bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Study of the Effect of Doughnut Chart Parameters on Proportion Estimation Accuracy
Authors: Cai X. , Efstathiou K. , Xie X. , Wu Y. , Shi Y. , Yu L. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPie and doughnut charts nicely convey the part–whole relationship and they have become the most recognizable chart types for representing proportions in business and data statistics. Many experiments have been carried out to study human perception of the pie chart, while the corresponding aspects of the doughnut chart have seldom been tested, even though the doughnut chart and the pie chart share several similarities. In this paper, we report on a series of experiments in which we explored the effect of a few fundamental design parameters of doughnut charts, and additional visual cues, on the accuracy of such charts for proportion estimates. Since mobile devices are becoming the primary devices for casual reading, we performed all our experiments on such device. Moreover, the screen size of mobile devices is limited and it is therefore important to know how such size constraint affects the proportion accuracy. For this reason, in our first experiment we tested the chart size and we found that it has no significant effect on proportion accuracy. In our second experiment, we focused on the effect of the doughnut chart inner radius and we found that the proportion accuracy is insensitive to the inner radius, except the case of the thinnest doughnut chart. In the third experiment, we studied the effect of visual cues and found that marking the centre of the doughnut chart or adding tick marks at 25% intervals improves the proportion accuracy. Based on the results of the three experiments, we discuss the design of doughnut charts and offer suggestions for improving the accuracy of proportion estimates.
Quasi‐static strength and fractography analysis of two dental implants manufactured by direct metal laser sintering
Authors: Gehrke Sergio Alexandre , Pérez‐Díaz Leticia , Dedavid Berenice Anina 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundNew manufacturing methods was developed to improve the tissues integration with the titanium alloy pieces.ObjectiveThe present in vitro study was to assess the resistance and fracture mode after applied a quasi‐static compressive force on the two dental implants manufactured by direct metal laser sintering.Materials and MethodsTwenty dental implants manufactured by direct metal laser sintering, using titanium alloy (Ti‐6Al‐4V) granules in two designs (n = 10 per group): Conventional dental implant (group Imp1) two‐piece implant design, where the surgical implant and prosthetic abutment are two separate components and, the one‐piece implant (group Imp2), where the surgical implant and prosthetic abutment are one integral piece. All samples were subjected to quasi‐static loading at a 30° angle to the implant axis in a universal testing machine.ResultsThe mean fracture strengths were 1269.2 ± 128.8 N for the group Imp1 and, 1259.5 ± 115.1 N for the group Imp2, without statistical differences (P = .8722). In both groups, the fracture surface does not present crack between the compact core and the superficial (less dense and porous) part of the implants.ConclusionsBased on the measured resistance data for the two implant models manufactured by direct metal laser sintering tested in the present study, we can suggest that they have adequate capacity to withstand the masticatory loads.
Toward an integrative molecular approach to wildlife disease
Authors: DeCandia Alexandra L. , Dobson Andrew P. , vonHoldt Bridgett M. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPathogens pose serious threats to human health, agricultural investment, and biodiversity conservation through the emergence of zoonoses, spillover to domestic livestock, and epizootic outbreaks. As such, wildlife managers are often tasked with mitigating the negative effects of disease. Yet, parasites form a major component of biodiversity that often persist. This is due to logistical challenges of implementing management strategies and to insufficient understanding of host–parasite dynamics. We advocate for an inclusive understanding of molecular diversity in driving parasite infection and variable host disease states in wildlife systems. More specifically, we examine the roles of genetic, epigenetic, and commensal microbial variation in disease pathogenesis. These include mechanisms underlying parasite virulence and host resistance and tolerance, and the development, regulation, and parasite subversion of immune pathways, among other processes. Case studies of devil facial tumor disease in Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) and chytridiomycosis in globally distributed amphibians exemplify the broad range of questions that can be addressed by examining different facets of molecular diversity. For particularly complex systems, integrative molecular analyses present a promising frontier that can provide critical insights necessary to elucidate disease dynamics operating across scales. These insights enable more accurate risk assessment, reconstruction of transmission pathways, discernment of optimal intervention strategies, and development of more effective and ecologically sound treatments that minimize damage to the host population and environment. Such measures are crucial when mitigating threats posed by wildlife disease to humans, domestic animals, and species of conservation concern.
Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in laparoscopic colorectal surgery improves postoperative pain management: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Hain E. , Maggiori L. , Prost à la Denise J. , Panis Y. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimTransversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a locoregional anaesthesia technique of growing interest in abdominal surgery. However, its efficacy following laparoscopic colorectal surgery is still debated. This meta‐analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of TAP block after laparoscopic colorectal surgery.MethodAll comparative studies focusing on TAP block after laparoscopic colorectal surgery have been systematically identified through the MEDLINE database, reviewed and included. Meta‐analysis was performed according to the Mantel–Haenszel method for random effects. End‐points included postoperative opioid consumption, morbidity, time to first bowel movement and length of hospital stay.ResultsA total of 13 studies, including 7 randomized controlled trials, were included, comprising a total of 600 patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery with TAP block, compared with 762 patients without TAP block. Meta‐analysis of these studies showed that TAP block was associated with a significantly reduced postoperative opioid consumption on the first day after surgery [weighted mean difference (WMD) −14.54 (−25.14; −3.94); P = 0.007] and a significantly shorter time to first bowel movement [WMD −0.53 (−0.61; −0.44); P < 0.001] but failed to show any impact on length of hospital stay [WMD −0.32 (−0.83; 0.20); P = 0.23] although no study considered length of stay as its primary outcome. Finally, TAP block was not associated with a significant increase in the postoperative overall complication rate [OR = 0.84 (0.62–1.14); P = 0.27].ConclusionTransversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in laparoscopic colorectal surgery improves postoperative opioid consumption and recovery of postoperative digestive function without any significant drawback.
First detection of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum associated with canker disease in Egyptian Ficus trees
Authors: Al‐Bedak O. A. , Mohamed R. A. , Seddek Nermien H. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryIn September 2013, a canker disease of Ficus nitida and F. benjamina was reported for the first time in Assiut governorate, Egypt. Infected samples were collected from various locations. Pure cultures of a fungus were isolated on potato dextrose agar at 25°C from diseased plants. Morphological investigation and DNA sequencing showed that the causal agent was Neoscytalidium dimidiatum. A pathogenicity test conducted using 2‐year‐old plants of each host gave 70%–80% infection, and the pathogen was reisolated from the inoculated plants. A pure culture of N. dimidiatum was deposited in the culture collection of the Assiut University Mycological Centre (AUMC) under the code AUMC 9293 and the ITS sequence was placed in NCBI under accession number KX985929.
miRNA‐15a, miRNA‐16, miRNA‐126, miRNA‐146a, and miRNA‐223 expressions in autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and their impact on engraftment
Authors: Nowicki Mateusz , Szemraj Janusz , Wierzbowska Agnieszka , Misiewicz Małgorzata , Małachowski Roman , Pluta Agnieszka , Grzybowska–Izydorczyk Olga , Robak Tadeusz , Szmigielska‐Kapłon Anna 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjectiveMicroRNAs engaged in angiogenesis and hematopoiesis can influence hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) homing after transplantation by targeting bone marrow niche microenvironment. This study aimed to examine the kinetics of miRNA‐15a, miRNA‐16, miRNA‐126, miRNA‐146a, and miRNA‐223 in autologous HSC transplantation settings.MethodsThe study comprised of 51 patients with hematological malignancies (42 multiple myeloma, 9 lymphoma). Samples were taken at four time points: before conditioning, after chemotherapy but prior to autologous HSC transplantation (day 0), on day +7, and +14 days after HSCT. The miRNA levels were evaluated by the real‐time PCR method.ResultsA significant, steady decline of all tested microRNAs in the course of transplantation, as compared to the baseline, was found. The study revealed that higher levels of miRNA‐15a, miRNA‐16, miRNA‐126, and miRNA‐146a on day 0 correlated with longer time to engraftment. Additionally, a positive correlation between the levels of miRNA‐15a, miRNA‐146a, and miRNA‐223 assessed on day +7 and the time to engraftment was observed.ConclusionsIn conclusion, all investigated microRNAs changed significantly in the course of transplantation. Our results suggest that the miRNAs may participate in hematopoietic recovery in the early post‐transplant period and influence engraftment efficiency after HSCT.
