bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adenosine‐sensitive Wolff‐Parkinson‐White: Longer time across the atrioventricular groove
Authors: Beach Cheyenne , Follansbee Christopher W. , Beerman Lee , Mazzocco Sharon , Wang Li , Arora Gaurav 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundSuccessful ablation sites in Wolff‐Parkinson‐White syndrome (WPW) are characterized by short atrioventricular (AV) intervals. Approximately 15% of patients with WPW have adenosine‐sensitive accessory pathways (APs). We sought to determine if local AV intervals of adenosine‐sensitive APs are different from those of adenosine‐insensitive APs in patients with WPW.MethodsPatients ≤21 years with WPW and adenosine‐sensitive APs who underwent successful ablation over a 9‐year period were included. Patients with WPW and adenosine‐insensitive APs were matched by age and weight in a 1:2 case‐control design. AP location, antegrade and retrograde conduction properties, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) inducibility, local AV interval, interval from delta wave onset to local ventricular activation (del‐V), and time to loss of preexcitation were reviewed.ResultsFourteen patients with adenosine‐sensitive APs and 28 with adenosine‐insensitive APs were included. Patients with adenosine‐sensitive APs had minimum 1:1 antegrade AP conduction at a longer median paced cycle length (380, interquartile range [IQR] 295 to 585 ms vs 290, IQR 250 to 330 ms, P = 0.046), were less likely to have inducible SVT (35.7% vs 75.0%, P = 0.035), and had a longer median local AV interval (40.5, IQR 30.8 to 58.3 ms vs 32.0, IQR 29.3 to 37.8 ms, P = 0.029) when compared to those with adenosine‐insensitive APs.ConclusionPatients with WPW and adenosine‐sensitive APs have 1:1 antegrade AP conduction at longer cycle lengths, lower likelihood of SVT induction, and longer local AV intervals when compared to those with adenosine‐insensitive APs. In patients with WPW, it may be important to consider adenosine response when selecting appropriate ablation targets.
A‐Fibers Mediate Cold Hyperalgesia in Patients with Oxaliplatin‐Induced Neuropathy
Authors: Forstenpointner Julia , Oberlojer Violetta C. , Naleschinski Dennis , Höper Johanna , Helfert Stephanie M. , Binder Andreas , Gierthmühlen Janne , Baron Ralf 
Published: December 2017

AbstractCold hyperalgesia is a common side effect of oxaliplatin treatment; still, the pathophysiological and molecular mechanisms as well as the contribution of different primary afferent fiber systems are unclear. Therefore, patients with oxaliplatin‐induced acute neuropathy with (n = 6) and without (n = 7) cold hyperalgesia were tested by applying a preferential blockade of peripheral myelinated A‐fiber afferents in combination with quantitative sensory testing. Additionally, an interview‐based questionnaire assessed the severity of symptoms and the impact on daily activities.Results indicate a deficit of cold perception in patients without cold hyperalgesia compared to patients with cold hyperalgesia prior to A‐fiber blockade. In patients with cold hyperalgesia, a preferential blockade of A‐fibers abolished cold hyperalgesia.This suggests that oxaliplatin‐induced cold hyperalgesia is mediated by A‐fibers and that a deficit in A‐fiber function might prevent the development of cold hyperalgesia. The work supports findings in rodents and in human sural nerve biopsies indicating that oxaliplatin interferes with axonal ion conductance in intact A‐fibers by sensitizing potassium and/or sodium channels.Drugs that act on these molecular targets might be of potential value to treat oxaliplatin‐induced cold hyperalgesia.
Convergent Validity of the Dutch Central Sensitization Inventory: Associations with Psychophysical Pain Measures, Quality of Life, Disability, and Pain Cognitions in Patients with Chronic Spinal Pain
Authors: Kregel Jeroen , Schumacher Charline , Dolphens Mieke , Malfliet Anneleen , Goubert Dorien , Lenoir Dorine , Cagnie Barbara , Meeus Mira , Coppieters Iris 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectiveSymptoms of central sensitization (CS) have been described in patients with chronic spinal pain (CSP). Although a gold standard to diagnose CS is lacking, psychophysical pain measures are often used. The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) is proposed as an alternative method and indirect tool for the evaluation of CS symptomatology. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the convergent validity of the CSI by investigating the association with psychophysical pain measures and self‐reported measures of current pain intensity, quality of life, disability, and catastrophizing in CSP patients.MethodsOne hundred sixteen patients with nonspecific CSP were included in the present study. Patients completed the CSI, were subjected to pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) and a conditioned pain modulation (CPM) paradigm, and completed questionnaires for current pain intensity, quality of life, pain disability, and pain catastrophizing.ResultsHigher CSI scores were weakly correlated with lower PPTs (−0.276 ≤ r ≤ −0.237; all P ≤ 0.01) and not with CPM efficacy (r = 0.017; P = 0.858). Higher CSI scores were moderately correlated with higher current pain intensity (r = 0.320; P < 0.001), strongly correlated with lower physical (r = −0.617; P < 0.001) and emotional (r = −0.635; P < 0.001) quality of life, and moderately correlated with higher pain disability (r = 0.472; P < 0.001) and higher pain catastrophizing (r = 0.464; P < 0.001).ConclusionThe CSI was weakly associated with PPTs and not with CPM efficacy in CSP patients. Moderate to strong associations were found with current pain intensity, quality of life, disability, and catastrophizing. The current results illustrate that the CSI does not reflect a direct measure of CS, yet is a representation of general distress, possible originating from CS symptoms.
Differential coordination of stomatal conductance, mesophyll conductance, and leaf hydraulic conductance in response to changing light across species
Authors: Xiong Dongliang , Douthe Cyril , Flexas Jaume 
Published: December 2017

