogenic differentiation and paracrine potentials of stem cells from apical papilla under inflammation and hypoxia conditions
Authors: Yang Haoqing , Li Guoqing , Han Nannan , Zhang Xiuli , Cao Yangyang , Cao Yu , Fan Zhipeng 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectivesMesenchymal stem cell (MSC)‐based dental tissue regeneration is a potential treatment method in future, while inflammation and hypoxia niche will affect MSC‐mediated tissue regeneration. In this research, we intended to investigate the influence and mechanism of secreted frizzled‐related protein 2(SFRP2) on MSC function under inflammation and hypoxia conditions.Material and methodsStem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs) were used in this study. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, Alizarin Red S staining, scratch‐simulated wound migration and transwell chemotaxis assay were used to evaluate the functions of SFRP2. The Western blot, real‐time RT‐PCR and ChIP assays were used to evaluate the mechanism of SFRP2.ResultsUnder inflammation and hypoxia conditions, the over‐expression of SFRP2 could enhance the osteo/odontogenic differentiation ability. Mechanismly, SFRP2 inhibited canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway and then inhibited the target genes of nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB) signalling pathway. Inflammation or hypoxia conditions could promote the expression of lysine demethylase 2A (KDM2A) and repress SFRP2 transcription through decreasing histone methylation in the SFRP2 promoter. Besides, proteomic analysis showed that SFRP2 promoted SCAPs to secret more functional cytokines, which improve the migration, chemotaxis and osteo/odontogenic ability of MSCs.ConclusionsOur discoveries revealed that SFRP2 enhanced the osteo/odontogenic differentiation and paracrine potentials of SCAPs under hypoxia and inflammation conditions and provided a potential cytokine for promoting tissue regeneration in hypoxia and inflammatory niche.
Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society guidelines for colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection/endoscopic mucosal resection
Authors: Tanaka Shinji , Kashida Hiroshi , Saito Yutaka , Yahagi Naohisa , Yamano Hiroo , Saito Shoichi , Hisabe Takashi , Yao Takashi , Watanabe Masahiko , Yoshida Masahiro , Saitoh Yusuke , Tsuruta Osamu , Sugihara Ken‐ichi , Igarashi Masahiro , Toyonaga Takashi , Ajioka Yoichi , Kusunoki Masato , Koike Kazuhiko , Fujimoto Kazuma , Tajiri Hisao 
Published: October 2019

Suitable lesions for endoscopic treatment include not only early colorectal carcinomas but also several types of precarcinomatous adenomas. It is important to establish practical guidelines wherein preoperative diagnosis of colorectal neoplasia and selection of endoscopic treatment procedures are appropriately outlined and to ensure that actual endoscopic treatment is useful and safe in general hospitals when carried out in accordance with guidelines. In cooperation with the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum, the Japanese Society of Coloproctology, and the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology, the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society compiled colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection/endoscopic mucosal resection guidelines by using evidence‐based methods in 2014. The first edition of these guidelines was published 5 years ago. Accordingly, we have published the second edition of these guidelines based on recent new knowledge and evidence.
