bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic treatment of intraductal pancreatic stent fragmentation
Authors: Jagielski Mateusz , Smoczyński Marian , Jabłońska Anna , Adrych Krystian 
Published: April 2017

Background and AimComplications of endoscopic treatment are reported more and more often as a result of popularization of pancreatic endotherapy. Our study presents the results of treatment in patients with intraductal pancreatic stent fragmentation diagnosed during endotherapy of chronic pancreatitis.MethodsRetrospective analysis of 2496 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures which were carried out in 607 patients at the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Unit of the University Clinical Center in Gdansk.ResultsIn the course of pancreatic endotherapy, intraductal pancreatic stent fragmentation was stated during 33 of 2496 (0.013%) procedures in 33 of 607 (5.44%) patients with chronic pancreatitis. In 33 patients, there were 46 intraductal fragments of broken stents. Most patients were asymptomatic. In 31/33 patients, fragments of broken stents were removed from the pancreatic duct endoscopically. In the case of two patients, endoscopic management was ineffective and they were treated surgically. Altogether, 44/46 stent fragments were removed endoscopically. Most fragments of pancreatic stents were removed during the first endoscopic procedure. One fragment of a broken stent was retrieved with polypectomy snare and four with Dormia basket. The remaining fragments of broken pancreatic stents were removed with rat‐tooth forceps.ConclusionsIntraductal fragmentation of pancreatic stent is a rare complication of pancreatic endotherapy and it often has an asymptomatic course. Most fragments of broken pancreatic stents can be removed endoscopically from the pancreatic duct with an acceptable complication rate.
The killer shrimp, Dikerogammarus villosus, invading European Alpine Lakes: A single main source but independent founder events with an overall loss of genetic diversity
Authors: Rewicz Tomasz , Wattier Remi , Rigaud Thierry , Grabowski Michał , Mamos Tomasz , Bącela‐Spychalska Karolina 
Published: April 2017

Abstract

The effects of biological invasions are generally more detrimental in isolated ecosystems than in the interconnected ones and freshwater lakes appear to be particularly fragile. The Ponto‐Caspian freshwater amphipod Dikerogammarus villosus (Pontogammaridae), also known as the killer shrimp, is a highly invasive species that can have significant ecological impacts on receiving ecosystems. It has colonised most of the European main inland waterbodies, including at least 12 lakes in the Alps – an area of high conservational priority and, at the same time, heavily affected by anthropogenic changes. Particularly, overland translocations of boats among tourist centres may have contributed to colonisation of Alpine lakes by D. villosus.

We aimed to answer the following questions: Which of the two genetically differentiated populations invading continental lowland Europe has contributed to colonisation of the Alpine lakes? Is it possible to detect independent founder events in different regions of the Alps and/or secondary spread among European Alpine lakes? Have the lacustrine populations suffered any reduction in genetic variation during colonisation? Twelve populations from the Alpine lakes were genotyped for a portion of mtDNA (COI and 16S) and for seven nuclear microsatellite loci. A wide range of methods was used to analyse the data, including haplotype network, Bayesian clustering and demography tests.

Our results show that the lowland western route (Danube‐Rhine waterway) of the killer shrimp invasion was the source for introduction to European Alpine lakes. Unlike invasive populations in the main lowland rivers, most of the Alpine populations suffered bottleneck and had significantly lower genetic diversity compared to their source population along the western route. We found clear patterns of genetic structure, revealing multiple independent lake colonisations followed by secondary spread between lakes. An overland transport of D. villosus with tourist boats is probably the major spreading vector to and among Alpine lakes. Implementing safety programmes such as the ‘check, clean, and dry’ procedures may stop or slow down spreading of D. villosus among the Alpine lakes, and prevent additional long distance transport.
Mechanistic modelling for predicting the effects of restoration, invasion and pollution on benthic macroinvertebrate communities in rivers
Authors: Paillex Amael , Reichert Peter , Lorenz Armin W. , Schuwirth Nele 
Published: April 2017

Abstract

Habitat destruction, biological invasions and water quality deterioration are serious threats to native communities and can lead to modifications in community composition and structure, and in ecosystem function.

To predict the consequences of river restoration, biological invasions and water quality change in the taxonomic composition of macroinvertebrate communities in rivers, we extended the mechanistic model Streambugs, which describes growth, respiration and death of interacting taxa under given environmental conditions.