AbstractStomatal conductance (gs) and mesophyll conductance (gm) represent major constraints to photosynthetic rate (A), and these traits are expected to coordinate with leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf) across species, under both steady‐state and dynamic conditions. However, empirical information about their coordination is scarce. In this study, Kleaf, gas exchange, stomatal kinetics, and leaf anatomy in 10 species including ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms were investigated to elucidate the correlation of H2O and CO2 diffusion inside leaves under varying light conditions. Gas exchange, Kleaf, and anatomical traits varied widely across species. Under light‐saturated conditions, the A, gs, gm, and Kleaf were strongly correlated across species. However, the response patterns of A, gs, gm, and Kleaf to varying light intensities were highly species dependent. Moreover, stomatal opening upon light exposure of dark‐adapted leaves in the studied ferns and gymnosperms was generally faster than in the angiosperms; however, stomatal closing in light‐adapted leaves after darkening was faster in angiosperms. The present results show that there is a large variability in the coordination of leaf hydraulic and gas exchange parameters across terrestrial plant species, as well as in their responses to changing light.
Haem oxygenase: A functionally diverse enzyme of photosynthetic organisms and its role in phytochrome chromophore biosynthesis, cellular signalling and defence mechanisms
Authors: Mahawar Lovely , Shekhawat Gyan Singh 
Published: December 2017

