bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acquired digital fibrokeratoma: review of its clinical and dermoscopic features and differential diagnosis
Authors: Shih Shawn , Khachemoune Amor 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAcquired digital fibrokeratoma (ADFK) is a rare, benign, fibrous tumor that most often occurs on fingers. It may resemble a rudimentary supernumerary digit and is often misdiagnosed as another common benign condition, such as common wart. It is typically asymptomatic and occurs as a solitary nodule less than 1 cm in diameter. Oftentimes ADFK shares clinical and/or histologic resemblance with other benign and malignant cutaneous conditions so it is crucial that careful examination is undertaken. In this article, we will discuss the clinical presentation, epidemiology, etiology, dermoscopic and histologic findings, management, and differential diagnoses for ADFK, with the hope that this review will facilitate timely diagnosis and management for this distinct condition.
Chemical characterisation and hypolipidaemic effects of two purified Pleurotus eryngii polysaccharides
Authors: Jin Xing , Wang Qilong , Yang Xia , Guo Min , Li Wenjing , Shi Jixiang , Adu‐Frimpong Michael , Xu Ximing , Deng Wenwen , Yu Jiangnan 
Published: May 2018

SummaryThis study is focused on the isolation and characterisation of two purified polysaccharide fractions (namely PPEP‐1 and PPEP‐2) from Pleurotus eryngii (P. eryngii) and evaluation of their hypolipidaemic effects. The Congo red analysis indicated that PPEP‐2 but not PPEP‐1 possessed a triple‐helix conformation. The atomic force microscope analysis revealed that PPEP‐1 and PPEP‐2 showed different polysaccharide chain conformations. Importantly, the mice treated with PPEP‐1 showed significantly lowered serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐c) and increased high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol when compared with the hyperlipidaemia mice induced by the high‐fat diet. However, PPEP‐2 revealed less hypolipidaemic effect than PPEP‐1. Additionally, both PPEP‐1 and PPEP‐2 demonstrated remarkable hypolipidaemic effects by decreasing levels of serum TC, TG and LDL‐c in the hyperlipidaemic model induced by P‐407. Taken together, our findings suggest that the P. eryngii polysaccharides, especially PPEP‐1, could be developed as a natural functional food supplement for preventing hyperlipidaemia.
Optimization of pre‐analytical heat treatment for inhibitor detection in haemophilia A
Authors: Batty P. , Hart D. P. , Platton S. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIntroductionFactor VIII (FVIII) antibody formation is the greatest clinical and laboratory challenge within the haemophilia centre. The Nijmegen‐Bethesda assay (NBA) is the gold standard for inhibitor quantification, but affected by pre‐analytical variables including a patient’s FVIII activity (FVIII:C). Pre‐analytical heat treatment (PHT) provides a methodology for inhibitor testing when measurable FVIII:C is present.MethodsWe evaluated the effect of different PHT conditions (time/temperature) on FVIII:C as well as on potency of inhibitory activity in samples containing FVIII:C (endogenous pooled plasma and exogenous recombinant FVIII (rFL‐FVIII) concentrate) or FVIII inhibitor.ResultsPHT of endogenous FVIII at 37°C, 47°C and 52°C resulted in declining measurable FVIII:C at 120 minutes (69%, 57% and 13% of the original FVIII:C, respectively). Incubation at 56°C resulted in FVIII:C ≤ 1IU/dL after 60 minutes for endogenous FVIII and 120 minutes for rFL‐FVIII. Incubation at 58°C resulted in FVIII:C < 1IU/dL at 15‐30 minutes for endogenous FVIII and at 30‐60 minutes for rFL‐FVIII. No difference was seen for inhibitor detection following PHT (56°C or 58°C) by NBA or anti‐FVIII IgG ELISA.ConclusionPHT at 58°C for 30 minutes demonstrated consistent reduction in FVIII:C < 1IU/dL without appearing to affect inhibitor detection. Laboratory awareness of differences in thermostability of different sources of FVIII is important when choosing PHT conditions.