The model parameterised with prior knowledge on macroinvertebrate traits had already a reasonable explanatory power for data from restored and unrestored sites in two Swiss rivers. As anticipated, the explanatory power of the model was increased further by incorporation of learning from observations through Bayesian inference. The predictive application of the model to changes in water quality and invasions by alien species indicated the importance of integrative planning of management measures: although invasive species are predicted to be able to colonise restored and unrestored sites and replace native species, both invasion of alien species and subsequent exclusion of native taxa is predicted to be reduced when water quality improves.

The unavoidable simplification in the mathematical description of complex interactions in the macroinvertebrate community results in predictions that are uncertain. Our modelling techniques make the best attempt to quantify this uncertainty. Despite the uncertainty that always calls for more research, this study makes a considerable step towards improving our understanding of community structure and supporting river management through mechanistic, predictive modelling of macroinvertebrate communities in rivers under changing environmental conditions.
The role of the environment on the genetic divergence between two Boa imperator lineages
Authors: Suárez‐Atilano Marco , Rojas‐Soto Octavio , Parra Juan L. , Vázquez‐Domínguez Ella 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAimA fundamental problem in evolutionary biology has been understanding the role of environmental factors in the process of genetic diversification. Our main goal was to define the ecological niches of two Boa imperator lineages, in order to assess if environmental drivers could be associated with the divergence and genetic variation between them. We quantified the environmental niches at two evolutionary and geographical scales: regional‐historical (lineages) and local‐ecological (individuals within lineages).LocationNeotropical region of Mexico and mainland Central America.MethodsWe performed ecological niche modelling (ENM) methods by defining the accessibility area per B. imperator lineage, based on their geographic ranges, to analyse ecological and geographical distributions. We applied statistics of niche overlap, interpredictability, equivalency and similarity. We tested the niche‐centrality hypothesis within lineages by evaluating the relationship between genetic metrics and the distance to ecological and geographical centroids.ResultsTemperature seasonality, precipitation and elevation were the most informative environmental variables (GARP and MaxEnt). Ecological interprediction and niche similarity and equivalency tests revealed a dynamic process of niche evolution, where the niches of the two lineages are not identical but still showed a signature of niche conservatism. Correlation analyses between genetic variability and structure showed negative correlations with distance to ecological and geographical centroids at the local level.Main conclusionsOur results support the role of environmental variables as significant and highly accurate predictors of lineage distribution and divergence, in agreement with the boa's evolutionary history. The niches of the two lineages are not identical, sharing environmental niche space but not all ecological variables. A historically more recent signal of genetic structure within lineages was evident, where the quality of the ecological niche further influences genetic distribution patterns within populations. Our results illustrate how ENM may validate evolutionary patterns from a biogeographical and phylogeographical framework.
Radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: Electrical modification suggesting transmurality is faster achieved with remote magnetic catheter in comparison with contact force use
Authors: Bun Sok‐Sithikun , Ayari Anis , Latcu Decebal Gabriel , Errahmouni Abdelkarim , Saoudi Nadir 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundRemote magnetic navigation (RMN) and contact force (CF) sensing catheters are available technologies for radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Our purpose was to compare time to electrogram (EGM) modification suggesting transmural lesions between RMN and CF‐guided AF ablation.Methods and resultsA total of 1,008 RF applications were analyzed in 21 patients undergoing RMN (n = 11) or CF‐guided ablation (n = 10) for paroxysmal AF. All procedures were performed in sinus rhythm during general anesthesia. Time to EGM modification was measured until transmurality criteria were fulfilled: (1) complete disappearance of R if initial QR morphology; (2) diminution > 75% of R if initial QRS morphology; (3) complete disappearance of R’ of initial RSR’ morphology. Impedance drop as well as force time integral (FTI) were also assessed for each application.Mean CF at the beginning of each RF application in the CF group was 11 ± 2 g and mean FTI per application was 488 ± 163 gs. Time to EGM modification was significantly shorter in the RMN group (4.52 ± 0.1 seconds vs. 5.6 ± 0.09 seconds; P < 0.00001). There was no significant difference between other procedural parameters.ConclusionRemote magnetic AF ablation is associated with faster EGM modification suggesting transmurality than optimized CF and FTI‐guided catheter ablation.
Catheter ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation is associated with a reduction in health care resource utilization
