bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study—A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Boswood A. , Häggström J. , Gordon S.G. , Wess G. , Stepien R.L. , Oyama M.A. , Keene B.W. , Bonagura J. , MacDonald K.A. , Patteson M. , Smith S. , Fox P.R. , Sanderson K. , Woolley R. , Szatmári V. , Menaut P. , Church W.M. , O'Sullivan M. L. , Jaudon J.‐P. , Kresken J.‐G. , Rush J. , Barrett K.A. , Rosenthal S.L. , Saunders A.B. , Ljungvall I. , Deinert M. , Bomassi E. , Estrada A.H. , Fernandez Del Palacio M.J. , Moise N.S. , Abbott J.A. , Fujii Y. , Spier A. , Luethy M.W. , Santilli R.A. , Uechi M. , Tidholm A. , Watson P. 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundPimobendan is effective in treatment of dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF) secondary to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Its effect on dogs before the onset of CHF is unknown.Hypothesis/ObjectivesAdministration of pimobendan (0.4–0.6 mg/kg/d in divided doses) to dogs with increased heart size secondary to preclinical MMVD, not receiving other cardiovascular medications, will delay the onset of signs of CHF, cardiac‐related death, or euthanasia.Animals360 client‐owned dogs with MMVD with left atrial‐to‐aortic ratio ≥1.6, normalized left ventricular internal diameter in diastole ≥1.7, and vertebral heart sum >10.5.MethodsProspective, randomized, placebo‐controlled, blinded, multicenter clinical trial. Primary outcome variable was time to a composite of the onset of CHF, cardiac‐related death, or euthanasia.ResultsMedian time to primary endpoint was 1228 days (95% CI: 856–NA) in the pimobendan group and 766 days (95% CI: 667–875) in the placebo group (P = .0038). Hazard ratio for the pimobendan group was 0.64 (95% CI: 0.47–0.87) compared with the placebo group. The benefit persisted after adjustment for other variables. Adverse events were not different between treatment groups. Dogs in the pimobendan group lived longer (median survival time was 1059 days (95% CI: 952–NA) in the pimobendan group and 902 days (95% CI: 747–1061) in the placebo group) (P = .012).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceAdministration of pimobendan to dogs with MMVD and echocardiographic and radiographic evidence of cardiomegaly results in prolongation of preclinical period and is safe and well tolerated. Prolongation of preclinical period by approximately 15 months represents substantial clinical benefit.
Biochemical Characterization and Comparison of Pancreatic Lipases from the Pacific Bluefin Tuna, Thunnus orientalis; Totoaba, Totoaba macdonaldi; and Striped Bass, Morone saxatilis
Authors: Rueda‐López Servando , Martínez‐Montaño Emmanuel , Viana María Teresa 
Published: September 2016

AbstractLipolytic activity from pancreatic crude extracts from the Pacific bluefin tuna (PBT), Thunnus orientalis; totoaba, Totoaba macdonaldi; and striped bass, Morone saxatilis, were biochemically characterized to detect possible differences in the digestive capacity of each fish. The maximum activity was at temperatures ranging from 35 to 45 C and at pH 8.0; the activity decreased significantly at a pH lower than 7.0. Lipases from PBT and totoaba showed an increase in activity with the presence of sodium taurocholate (NaTC; 6 mM). However, no increase in activity could be observed when a mixture of bile salts or natural bile extracts was used in the reaction mixture, which was observed in the presence of NaTC. In contrast, the lipase activity from striped bass increased accordingly when NaCl was added at different levels (0–1.5 M). Calcium was not required in the reaction mixture for any of the fish species tested. We concluded that all three lipases have different physicochemical properties and ionic strength and emulsifier requirements to obtain their maximum activity. Striped bass was far too sensitive to NaCl, while totoaba and PBT were sensitive to NaTC. The differences in activity shown here suggest the possibility of studying the use of different additives on feed formulations to maximize lipase efficiency.
