bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The value of wet leaves
Authors: Dawson Todd E. , Goldsmith Gregory R. 
Published: June 2018

Contents

Summary
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I.
Introduction
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II.
How often are leaves wet?
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III.
The costs of leaf wetting
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IV.
The real and potential benefits of leaf wetting
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V.
Wet leaves: costs, benefits and tradeoffs in a changing world
1165

Acknowledgements
1166

References
1166

SummaryAn often‐overlooked feature of all plants is that their leaf surfaces are wet for significant periods over their lifetimes. Leaf wetting has a number of direct and indirect effects on plant function from the scale of the leaf to that of the ecosystem. The costs of leaf wetting for plant function, such as the growth of pathogens and the leaching of nutrients, have long been recognized. However, an emerging body of research has also begun to demonstrate some very clear benefits. For instance, leaf wetting can improve plant–water relations and lead to increased photosynthesis. Leaf wetting may also lead to synergistic effects on plant function, such as when leaf water potential improvements lead to enhanced growth that does not occur when plant leaves are dry. We identify important reasons why leaf wetting can be critical for plant sciences to not only acknowledge, but also directly address, in future research. To do so, we provide a framework for the consideration of the relative balance of the various costs and benefits resulting from leaf wetting, as well as how this balance may be expected to change given projected scenarios of global climate change in the future.
Persistent sex disparities in implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator therapy
Authors: Johnson Amber E. , Adhikari Shubash , Althouse Andrew D. , Thoma Floyd , Marroquin Oscar C. , Koscumb Stephen , Hausmann Leslie R.M. , Myaskovsky Larissa , Saba Samir F. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundClinical guidelines recommend cardioverter defibrillator implantation for patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. Despite this, women and minorities have been less likely to receive implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) therapy than white men. We examined race and sex differences in ICD implantation in a recent cohort.MethodsUsing cross‐sectional, retrospective analyses, we mined our health system's outpatient electronic medical records to assess age, race, sex, medications, and comorbidities for patients aged ≥18 years with ejection fraction ≤ 35% during 2014. While adjusting for confounding variables such as medications, age, and comorbidities, we conducted a multivariable logistic regression assessing whether racial and sex differences in ICD therapy persist.ResultsAmong 5,156 outpatients with ejection fraction ≤35%, 1,681 (32.6%) patients had an ICD present at the time of their index outpatient visit in 2014. Women were less likely to have an ICD than men (25.0% vs 36.3%, P < 0.01), and black patients were less likely to have an ICD than white patients (28.0% vs 33.2%, P = 0.02). In adjusted multivariable analyses, women were less like to have ICDs (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.58–0.79, P < 0.01) but the race difference dissipated (adjusted OR for black race = 0.86, 95% CI, 0.68–1.08, P = 0.18).ConclusionsIn this large, outpatient cohort, we have shown that sex differences in ICD therapy continue to exist, but the difference in ICD prevalence by race was attenuated. Dedicated studies are required to fully understand the causes of persistent sex differences in ICD therapy.
eCG stimulation in domestic cats increases the expression of gonadotrophin‐induced genes improving oocyte competence during the non‐breeding season
Authors: Veraguas Daniel , Cuevas Sandra R. , Gallegos Paula F. , Saez‐Ruiz Darling , Castro Fidel O. , Rodriguez‐Alvarez Lleretny 
Published: June 2018