When neuroscience met clinical pathology: partitioning experimental variation to aid data interpretation in neuroscience
Authors: Jeffery Nick D. , Bate Simon T. , Safayi Sina , Howard Matthew A. , Moon Lawrence , Jeffery Unity 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn animal experiments, neuroscientists typically assess the effectiveness of interventions by comparing the average response of groups of treated and untreated animals. While providing useful insights, focusing only on group effects risks overemphasis of small, statistically significant but physiologically unimportant, differences. Such differences can be created by analytical variability or physiological within‐individual variation, especially if the number of animals in each group is small enough that one or two outlier values can have considerable impact on the summary measures for the group. Physicians face a similar dilemma when comparing two results from the same patient. To determine whether the change between two values reflects disease progression or known analytical and physiological variation, the magnitude of the difference between two results is compared to the reference change value. These values are generated by quantifying analytical and within‐individual variation, and differences between two results from the same patient are considered clinically meaningful only if they exceed the combined effect of these two sources of ‘noise’. In this article, we describe how the reference change interval can be applied within neuroscience. This form of analysis provides a measure of outcome at an individual level that complements traditional group‐level comparisons, and therefore, introduction of this technique into neuroscience can enrich interpretation of experimental data. It can also safeguard against some of the possible misinterpretations that may occur during analysis of the small experimental groups that are common in neuroscience and, by illuminating analytical error, may aid in design of more efficient experimental methods.
A topical treatment containing heat‐treated Lactobacillus johnsonii NCC 533 reduces Staphylococcus aureus adhesion and induces antimicrobial peptide expression in an in vitro reconstructed human epidermis model
Authors: Rosignoli Carine , Thibaut de Ménonville Séverine , Orfila Danielle , Béal Méline , Bertino Béatrice , Aubert Jérôme , Mercenier Annick , Piwnica David 
Published: January 2018

AbstractStaphylococcus aureus colonization is thought to contribute to the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis (AD). AD patients exhibit reduced levels of cutaneous antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which may explain their increased susceptibility to infections. Using an in vitro reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) model, we sought to determine whether topical application of a non‐replicating probiotic, heat‐treated Lactobacillus johnsonii NCC 533 (HT La1), could inhibit S. aureus adhesion to skin and boost cutaneous innate immunity. We found that application of HT La1 suspension to RHE samples reduced the binding of radiolabelled S. aureus by up to 74%. To investigate a potential effect of HT La1 on innate immunity, we analysed the expression of nine AMP genes, including those encoding beta defensins and S100 proteins, following topical application of HT La1 in suspension or in a daily moisturizer lotion. Analysed genes were induced by up to fourfold in a dose‐dependent manner by HT La1 in suspension and by up to 2.4‐fold by HT La1 in the moisturizer lotion. Finally, using ELISA and immunohistochemical detection, we evaluated the expression and secretion of the AMPs hBD‐2 and psoriasin and determined that both proteins were induced by topical HT La1, particularly in the stratum corneum of the RHE. These findings demonstrate that a topically applied, non‐replicating probiotic can modulate endogenous AMP expression and inhibit binding of S. aureus to an RHE model in vitro. Moreover, they suggest that a topical formulation containing HT La1 could benefit atopic skin by enhancing cutaneous innate immunity and reducing S. aureus colonization.