AbstractHaem oxygenase (HO) is a universal enzyme that catalyses stereospecific cleavage of haem to BV IX α and liberates Fe+2ion and CO as by‐product. Beside haem degradation, it has important functions in plants that include cellular defence, stomatal regulation, iron mobilization, phytochrome chromophore synthesis, and lateral root formation. Phytochromes are an extended family of photoreceptors with a molecular mass of 250 kDa and occur as a dimer made up of 2 equivalent subunits of 125 kDa each. Each subunit is made of two components: the chromophore, a light‐capturing pigment molecule and the apoprotein. Biosynthesis of phytochrome (phy) chromophore includes the oxidative splitting of haem to biliverdin IX by an enzyme HO, which is the decisive step in the biosynthesis. In photosynthetic organisms, BVα is reduced to 3Z PΦB by a ferredoxin‐dependent PΦB synthase that finally isomerised to PΦB. The synthesized PΦB assembles with the phytochrome apoprotein in the cytoplasm to generate holophytochrome. Thus, necessary for photomorphogenesis in plants, which has confirmed from the genetic studies, conducted onArabidopsis thalianaand pea. Besides the phytochrome chromophore synthesis, the review also emphasises on the current advances conducted in plant HO implying its developmental and defensive role.
Seasonality of cavitation and frost fatigue in Acer mono Maxim.
Authors: Zhang Wen , Feng Feng , Tyree Melvin T. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAlthough cavitation is common in plants, it is unknown whether the cavitation resistance of xylem is seasonally constant or variable. We tested the changes in cavitation resistance of Acer mono before and after a controlled cavitation–refilling and freeze–thaw cycles for a whole year. Cavitation resistance was determined from ‘vulnerability curves’ showing the percent loss of conductivity versus xylem tension. Cavitation fatigue was defined as a reduction of cavitation resistance following a cavitation–refilling cycle, whereas frost fatigue was caused by a freeze–thaw cycle. A. mono developed seasonal changes in native embolisms; values were relatively high during winter but relatively low and constant throughout the growing season. Cavitation fatigue occurred and changed seasonally during the 12‐month cycle; the greatest fatigue response occurred during summer and the weakest during winter, and the transitions occurred during spring and autumn. A. mono was highly resistant to frost damage during the relatively mild winter months; however, a quite different situation occurred during the growing season, as the seasonal trend of frost fatigue was strikingly similar to that of cavitation fatigue. Seasonality changes in cavitation resistance may be caused by seasonal changes in the mechanical properties of the pit membranes.
Outcome of antibody‐mediated rejection compared to acute cellular rejection after pediatric heart transplantation
Authors: Vaughn Gabrielle R. , Jorgensen Neal W. , Law Yuk M. , Albers Erin L. , Hong Borah J. , Friedland‐Little Joshua M. , Kemna Mariska S. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractOutcomes of ACR after pediatric HTx have been well described, but less has been reported on outcomes of AMR. We compared the clinical characteristics and cardiovascular outcomes (composite end‐point of death, retransplantation, or allograft vasculopathy) of pediatric HTx recipients with AMR, ACR, and no rejection in a retrospective single‐center study of 104 recipients. Twenty were treated for AMR; 15 were treated for ACR. Recipients with AMR had an increased frequency of congenital heart disease (90% vs ACR 67% vs no rejection 59%, P = .03), homograft (68% vs 7% vs 18%, P < .001), HLA sensitization (45% vs 13% vs 13%, P = .008), and positive cross‐match (30% vs 7% vs 9%, P = .046). AMR caused hemodynamic compromise more often than ACR (39% vs 4%, P = .02). AMR recipients had worse cardiovascular outcome than recipients with ACR or no rejection (40% vs 20% vs 8.6%, P = .003). In bivariate Cox analysis, AMR (HR 4.1, CI 1.4‐12.0, P = .009) and ischemic time (HR 1.6, CI 1.1‐2.3, P = .02) were associated with worse cardiovascular outcome; ACR was not. In summary, pediatric HTx recipients who develop AMR have worse cardiovascular outcome than recipients who develop only ACR or experience no rejection at all.
Photodynamic therapy in the treatment of symptomatic oral lichen planus: A systematic review
Authors: Akram Zohaib , Javed Fawad , Hosein Mervyn , Al‐Qahtani Mohammed A. , Alshehri Fayez , Alzahrani Ahmed I. , Vohra Fahim 
Published: December 2017

SummaryBackgroundThe aim of this systematic review was to assess the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of symptomatic oral lichen planus (OLP).MethodsThis systematic review aimed to address the following focused question: “Is PDT effective in the treatment of symptomatic OLP?” Indexed databases such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were searched up to and including August 2017.ResultsSix clinical studies were included. The risk of bias was considered high in 5 studies and moderate in one study. Parameters of PDT such as wavelengths, energy fluence, power density and exposure time ranged between 320‐660 nm, 120 J/cm2, 130 mW/cm2, and 70‐150 seconds, respectively. The follow‐up period ranged from 4 to 48 weeks. All included studies reporting clinical scores showed that PDT was effective in the treatment of OLP in adult patients at follow‐up. However, PDT did not show significant improvement when compared with steroid therapy.ConclusionPhotodynamic therapy appears to have some effect in the symptomatic treatment of OLP in adult patients. However, further randomized controlled trials with long follow‐up period, standardized PDT parameters, and comparing the efficacy of PDT with steroid therapy are warranted to obtain strong conclusions in this regard.
Diaheliotropic leaf movement enhances leaf photosynthetic capacity and photosynthetic light and nitrogen use efficiency via optimising nitrogen partitioning among photosynthetic components in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Yao H. , Zhang Y. , Yi X. , Zhang X. , Fan D. , Chow W. S. , Zhang W. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

Phototropic leaf movement of plants is an effective mechanism for adapting to light conditions. Light is the major driver of plant photosynthesis. Leaf N is also an important limiting factor on leaf photosynthetic potential. Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) exhibits diaheliotropic leaf movement. Here, we compared the long‐term photosynthetic acclimation of fixed leaves (restrained) and free leaves (allowed free movement) in cotton.

