bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age distributions of Greenlandic dwarf shrubs support concept of negligible actuarial senescence
Authors: Dahlgren Johan P. , Rizzi Silvia , Schweingruber Fritz H. , Hellmann Lena , Büntgen Ulf 
Published: October 2016

AbstractMany plants and sessile animals may not show actuarial senescence, the increase in mortality with age predicted to be ubiquitous by classic evolutionary theories of aging. Age‐structured demographic information is, however, limited for most organisms. We assessed the age distributions of nine dwarf shrub species from 863 taproot samples collected in coastal east Greenland. Penalized composite link models (pclm) were used to fill gaps in the observed age ranges, caused by low species‐specific sample sizes in relation to life span. Resulting distributions indicate that mortality patterns are independent of age. Actuarial senescence is thus negligible in these dwarf shrub populations. We suggest that smoothing techniques such as pclm enable consideration of noisy age data for determining age distributions. These distributions may, in turn, reveal age effects on demographic rates. Moreover, age determination from the root collars of small plants constitutes a powerful technique to further investigate age dependency of the demography of many plant species, including eudicot herbs. Using these methods for long‐lived plants where long‐term monitoring is unrealistic, we show that age is unlikely to be an important variable for making population projections and determining extinction risks.
Variability of biomarkers in patients with chronic heart failure and healthy controls
Authors: Meijers Wouter C. , van der Velde A. Rogier , Muller Kobold Anneke C. , Dijck‐Brouwer Janneke , Wu Alan H. , Jaffe Allan , de Boer Rudolf A. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAimsBiomarkers can be used for diagnosis, risk stratification, or management of patients with heart failure (HF). Knowledge about the biological variation is needed for proper interpretation of serial measurements. Therefore, we aimed to determine and compare the biological variation of a large panel of biomarkers in healthy subjects and in patients with chronic HF.Methods and resultsThe biological variability of established biomarkers [NT‐proBNP and high‐sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT)], novel biomarkers [galectin‐3, suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2), and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF‐15)], and renal/neurohormonal biomarkers (aldosterone, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, plasma renin concentration, and creatinine) was determined in 28 healthy subjects and 83 HF patients, over a period of 4 months and 6 weeks, respectively. The analytical (CVa), intraindividual (CVi), and interindividual (CVg) variations were calculated, as well as the reference change value (RCV), which reflects the percentage of change that may indicate a ‘relevant’ change. All crude biomarker levels were significantly increased or decreased in HF patients compared with controls (all P < 0.01). Variation indices were comparable in healthy individuals and HF patients. CVi was not influenced by the individual levels of the biomarker itself. NT‐proBNP and GDF‐15 had relatively high CVi (21.8% and 16.6%) and RCV (61.7% and 64.3%), whereas ST2 (CVi, 15.0; RCV, 42.9%), hsTnT (CVi, 11.1; RCV, 31.4%), and galectin‐3 (CVi, 8.1; RCV, 25.0%) had lower indices of variation.ConclusionBiological variation indices are comparable between healthy subjects and HF patients for a broad spectrum of biomarkers. NT‐proBNP and GDF‐15 have substantial variation, with lower variation for ST2, hsTnT, and galectin‐3. These data are instrumental in proper interpretation of biomarker levels in HF patients.
