bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved Diastolic Function Is Associated With Higher Cardiac Output in Patients With Heart Failure Irrespective of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Tobushi Tomoyuki , Nakano Masatsugu , Hosokawa Kazuya , Koga Hidenobu , Yamada Akira 
Published: March 2017

Background

Little is known regarding the impact of diastolic function on cardiac output (
CO
) in patients with heart failure, particularly in patients with lower ejection fraction. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of end‐diastolic pressure–volume relationship (
EDPVR
) on
CO
and end‐diastolic pressure (
EDP
).

Methods and Results

We retrospectively analyzed 1840 consecutive patients who underwent heart catheterization. We divided patients into 8 groups according to ejection fraction (
EF
) (35–45%, 46–55%, 56–65%, and 66–75%) and
EDP
(>16 or ≤16 mm Hg). We estimated
EDPVR
from single measurements in the catheterization data set. Then, we replaced
EDPVR
s of high‐
EDP
groups with those of normal‐
EDP
groups and compared
CO
before and after
EDPVR
replacement. Normalized
EDPVR
significantly increased
CO
at
EDP
=10 mm Hg regardless of
EF
(
EF
35–45%, from 4.5±1.6 to 4.9±1.0;
EF
46–55%, 4.6±1.3 to 5.1±1.1;
EF
56–65%, 4.9±1.5 to 5.2±1.0;
EF
66–75%, 4.9±1.5 to 5.2±1.1). Changes in
CO
were similar across
EF
groups.

Conclusions

Diastolic function normalization was associated with higher
CO
irrespective of
EF
. Diastolic dysfunction plays an important role in determining
CO
irrespective of
EF
in heart failure patients.
Characterisation of a Meloidogyne species complex parasitising rice in southern Brazil
Authors: Negretti Rafael R.R.D. , Gomes Cesar B. , Mattos Vanessa S. , Somavilla Lúcia , Manica-Berto Roberta , Agostinetto Dirceu , Castagnone-Sereno Philippe , Carneiro Regina M.D.G. 
Published: March 2017