The fixed leaves and free leaves were used for determination of PAR, leaf chlorophyll concentration, leaf N content and leaf gas exchange. The measurements were conducted under clear sky conditions at 0, 7, 15 and 30 days after treatment (DAT).

The results showed that leaf N allocation and partitioning among different components of the photosynthetic apparatus were significantly affected by diaheliotropic leaf movement. Diaheliotropic leaf movement significantly increased light interception per unit leaf area, which in turn affected leaf mass per area (LMA), leaf N content (NA) and leaf N allocation to photosynthesis (NP). In addition, cotton leaves optimised leaf N allocation to the photosynthetic apparatus by adjusting leaf mass per area and NA in response to optimal light interception.

In the presence of diaheliotropic leaf movement, cotton leaves optimised their structural tissue and photosynthetic characteristics, such as LMA, NA and leaf N allocation to photosynthesis, so that leaf photosynthetic capacity was maximised to improve the photosynthetic use efficiency of light and N under high light conditions.
Large‐scale screening and characterisation of Lemna aequinoctialis and Spirodela polyrhiza strains for starch production
Authors: Ma Y. B. , Zhu M. , Yu C. J. , Wang Y. , Liu Y. , Li M. L. , Sun Y. D. , Zhao J. S. , Zhou G. K. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

Duckweed is considered a promising feedstock for bioethanol production due to its high biomass and starch production. Selection of duckweed strains with high starch accumulation is essential for application of duckweeds to bioethanol production. Geographic differentiation had a large influence on genetic diversity of duckweeds.

Biomass production, starch content and starch amount in geographically isolated strains of 20 Lemna aequinoctialis and Spirodela polyrhiza were calculated to evaluate their potential for bioethanol production. The influence of different collection time, culture medium and NaCl concentration on starch accumulation of the best strains were analysed.

The results showed that biomass production, starch content and starch production of duckweeds demonstrated clonal dependency. The best strain was L. aequinoctialis 6000, with biomass production of 15.38 ± 1.47 g m−2, starch content of 28.68 ± 1.10% and starch production of 4.39 ± 0.25 g m−2. Furthermore, starch content of L. aequinoctialis 6000 was highest after 8 h of light, tap water was the best medium for starch induction, and NaCl did not induce starch accumulation.

