bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decadal Relationship between the Stratospheric Arctic Vortex and Pacific Decadal Oscillation
Authors: Hu Dingzhu , Guan Zhaoyong 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Using reanalysis datasets and numerical simulations, the relationship between the stratospheric Arctic vortex (SAV) and the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) on decadal time scales was investigated. A significant in-phase relationship between the PDO and SAV on decadal time scales during 1950–2014 is found, that is, the North Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) cooling (warming) associated with the positive (negative) PDO phases is closely related to the strengthening (weakening) of the SAV. This decadal relationship between the North Pacific SST and SAV is different from their relationship on subdecadal time scales. Observational and modeling results both demonstrate that the decadal variation in the SAV is strongly affected by the North Pacific SSTs related to the PDO via modifying the upward propagation of planetary wavenumber-1 waves from the troposphere to the stratosphere. The decreased SSTs over the North Pacific tend to result in a deepened Aleutian low along with a strengthened jet stream over the North Pacific, which excites a weakened western Pacific pattern and a strengthened Pacific–North American pattern. These tropospheric circulation anomalies are in accordance with the decreased refractive index (RI) at middle and high latitudes in the northern stratosphere during the positive PDO phase. The increased RI at high latitudes in the upper troposphere impedes the planetary wavenumber-1 wave from propagating into the stratosphere, and in turn strengthens the SAV. The responses of the RI to the PDO are mainly contributions of the changes in the meridional gradient of the zonal-mean potential vorticity via alteration of the baroclinic term .
Development of a Sampling Probe for Representative Sampling of PM at Freestream Velocities in the Range from 0 to 300 km h−1
Authors: Heo Nae-Gang , Lim Jun-Hyung , Lee Jae-Won , Lee Joon-Soo , Yook Se-Jin , Ahn Kang-Ho 
Published: February 2018

AbstractTo accurately forecast the concentrations of fine and thoracic coarse particles [particulate matter (PM) 2.5 and 10, respectively], it is important to secure a large number of boundary conditions. For this purpose, particle concentrations need to be measured not only at predefined observatory sites but also in more regions. Various types of vehicles can be used for collecting ambient aerosol not only on the ground but also in the air, and thus it is necessary to use specially designed sampling probes that enable efficient sampling of particles in variable airstream velocity conditions. This study developed a double-shrouded probe as a representative sampling probe available within a range of stream velocity from 0 to 300 km h−1. An additional shroud was added to the outer face of a single-shrouded probe, and an annular tapered wing was added to a sampling tube. Numerical analyses and experiments were performed, and their results were compared. The double-shrouded probe was found to be appropriate for representative sampling of PM2.5 and PM10 at velocities of 300 km h−1 or less and 150 km h−1 or less, respectively, which are significantly extended compared to the range of the currently possible velocity for the single-shrouded probe. The double-shrouded probe onboard various types of air or land vehicles is expected to contribute to accurate measurements of PM concentration under the condition of a high-speed stream.
Home-based pre-surgical psychological intervention for knee osteoarthritis (HAPPiKNEES): a feasibility randomized controlled trial
Authors: das Nair Roshan , Mhizha-Murira Jacqueline R , Anderson Pippa , Carpenter Hannah , Clarke Simon , Groves Sam , Leighton Paul , Scammell Brigitte E , Topcu Gogem , Walsh David A , Lincoln Nadina B 
Published: February 2018

Objective: To determine the feasibility of conducting a trial of a pre-surgical psychological intervention on pain, function, and mood in people with knee osteoarthritis listed for total knee arthroplasty. Design: Multi-centre, mixed-methods feasibility randomized controlled trial of intervention plus usual care versus usual care. Setting: Participants’ homes or hospital. Participants: Patients with knee osteoarthritis listed for total knee arthroplasty and score >7 on either subscales of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Intervention: Up-to 10 sessions of psychological intervention (based on cognitive behavioural therapy). Main measures: Feasibility outcomes (recruitment and retention rates, acceptability of trial procedures and intervention, completion of outcome measures), and standardized questionnaires assessing pain, function, and mood at baseline, and four and six months post-randomisation. Results: Of 222 people screened, 81 did not meet inclusion criteria, 64 did not wish to participate, 26 were excluded for other reasons, and 51 were randomized. A total of 30 completed 4-month outcomes and 25 completed 6-month outcomes. Modal number of intervention sessions completed was three (range 2–8). At 6-month follow-up, mood, pain, and physical function scores were consistent with clinically important benefits from intervention, with effect sizes ranging from small ( d = 0.005) to moderate ( d = 0.74), and significant differences in physical function between intervention and usual care groups ( d = 1.16). Feedback interviews suggested that participants understood the rationale for the study, found the information provided adequate, the measures comprehensive, and the intervention acceptable. Conclusion: A definitive trial is feasible, with a total sample size of 444 people. Pain is a suitable primary outcome, but best assessed 6 and 12 months post-surgery.
High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) Levels Independently Correlates With Cardiac Arrhythmias and Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Boudi Farzin Brian , Kalayeh Nicholas , Movahed Mohammad Reza 
Published: February 2018