Tissue Doppler‐derived atrial dyssynchrony predicts new‐onset atrial fibrillation during hospitalization for ST‐elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Mohamed Ibrahim Ismail , Taha Hassanin Mesbah , El Zaki Manar Moustafa 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundAtrial dyssynchrony, but not atrial enlargement/dysfunction, reflects acute atrial histopathological changes. It has been shown to be associated with new‐onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) in various clinical conditions but was not studied in the acute phase of ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) which is the aim of the current study.MethodsA total of 440 STEMI patients underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and were monitored for NOAF during hospitalization. Immediately after primary PCI, P‐wave dispersion was calculated and conventional/tissue Doppler echocardiography was done.ResultsDuring a median hospitalization period of 3 days, 80 (18.2%) patients developed NOAF. The group with NOAF showed significantly higher prevalence of hypertension (P = .049), higher P‐wave dispersion (P = .018), higher post–PCI‐corrected TIMI frame count (P < .001), and lower incidence of post‐PCI myocardial blush grade 2–3 (P = .031). Indexed left atrial maximum volume (LAVImax), left atrial dyssynchrony, and inter‐atrial dyssynchrony were significantly higher in NOAF group (P < .001, each). Using ROC curve analysis, inter‐atrial dyssynchrony showed the highest diagnostic performance (AUC 85%, 95% CI: 0.77–0.94, P < .001). A cutoff value at 23.8 ms showed a good validity for predicting NOAF with a sensitivity of 93.8% and a specificity of 68.1%. Using binary logistic regression analysis, history of hypertension (OR = 10.72, P = .03), LAVImax (OR = 7.47, P = .04), and inter‐atrial dyssynchrony (OR = 45.58, P = .001) were independent determinants of NOAF.ConclusionsIn the acute phase after STEMI, history of hypertension, LAVImax, and inter‐atrial dyssynchrony were independent determinants of inhospital NOAF, with the latter being the strongest.
The case of the missing pulmonary vein: A focused update on anomalous pulmonary venous connection in congenital cardiovascular disease
Authors: Han Frank , Kiparizoska Sara , Campbell William , Richards Camille , Kogon Brian , Holloway Marlene , Watson Connie , Kerut Edmund K. , McMullan Michael 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPartial anomalous pulmonary venous connection is defined by one or more of the pulmonary veins draining to the heart into a location other than the left atrium. Depending on the location of the anomalous venous connection, they can be categorized as supracardiac, infracardiac, cardiac, and mixed types. In some cases, there is no hemodynamic consequence; in others, it can result in tricuspid regurgitation, right heart dilation, and pulmonary hypertension. Frequently, the reason for referral can be asymptomatic right heart dilation of unknown significance. Diagnosis is often difficult by transthoracic echocardiogram unless there is a high index of suspicion, and the appropriate views are obtained. Cardiac CT (computed tomography) or cardiac MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can provide more precise anatomic detail as needed. The current article reviews the etiology and pathophysiology of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection, and also reviews the current knowledge on their treatment.
Rapid improvement in right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain measures after successful percutaneous mitral commissurotomy
Authors: Shojaeifard Maryam , Samiei Niloufar , Firouzi Ata , Sanati Hamid Reza , Mohebbi Bahram , Ghadrdoost Behshid , Erami Sajad , Farrashi Melody 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundPercutaneous mitral commissurotomy (PMC) is currently the treatment of choice for patients with symptomatic mitral stenosis (MS) that have favorable valvular characteristics. We aimed to evaluate the effect of PMC on the longitudinal strain of the right ventricular (RV) free wall in patients with severe MS.MethodsThis prospective study recruited patients who underwent PMC. Transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiographic examinations were performed. The mitral valve area (MVA) was measured by three‐dimensional evaluation. The RV longitudinal strain was measured via the speckle‐tracking method.ResultsA total of 42 patients with a maximum MVA of 1.5 cm2 underwent PMC in our study. The MVA increased significantly after the procedure (pre‐PMC MVA = 0.94 ± 0.20 cm2 vs post‐PMC MVA = 1.45 ± 0.18 cm2; P < .01). Systolic pulmonary artery pressure decreased from 46.05 ± 14.08 mm Hg preprocedurally to 35.86 ± 7.53 mm Hg postprocedurally (P < .01). The mean RV free wall longitudinal strain was −19.00 ± 5.14%, which rose significantly after PMC to −20.97 ± 3.81 (P < .05). There were postprocedural increases, albeit nonsignificant, in the tricuspid annular peak systolic excursion, the peak systolic Doppler velocity of the RV free wall, and fractional area change. The improvement in the RV longitudinal strain was more prominent in the patients with an MVA of less than 1.0 cm2.ConclusionsThere was a significant post‐PMC rise in the RV free wall longitudinal strain measures in our study population, demonstrating an immediate improvement in the RV systolic function of the patients.