Root-knot nematodes (RKN) are important plant pathogens affecting rice in South-East Asia and southern Brazil in irrigated rice fields. In order to investigate the specific diversity of RKN associated with irrigated rice in southern Brazil, Meloidogyne spp. from Rio Grande do Sul (RS) and Santa Catarina (SC) States were characterised biochemically by esterase (Est) and malate dehydrogenase (Mdh) phenotypes. Fifty-six Meloidogyne spp. populations were detected in 48% of rice samples, and a total of five esterase phenotypes were identified, four of which presented as drawn-out bands in different positions. In RS State, M. graminicola (Est VS1), Meloidogyne sp. 2 (Est R2) and Meloidogyne sp. 3 (Est R3) were identified, which corresponded to ca 80, 40 and 10% of samples, respectively. In SC State, M. graminicola, M. javanica (Est J3), Meloidogyne sp. 1 (Est R1), Meloidogyne sp. 2 and Meloidogyne sp. 3 accounted for ca 93.75, 12.50, 62.50, 12.25 and 6.25% of samples, respectively. The esterase phenotypes R1, R2 and R3 are new, never having been detected on rice before. Meloidogyne javanica showed a N1 Mdh phenotype (Rm: 1.0), while four other populations exhibited a N1a (Rm: 1.4) phenotype. All populations were tested with two SCAR markers specific to M. graminicola, which confirmed that, but no specificity was obtained with both markers in relation to the atypical populations analysed. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of internal transcribed spacer-rRNA (ITS) were performed to infer the phylogenetic relationship of these atypical Meloidogyne spp. populations. Meloidogyne sp. 1 grouped with the mitotic parthenogenetic species, while the two others (Meloidogyne sp. 2 and sp. 3) clustered with M. graminicola and other meiotic parthenogenetic species. Taken together, these data highlight the unprecedented specific diversity of RKN associated with irrigated rice in southern Brazil. Further morphological and phylogenetic studies involving these atypical isolates will be carried out to identify this complex of species.
Reply to “Comments on ‘On the Choice of Average Solar Zenith Angle’’’
Authors: Cronin Timothy W. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
The solar zenith angle controls local insolation and also affects the partitioning of insolation into planetary reflection, atmospheric absorption, and surface absorption. Because of this role of the solar zenith angle in modulating albedo, Cronin and others have proposed that insolation weighting should be used to determine the solar zenith angle when a single-angle calculation is used to represent a spatial or temporal average of solar fluxes. A comment by Li claims instead that daytime weighting is optimal, and that insolation weighting leads to serious errors, but this claim is based on a severe misinterpretation of the method proposed by Cronin. With any method of zenith angle averaging, both the solar constant and the zenith angle are free parameters, but their product—the mean insolation—must be held constant. Li fails to hold insolation constant when comparing different methods of zenith angle averaging and, thus, obtains large but spurious “errors.” This paper attempts to clarify the method proposed by Cronin and tabulates the insolation-weighted solar zenith angle and solar constant that should be used as a function of latitude for annual-average radiative transfer on a planet with Earth’s obliquity and a circular orbit.
Spatial Contrast of Geographically Induced Rainfall Observed by TRMM PR
Authors: Hirose Masafumi , Takayabu Yukari N. , Hamada Atsushi , Shige Shoichi , Yamamoto Munehisa K. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
In this study, the spatial variability in precipitation at a 0.1° scale is investigated using long-term data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Precipitation Radar. Marked regional heterogeneities emerged for orographic rainfall on characteristic scales of tens of kilometers, high concentrations of small-scale systems (&lt;10 km) over alpine areas, and sharp declines around mountain summits. In detecting microclimates, an additional concern is suspicious echoes observed around certain geographical areas with relatively low rainfall. A finescale land–river contrast can be extracted in the diurnal behavior of rainfall in medium-scale systems (10–100 km), corresponding to the course of the Amazon River. In addition, rainfall enhancement over small islands (0.1°–1°) was identified in terms of the storm scale. Even 0.1°-scale flat islands experience more rainfall than the adjacent ocean, primarily as a result of localized small or moderate systems. By contrast, compared with small islands, high-impact large-scale systems (&gt;100 km) result in more rainfall over the adjacent ocean. Finescale hourly data represented the abrupt asymmetric fluctuation in rainfall across the coastline in the tropics and subtropics (30°S–30°N). Significant diurnal modulations in the rainfall due to large-scale systems are found over tropical offshore regions of vast landmasses but not over small islands or in the midlatitudes between 30° and 36°. Rainfall enhancement over small tropical islands is generated by abundant afternoon rainfall, which results from medium-scale storms that are regulated by the island size and inactivity of rainfall over coastal waters.
Glacial Meltwater Identification in the Amundsen Sea
Authors: Biddle Louise C. , Heywood Karen J. , Kaiser Jan , Jenkins Adrian 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPine Island Ice Shelf, in the Amundsen Sea, is losing mass because of warm ocean waters melting the ice from below. Tracing meltwater pathways from ice shelves is important for identifying the regions most affected by the increased input of this water type. Here, optimum multiparameter analysis is used to deduce glacial meltwater fractions from water mass characteristics (temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen concentrations), collected during a ship-based campaign in the eastern Amundsen Sea in February–March 2014. Using a one-dimensional ocean model, processes such as variability in the characteristics of the source water masses on shelf and biological productivity/respiration are shown to affect the calculated apparent meltwater fractions. These processes can result in a false meltwater signature, creating misleading apparent glacial meltwater pathways. An alternative glacial meltwater calculation is suggested, using a pseudo–Circumpolar Deep Water endpoint and using an artificial increase in uncertainty of the dissolved oxygen measurements. The pseudo–Circumpolar Deep Water characteristics are affected by the under ice shelf bathymetry. The glacial meltwater fractions reveal a pathway for 2014 meltwater leading to the west of Pine Island Ice Shelf, along the coastline.
Book Review: Priya Sangameswaran, Neoliberalism and Water: Complicating the Story of ‘Reforms’ in Maharashtra, Farhat Naz, Socio-cultural Context of Water: Study of a Gujarat Village and Aidan A. Cronin, Pradeep K. Mehta and Anjal Prakash (Eds.), Gender Issues in Water and Sanitation Programmes: Lessons from India
Authors: Shree Ruchi 
Published: March 2017