Care provider allocation on admissions to acute mental health wards: The development and validation of the Admission Team Score List
Authors: van den Berg Sjobha R. N. , Stringer Barbara , van de Sande Roland , Draisma Stasja 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCurrently, support tools are lacking to prioritize steps in the care coordination process to enable safe practice and effective clinical pathways in the first phase of acute psychiatric admissions. This study describes the development, validity, and reliability of an acute care coordination support tool, the Admission Team Score List (ATSL). The ATSL assists in care provider allocation during admissions. Face validity and feasibility of the ATSL were tested in 77 acute admissions. Endscores of filled out ATSL's were translated to recommended team compositions. These ATSL team (ATSL‐T) compositions were compared to the actually present team (AP‐T) and the most preferred team (MP‐T) composition in hindsight. Consistency between the ATSL‐T and the MP‐T was substantial; Kw = 0.70, P < 0.001, 95% CI [0.55–0.84]. The consistency between the ATSL‐T and AP‐T was moderate; Kw = 0.43, P < 0.001, 95% CI [0.23–0.62]. The ATSL has an adequate (inter‐rater) reliability; ICC = 0.90, P < 0.001, 95% CI [0.65–0.91]. The ATSL study is an important step to promote safety and efficient care based on care provider allocation, for service users experiencing an acute admission. The ATSL may stimulate structured clinical decision‐making during the hectic process around acute psychiatric admissions.
Development of optical grade polycrystalline YIG ceramics for faraday rotator
Authors: Ikesue Akio , Aung Yan Lin 
Published: May 2018

AbstractFully dense and infrared transparent YIG (Y3Fe5O12) ceramics was successfully produced by solid‐state reaction of Y2O3 and Fe2O3 powders. Its relative density reached 99.8% (5.16 g/cm3) after sintered at 1400°C for 3 hours, and almost 100% relative density (5.17 g/cm3) was obtained by additional HIP treatment. It was transparent at wavelength ranges longer than 1100 nm, and its in‐line transmittance (ca. 75%‐77%) was very comparable to that of commercial YIG single crystal especially over 1700 nm. Faraday rotation angle at 1300 and 1550 nm was 224 and 175 deg/cm, respectively, and extinction ratio was 35 dB and insertion loss polarized at 45° was 0.3 dB at 1550 nm. It was confirmed that the Faraday effect of polycrystalline material which has numerous grain boundaries and randomized crystal orientations is analogous to that of the single crystal. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to achieve highly transparent polycrystalline iron garnet ceramics successfully, and it is expected to use as an optical isolator in optical communication and medical field.
Role of Al3+ on tuning optical properties of Ce3+‐activated borosilicate scintillating glasses prepared in air
Authors: Sun Xin‐Yuan , Xiao Zhuo‐Hao , Wu Yun‐Tao , Yu Xiao‐Guang , Hu Qiang‐Lin , Yuan Yong , Liu Qiang , Struebing Christian , Kang Zhitao 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA colorless Ce3+‐activated borosilicate scintillating glass enriched with Gd2O3 is successfully synthesized in air atmosphere for the first time. The full replacement of 10 mol% BaO by Al2O3, and the partial substitution of 3 mol% SiO2 by Si3N4 in the designed glass composition are crucial for this success. The role of Al3+ on tuning the optical properties of Ce3+‐activated borosilicate scintillating glass synthesized in air are analyzed by optical transmittance, X‐ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) spectra, photoluminescence (PL) and radioluminescence (RL) spectra. The results suggest that the stable Ce4+ ions can be effectively reduced to stable Ce3+ ions by the full replacement of BaO by Al2O3, and both the PL andRL intensity of the designed borosilicate scintillating glass are enhanced by a factor of 6.7 and 5.2, respectively. The integral RL intensity of the synthesized Ce3+‐activated borosilicate scintillating glass is ~17.2%BGO, with a light output of about 1180 ph/MeV. The strategy of substituting BaO by Al2O3 will trigger more scientific and technological considerations in designing novel fast scintillating glasses.
Understanding the atomic and electronic origin of mechanical property in thaumasite and ettringite mineral crystals
Authors: San Saro , Li Neng , Tao Yong , Zhang Wenqin , Ching Wai‐Yim 
Published: May 2018

AbstractEttringite and thaumasite are 2 of the relevant secondary products in portland cement minerals. They are rare crystals with high water content. Two density functional theory based ab initio packages VASP and the OLCAO were used for exploring the geometry structure, electronic, and mechanical properties of ettringite and thaumasite. The calculations focus on the comparison of their structures and properties to gain insights that can reveal the minute difference in properties due to differences in their structure, composition and water content. Detailed analysis of interatomic bonding shows the similarities and subtle difference between them even though thaumasite has the Si tetrahedron as the backbone unit in contrast to ettringite with Al‐columns and no Si atoms. Moreover, thaumasite has strong C–O bonds that are absent in ettringite, and ettringite has far more water molecules with a substantial contribution from the hydrogen bonding. It is shown that the role played by relatively strong S–O bonds in both crystals has a large impact on the hydration in these crystals. On the basis of calculated total bond order density, it is concluded that thaumasite is slightly more cohesive than ettringite consistent with the calculated mechanical properties. The detailed comparative results for these 2 important minerals we obtained in this paper, many of them for the first time, will pave the way to understanding the structure and electronic structure origin of other more complex cement crystals.