Objective: Acute coronary syndrome is frequently complicated by rhythm disturbances, yet any association between high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and arrhythmias in the setting of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (non-STEMI) is uncertain. The goal of this study was to evaluate any association between HDL-cholesterol levels and arrhythmias in the setting of non-STEMI. Methods: Retrospective data from Phoenix Veterans Affair Medical Center records were utilized for our study. A total of 6881 patients were found who presented during 2000 to 2003 with non-STEMI with available fasting lipid panels collected within the first 24 hours of admission. Patients were followed for the development of rhythm disturbances up to 6 years after initial presentation, with a mean follow up of 1269 days. Results: We found that high triglycerides/HDL and low-density lipid/HDL ratios were predictive of arrhythmias. However, low HDL levels had strongest association with highest odds ratio (OR) for development of arrhythmias (for HDL <31 mg/dL, OR = 3.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.55-5.44, P < .05) in patients with diabetes and (for HDL < 31 mg/dL, OR = 3.69, 95% CI = 2.85-4.71, P < .05) in patients without diabetes. Using multivariate analysis adjusting for comorbidities, low HDL level remained independently associated with arrhythmias. Conclusions: Patients with low HDL levels during hospitalization with non-STEMI have a greater risk of developing cardiac rhythm disturbances independent of other risk factors. These data suggest a possible protective role of HDL in preventing arrhythmias in the setting of acute coronary syndrome.
Metabolic cooperation between cancer and non-cancerous stromal cells is pivotal in cancer progression
Authors: Lopes-Coelho Filipa , Gouveia-Fernandes Sofia , Serpa Jacinta 
Published: February 2018

The way cancer cells adapt to microenvironment is crucial for the success of carcinogenesis, and metabolic fitness is essential for a cancer cell to survive and proliferate in a certain organ/tissue. The metabolic remodeling in a tumor niche is endured not only by cancer cells but also by non-cancerous cells that share the same microenvironment. For this reason, tumor cells and stromal cells constitute a complex network of signal and organic compound transfer that supports cellular viability and proliferation.The intensive dual-address cooperation of all components of a tumor sustains disease progression and metastasis. Herein, we will detail the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts, cancer-associated adipocytes, and inflammatory cells, mainly monocytes/macrophages (tumor-associated macrophages), in the remodeling and metabolic adaptation of tumors.
Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiogram During Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: TEE to the Rescue!
Authors: De Marchi Lorenzo , Lee Janice , Rawtani Nina , Nguyen Vinh 
Published: February 2018

Supported by a growing number of studies and case reports in the literature, perioperative use of TEE in non-cardiac cases has significantly increased the past two decades. The utility of TEE in monitoring hemodynamic, and diagnosing causes of hypotension refractory to conventional therapy, have made it an almost indispensible tool during major surgeries, such liver transplantation. Despite this fact, compared to the adult population, there is a lack of an equivalent amount of literature on the perioperative use of TEE in pediatric cases. In our case we report the utilization of TEE during a pediatric liver transplant, to diagnose a post reperfusion suprahepatic anastomosis stricture. In this case, the cooperation of the anesthesia, the surgical, and the cardiology teams, helped in resolving the case, allowing a positive outcome for the patient. To our knowledge, this is the first case describing the use of TEE during a pediatric liver transplant.
Medical assistance in dying: Examining Canadian pharmacy perspectives using a mixed-methods approach
Authors: Verweel Lee , Rosenberg-Yunger Zahava R. S. , Movahedi Taranom , Malek Allan H. 
Published: February 2018

Background: Canada legalized assisted dying with the passing of Bill C-14, Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), in June 2016. This legislation has implications for health care professionals participating in MAiD. This research aims to understand the effect that MAiD has on pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Canada. Methods: We conducted a thematic document analysis of pharmacy guidelines, position statements and standards of practice from pharmacy regulatory authorities across Canada. In addition, the Ontario Pharmacists Association surveyed its members (including pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy students) about their perceptions of MAiD. Results: Our thematic analysis of the reviewed documents resulted in 3 major themes: pharmacists’ role in quality assurance, practice considerations when implementing MAiD and resources for pharmacy staff involved in MAiD. Survey responses illustrated that most (68%) pharmacy staff would dispense MAiD medications. Nonetheless, many respondents perceived that they lacked knowledge or comfort with different aspects of the MAiD process. Overall, 80% of participants reported a desire for professional development about MAiD. Conclusion: Despite the rapidly changing landscape surrounding medical assistance in dying within the past year, most pharmacy regulatory authorities have provided direction and resources to their pharmacists. Ontario pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are willing to dispense MAiD medications; however, additional support in the form of professional development may be necessary based on participants’ desire for education coupled with their perceived lack of knowledge. Future research may focus on the efficacy of provincial guidelines in supporting pharmacists’ participation in MAiD.
Accelerated ambulation after vascular access closure device
Authors: Brancheau Daniel , Sarsam Sinan , Assaad Mahmoud , Zughaib Marcel 
Published: February 2018