ContentsThe objective of this study was to evaluate the eCG stimulation on domestic cat oocyte competence during the non‐breeding season. Four experimental groups were made: (a) untreated cycling cats (Breeding season group; BS), (b) untreated anestrous cats (Non‐breeding group; NB), (c) anestrous cats treated with 200 IU of eCG (eCG group) and (d) anestrous cats treated with 200 IU of eCG and 100 IU of hCG four days later (hCG group). In the BS, NB and eCG groups, grade I and II immature cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COCs) were subjected to in vitro maturation or used for the gene expression analysis of FSHR, LHCGR, EGFR, EGR1, ESR2, PTGS2, GDF9, BMP15 and GATM. The in vitro matured oocytes from the BS, NB and eCG groups and the in vivo matured oocytes from the hCG group were subjected to parthenogenetic activation. The grade I and II COCs from the eCG group had an increased expression of FSHR, LHCGR, EGFR, EGR1 and ESR2 and a higher maturation rate than the BS and NB groups (p < 0.05). After parthenogenetic activation, the blastocyst rate from the hCG, eCG and BS groups was higher than the NB group (p < 0.05). However, no significant improvement was observed in the blastocyst rate in the hCG group compared to the eCG group (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the eCG treatment increases the expression of specific genes improving the oocyte competence during the cat non‐breeding season, which is reflected in an enhanced in vitro maturation and in vitro embryo development after parthenogenetic activation.
TCR–pMHC interactions: Two peptide repertoires–one signal
Authors: Cohn M. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe peptide (P) ligand seen by the TCR is presented by an MHC‐encoded restricting element (R). Peptide is viewed from two perspectives, that of the TCR and that of R. The TCR looks at P using an anti‐P site that is somatically generated and selected, whereas R looks at P using a binding site that is germline generated and selected. The two segments of P, the one viewed by the TCR, the other viewed by R divide P into two repertoires, Ptcr and Pr that are recognized independently but function cooperatively. The consequences of this for an understanding of TCR specificity and signalling as well as the role of differential processing are analysed. It is ironic that from the point of view of the immunologist, the TCR is highly polyreactive recognizing over a million peptides, whereas from the point of view of the immune system, the TCR is highly specific recognizing essentially only one epitope.
The magnitude and severity of abortion-related morbidity in settings with limited access to abortion services: a systematic review and meta-regression
Authors: Calvert Clara , Owolabi Onikepe O , Yeung Felicia , Pittrof Rudiger , Ganatra Bela , Tunçalp Özge , Adler Alma J , Filippi Veronique 
Published: June 2018

IntroductionDefining and accurately measuring abortion-related morbidity is important for understanding the spectrum of risk associated with unsafe abortion and for assessing the impact of changes in abortion-related policy and practices. This systematic review aims to estimate the magnitude and severity of complications associated with abortion in areas where access to abortion is limited, with a particular focus on potentially life-threatening complications.MethodsA previous systematic review covering the literature up to 2010 was updated with studies identified through a systematic search of Medline, Embase, Popline and two WHO regional databases until July 2016. Studies from settings where access to abortion is limited were included if they quantified the percentage of abortion-related hospital admissions that had any of the following complications: mortality, a near-miss event, haemorrhage, sepsis, injury and anaemia. We calculated summary measures of the percentage of abortion-related hospital admissions with each complication by conducting meta-analysis and explored whether these have changed over time.ResultsBased on data collected between 1988 and 2014 from 70 studies from 28 countries, we estimate that at least 9% of abortion-related hospital admissions have a near-miss event and approximately 1.5% ends in a death. Haemorrhage was the most common complication reported; the pooled percentage of abortion-related hospital admissions with severe haemorrhage was 23%, with around 9% having near-miss haemorrhage reported. There was strong evidence for between-study heterogeneity across most outcomes.ConclusionsIn spite of the challenges on how near miss morbidity has been defined and measured in the included studies, our results suggest that a substantial percentage of abortion-related hospital admissions have potentially life-threatening complications. Estimates that are more reliable will only be obtained with increased use of standard definitions such as the WHO near-miss criteria and/or better reporting of clinical criteria applied in studies.
Associations of disaster-related and psychosocial factors with changes in smoking status after a disaster: a cross-sectional survey after the Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Nakano Hironori , Ohira Tetsuya , Maeda Masaharu , Yabe Hirooki , Ohtsuru Akira , Suzuki Yuriko , Harigane Mayumi , Horikoshi Naoko , Nagai Masato , Zhang Wen , Takahashi Hideto , Yasumura Seiji , Iso Hiroyasu , Kamiya Kenji 
Published: June 2018