Priya Sangameswaran, Neoliberalism and Water: Complicating the Story of ‘Reforms’ in Maharashtra, New Delhi: Orient BlackSwan, 2014, xiv + 323 pp., ISBN 9788125054917 (Hardbound). Farhat Naz, Socio-cultural Context of Water: Study of a Gujarat Village, New Delhi: Orient BlackSwan, 2014, xxii + 255 pp., ISBN 9788125054306 (Hardbound). Aidan A. Cronin, Pradeep K. Mehta and Anjal Prakash (Eds.), Gender Issues in Water and Sanitation Programmes: Lessons from India, New Delhi: SAGE Publications, 2015, xviii + 321 pp., ₹995, ISBN 9789351500650 (Hardbound).
Health Literacy: A Brief Primer for the Otolaryngologist
Authors: Megwalu Uchechukwu C. 
Published: March 2017

Health literacy has been shown to affect outcomes in a number of medical conditions. Despite the complexity of care that is often required among otolaryngology patients, the literature on health literacy in this field is sparse. Otolaryngologists need to be aware of issues related to health literacy due to the changing health care environment. The increased complexity of medical care, the greater involvement of patients in shared decision making, and the higher administrative burden on patients have increased their health literacy requirements. Assessing health literacy in clinical practice may help identify patients who might require additional help in navigating the health care system. The Brief Health Literacy Screen and the Newest Vital Sign are 2 measures that are easy to apply in clinical practice.
Cardiotoxicity evaluation of nine alkaloids from Rhizoma Coptis
Authors: Zhang MY , Yu YY , Wang SF , Zhang Q , Wu HW , Wei JY , Yang W , Li SY , Yang HJ 
Published: March 2017

Purpose: Alkaloids derived from Rhizoma Coptis (RC) has been widely applied to clinical treatments in China. However, the toxicity of RC and the alkaloids from RC remained controversial. The research is designed to clarify the cardiotoxic compounds found in RC. Methods: In this study, the real-time cellular analysis cardio system and the high-content analysis were applied to monitor the function of cardiomyocytes (CMs) in the treatment of nine alkaloids in RC. Luciferase-coupled adenosine triphosphate (ATP) assay was used to detect cell viability. Results: The results showed that berberine, palmatine, berbamine, and oxyberberine were cardiotoxic, which resulted in arrhythmia and cardiac arrest on CMs in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, berbamine and oxyberberine caused shrinkage and detachment on CMs at 10 μM. Cytotoxicity was induced by these two compounds with decline in cell index and ATP depletion. Cardiotoxicity or cytotoxicity was not observed in the other five alkaloids within 10 μM. Conclusion: For the first time, the cardiotoxicity of the nine alkaloids was evaluated to clarify the cardiotoxic components in RC. Furthermore, the experimental evidences were provided to support the safety of drug application.
Therapeutic plasmapheresis for hypertriglyceridemia-associated acute pancreatitis: case series and review of the literature
Authors: Joglekar Kiran , Brannick Ben , Kadaria Dipen , Sodhi Amik 
Published: March 2017

Background: Severe hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is the third leading cause of acute pancreatitis (AP) in the United States. The current standard of care includes management of HTG using pharmacological therapy. More recently, plasmapheresis has been proposed as a therapeutic tool for decreasing triglyceride (TG) levels, especially in critically ill patients. Few studies are available to ascertain overall benefits of plasmapheresis over traditional management. Objective: To analyze the outcomes of patients treated with plasmapheresis for severe HTG-associated pancreatitis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of three patients with severe HTG- associated (TGs greater than 1000 mg/dl; 11.29 mmol/l) AP at the Methodist University Hospital. All the patients underwent plasmapheresis as part of their treatment. Results: The average TG level before plasmapheresis was 3532 mg/dl (range: 2524–4562 mg/dl; 39.9 mmol/l; range: 28.5–51.6 mmol/l). All patients made a full recovery, with a significant improvement in TG levels after plasmapheresis. The mean number of sessions was 1.3 (range 1–2), and mean TG level after plasmapheresis was 1051 mg/dl (range: 509–1771 mg/dl; 11.9 mmol/l; range: 5.8–20 mmol/l). After the first session, the average reduction of TG level was 2481 mg/dl (range 753–3750 mg/dl; 28 mmol/l; range: 8.5–42.4 mmol/l) or approximately 70%. None of the patients developed complications related to plasmapheresis. Conclusions: Plasmapheresis can be an effective and rapid treatment option in patients with severe HTG and complications. However, further research, including randomized controlled studies, is necessary.
The incidence of medial plica in the knees operated on because of reasons other than the medial plica alone and the cartilage damages caused by it
Authors: Bombaci Hasan , Aydoğmuş Suavi , Keçeci Tolga , Gündüz Çağdaş Deniz 
Published: March 2017