Thin water films and particle morphology evolution in nanocrystalline MgO
Authors: Thomele Daniel , Gheisi Amir R. , Niedermaier Matthias , Elsässer Michael S. , Bernardi Johannes , Grönbeck Henrik , Diwald Oliver 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA key question in the field of ceramics and catalysis is how and to what extent residual water in the reactive environment of a metal oxide particle powder affects particle coarsening and morphology. With X‐ray Diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), we investigated annealing‐induced morphology changes on powders of MgO nanocubes in different gaseous H2O environments. The use of such a model system for particle powders enabled us to describe how adsorbed water that originates from short exposure to air determines the evolution of MgO grain size, morphology, and microstructure. While cubic nanoparticles with a predominant abundance of (100) surface planes retain their shape after annealing to T = 1173 K under continuous pumping with a base pressure of water p(H2O) = 10−5 mbar, higher water partial pressures promote mass transport on the surfaces and across interfaces of such particle systems. This leads to substantial growth and intergrowth of particles and simultaneously favors the formation of step edges and shallow protrusions on terraces. The mass transfer is promoted by thin films of water providing a two‐dimensional solvent for Mg2+ ion hydration. In addition, we obtained direct evidence for hydroxylation‐induced stabilization of (110) faces and step edges of the grain surfaces.
Higher contact force during radiofrequency ablation leads to a much larger increase in edema as compared to chronic lesion size
Authors: Thomas Samuel , Silvernagel Josh , Angel Nathan , Kholmovski Eugene , Ghafoori Elyar , Hu Nan , Ashton John , Dosdall Derek J. , MacLeod Rob , Ranjan Ravi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIntroductionReversible edema is a part of any radiofrequency ablation but its relationship with contact force is unknown. The goal of this study was to characterize through histology and MRI, acute and chronic ablation lesions and reversible edema with contact force.Methods and resultsIn a canine model (n = 14), chronic ventricular lesions were created with a 3.5‐mm tip ThermoCool SmartTouch (Biosense Webster) catheter at 25 W or 40 W for 30 seconds. Repeat ablation was performed after 3 months to create a second set of lesions (acute). Each ablation procedure was followed by in vivo T2‐weighted MRI for edema and late‐gadolinium enhancement (LGE) MRI for lesion characterization. For chronic lesions, the mean scar volumes at 25 W and 40 W were 77.8 ± 34.5 mm3 (n = 24) and 139.1 ± 69.7 mm3 (n = 12), respectively. The volume of chronic lesions increased (25 W: P < 0.001, 40 W: P < 0.001) with greater contact force. For acute lesions, the mean volumes of the lesion were 286.0 ± 129.8 mm3 (n = 19) and 422.1 ± 113.1 mm3 (n = 16) for 25 W and 40 W, respectively (P < 0.001 compared to chronic scar). On T2‐weighted MRI, the acute edema volume was on average 5.6–8.7 times higher than the acute lesion volume and increased with contact force (25 W: P = 0.001, 40 W: P = 0.011).ConclusionWith increasing contact force, there is a marginal increase in lesion size but accompanied with a significantly larger edema. The reversible edema that is much larger than the chronic lesion volume may explain some of the chronic procedure failures.