Differential Overeducation in East and West Germany: Extending Frank's Theory on Economic Returns Changes the Picture of Disadvantaged Women
Authors: Boll Christina , Leppin Julian Sebastian 
Published: September 2016

AbstractWe test the theory of differential overeducation which predicts that women and particularly partnered women are more affected by overeducation than men. OurOLSandFEestimations based on GermanSOEPdata confirm that women indeed exhibit more years of excess education in both regions. Women's higher educational mismatch accounts for 5 pp of the West German pay gap. However, women suffer lower wage penalties from overeducation than men in both regions and, for partnered people, higher female wage penalties vanish in theFEestimations. Hence, women are more rationed than men concerning overeducation magnitude, confirming Frank's theory, but rather less disadvantaged with respect to economic returns.
Skin glucose metabolism and microvascular blood flow during local insulin delivery and after an oral glucose load
Authors: Iredahl Fredrik , Högstedt Alexandra , Henricson Joakim , Sjöberg Folke , Tesselaar Erik , Farnebo Simon 
Published: September 2016

AbstractObjectiveInsulin causes capillary recruitment in muscle and adipose tissue, but the metabolic and microvascular effects of insulin in the skin have not been studied in detail. The aim of this study was to measure glucose metabolism and microvascular blood flow in the skin during local insulin delivery and after an oral glucose load.MethodsMicrodialysis catheters were inserted intracutanously in human subjects. In eight subjects two microdialysis catheters were inserted, one perfused with insulin and one with control solution. First the local effects of insulin was studied, followed by a systemic provocation by an oral glucose load. Additionally, as control experiment, six subjects did not recieve local delivery of insulin or the oral glucose load. During microdialysis the local blood flow was measured by urea clearance and by laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI).ResultsWithin 15 minutes of local insulin delivery, microvascular blood flow in the skin increased (urea clearance: P=.047, LSCI: P=.002) paralleled by increases in pyruvate (P=.01) and lactate (P=.04), indicating an increase in glucose uptake. An oral glucose load increased urea clearance from the catheters, indicating an increase in skin perfusion, although no perfusion changes were detected with LSCI. The concentration of glucose, pyruvate and lactate increased in the skin after the oral glucose load.ConclusionInsulin has metabolic and vasodilatory effects in the skin both when given locally and after systemic delivery through an oral glucose load.
Botryosphaeria dothidea: a latent pathogen of global importance to woody plant health
Authors: Marsberg Angelica , Kemler Martin , Jami Fahimeh , Nagel Jan H. , Postma‐Smidt Alisa , Naidoo Sanushka , Wingfield Michael J. , Crous Pedro W. , Spatafora Joseph W. , Hesse Cedar N. , Robbertse Barbara , Slippers Bernard 
Published: September 2016

SummaryBotryosphaeria dothidea is the type species of Botryosphaeria (Botryosphaeriaceae, Botryosphaeriales). Fungi residing in this order are amongst the most widespread and important canker and dieback pathogens of trees worldwide, with B. dothidea one of the most common species on a large number of hosts. Its taxonomic circumscription has undergone substantial change in the past decade, making it difficult to interpret the large volume of literature linked to the name B. dothidea. This pathogen profile synthesizes the current understanding of B. dothidea pertaining to its distribution, host associations and role as a pathogen in managed and natural woody environments. The prolonged latent infection or endophytic phase is of particular importance, as it implies that the fungus can easily pass undetected by quarantine systems in traded living plants, fruits and other plant parts. Infections typically become obvious only under conditions of host stress, when disease symptoms develop. This study also considers the knowledge emerging from the recently sequenced B. dothidea genome, elucidating previously unknown aspects of the species, including mating and host infection strategies. Despite more than 150 years of research on B. dothidea, there is clearly much to be learned regarding this global tree pathogen. This is increasingly important given the stresses imposed on various woody hosts as a result of climate change.TaxonomyBotryosphaeria dothidea (Moug. ex Fr) Ces. & De Not, 1863. Kingdom Fungi, Phylum Ascomycota, Class Dothideomycetes, Order Botryosphaeriales, Family Botryosphaeriaceae, Genus Botryosphaeria, Species dothidea.Host rangeConfirmed on more than 24 host genera, including woody plants, such as Acacia (= Vachellia), Eucalyptus, Vitis and Pistachio.Disease symptomsAssociated with twig, branch and stem cankers, tip and branch dieback, fruit rot, blue stain and plant death.Useful websites

The Botryosphaeria site for detailed morphological descriptions (http://www.crem.fct.unl.pt/botryosphaeria_site/);
Systematic Mycology and Microbiology Laboratory Fungal Database for all literature and associated hosts (https://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/);
TreeBASE link for the combined ITS and TEF‐1α tree (http://purl.org/phylo/treebase/phylows/study/TB2:S18906);
DOE Joint Genome Institute, JGI Mycocosm for the Botryosphaeria dothidea genome (http://genome.jgi.doe.gov/Botdo1_1/Botdo1_1.home.html).