ObjectiveFew studies have comprehensively examined changes in smoking status and related factors after a disaster. We examined these factors among residents of an evacuation area in Fukushima after the Great East Japan Earthquake.MethodsThe study participants included 58 755 men and women aged ≥20 years who participated in the Fukushima Health Management Survey in 2012 after the disaster. Smoking status was classified as either current smokers or current non-smokers before and after the disaster. The participants were divided into the following groups: (1) non-smokers both before and after the disaster, (2) non-smokers before and smokers after the disaster, (3) smokers before and non-smokers after the disaster and (4) smokers both before and after the disaster. The adjusted prevalence ratios and 95% CIs of changes in smoking status for demographic, disaster-related and psychosocial factors were tested using logistic regression analysis that was stratified by smoking status before the disaster.ResultsAmong the 44 729 participants, who were non-smokers before the disaster, 634 (1.4%) began smoking after the disaster. Among the 14 025 smokers before the disaster, 1564 (11.1%) quit smoking after the disaster, and the proportion of smokers in the evacuation area consequently decreased from 21.2% to 19.6%. In the multivariable model, factors significantly associated with beginning smoking included being a male, being younger, having a lower education, staying in a rental house/apartment, house being damaged, having experienced a tsunami, change jobs and the presence of traumatic symptoms and non-specific psychological distress. On the contrary, factors associated with quitting smoking included being a female, being older, having a higher education and having a stable income.ConclusionThe proportion of smokers slightly decreased among residents in the evacuation area. The changes in smoking statuses were associated with disaster-associated psychosocial factors, particularly changes in living conditions, having experienced a tsunami, change jobs and developing post-traumatic stress disorder.
Augmenting inpatient treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder with a computerised cognitive bias modification procedure targeting appraisals (CBM-App): protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Woud Marcella L , Blackwell Simon E , Cwik Jan C , Margraf Jürgen , Holmes Emily A , Steudte-Schmiedgen Susann , Herpertz Stephan , Kessler Henrik 
Published: June 2018

IntroductionInfluential theories of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) suggest that dysfunctional appraisals of trauma play a key role in the maintenance of symptoms, and this suggestion is increasingly supported by research. Experimental studies have indicated that a simple computerised cognitive training procedure, here termed cognitive bias modification-appraisals (CBM-App), can modify trauma-relevant appraisals and reduce analogue trauma symptoms among healthy volunteers. This suggests the possibility that CBM-App could improve outcomes in PTSD via targeting the key process of dysfunctional appraisals, for example, if applied as an adjunct to treatment.Methods and analysisThe study is a randomised controlled trial with two parallel arms. It is planned to randomise 80 patients admitted for treatment for PTSD to an inpatient treatment clinic to complete either sessions of CBM-App or a sham-training control condition, the peripheral vision task. Both interventions comprise eight sessions scheduled over a 2-week period and are completed in addition to the standard treatment programme in the clinic. Outcome assessment occurs pretraining, after 1 week of training, post-training, at discharge from the inpatient clinic and 6 weeks and 3 months postdischarge. The primary outcome is dysfunctional trauma-relevant appraisals at post-training, measured using a scenario completion task. Secondary outcomes include symptom measures and hair cortisol. Outcome analyses will be primarily via mixed linear models and conducted with both intention to treat and per protocol samples.Ethics and disseminationThe trial has been approved by the Ethics Committee for the Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum (approval no 204) and the Ethics Committee for the Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr-Universität Bochum (approval no 15-5477). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and will inform future clinical and experimental studies into targeting maladaptive appraisals for the reduction of PTSD symptoms.Trial registration numberNCT02687555.
Equity and efficiency in the scaled-up implementation of integrated neglected tropical disease control: the health economics protocol of the COUNTDOWN multicountry observational study in Ghana, Cameroon and Liberia
Authors: Woode Maame Esi , Khan Jahangir A. M. , Thomson Rachael , Niessen Louis Wilhelmus 
Published: June 2018