Community biomass and life history benchmarks for coral reef fisheries
Authors: McClanahan Timothy R 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe status of fisheries requires establishing and evaluating benchmarks derived from unfished ecosystems. Habitats, environmental conditions, properties of the fish communities and management systems could potentially influence the variability surrounding benchmarks. Consequently, eighteen variables including habitat, number of species, life histories, thermal and productivity environments were tested for influences on reef fish biomass in 62 reefs within old high compliance closures along the east African coastline. Biomass and weighted life history characteristics were classified and described for total, fishable, target and non‐target groups. Benchmark biomass fell within a 95% confidence interval of ~1,030–1,250 kg/ha and equally distributed among target and non‐target groups. While some relationships were statistically significant, most were weak, poorly sampled (ocean exposed reefs), had uncertain relationships with biomass (number of species), or the explained variation was bounded within the above confidence intervals (habitat and environment). Therefore, a regional unfished biomass benchmark (B0) of 1,150 and 560 kg/ha is recommended for total and target biomasses, respectively. Weighted life history metrics indicate that the target had slower life histories than the non‐target fish communities. Consequently, they will be fished unsustainably if yield recommendations are derived from the total, resilient or non‐target fish life history metrics. The intrinsic rates of increase (r) and target categorization of biomass were the most influential metrics in estimating yields.
Improvement in recruitment of Japanese sardine with delays of the spring phytoplankton bloom in the Sea of Japan
Authors: Kodama Taketoshi , Wagawa Taku , Ohshimo Seiji , Morimoto Haruyuki , Iguchi Naoki , Fukudome Ken‐Ichi , Goto Tsuneo , Takahashi Motomitsu , Yasuda Tohya 
Published: January 2018

AbstractTo evaluate the impact of temporal variation of primary productivity on the recruitment of Japanese sardine (Sardinops melanostictus) in the Sea of Japan, the phenology of sea surface phytoplankton abundance was estimated from 8 day multiple satellite (SeaWiFS, MODIS‐Aqua, MERIS, and VIIRS) derived sea surface chlorophyll (SSChl) a concentrations from January 1998 to December 2015. Because relationships between SSChl a and in situ chlorophyll a concentrations were significantly different among periods based on the satellite combinations used, maximum and minimum SSChl a concentrations of 1 year were relativized as 1 and 0, respectively. Spatio‐temporal variation of relativized SSChl a concentrations was determined by using empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis. Scores in the first EOF mode denoted the basin‐scale variations of SSChl a concentrations in the Sea of Japan, and the major peak from the end of February to the end of May displayed the spring bloom. The logarithm of recruitment per spawner (LNRPS) for sardine was positively affected by delays in the start and end dates of the spring phytoplankton bloom. The delay of the date of the lowest sea surface temperature contributed to the delay of the end of the spring bloom during the period 1998–2015 and elevated the LNRPS during the period 1982–2015. Sardine spawns in the southern Sea of Japan from April to May, hence, delays of the spring bloom prolonged its overlap with sardine larval periods, and thus improved the recruitment of Japanese sardine in the Sea of Japan.
Osteoporotic alterations in a group of different ethnicity Brazilian postmenopausal women: An observational study
Authors: Munhoz Luciana , Aoki Eduardo M. , Cortes Arthur R. G. , de Freitas Cláudio F. , Arita Emiko S. 
Published: January 2018

ObjectivesTo compare peripheral bone mineral density alterations among Brazilian postmenopausal women from three ethnic groups considering age and body mass index influence; to correlate their bone mineral density with the mandibular cortical index (MCI); and to evaluate the influence of age, body mass index and ethnicity in the MCI using risk factor analysis.BackgroundOsteoporosis risk is known to have ethical influences. However, little is known about the differences in ethnicity in radiomorphometric indices.Materials and methodsA total of 150 postmenopausal women with different ethnicities (Caucasian, Asian and Afro‐descendant) who underwent peripheral dual X‐ray absorptiometry and panoramic examination were included. Bone mineral density and MCI were assessed. Adjusted odds ratio analyses were performed on bone density and MCI considering the effect of age, ethnicity and body mass index. The correlations between the MCI and the dual X‐ray absorptiometry results were made.ResultsOld age, low body mass index and non‐Afro‐descendant were associated with low bone density. Compared with Afro‐descendants, Asians and Caucasians have higher chances of having decreased bone mass. For the MCI, statistical analysis showed that age is the only variable associated with osteoporotic alterations in the mandible. Furthermore, an inverse correlation was found between the MCI and the T‐scores.ConclusionBone density is higher in Brazilian Afro‐descendant women than in Caucasians and Asians. Patient's age is associated with bone density and the MCI. The mandibular cortical index is inversely correlated with the peripheral densitometry results within the study ethnic population.