A rare case of aggressive osteoblastoma in maxilla
Authors: Pamuk A.E. , Yeşilırmak A. , Kuşcu O. , Kösemehmetoğlu K. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractOsteoblastoma is a benign osteogenic bone tumour. Despite having a benign character, a small subgroup referred to as aggressive or epithelioid osteoblastoma can exhibit locally aggressive behaviour. Herein, we report a 45‐year‐old man who presented with a rapidly growing palatal and maxillary mass that resulted in difficulty with respiration and oral feeding. Following radiological evaluation and incisional biopsy based on the prediagnosis of aggressive osteoblastoma, total maxillectomy was performed. Histopathological examination revealed an expansile bone‐forming tumour without any atypical mitosis, necrosis, pleomorphism or hyperchromasia and it was interpreted as aggressive osteoblastoma. The differential diagnosis includes low‐grade osteoblastoma‐like osteosarcoma, and there is an ongoing debate about the proper classification and diagnosis. Proper treatment should include surgical excision of the lesion, reconstruction of the surgical site and close follow‐up for possible recurrence. This case is a well‐demonstrated example of multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment of a rare and challenging phenomenon.
Early survival of Quercus ilex subspecies from different populations after infections and co‐infections by multiple Phytophthora species
Authors: Corcobado T. , Miranda‐Torres J. J. , Martín‐García J. , Jung T. , Solla A. 
Published: September 2016

Forests in Europe are threatened by increased diversity of Phytophthora species, but effects on trees of simultaneous infections by Phytophthora and ecological consequences of their coexistence are unknown. This study explored variation in early survival of Quercus ilex to Phytophthora infections and assessed interactions between Phytophthora species when trees were co‐infected. Three Phytophthora species (P. cinnamomi, P. gonapodyides and P. quercina), seeds from 16 populations of Q. ilex (ballota and ilex subspecies) and two infection times were used as sources of variation in two experiments. The influence of Phytophthora species, Q. ilex subspecies and populations on plant germination and survival were analysed using generalized linear mixed models and survival analysis techniques. Germination rates were not influenced by Phytophthora spp. (P = 0.194) but by the subspecies and populations of Q. ilex (P < 0.001). In Phytophthora‐infested soils, Q. ilex subsp. ilex germinated at higher rates than Q. ilex subsp. ballota. Plant survival was strongly influenced by Phytophthora species (P < 0.001), not by the subspecies and populations of Q. ilex. Seedling mortality was reduced and delayed if a less virulent Phytophthora species infected plants prior to infection by a more virulent Phytophthora species. The results help to explain oak decline syndrome and the lack of natural and artificial regeneration of Q. ilex forests. Lack of interspecific variability of early survival to Phytophthora spp. discourages direct sowing for artificial reforestation programmes. Large, thick seeds, giving plants rapid growth, are advantageous traits when soils are infested with Phytophthora spp.