Mechanistic modeling of pesticide exposure: The missing keystone of honey bee toxicology
Authors: Sponsler Douglas B. , Johnson Reed M. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

The role of pesticides in recent honey bee losses is controversial, partly because field studies often fail to detect effects predicted by laboratory studies. This dissonance highlights a critical gap in the field of honey bee toxicology: there exists little mechanistic understanding of the patterns and processes of exposure that link honey bees to pesticides in their environment. The authors submit that 2 key processes underlie honey bee pesticide exposure: 1) the acquisition of pesticide by foraging bees, and 2) the in-hive distribution of pesticide returned by foragers. The acquisition of pesticide by foraging bees must be understood as the spatiotemporal intersection between environmental contamination and honey bee foraging activity. This implies that exposure is distributional, not discrete, and that a subset of foragers may acquire harmful doses of pesticide while the mean colony exposure would appear safe. The in-hive distribution of pesticide is a complex process driven principally by food transfer interactions between colony members, and this process differs importantly between pollen and nectar. High priority should be placed on applying the extensive literature on honey bee biology to the development of more rigorously mechanistic models of honey bee pesticide exposure. In combination with mechanistic effects modeling, mechanistic exposure modeling has the potential to integrate the field of honey bee toxicology, advancing both risk assessment and basic research. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:871–881. © 2016 SETAC
Captagon: use and trade in the Middle East
Authors: AL‐Imam Ahmed , Santacroce Rita , Roman‐Urrestarazu Andres , Chilcott Robert , Bersani Giuseppe , Martinotti Giovanni , Corazza Ornella 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundFenetheylline, a psychostimulant drug, often branded as Captagon, is a combination of amphetamine and theophylline. Since the cessation of its legal production in 1986, counterfeited products have been produced illicitly in south‐east Europe and far‐east Asia. Its profitable trade has been linked to terrorist organizations, including Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. This study aims to reach up‐to‐date data, concerning the Captagon e‐commerce and use in the Middle East.MethodsA multi‐staged and multi‐lingual literature search was carried out. A list of prespecified keywords was applied across medical and paramedical databases, web and Dark web, search engines, social communication media, electronic commerce websites, media networks, and the Global Public Health Intelligence Network database.ResultsThe use of Captagon as a stimulant in terrorist settings has been marginally covered in the literature. Data can widely be retrieved from Google and AOL search engines, YouTube, and Amazon e‐commerce websites, and to a lesser extent from Alibaba and eBay. On the contrary, Middle Eastern e‐commerce websites yielded almost no results. Interestingly, the Dark web generated original data for Captagon e‐commerce in the Middle East.ConclusionFurther investigations are needed on the role that psychoactive drugs play in terrorist attacks and civil war zones. Unless a comprehensive methodological strategy, inclusive of unconventional methods of research, is implemented, it will not be feasible to face such a threat to humanity.
Training in hepato‐pancreato‐biliary surgery during residency: past, present and future perspectives
Authors: de Santibañes Martin , de Santibañes Eduardo , Pekolj Juan 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe paradigm introduced by William Halsted for surgical residency training has been considered the most appropriate educational system to acquire the knowledge and surgical skills required to become a competent general surgeon. Hepato‐pancreato‐biliary (HPB) surgery is considered an important part of general surgery training because of its high prevalence and complexity. Nowadays, we are faced with a worldwide shortage of general surgeons candidates, restrictive working hours and less surgical exposure, situations that can undermine the objectives of training in HPB surgery during residency. Moreover, new generations of resident graduates are concerned about their lack of preparedness for independence. We cannot escape from this reality and therefore it justifies a reflection in our HPB surgical world community.