Acute hemodialysis in a young man with severe symptomatic hyponatremia and kidney injury
Authors: Courteau Catherine , Al Khoury Alex , Michel Rene P. , Weber Catherine L. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA 35‐year‐old man presented with severe hypo‐osmolar hyponatremia (serum sodium 99 mmol/L), profound nonoliguric renal failure (serum creatinine 1240 μmol/L), and nephrotic range proteinuria. Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed nephromegaly and no obstruction. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and conventional hemodialysis was initiated. To avoid rapid sodium correction, we prescribed concurrent dialysate flow, a low dialysate sodium concentration, a small surface area dialyzer, and a low blood flow rate. We infused dextrose 5% water into the venous return line and adjusted the infusion rate according to hourly sodium concentration. The rate of sodium correction was 7.7 mmol/day over the first 3 days of admission. A subsequent renal biopsy revealed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and interstitial infiltration with extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma nasal type. The patient died of massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to lymphomatous involvement day 19 in the ICU. In the setting of acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy and concomitant severe hyponatremia, it is challenging to avoid overcorrection of serum sodium. We describe several key prescription modifications to conventional hemodialysis, factors that affect sodium diffusion at the level of the dialyzer membrane, and the importance of frequent laboratory monitoring.
Removal of vancomycin administered during dialysis by a high‐flux dialyzer
Authors: Nyman Heather A. , Agarwal Adhish , Senekjian Harry O. , Leypoldt John K. , Cheung Alfred K. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIntroduction: Hemodialysis patients frequently receive vancomycin for treatment of gram‐positive bacterial infections. This drug is most conveniently administered in outpatient dialysis units during the hemodialysis treatment. However, there is a paucity of data on the removal of vancomycin by high‐flux polyamide dialyzers.Methods: This is a prospective crossover study in which seven uninfected chronic hemodialysis patients at three dialysis units received vancomycin 1 gram intravenously over one hour immediately after the dialysis treatment (Phase 1), and vancomycin 1.5 grams during the last hour of dialysis treatment using a polyarylethersulfone, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyamide high‐flux (Polyflux 24R) dialyzer (Phase 2). There was a three‐week washout period between phases. Serial serum vancomycin concentrations were used to determine the removal of vancomycin when administered during dialysis.Findings: Dialysis removed 35 ± 15% (range 18‐56%) of the vancomycin dose when administered during the last hour of dialysis. The calculated area under the curve (AUC) of vancomycin levels for 0‐44.5 hours from the start of infusion were similar between the two phases (AUCPhase 1 884 ± 124 mg‐hr/L, mean ± SD; AUCPhase 2 856 ± 208 mg‐hr/L; P=0.72). Serum vancomycin concentrations immediately prior to the next dialysis treatment following vancomycin administration were also similar between the two phases (13.1 ± 2.7 mg/L in Phase 1 and 12.3 ± 3.3 mg/L in Phase 2; P=0.55).Discussion: When using a polyarylethersulfone, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and polyamide high‐flux HD membrane with a 24R Polyflux dialyzer, vancomycin can be administered during the last hour of dialysis if the dose that is prescribed for intra‐dialysis dosing is empirically increased to account for intra‐dialytic drug removal.
New practical methods to obtain crucial data in performing diagnostic meta‐analysis of the published literature
Authors: Ma Xuelei , Zeng Hao , Zhang Jing , Chen Linyan , Jia Hongyuan 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimFound some new methods that can be used to obtain values such as true positives (TP), false negatives (FN), false positives (FP), and true negatives (TN) which did not provide in diagnostic meta‐analysis indirectly.MethodsUsing mathematical deduction and programming calculus.ResultsWe have succeeded in increasing the number of articles that can be used from two(228 patients) to five(469 patients) by using our new method.ConclusionUsing these methods, it can greatly increase the number of the inclusion articles, as well as the number of inclusion patients, which will contribute to improve the persuasiveness and comprehensiveness of diagnostic meta‐analysis.