Background: Patients who are candidates to receive an Angioseal® (St. Jude Medical) device for arteriotomy closure are allowed to ambulate 20 min after the deployment of the device. More frequently, however, patients are kept on bed rest for several hours following Angioseal® deployment. The purpose of this study was to prospectively assess patients when ambulating 20 min after Angioseal® deployment instead of prolonged best rest of 2–3 h. Methods: Patients undergoing angiography from the common femoral artery approach were included in the study if they received a 6 Fr Angioseal® closure device. Results: Twenty-nine patients were successfully enrolled in the study; 27 (93.1%) patients ambulated at 20 min, 1 (3.45%) patient ambulated at 28 min, and 1 (3.45%) patient ambulated at 27 min due to transport times. There were zero complications with regard to hemorrhage or other groin complications. There is a substantial time difference in ambulation times between the conventional and early ambulation groups. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that it is probably safe to ambulate patients who undergo diagnostic cardiac catheterization as early as 20 min after deployment of the 6 Fr Angioseal® closure device. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03142126
Paraoxonase-2 regulates coagulation activation through endothelial tissue factor
Authors: Ebert Julia , Wilgenbus Petra , Teiber John F. , Jurk Kerstin , Schwierczek Kathrin , Döhrmann Mareike , Xia Ning , Li Huige , Spiecker Lisa , Ruf Wolfram , Horke Sven 
Published: February 2018

Key Points
Loss of antioxidative PON2 causes cardiovascular dysfunction and activates coagulation. PON2 predominantly controls redox-sensitive endothelial TF-activation pathways.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress activation in adipose tissue induces metabolic syndrome in individuals with familial partial lipodystrophy of the Dunnigan type
Authors: Foss-Freitas Maria C. , Ferraz Rafael C. , Monteiro Luciana Z. , Gomes Patricia M. , Iwakura Ricardo , de Freitas Luiz Carlos C. , Foss Milton C. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Background
Familial partial lipodystrophy of the Dunnigan type is one of the most common inherited lipodystrophies variables. These individuals have important metabolic disorders that cause predisposition to various diseases. In this study we aimed to demonstrate the relation between the metabolic abnormalities, inflammatory profile and the expression of genes involved in the activation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in subjects with FPLD.

Methods
We evaluated 14 female FPLD patients and compared with 13 female healthy individuals. The subjects were paired with their respective BMI and age and categorized into two groups: Familial partial lipodystrophy of the Dunnigan type (FPLD) and control. Patients were fasted for 12 h before blood collection for measurement of HbA1c, glucose, insulin, lipids and inflammatory markers. Subcutâneous adipose tissue was collected by puncture aspiration of submental region during ambulatorial surgical aesthetic procedure.

Results
We demonstrate that patients with FPLD show increased HbA1c (p < 0.01), fasting glucose (p < 0.002) and triglycerides (p < 0.005) while HDL/cholesterol (p < 0.001) was lower when compared to healthy individuals. We found that 64.2% FPLD patients had metabolic syndrome according to International Diabetes Federation definition. We also observe increased AUC of glucose (p < 0.001) and insulin during oGTT, featuring a frame of hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, suggesting insulin resistance. Also we found hyperactivation of several genes responsible for ERS such as ATF-4 (p < 0.01), ATF-6 (p < 0.01), EIF2α3K (p < 0.005), CCT4 (p < 0.001), CHOP (p < 0.01), CALR (p < 0.001) and CANX (p < 0.005), that corroborate the idea that diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome are associated with direct damage to the endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis. Ultimately, we note that individuals with lipodystrophy have an increase in serum interleukins, keys of the inflammatory process, as IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 (p < 0.05 all), compared with healthy individuals, which can be the trigger to insulin resistance in this population.

Conclusion
Individuals with FPLD besides having typical dysfunctions of metabolic syndrome, show a hyperactivation of ERS associated with increased systemic inflammatory profile, which together may explain the complex clinical aspect of this diseases.
Trial registration HCRP no 6711/2012
Clinical effect of a dentifrice containing three kinds of bactericidal ingredients on periodontal disease: a pilot study in patients undergoing supportive periodontal therapy
Authors: Kita Daichi , Kinumatsu Takashi , Yokomizo Atsushi , Tanaka Miki , Egawa Masahiro , Makino-Oi Asako , Tomita Sachiyo , Saito Atsushi 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to evaluate clinically the effect of a novel dentifrice containing three kinds of bactericidal ingredients on periodontal disease.