Separation of benign and malignant breast lesions using dynamic contrast enhanced MRI in a biopsy cohort
Authors: Kim Sungheon Gene , Freed Melanie , Leite Ana Paula Klautau , Zhang Jin , Seuss Claudia , Moy Linda 
Published: October 2016

PurposeTo assess the diagnostic utility of contrast kinetic analysis for breast lesions and background parenchyma of women undergoing MRI‐guided biopsies, for whom standard clinical analysis had failed to separate benign and malignant lesions.Materials and MethodsThis study included 115 women who had indeterminate lesions based on routine diagnostic breast MRI exams and underwent an MRI (3 Tesla) ‐guided biopsy of one or more lesions suspicious for breast cancer. Breast dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE)‐MRI was performed using a radial stack‐of‐stars three‐dimensional spoiled gradient echo pulse sequence and modified k‐space weighted image contrast image reconstruction. Contrast kinetic model analysis was conducted to characterize the contrast enhancement patterns measured in lesions and background parenchyma (BP). The transfer rate (Ktrans), interstitial volume fraction (ve), and vascular volume fraction (vp) estimated from the lesion and BP were used to separate malignant from benign lesions.ResultsThe patients with malignant lesions had significantly (P < 0.05) higher median lesion‐Ktrans (0.081 min−1), higher median BP‐Ktrans (0.032 min−1), and BP‐vp (0.020) than those without malignant lesions (0.056 min−1, 0.017 min−1 and 0.012, respectively). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the BP‐Ktrans (0.687) was highest among the single parameters and higher than that of the lesion‐Ktrans (0.664). The combined logistic regression model of lesion‐Ktrans, lesion‐ve, BP‐Ktrans, BP‐ve, and BP‐vp had the highest AUC of 0.730.ConclusionOur results suggest that the contrast kinetic analysis of DCE‐MRI data can be used to differentiate the malignant lesions from the benign and high‐risk lesions among the indeterminate breast lesions recommended for MRI‐guided biopsy exams.Level of Evidence: 3J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1385–1393
One‐month apparent diffusion coefficient correlates with response to radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Barat Maxime , Fohlen Audrey , Cassinotto Christophe , Jannot Anne Sophie , Dautry Raphael , Pelage Jean‐Pierre , Boudiaf Mourad , Pocard Marc , Eveno Clarisse , Taouli Bachir , Soyer Philippe , Dohan Anthony 
Published: October 2016

PurposeTo assess whether apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values at 1 and 3 months after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may be associated with a favorable response to therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver metastases.Materials and MethodsFifty‐nine patients with HCC (n = 35) or liver metastases (n = 24) who underwent 1.5T diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWMRI) at 1 and 3 months post‐RFA were included. ADC values of patients with local tumor recurrence were compared to those without local recurrence. A subgroup analysis was performed for HCC and metastases.ResultsThirty‐eight HCC and 27 metastases were evaluated. The ADC value of HCC at 1 month after RFA was lower in recurrent tumors (0.957 ± 0.229 [SD] × 10−3mm2) compared to tumors with complete response (1.414 ± 0.322 [SD] × 10−3 mm2/s, P = 0.006). At multivariate analysis, ADC at 1 month was the single independent variable associated with recurrence for HCC (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.860). No significant association was observed for liver metastases (P = 0.089).ConclusionA low ADC value at 1 month after RFA is associated with an early local recurrence of HCC. This study does not confirm that such association exists for hepatic metastases.Level of Evidence: 3Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1648–1658
A 211‐year growing season temperature reconstruction using tree‐ring width in Zhangguangcai Mountains, Northeast China: linkages to the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans
Authors: Zhu Liangjun , Li Zongshan , Zhang Yuandong , Wang Xiaochun 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTNortheast China is one of the most vulnerable areas to climate change in high latitude regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The past temperature variations are critical to reveal the driving mechanism of climate change and to reduce the uncertainty in predicting future climates. Pre‐instrument climatic variability is poorly understood, because of the scarcity of centuries‐long climatic data. Here, we present a 211‐year (1803–2013) growing season (May–July) temperature reconstruction based on tree‐ring width chronology of Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) from Zhangguangcai Mountains in Northeast China. The reconstruction accounted for 41.3% of the temperature variance during the calibration period from 1959 to 2013. The temperature reconstruction was similar to other nearby temperature reconstructions and correlated well spatially to gridded land and ocean surface temperature data. We identified four major cold periods (1839–1846, 1884–1901, 1906–1908 and 1941–1958) and three major warm periods (1855–1880, 1918–1932 and 1998–2013) in the past 211 years. The multi‐taper method spectral analysis revealed significant cycles at 48.8, 11.5, 8.9, 3.9, 3.5 and 2–3 years, which might be associated with global climate oscillations and land‐sea thermal contrasts, such as the sea surface temperatures, El Niño‐Southern Oscillation, Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and solar activity.