Electrophysiology and structural interventions in adults with congenital heart disease: Comparison of combined versus separate procedures
Authors: Lindsay Ian , Nik‐Ahd Farnoosh , Aboulhosn Jamil A. , Moore Jeremy P. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundElectrophysiologic (EP) and structural interventions in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) are typically completed during separate hospital encounters. With planning/coordination, these cases can be combined.ObjectivesWe hypothesized that this integrated approach would yield patient and health system benefits.MethodsConsecutive ACHD patients undergoing combined interventions were matched to controls with identical but separate procedures. Primary endpoints of total hospital length of stay and cost were compared.ResultsSixty‐six combined cases and 120 controls were identified (45% male, mean age 36.2 ± 14.2 years). The most common diagnoses were Fontan (27%), tetralogy of Fallot (23%), and transposition complexes (20%). The most common EP procedure was catheter ablation (n = 30) followed by electrophysiologic study (n = 13); the most common structural intervention was transcatheter valve replacement (n = 16) followed by angioplasty/stenting (n = 14). Compared to controls, cases showed shorter anesthesia duration (323 [IQR 238–405] vs. 355 minutes [270–498], P = 0.06), smaller contrast dose (130 [50–189] vs. 177 mL [94–228], P = 0.045), fewer venipunctures (4 [3–4] vs. 6 [5–7], P < 0.001), and fewer work days missed (2 [2–5] vs. 4 [4–6], P < 0.001). There was shorter hospital stay (30 [19–35] vs. 38 hours [26–50], P = 0.023) and a 37% reduction in hospital charges ($117,894 vs. $187,648; P = 0.039) and 27% reduction in payments ($65,757 vs. $88,859; P = 0.016), persisting after adjustment for group differences. There were no significant differences in number of complications or efficacy.ConclusionsThere appear to be advantages to combining ACHD interventional procedures that include reductions in hospital length of stay and cost, without detectable difference in procedural outcome.
Utility of heart rate turbulence and T‐wave alternans to assess risk for readmission and cardiac death in hospitalized heart failure patients
Authors: Yamada Shinya , Yoshihisa Akiomi , Sato Yu , Sato Takamasa , Kamioka Masashi , Kaneshiro Takashi , Oikawa Masayoshi , Kobayashi Atsushi , Suzuki Hitoshi , Ishida Takafumi , Takeishi Yasuchika 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundHeart failure (HF) patients have a higher risk of recurrent HF and cardiac death, and electrical remodeling is considered to be an important factor for HF progression. The present study aimed to validate the utility of electrocardiogram and Holter monitoring for the risk stratification of HF patients.MethodsOur study comprised 215 patients (144 males, mean age 62 years) who had been hospitalized due to acute decompensated HF. Electrocardiogram (QRS duration and QTc interval) and 24‐hour Holter monitoring (heart rate variability, heart rate turbulence, and T‐wave alternans [TWA]) were performed in stable condition before discharge. The clinical characteristics and outcomes were then investigated.ResultsDuring a median follow‐up period of 2.7 years, there were 83 (38.6%) cardiac events (rehospitalization due to worsening HF [n = 51] or cardiac death [n = 32]). The patients with cardiac events had a lower turbulence slope (TS) and higher TWA compared to those without cardiac events (TS, 3.0 ± 5.5 ms/RR vs. 5.3 ± 5.6 ms/RR, P = 0.001; TWA, 66.1 ± 19.6 μV vs. 54.7 ± 15.1 μV, P < 0.001). Univariable analysis showed that TS, TWA, QRS duration, and QTc interval were associated with cardiac events (P = 0.004, P < 0.001, P = 0.037, and P = 0.024, respectively), while the multivariable analysis after the adjustment of multiple confounders showed that TS and TWA were independent predictive factors of cardiac events with a hazard ratio of 0.936 and 1.015 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.860–0.974, P = 0.006; and 95% CI: 1.003–1.027, P = 0.016), respectively.ConclusionThe measurement of TS and TWA is useful for assessing risk for rehospitalization and cardiac death in HF patients.
Predictor factors for long‐term outcomes stability of coronally advanced flap with or without connective tissue graft in the treatment of single maxillary gingival recessions: 9 years results of a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Rasperini Giulio , Acunzo Raffaele , Pellegrini Gaia , Pagni Giorgio , Tonetti Maurizio , Pini Prato Giovan Paolo , Cortellini Pierpaolo 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAimTo assess the clinical outcomes 9 years after the surgical treatment of single maxillary gingival recessions and identify predictors for long‐term gingival margin stability.Materials and MethodsTwenty‐five gingival recessions (Miller Class I and II) were randomly treated with Coronally Advanced Flap (CAF) plus Connective Tissue Graft (CTG) or CAF alone. Outcomes included complete root coverage (CRC), recession reduction (REC), keratinized tissue (KT) gain and dentin hypersensitivity, and were evaluated at 6 months, 1 and 9 years. Multilevel analysis was performed to identify predictors for long‐term gingival margin stability.ResultsBaseline gingival recession was 2.4 ± 0.8 mm and 2.4 ± 1.0 mm in the CAF + CTG and in the CAF‐treated sites, respectively (p = 0.693). The chance to gain and preserve CRC over time is equal to 70% in the CAF + CTG group (Relative Risk [RR] = 1.70, 95% CI [0.84–3.45]; adjusted RR = 1.48, 95% CI [0.61–3.62]). Using the CTG, an increase in KT was recorded 9 years after the surgery (p = 0.019). An OR of 0.12 (p = 0.022) of not achieving CRC was observed in cases with non‐carious cervical lesions (NCCL) compared to cases without NCCL.ConclusionBoth treatment modalities demonstrated stability over time. Additional use of CTG provided a greater increase in KT. The presence of NCCL negatively affected CRC and REC.
Serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol is a protective predictor of executive function in older patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sun Yue , Lee Jenny , Ma Ronald C , Kwok Timothy 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAims/IntroductionOlder people with diabetes mellitus are at high risk for cognitive impairment or dementia. The clinical predictors for cognitive decline in older people with diabetes mellitus were elucidated.Materials and MethodsThis was a secondary analysis of a vitamin B12 intervention trial in older people with diabetes mellitus. A total of 271 non‐demented individuals were followed up at 9‐month intervals for 27 months. We explored the association between baseline clinical features with changes in cognitive measures (Clinical Dementia Rating scale, Neuropsychological Test Battery including executive function z‐scores, psychomotor speed z‐scores and memory z‐scores).ResultsA total of 152 participants had normal cognition (Clinical Dementia Rating 0) and 119 had cognitive impairment (Clinical Dementia Rating 0.5) at baseline. After 27 months, 41 participants had cognitive decline, 36 of whom were cognitively normal at baseline. Multiple logistic regression showed no significant clinical predictor of global cognitive decline. Higher high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) was associated with better executive performance at month 27 (β = 0.359, P < 0.001). Multilevel modeling showed that the highest tertile of HDL‐C was associated with better executive function z‐scores than the lowest tertile of HDL‐C at all time‐points.ConclusionsAmong older people with diabetes mellitus, higher serum HDL‐C was associated with better executive function.
Abiotic factors affecting Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) activity as a natural enemy of Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) under semi‐natural conditions in the Mediterranean region
Authors: Harbi A. , Beitia F. , Chermiti B. , de Pedro L. , Ferrara F. , Asís J. D. , Polidori C. , Tormos J. , Sabater‐Muñoz B. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe larval–pupal endoparasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is currently the most commonly employed biological control agent against Tephritid fruit flies in the Americas. However, this parasitoid remains largely ignored and is not used in many regions, including the Mediterranean Basin. In this study, the potential of D. longicaudata as a biocontrol agent against the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) was addressed in an area of eastern Spain (the Valencian community). The parasitic activity of parasitoids and the effects of climatic conditions were evaluated throughout a 1‐year period in field‐cage experiments in which parasitoids were confined with apples artificially infested with medfly larvae. The following parameters were calculated and related statistically to several environmental conditions: the parasitism rate, the induced mortality and progeny sex ratio. The results show that D. longicaudata is able to parasitize medfly larvae throughout the year under semi‐natural conditions. Important fluctuations in the parasitism rate (from almost zero to 42%) and the induced mortality (from 6% to 80%) were partially influenced by climatic conditions. The parasitism rate increased with mean temperature and decreased with mean relative humidity, while the induced mortality decreased with minimum relative humidity. The optimal climatic conditions for the activity of the parasitoid were a mean temperature of 16–24°C combined with a relative humidity of 45%–60%. Overall, these results suggest that reduction in the medfly population due to D. longicaudata activity is feasible and provide information about the optimal time period for parasitoid release in the field. In conclusion, D. longicaudata has a significant potential to control C. capitata in the Mediterranean region.
Multiplex loop‐mediated isothermal amplification assay for the identification of three major whitefly species in the greenhouse
Authors: Suzuki R. , Tanaka H. , Suzuki K. , Fukuta S. , Kato S. , Ohno T. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA multiplex loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (mLAMP) assay was developed for the identification of three species of whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum, Bemisia tabaci Middle East‐Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) and Mediterranean (MED), major pests in the greenhouse. Each of the specific LAMP primer sets was designed based on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) gene sequence. The mLAMP reactions using primer mixtures labelled with fluorescent dye were performed at 63°C for 60 min and centrifuged with polyethyleneimine. Thus, T. vaporariorum, MEAM1 and MED were clearly identified by the colour precipitates under UV light. The mLAMP procedure described in this study is cost‐effective and can be performed in the field not only in the laboratory, because this method is a single analysis and does not need a special gene amplification device.