IntroductionWorldwide, millions of individuals are affected by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). They are frequently the poorest and most marginalised members of society. Their living conditions, among other things, make them susceptible to such diseases. Historically, several large-scale treatment programmes providing mass drug administrations (MDAs) were carried out per single disease but over the last decade there has been an increasing trend towards co-implementation of MDA activities given the resources used for such programmes are often the same. The COUNTDOWN multicountry studies focus on scaled-up implementation of integrated control strategies against four diseases: lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis. The objective of the COUNTDOWN economic study is to assess the multicountry implementation of control interventions in terms of equity, impact and efficiency.MethodsThe health economic study uses different analytical methods to assess the relationship between NTDs and poverty and the cost-effectiveness of different large-scale intervention options. Regression analysis will be used to study the determinants of NTD occurrence, the impact of NTDs on poverty, factors that hinder access to MDAs and the effect of NTDs on quality-of-life of those affected, including disability. Cost-effectiveness analyses of various integration methods will be performed using health economic modelling to estimate the cost and programme impact of different integration options. Here, cost-effectiveness ratios will be calculated, including multivariate sensitivity analyses, using Bayesian analysis.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval has been received both at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and in all participating countries. Results of the various substudies will be presented for publication in peer-reviewed journals.Study dates1 July 2016 to 30 June-October 2019.
Changes in antipsychotic drug usage and factors affecting the use of typical drugs based on nationwide health insurance data in South Korea
Authors: Lee Sang Uk , Ryu Vin , Soh Minah , Kim Chul-Eung , Park Subin , Roh Sungwon , Oh In-Hwan , Lee Hye-Young , Choi SungKu 
Published: June 2018

ObjectivesTo determine changes in antipsychotic drug usage in all South Korean patients with schizophrenia in 2011–2015 and factors affecting their utilisation in 2015.Design and settingRetrospective cohort study using health insurance claims data on patients with schizophrenia in South Korea in 2011–2015.ParticipantsAll treated patients with schizophrenia in South Korea in 2011–2015. The number of patients with schizophrenia was 171 302 in 2011, 175 488 in 2012, 177 763 in 2013, 180 079 in 2014 and 183 427 in 2015.Main outcome measuresChanges in antipsychotic drug usage and factors affecting the use of antipsychotics.ResultsAmong patients with schizophrenia, there were tendencies of decreased use of antipsychotic combination therapy of typical drugs (from 11.5% to 7.5%) but increased use of combination therapy of atypical drugs (from 21.8% to 29.0%). Factors affecting the use of typical drugs were sex, age, geographical region, type of benefits/insurances and type of medical institutions. Use of typical antipsychotics was increased by age (OR=1.02, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.02). It was higher in men (OR=1.27, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.30) than that in women. It was higher in Medicaid benefiters (OR=4.49, 95% CI 4.35 to 4.64) than that in patients with health insurance. Use of typical drugs was higher among patients treated in general hospitals (OR=1.46, 95% CI 1.32 to 1.64), primary hospitals (OR=3.25, 95% CI 2.95 to 3.59), long-term care hospitals (OR=3.00, 95% CI 2.59 to 3.49) and clinics (OR=8.87, 95% CI 8.06 to 9.76) compared with that in tertiary care hospitals. Compared with metropolitan region, higher use of typical antipsychotics was seen in Gangwon (OR=1.14, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.25), Jeolla (OR=1.32, 95% CI 1.26 to 1.39) and Gyeongsang (OR=1.14, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.18) provinces.ConclusionsResults of this study confirmed changes of antipsychotic drug usage from typical to atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of schizophrenia and identified factors affecting the use of typical drugs, in contrast with current treatment trend in South Korea. These results may be used in the improvement of a medical system.
Treatment and persistence with oral anticoagulants among newly diagnosed patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: a retrospective observational study in a US commercially insured and Medicare Advantage population
Authors: Willey Vincent , Franchino-Elder Jessica , Fu An-Chen , Wang Cheng , Sander Stephen , Tan Hiangkiat , Kraft Elizabeth , Jain Rahul 
Published: June 2018