What allows a health care system to become a learning health care system: Results from interviews with health system leaders
Authors: Morain Stephanie R. , Kass Nancy E. , Grossmann Claudia 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIntroductionThe US health care system faces pressure to improve quality while managing complexity, curbing costs, and reducing inefficiency. These shortcomings have sparked interest in the Learning Health Care System (LHCS) as an alternate approach to organizing research and clinical care. Although diverse stakeholders have expressed support for moving toward an LHCS model, limited guidance exists for institutions considering such a transition.MethodsInterviews were conducted with institutional leaders from 25 health care systems considered to be at the forefront of LHCS. Interviews focused on the process of transitioning toward an LHCS, including motivations for change, key components, challenges encountered, and strategies for success, and on ethics and regulatory issues encountered. Qualitative analysis identified key themes across institutions.ResultsRespondents described 5 themes related to the origin of their LHCS transformation: (1) visionary leadership or influence of a key individual, (2) adaptation to a changing health care landscape, (3) external funding, (4) regulatory or legislative influence, and (5) mergers or expansions. They described 6 challenges: (1) organizational culture, (2) data systems and data sharing, (3) funding learning activities, (4) limited supply of skilled individuals, (5) managing competing priorities, and (6) regulatory challenges. Finally, they suggested 8 strategies to support transformation: (1) strong leadership, (2) setting a limited number of organizational priorities, (3) building on existing strengths, (4) training programs, (5) “purposeful” design of data systems, (6) internal transparency of quality metrics, (7) payer/provider integration, and, within academic medical centers, (8) academic/clinical integration.ConclusionsEven institutions at the forefront of LHCS described the transition as difficult. Their experiences provide insight into other institutions considering similar transitions, including elements essential for success and likely challenges.
Properties of PVA Hydrogel Wound‐Care Dressings Containing UK Propolis
Authors: Oliveira Renata N. , McGuinness Garrett B. , Ramos Maria Eduarda T. , Kajiyama Carolina E. , Thiré Rossana M. S. M. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryBurns pose a potential threat to health, and often require dressings. PVA hydrogels present many characteristics of ideal dressings, but do not have any intrinsic antimicrobial properties. Propolis is a natural antimicrobial substance that can be incorporated in materials intended for wound‐care. The goal of this work was to produce and characterize (in terms of swelling behaviour, microstructural and thermal analysis) PVA gels loaded with a UK propolis. Propolis was loaded in the gels and it altered the crystallinity of the PVA gels. The thermal profile of the PVA‐UK propolis gels was different from that of PVA gel alone. All gels presented at least ∼200% of swelling degree. Weight loss as well as propolis release was high for samples with high amount of propolis. Samples with the highest amount of propolis still presented mechanical properties adequate for the application.
Quantification of Oxaliplatin Encapsulated into PLGA Microspheres by TGA
Authors: Saez Vivian , Cerruti Renata , Ramón Jose A. , Santos Edson R.F. , Silva Dionisio Z. , Pinto José Carlos , Souza Fernando Gomes 
Published: October 2016

SummaryOxaliplatin (OP) is an anti‐tumor agent used for advanced colorectal cancer treatment. Therapies with OP produce side effects, which could be reduced by its encapsulation into PLGA microspheres (MS). The determination of OP content in MS is important for defining the exact quantity of loaded particles into final formulation and achieve correct dosage of this drug. This research focuses on determining OP through the Pt residue which is quantified by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). It was demonstrated that there is no significant difference between the intrinsic residues for MS obtained with the PLA or PLGA. In turn, a statistically significant difference was detected between residue of tested polymers. The linearity was proved (R2 = 0.9998) by evaluating samples prepared from mixtures of empty PLGA MS and known quantities of OP. The detection limit was equal to 0.25% Pt residue while the quantitation limit was equal to 0.78%. Thus, TGA allows to quantify oxaliplatin loadings as small as 1.57 wt% in samples of 20 mg.