Introduction: The aim of this study is to analyse the incidence of medial plica (MP) and the damage which has been caused on the medial femoral condyle in the 700 knee of 651 patients who were operated on because of the complaints resulting from intra-articular pathologies unrelated to the MP in particular. Patients and Methods: Medial plicas were detected in the 65 of 700 knees operated on consecutively because of the complaint of pain or catching in the knee. The mean age of 34 male and 28 female patients was 46 (range; 16-82). In 25 knees the lesions were in the right, 34 patients in the left side and in three patients, bilateral. The MP was classified according to the Sakakibara classification, the lesion caused by the MP on the medial femoral condyle, according to the Outerbridge classification. All medial plicas were excised arthroscopically. Results: Medial plicas were classified as type B in eight knees, type C in 52 and type D in five according to the Sakakibara classification. The cartilage lesion related to the MP were classified as type I in 12 knees, type II in 20 and type III in 24 according to the Outerbridge classification. There were no lesions present in nine knees. Discussion and Conclusion: Although the incidence of MP is much higher, the incidence of “MP syndrome” has been reported as 3.8% to 5.5% in the English literature. In the present study, we found that the incidence of MP was 9.28% associated with the rate of 86% type I-III cartilage damage related to the MP itself. Although the symptoms of MP are not specific, there may be some tenderness between the medial condyle and inferior-medial edge of patella. Furthermore a thickened cord-like plica can be palpated at the medial side of the patella, with crepitus or popping sensation during flexion –extension movement of the knee. If the patients suffer from meniscus tear or chondromalasia which affects at least two compartments of the knee, the symptoms of MP cannot be apparent primarily. These findings show that MP is quite significantly associated with other intra-articular pathologies in the knee. However, the common symptoms of MP with the long lasting pathologies in the knee (i.e chondromalasia unrelated to MP) can prevent early diagnosis which would prevent irreversible chondral pathologies developing at a later stage.
Is the present classification of discoid meniscus sufficient?
Authors: Bombaci Hasan , Gökel Fatma , Geçgel Emrah , Aydoğmuş Suavi 
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Although uncommon, the discoid meniscus is quite prone to injury due to its abnormal shape and abnormal histology. The weak or absent peripheral attachment of the discoid meniscus causes instability even after partial meniscectomy. Therefore, recently, after resection of the central part of the meniscus, in which tears develop most frequently, the remnant of the meniscus is preferred to repair. In that time, the Watanabe classification, which classifies the discoid meniscuses in three groups, is used to plan treatment. However, discoid meniscus can develop in the different forms from these three main shapes. In the present study we aimed to analyse the discoid meniscuses, which we encountered during arthroscopic procedures in the knee, according to Watanabe classification. Patients and methods: The lateral discoid meniscuses in the 36 knees of 35 patients, who were operated on because of meniscus tear of either the discoid lateral meniscus itself or the normal medial meniscus, were classified according to Watanabe classification. Results: While the lateral discoid meniscuses were classified as “complete” in 13, “incomplete” in 15 knees, the meniscuses were very thin or absent in the central (one knee) or in the postero-lateral regions (seven knees) of discoid meniscus ( Figure 1 ). In this series this opening was next to the popliteus tendon except in one case. In these cases, the continuity of the meniscus between middle and posterior horn frequently was not possible after central partial meniscectomy (CPM). On the other hand, posterior horn has stable peripheral attachment unlike the Wrisberg type discoid meniscus. Of the 36 discoid meniscuses, CPM was performed in 21 knees, CPM with anterior horn repair in three, CPM with posterior horn repair in one and anterior horn repair without meniscectomy in two patients. In nine patients the lateral discoid meniscus was left alone. [Figure: see text] Discussion and conclusion: When meniscus sparing methods are intended to perform, both to decide the amount of resection and repair of the remnant, besides the shape of meniscus tear, the stability of discoid meniscus is crucial. This study shows that the Watanabe classification cannot be sufficient to include some specific type of lateral discoid meniscus. We believe that to add the discoid meniscuses, with opening in postero-lateral region next to the popliteus tendon, to the Watanabe classification might be useful to decide the amount of resection or repair of the discoid lateral meniscus.
Minimum 6-Year Follow-Up of Arthroscopic Medial Reefing for Patellar Instability
Authors: Civan Osman , Sançmış Mesut , Topçuoğlu Nazım , Özenci Alpay Merter 
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of arthroscopic medial reefing for patellar instability at long term. Materials-Methods: 15 patients (16 knees) with patellar instability were consecutively treated by arthroscopic medial reefing between 2005- 2010. At final follow-up 11 patients (12 knees) were available to evaluate. Average age was 18,6 (range, 12-37 years). Average follow-up was 90 months (range, 71-115). History of patellar dislocation episode was reported by all patients. Arthroscopic medial reefing was applied through three standard portals. At least 3 sutures were tied according to medial laxity. Post-operatively all patients were allowed to bear weight on the operated leg immediately and full knee flexion was allowed by the third week. At last follow-up patients were evaluated according to the Tegner and Lysholm scales. Paired t test was used to detect the statistical differences and p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Two patients reported re-dislocations after the operation. Re-dislocation rate was 16.6% (2 in 12 knees). In general, patients reported significant improvement in pain, swelling, crepitus, and physical activity. The most common complaint was the anterior knee pain. The average pre and post-operative Tegner scores were 3.66 and 4.0, respectively. The average preoperative Lysholm score was 72 and postoperatively improved to 87.8 (p=0. 017). Discussion: Arthroscopic medial reefing for patellar instability is a viable option for young patients with ligamentous insufficiency without major bony abnormalities. The most significant advantages are that the epiphyseal plates are protected in young patients, no skin incision applied, and no autografts are harvested.
A comparison of wrist isokinetic muscle strength in wheelchair table tennis and wheelchair basketball players
Authors: Akınoğlu Bihter , Kocahan Tuğba , Yıldırım Necmiye Ün , Soylu Çağlar , Apur Ufuk , Hasanoğlu Adnan 
Published: March 2017