This study suggests duckweed biomass production and starch production demonstrate clonal dependency, indicating that extensive clonal comparisons will be required to identify the most suitable isolates for duckweed selective breeding for bioethanol.
Perceptions of group exercise courses and instructors among Quebec adults
Authors: Gilbert Monique , Chaubet Philippe , Karelis Antony , Dancause Kelsey Needham 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundGroup exercise courses are popular among adults, but dropout rates are high. Studies of relationships between participants’ perceptions and their participation might highlight factors to target to improve adherence and re-enrolment.MethodsWe used a mixed-methods approach to analyse perceptions of group exercise courses and instructors among 463 adults. Participants completed the Exercise Barriers and Benefits Scale, questionnaires on perceptions of the instructor and course, and non-participation. We assessed participation from weeks 2–4 and 5–10, and re-enrolment. We analysed relationships between perceptions and re-enrolment using linear regression and mediation analyses. We conducted group interviews with 11 participants.ResultsPredictors of re-enrolment included early participation (β=0.11, P=0.029) and perceptions of the group social climate (P=0.027). Perceptions of the group mediated the relationship between early participation and re-enrolment (95% CI 0.0036 to 0.0471): early participation predicted more positive perceptions (β=2.11, P=0.003), which predicted re-enrolment (β=0.01, P=0.006). Qualitative analyses highlighted instructors’ roles in promoting social exchange and integrating participants into the group.ConclusionsThe social climate of group exercise courses is a key factor predicting re-enrolment. Early participation predicts re-enrolment on its own, and also promotes positive perceptions of the group. Instructors can target these factors by sensitising participants to the importance of early participation, and promoting social exchange.
Sport and exercise medicine research activity in the Arab world: a 15-year bibliometric analysis
Authors: Fares Mohamad Y , Fares Jawad , Baydoun Hasan , Fares Youssef 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundThe role of sports in decreasing the prevalence of many diseases has led to a growing interest in the field of sport and exercise medicine. But sport and exercise medicine still remains new to the Arab world, waiting to be explored. The aim of this study is to describe and characterise sport and exercise medicine research activity in the Arab world between 2002 and 2016.MethodsThe PubMed database was used to search for publications related to sport and exercise medicine. Publications were classified according to the country of origin and filtered to include publications between 2002 and 2016. Research output was analysed with respect to gross domestic product (GDP) and population of each country.ResultsA total of 1148 papers related to sport and exercise medicine were found to be published in the Arab countries between 2002 and 2016. Sport-and-exercise-medicine-related publications constituted 0.86% of the total biomedical research papers published in the Arab world and 0.49% of the world’s sport and exercise medicine literature. The number of sport-and-exercise-medicine-related publications per country ranged from zero to 352, with Qatar occupying the top spot. Tunisia ranked first with respect to publications per average GDP, while Qatar ranked first with respect to publications per average population. Comoros, Mauritania, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen were found to have no publications related to sport and exercise medicine.ConclusionSport and exercise medicine is a novel field in the Arab world. Recognising the barriers facing sport and exercise medicine research and exploring them meticulously remains an essential part of the plan to improve the Arab world’s output and contribution in this field.
Fall-related accidents among hikers in the Austrian Alps: a 9-year retrospective study
Authors: Faulhaber Martin , Pocecco Elena , Niedermeier Martin , Ruedl Gerhard , Walter Dagmar , Sterr Regina , Ebner Hans , Schobersberger Wolfgang , Burtscher Martin 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveTo analyse the circumstances of fatal and non-fatal mountain hiking accidents caused by falls.MethodsThe study was designed as a retrospective analysis. Mountain hiking accidents caused by falls were documented during a 9-year period (2006–2014). After screening of all data for potential exclusion criteria the final sample size of 5368 accidents and 5665 victims was included into the analyses. Main outcome measures were details about accidents, victims, type of trail and surface.ResultsThe annual number of accidents showed a continuous increase from 467 in 2006 to 700 in 2014. In total, 5.8% of all victims died during the 9-year period. 75.3% of the hikers fell during descent and 80.9% of the victims had their accident on a marked hiking trail or small path. The sex ratio for non-fatal accidents was 55% female and 45% male; for fatal accidents the female-to-male ratio was 28%:72%. Mean age of all victims was 52.5±17.5 years and victims of fatalities were about 5 years older compared with victims of non-fatal accidents (57.5±16.5 vs 52.2±17.5 years, P<0.01).ConclusionDescent is the most risky part for accidents caused by falls during mountain hiking. Male hikers are at greater risk for fatalities independent of age and this is associated with accidents occurring in pathless terrain. The death rate from falls was 6%. We recommend a critical self-assessment of the individual capabilities and mountain hiking skills and adequate planning of the hiking tours for mountain hikers.
Auras and the risk of seizures with impaired consciousness following epilepsy surgery: implications for driving
Authors: Fairclough Sam , O’Keeffe Aidan G , de Tisi Jane , Duncan John S 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveTo calculate the chance of a seizure in the next year (COSY) for seizures with impaired awareness in those experiencing auras only, those with no seizures and those with continuing seizures. Epilepsy surgery is an effective treatment for refractory focal epilepsy. Driving is an important factor affecting quality of life. In the UK, driving is not permitted if focal seizures with no impairment of awareness (auras, simple partial seizures) continue, if there is a prior history of seizures with impaired awareness, as will invariably be the case in those having epilepsy surgery. Current UK driving regulations allow driving if COSY is less than 20%.MethodWe calculated COSY in 819 epilepsy surgery patients with up to 25 years follow-up. Each patient year was graded on the The International League against Epilepsy surgery outcome scale.ResultsPatients who were entirely seizure-free for 1, 2 and 3 years had COSY of 4.9%, 3.5% and 2.4% respectively. Patients with only auras within the last 1, 2 or 3 years had a COSY of 11.3%, 9.2% and 7.8% respectively.ConclusionsIndividuals with auras only after epilepsy surgery had a higher COSY than those who were seizure-free. If a COSY of below 20% is regarded as an acceptable risk, it may be suggested that those with auras only in a given year be allowed to drive. The relative risk of these patients causing accidents is lower than population groups such as those aged <25 or >75 years, who are permitted to drive.