Buttonhole Cannulation of the AV Fistula: A Critical Analysis of the Technique
Authors: Di Nicolò Pierpaolo , Cornacchiari Marina , Mereghetti Marco , Mudoni Anna 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAs a consequence of the central role of the arteriovenous fistula for dialysis (AVF) in the clinical management of the dialysis patient the necessity to limit the puncture‐related complications to extend as much as possible the life of the vascular access. Accordingly, the AVF needling technique has gained growing attention. Alongside the traditional rope ladder (RL) puncture method, the buttonhole technique (BH) is increasingly popular; this technique employs the same cannulation sites of AVF in every dialysis associated with the use of dull needles to minimize vessels damage. The BH technique, utilized only for native AVF, is considered an appropriate alternative to the RL and is now recommended by several scientific societies for its reported benefits such as: AVF greater ease of cannulation, less pain, faster hemostasis and less tendency to the creation of aneurysms and hematomas.The use of BH is especially recommended in cases in which the RL is problematic with short or winding venous sections and in home dialysis in which the patient performs the needling. However recent evidence in literature, countering these theoretical advantages, indicates that the BH technique appears to be closely related to an increased risk of local and systemic infections. Furthermore, the purported benefits of BH have not held up under closer examination.
Early real-world evidence of persistence on oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation: a cohort study in UK primary care
Authors: Johnson Michelle E , Lefèvre Cinira , Collings Shuk-Li , Evans David , Kloss Sebastian , Ridha Essra , Maguire Andrew 
Published: September 2016

ObjectivesTo examine the characteristics and persistence in patients newly initiated with oral anticoagulants (OACs) for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).DesignCohort study in Clinical Practice Research Datalink.SettingUK primary care.Participants15 242 patients with NVAF newly prescribed apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran or vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) between 1 December 2012 and 31 October 2014. 13 089 patients were OAC naïve.Outcome measuresPatient characteristics and risk of non-persistence compared to apixaban using Cox regression models over the entire follow-up and using a time-partitioned approach to handle non-proportional hazards.ResultsAmong the OAC naïve patients, VKAs were most common (78.1%, n=10 218), followed by rivaroxaban (12.1%, n=1589), dabigatran (5.7%, n=741) and apixaban (4.1%, n=541). High baseline stroke risk (CHA2DS2VASc ≥2) ranged from 80.2% (dabigatran) to 88.4% (apixaban and rivaroxaban). History of stroke and bleeding was the highest among apixaban (23.7% and 31.6%) and lowest among VKA patients (15.9% and 27.5%). Across the entire follow-up period, adjusting for differences in characteristics, there was no evidence of a difference in non-persistence between VKA and apixaban (HR 0.92 (95% CI 0.68 to 1.23)). Non-persistence was higher with dabigatran (HR 1.67 (1.20 to 2.32)) and rivaroxaban (HR 1.41 (1.02 to 1.93)) than apixaban. Using the partitioned approach, non-persistence was lower with VKA (HR 0.33 (0.22 to 0.48)), and higher with dabigatran (HR 1.65 (1.08 to 2.52)) compared to apixaban in the first 2 months of follow-up. After 2 months, non-persistence was higher with VKA (HR 1.70 (1.08 to 2.66)) and dabigatran (HR 2.10 (1.30 to 3.41)). Pooling OAC naïve and experienced patients, non-persistence was also higher with rivaroxaban compared to apixaban after 2 months of follow-up (HR 1.69 (1.19 to 2.39)).ConclusionsObserved differential prescribing of OACs can result in channelling bias in comparative effectiveness research. Persistence patterns changed over follow-up time, but there are indications of improved persistence rates with apixaban over other OACs in the UK. A larger study with longer follow-up is needed to corroborate findings. This study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02488421).
Qualitative study of the clinician–parent interface in discussing prognosis following MRI and US imaging of preterm infants in the UK
Authors: Harvey M E , Redshaw M E 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveTo explore communication and interaction between parents and clinicians following neonatal ultrasound (US) and MRI of the brain of babies born preterm.SettingThis qualitative study was undertaken as part of a larger UK study of neonatal brain imaging. 511 infants were cared for in 14 London neonatal units with MR and cerebral US imaging in a specialist centre.ParticipantsParents with infants born at <33 weeks gestation were randomised to receive prognostic information based on either MRI or US findings on their infants at term-corrected age.MethodsDiscussions between parents and clinicians about the MRI or US result were audio recorded. Parents were told about the findings and their baby's predicted outcome. A topic guide ensured essential aspects were covered. Recordings were fully transcribed. Discussion of the scan results, the content and style of the interaction and parental response were analysed qualitatively in 36 recordings using NVivo V.10.OutcomesKey themes and subthemes were identified in the clinician–parent discussions.ResultsThe overarching theme of ‘the communication interface’ was identified with three key themes: ‘giving information’, ‘managing the conversation’ and ‘getting it right’ and further subthemes. A range of approaches were used to facilitate parental understanding and engagement. There were differences in the exchanges when information about an abnormal scan was given. The overall structure of the discussions was largely similar, though the language used varied. In all of the discussions, the clinicians talked more than the parents.ConclusionsThe discussions represent a difficult situation in which the challenge is to give and receive complex prognostic information in the context of considerable uncertainty. The study highlights the importance of being able to re-visit specific issues and any potential areas of misunderstanding, of making time to talk to parents appreciating their perspective and level of knowledge.Trial registration numberEudraCT 2009-013888-19; Pre-results.