Influence of Carbon Nanoparticles on Thermal, Mechanical and Rheological Properties of Polypropylene Nanocomposites Modified with Vinyl Trimethoxysilane
Authors: Araújo Rafael S. , Oliveira Renato J. B. , Libório Patrícia , de Fátima V. Marques Maria 
Published: October 2016

SummaryIn the present study, masterbatch of polypropylene and graphene nanocomposite was obtained by in situ polymerization. Afterwards, this masterbatch was diluted in commercial PP matrix previously treated with dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and vinyl trimethoxysilane (VTMS), originating grafted and reinforced filaments. Then, this material was crosslinked in water at 90 °C through condensation of hydroxyl groups derived from grafted PP chains. These materials were evaluated according to their thermal, mechanical and rheological properties. The results showed that it was possible to graft and crosslink PP, however, crosslinking was hindered by the presence of graphene sheets in the polymer matrix. In non‐reinforced crosslinked polymer, an increase in complex viscosity was observed, showing that actually occurred crosslinking. Furthermore, the grafted sample has lower molecular weight compared to the commercial PP. The crosslinked sample reduced its Newtonian plateau.
Development and feasibility of the computerized Turkish edition of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview [DIA‐X/CIDI version 2.8(TR)]
Authors: Dingoyan Demet , Mösko Mike , Imamoğlu Yadigar , von Wolff Alessa , Strehle Jens , Wittchen Hans‐Ulrich , Schulz Holger , Koch‐Gromus Uwe , Heinz Andreas , Kluge Ulrike 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI), which has been widely applied in epidemiological research, is a standardized, clinically structured interview that enables the diagnosis of mental disorders based on DSM and ICD criteria. The computerized DIA‐X CIDI Version 2.8 investigated in this study is an adaptation of the German DIA‐X/Munich CIDI, which was translated in a multi‐step process into Turkish and used to survey the prevalence of mental disorders in individuals with Turkish migration backgrounds in Germany (N = 662). The bilingual lay interviewers were intensively trained and supervised during the data collection. The survey was accompanied by further quality measures, including editing and documenting. To investigate the instrument's feasibility, quality criteria were used based on the following data sources: (1) socio‐demographic sample characteristics; (2) interviewer assessments and (3) quantitative measures (interview duration, non‐response items, error items). The results indicated that quality differences between the German and Turkish DIA‐X/CIDI are associated with age, educational level and socio‐economic status and not with the CIDI version itself. In short, the Turkish DIA‐X/CIDI Version 2.8 has comparatively good quality and feasibility relative to its German counterpart.
Outpatient psychodynamic group psychotherapy – outcomes related to personality disorder, severity, age and gender
Authors: Kvarstein Elfrida Hartveit , Nordviste Ola , Dragland Lone , Wilberg Theresa 
Published: October 2016

AbstractObjectivesOutpatient group psychotherapy is frequent within specialist services, recruits a mixed population, but effects are poorly documented. This study investigates long‐term outcomes for patients with personality disorder (PD) treated in outpatient, psychodynamic groups within secondary mental health service.MethodsA naturalistic study (N = 103) with repeated assessments of process and clinical outcomes. Longitudinal statistics are linear mixed models.ResultsThe main PDs were avoidant, borderline and NOS PD, mean number of PDs 1.4(SD0.7), 60% females and mean initial age 38(SD10) years. Mean treatment duration was 1.5(SD 0.9) years. Therapist alliance and experienced group climate was satisfactory and stable. Improvements were significant (symptom distress, interpersonal problems, occupational functioning and additional mental health services), irrespective of general PD‐severity, but not of PD‐type, age or gender. The study demonstrates PD NOS benefits across all outcomes, occupational improvements for avoidant PD, despite prevailing symptoms, but generally poorer outcomes for males and age >38 years. For borderline PD, experienced conflict was stronger, treatment duration shorter and outcomes poor for early drop‐outs (28%).ConclusionPsychodynamic group psychotherapy is a recommendable treatment for moderate PDs, which may address avoidant strategies, but may not meet clinical challenges of borderline PD. The outcome differences related to gender and age are noteworthy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.