ObjectivesWith the approval of new non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), it is anticipated that their introduction may change NVAF treatment patterns; however, there is limited supporting real-world evidence. This study investigated guideline-recommended oral anticoagulation (OAC) treatment and persistence in newly diagnosed patients with NVAF to understand demographic and clinical characteristics.DesignRetrospective observational administrative claims study in the USA.SettingPatients with NVAF with ≥1 pharmacy claim for OAC (warfarin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban or apixaban) and no atrial fibrillation diagnosis within 12 months prior to the first claim were identified in the HealthCore Integrated Research Database between 1 November 2010 and 30 November 2013.Participants45 092 patients with NVAF were included.OutcomesThe proportion of OAC-treated patients was stratified by CHADS2score. Treatment persistence was measured from OAC initiation to discontinuation, end of eligibility or end of study period (30 November 2014), whichever occurred first.ResultsAlmost half of the patients (41.1%) received an OAC. The proportion treated differed slightly in baseline stroke risk (CHADS2<2: 39.8%; CHADS2=2 or 3: 42.4%; and CHADS2>3: 40.3%: p<0.001). Treated patients were slightly younger (70±12.2 vs 71±14.3 years; p<0.001), more likely male (59.7% vs 52.5%; p<0.001) and had a slightly elevated stroke risk (CHADS2: 2.03±1.3 vs 1.98±1.4; p<0.001) and a lower bleeding risk (HEMORR2HAGES: 2.55±1.8 vs 2.80±1.9; p<0.001) relative to untreated patients. Overall, patients with higher CHADS2scores had higher HEMORR2HAGES scores. The mean follow-up was 2.25 years (2.25±0.85) and 72.7% of patients discontinued OACs; nearly 25% within 3 months and 55% within 12 months. The mean time to discontinuation was 255±249 days.ConclusionsThe proportion of patients with NVAF who received OAC treatment was lower than previously reported and differed slightly by stroke risk. Patients with an elevated stroke risk had a higher bleeding risk, suggesting that clinicians may incorporate both in the treatment decision.
POFA trial study protocol: a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, controlled clinical trial comparing opioid-free versus opioid anaesthesia on postoperative opioid-related adverse events after major or intermediate non-cardiac surgery
Authors: Beloeil Helene , Laviolle Bruno , Menard Cedric , Paugam-Burtz Catherine , Garot Matthias , Asehnoune Karim , Minville Vincent , Cuvillon Philippe , Oger Sebastien , Nadaud Julien , Lecoeur Sylvain , Chanques Gerald , Futier Emmanuel 
Published: June 2018

IntroductionReducing opioid consumption during and after surgery has been recommended for more than 10 years. Opioid-free anaesthesia (OFA) is a multimodal anaesthesia associating hypnotics, NMDA antagonists, local anaesthetics, anti-inflammatory drugs and α-2 agonists. Proofs of the effect of OFA on reducing opioid-related adverse effects after major or intermediate non-cardiac surgery are still scarce. We hypothesised that the reduced opioid consumption allowed by OFA compared with standard of care will be associated with a reduction of postoperative opioid-related adverse events.Methods/analysisThe POFA trial is a prospective, randomised, parallel, single-blind, multicentre study of 400 patients undergoing elective intermediate or major non-cardiac surgery. Patients will be randomly allocated to receive either a standard anaesthesia protocol or an OFA. The primary outcome measure is the occurrence of a severe postoperative opioid-related adverse event within the first 48 hours after extubation defined as: postoperative hypoxaemia or postoperative ileus or postoperative cognitive dysfunction. In addition, each component of the primary outcome measure will be analysed separately. Data will be analysed on the intention-to-treat principle and a per-protocol basis.Ethics and disseminationThe POFA trial has been approved by an independent ethics committee for all study centres. Participant recruitment begins in November 2017. Results will be published in international peer-reviewed medical journals.Trial registration numberNCT03316339; Pre-results.