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare isokinetic muscle strength of wrist flexor and extensor muscles in paralympic athletes. Methods: This study was carried out with the participation of 9 (4 females and 5 males) wheelchair (WC) table tennis players aged 24+3 and 8 male WC basketball players aged 26+3, met the criteria and voluntarly participate in the study. Body weight, height, body mass index and dominant extremity of the study subjects were recorded. İsokinetic measurement were performed with Isomed 2000® device. İsokinetic testing protocol; before the test all players performed the wrist flexion and extension isokinetic test with the 5 repeating at 90º/sec as a warm-up and comprehending the test. Then, wrist flexion and extension concentric-concentric strength measurements were performed with the 5 repeating at 60º/sec and with the 15 repeating at 240º/sec with the angle between 50 degrees of wrist flexion and 60 degrees of wrist extension and peak torque, peak torque/kg values and flexion/extension ratios were recorded. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare isokinetic muscle strength quantitative variables in athletes. Findings: Isokinetic muscle strength of wrist flexors and extensors was higher in both sides in WC table tennis players with 60º/sec speed (p<0,05). İsokinetic muscle strength of wrist flexors and extensors was higher in both sides in WC basketball players with 240º/sec speed (p<0,05). There was no significant difference statistically between the groups in isokinetic wrist flexion and extansion peak torque/kg ratio in all speeds (p>0,05). Wrist flexion/extension peak torque ratios were similar in both groups. When examining the athletes flexion/extension ratios, wrist extensor muscles were weaker than flexor muscles and flexor muscles were average twice stronger than extensor muscles in both sports ( Table1 ). [Table: see text] Results: We thought that imbalance of muscle strength in the wrist may have occurred because of the use of a WC and requiring the intensive wrist flexors in playing sports. In both groups wrist ekstansor muscles were found to be weaker than wrist flexors and flexor/extensor ratio was found to be imbalance. We believe that all athletes using WC such as WC table tennis and WC basketball players have a strenght imbalance in the muscle of the wrist and as a result, this situation will increase the possibility of injury. Therefore, our study showed that weakness of wrist extensors and imbalance of muscle stenght should be taken into account in WC athletes in athletic training and exercise programs.