Results
This was a single-arm, prospective clinical study that enrolled patients with periodontitis undergoing supportive periodontal therapy. Periodontal examination, microbiological testing of saliva samples, and evaluation of inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α) in gingival crevicular fluid were performed. After 4 weeks of the use of test dentifrice, these parameters were re-evaluated. The use of dentifrice was also subjectively evaluated by clinicians and participants. Among 30 participants, there were significant improvements in the periodontal and microbiological parameters, and the level of interleukin-1β in the gingival crevicular fluid, following the use of the test dentifrice. In clinicians’ subjective evaluation of the overall usefulness of the dentifrice, ‘mild’ and ‘moderate’ improvement accounted for 83% of the total responses. In the participants’ subjective evaluation, the majority indicated their experience of the use as favorable. Within the limitations of this study, it is suggested that the progression of periodontal disease during the supportive periodontal therapy can be prevented by the use of the test dentifrice.
Trial registration UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR) 000023175. Date of formal registration: July 14, 2016 (https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000026716)
Dermal fibroblasts from patients with Parkinson’s disease have normal GCase activity and autophagy compared to patients with PD and GBA mutations
Authors: Collins Lucy M , Drouin-Ouellet Janelle , Kuan Wei-Li , Cox Timothy , Barker Roger A 
Published: February 2018

Background: Recently, the development of Parkinson’s disease (PD) has been linked to a number of genetic risk factors, of which the most common is glucocerebrosidase (GBA) mutations. Methods: We investigated PD and Gaucher Disease (GD) patient derived skin fibroblasts using biochemistry assays. Results: PD patient derived skin fibroblasts have normal glucocerebrosidase (GCase) activity, whilst patients with PD and GBA mutations have a selective deficit in GCase enzyme activity and impaired autophagic flux. Conclusions: This data suggests that only PD patients with a GBA mutation have altered GCase activity and autophagy, which may explain their more rapid clinical progression.
Recent advances in neuromuscular block during anesthesia
Authors: Boon Martijn , Martini Christian , Dahan Albert 
Published: February 2018

Muscle relaxation is a routine part of anesthesia and has important advantages. However, the lingering effects of muscle relaxants in the postoperative period have historically been associated with postoperative adverse events. Neuromuscular reversal, together with neuromuscular monitoring, is a recognized strategy to reduce the rate of postoperative residual relaxation but has only marginally improved outcome in the past few decades. Sugammadex, a novel reversal agent with unique encapsulating properties, has changed the landscape of neuromuscular reversal and opened up new opportunities to improve patient care. By quickly and completely reversing any depth of neuromuscular block, it may reduce the rate of residual relaxation and improve respiratory recovery. In addition, sugammadex has made the use of deep neuromuscular block possible during surgery. Deep neuromuscular block may improve surgical working conditions and allow for a reduction in insufflation pressures during selected laparoscopic procedures. However, whether and how this may impact outcomes is not well established.
Knowledge transfer: Theoretical framework to systematically spread best practice
Authors: Forkuo-Minka Anthony 
Published: February 2018

In the service sector, there is widespread understanding of how knowledge transfer contributes to increased productivity. However, there is no evidence of the extent to which school nursing services benefit from transfer of externally sourced and internally generated knowledge.This study aims to explore and describe the perception and practice of knowledge transfer in school nursing, and to establish whether school nurses were aware of knowledge repositories and what tools were available for access. The study also aims to generate a knowledge transfer framework and describes the reasons why perceived productivity was low or high within a school nursing service.The study used grounded theory strategy, and with a purposive sampling of 20 participants, data were collected using open questions in semi-structured interviews. The constant comparative analysis techniques were employed to code the data into themes to form conclusions. The coding was supported with the use of QSR NVivo 10 qualitative analysis software.The findings suggest that knowledge exists in the form of best practice, cumulative competence, and expertise in school nursing. However, the absence of a framework to link this knowledge to enhance productivity was highlighted. The study findings have highlighted that there was exasperation with the interface between resource and practice and that structural issues in school nursing services made the transfer of knowledge challenging.In conclusion, school nursing knowledge repositories were variable and lacked frameworks to link to enhanced productivity. School nursing teams and caseload allocation must be reviewed, and performance measured in a systematic manner.
Solvability of positive solutions for a systems of nonlinear fractional order BVPs with p-Laplacian
Authors: Rao Sabbavarapu Nageswara 
Published: February 2018

AbstractValues of the parameters λ and μ are determined for which there exist positive solutions for the system of fractional order withp-Laplacian two-point boundary value problems. The well-known Guo–Krasnosel’skii fixed point theorem is applied.