Educational inequalities in premature mortality in Poland, 2002–2011: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Pikala Małgorzata , Burzyn´ska Monika , Pikala Robert , Bryła Marek , Maniecka-Bryła Irena 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundThe aim of the study is to evaluate the differences in premature mortality between educational groups of Polish inhabitants in 2002 and 2011.MethodsThe analysis included all deaths among inhabitants of Poland, aged 25–64 years, which occurred in 2002 (N=97 004) and 2011 (N=104 598). We calculated age-standardised death rates (SDRs) and summary measures on inequalities. The relative index of inequality (RII) was calculated with Poisson regression.ResultsThe SDR for Poland decreased from 285.7 per 100 000 in 2002 to 246.0 in 2011 among males with higher education and increased from 1141.0 in 2002 to 1183.0 in 2011 among males with lower secondary or less education (the rate ratio increased from 4.0 to 4.8). With regard to females with higher education, the SDR decreased from 127.2 per 100 000 in 2002 to 115.6 in 2011. Among females with lower secondary or less education, the SDR increased from 375.8 per 100 000 in 2002 to 423.1 in 2011 (the rate ratio increased from 3.0 to 3.7). The RII increased from 5.8 to 9.7 in the male group and from 4.4 to 8.3 in the female group. The greatest educational inequalities in 2011 were observed in females who died of cardiovascular diseases (RII=14.9) and lung cancer (RII=6.6) and in males who died of suicides (RII=19.3) and lung cancer (RII=11.9).ConclusionsEducational inequalities in premature mortality in Poland are growing. There is a need to implement health education programmes targeted at groups of the most poorly educated Polish inhabitants, especially for diseases resulting from smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Female genital cosmetic surgery: a cross-sectional survey exploring knowledge, attitude and practice of general practitioners
Authors: Simonis M , Manocha R , Ong J J 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveTo explore general practitioner's (GP) knowledge, attitudes and practice regarding female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) in Australia.DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingAustralia.SampleGPs who attended a women's health seminar and GPs who subscribed to a non-governmental, national health professional organisation database that provides education to primary care professionals.MethodA national online survey of GPs was conducted for the 10-week period, starting 1 week prior and 2 months after a Women's Health seminar was held in Perth on 8 August 2015. 31 questions prompted GPs' knowledge, attitudes and practice in managing patients asking about FGCS.ResultsThe survey was fully completed by 443 GPs; 54% had seen patients requesting FGCS. Overall, 75% (95% CI 71% to 79%) of GPs rated their knowledge of FGCS as inadequate and 97% (95% CI 94% to 99%) had been asked by women of all ages about genital normality. Of those who had seen patients requesting FGCS, nearly half (44%, 95% CI 38% to 51%) reported they had insufficient knowledge of risks of FGCS procedures and 35% (95% CI 29% to 41%) reported seeing females younger than 18 years of age requesting FGCS. Just over half (56%, 95% CI 51% to 60%) of the GPs felt that women should be counselled before making a referral for FGCS. More than half the GPs suspected psychological disturbances in their patients requesting FGCS such as depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties and body dysmorphic disorder.ConclusionsGPs see women of all ages presenting with genital anatomy concerns and in those who request FGCS, GPs often suspected a range of mental health difficulties. GPs require greater education to support their patients who request FGCS.