An atypical case of Stanford type‐A chronic aortic dissection managed conservatively
Authors: Maffè Stefano , Nicali Roberta , Dellavesa Pierfranco , Paffoni Paola , Bergamasco Luca , Parravicini Umberto 
Published: October 2019

AbstractStanford type‐A aortic dissection is a clinical emergency; mortality is high, and surgery is urgently required in most cases. Chronic forms of type‐A dissection are rare and have a poor prognosis if not treated surgically. We present an unusual case of chronic type‐A aortic dissection, with silent onset, in an oncologic patient without risk factors, which was managed conservatively and remained substantially stable during follow‐up.
Left ventricular systolic dysfunction potentially contributes to the symptoms in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Guan Zhengyu , Liu Shuang , Wang Yonghuai , Meng Pingping , Zheng Xianfeng , Jia Dalin , Yang Jun , Ma Chunyan 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimsLeft ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is considered a key factor associated with heart failure (HF) symptoms in patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, LV systolic performance, including LV systolic function and synchrony, has not been well characterized in these patients. The aims of this study were to assess to investigate the underlying relationship and differences between subclinical LVDD and HFpEF.MethodsEighty‐six patients with LVDD were recruited (58 with HFpEF and 28 with subclinical LVDD). Systolic left ventricular (LV) longitudinal strain (LS), systolic longitudinal strain rate (LSrS), early diastolic longitudinal strain rate (LSrE), and late diastolic longitudinal strain rate (LSrA) were measured using speckle tracking echocardiography. LV diastolic and systolic dyssynchrony (Te‐SD and Ts‐SD) were calculated. Forty age‐ and sex‐matched healthy individuals were enrolled as a control group.ResultsLV global LS and LSrS were decreased in patients with HFpEF than in normal controls and subclinical LVDD patients (P < .05). Te‐SD and Ts‐SD were significantly more prolonged in subclinical LVDD and HFpEF patients than in the control group (P < .05). Reduced LS was associated with HF symptoms in LVDD patients, and a cutoff value of −18% for LS could differentiate HFpEF from subclinical LVDD with 73% sensitivity and 69% specificity.ConclusionLV systolic function and mechanical dyssynchrony were impaired in HFpEF patients. Deteriorated LV longitudinal systolic function was likely correlated with the symptoms of HFpEF.
Honeydew composition and its effect on life‐history parameters of hyperparasitoids
Authors: van Neerbos Frank A. C. , de Boer Jetske G. , Salis Lucia , Tollenaar Ward , Kos Martine , Vet Louise E. M. , Harvey Jeffrey A. 
Published: October 2019

1. Diets that maximise life span often differ from diets that maximise reproduction. Animals have therefore evolved advanced foraging strategies to acquire optimal nutrition and maximise their fitness. The free‐living adult females of parasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera) need to balance their search for hosts to reproduce and for carbohydrate resources to feed.2. Honeydew, excreted by phloem‐feeding insects, presents a widely available carbohydrate source in nature that can benefit natural enemies of honeydew‐producing insects. However, the effects of variation in honeydew on organisms in the fourth trophic level, such as hyperparasitoids, are not yet understood.3. This study examined how five different honeydew types influence longevity and fecundity of four hyperparasitoid taxa. Asaphes spp. (Pteromalidae) and Dendrocerus spp. (Megaspilidae) are secondary parasitoids of aphid parasitoids and are thus associated with honeydew‐producing insects. Gelis agilis and Acrolyta nens (both Ichneumonidae) are secondary parasitoids of species that do not use honeydew‐producing hosts.4. Most honeydew types had a positive or neutral effect on life span and fecundity of hyperparasitoids compared with controls without honeydew, although negative effects were also found for both aphid hyperparasitoids. Honeydew produced by aphids feeding on sweet pepper plants was most beneficial for all hyperparasitoid taxa, which can partially be explained by the high amount of honeydew, but also by the composition of dietary sugars in these honeydew types.5. The findings of this study underline the value of aphid honeydew as a carbohydrate resource for fourth‐trophic‐level organisms, not only those associated with honeydew‐producing insects but also ‘interlopers’ without such a natural association.