Authors: Samuel Michelle , Avgil Tsadok Meytal , Joza Jacqueline , Behlouli Hassan , Verma Atul , Essebag Vidal , Pilote Louise 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundCatheter ablation (CA) is superior to antiarrhythmic therapy at reducing recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF); however, there are limited data regarding whether this decrease translates into a reduction in health care resource utilization.ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of AF ablation on long‐term health care resource utilization.MethodsA population‐based cohort was constructed to include patients who underwent CA for AF in Quebec, Canada, between April 2005 and March 2011. Resource utilization was evaluated 24 months pre‐ and postindex CA procedure.ResultsIn a cohort of 1,556 patients, resource utilization increased progressively over the 24‐month period leading to index CA (P for trend <0.05 for hospitalizations, ER visits, outpatient visits, cardioversions, and echocardiograms). After index CA, all‐cause hospitalizations, hospitalizations for AF, ER visits, cardioversions, and echocardiograms were reduced 12 months post‐CA compared to 12 months prior (all‐cause hospitalizations 0.8–0.6 per patient per year; hospitalizations for AF 0.4–0.3; ER visits 2.9–1.8; cardioversions 0.5–0.2; echocardiograms 0.8–0.5; P < 0.05 for all trends). Resource utilization continued to decline at 24 months post‐CA (vs. 12 months prior) for all‐cause hospitalizations (0.4), cardioversions (0.1), and echocardiograms (0.3) (per patient year; P < 0.05 for all trends).ConclusionIn conclusion, the pattern of increasing health care resource utilization preceding CA for AF reverses after CA to lower than preablation levels up to 24 months post‐CA.
Impact of the global burden of periodontal diseases on health, nutrition and wellbeing of mankind: A call for global action
Authors: Tonetti Maurizio S. , Jepsen Søren , Jin Lijian , Otomo‐Corgel Joan 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe global burden of periodontal diseases remains high. Population growth trends, changes in risk factors and improved tooth retention will increase the socio‐economic burden of periodontitis that is responsible for 3.5 million years lived with disability, 54 billion USD/year in lost productivity and a major portion of the 442 billion USD/year cost for oral diseases.MethodsIn the context of the Milan World Exhibition 2015 “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life,” a green paper was developed and offered for global consultation by the European Federation of Periodontology. The final draft was endorsed by professional organizations around the world and is presented to stakeholders as a call for global action.ResultsSpecific actions for the public, policymakers, educators and professional organizations have been identified in the areas of prevention, detection and care. These actions align public interest and knowledge, need for self‐care, professional intervention and policies to the best scientific evidence to proactively promote periodontal health and effectively manage the global burden of periodontal diseases, in accordance with WHO/UN priorities and strategies for tackling common non‐communicable diseases via the Common Risk Factor Approach.ConclusionsA strong and coherent body of evidence allows identification of actionable preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to effectively promote periodontal health and general wellbeing, and better manage the socio‐economic consequences. Action requires consideration of the specific national scenarios.
Reformulations of well‐known active ingredients in the topical treatment of psoriasis vulgaris can improve clinical outcomes for patients
Authors: Iversen L. , Dauden E. , Segaert S. , Freeman K. , Magina S. , Rigopoulos D. , Thaci D. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAlthough the majority of patients with psoriasis vulgaris are treated exclusively with topical therapies, research to develop more effective topical therapies that are associated with higher patient satisfaction has lagged behind the development of systemic agents. The aim of this literature review was to determine whether there is documented evidence that applying an innovative approach to improving the formulation of active ingredients commonly used in the topical treatment of psoriasis can have a positive effect on clinical outcomes and patient‐reported outcomes (PROs). The Embase and PubMed databases were searched for articles published between 2001 and 2016 that made direct head‐to‐head comparisons of different formulations of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), focusing on clinical outcomes and PROs. In total, 22 publications on APIs or API combinations met the eligibility criteria (19 head‐to‐head clinical trials, one pooled analysis, one health‐economic modelling study and one systematic review). Significant clinical benefit associated with the use of a reformulated API over an older formulation was reported in three trials of clobetasol propionate, one trial of calcipotriol, three trials of betamethasone and five trials/pooled analyses of calcipotriol/calcipotriene + betamethasone dipropionate (Cal/BD) formulations. Significantly improved PROs associated with the use of a reformulated API over an older formulation were reported in three trials of clobetasol propionate, one trial of betamethasone valerate and two trials of Cal/BD formulations. These results demonstrate that the innovative reformulation of APIs used in the treatment of psoriasis can produce therapies that attain significantly improved clinical outcomes and PROs. This suggests that improvement in topical therapy for psoriasis need not only to be achieved by the identification of new targets and the development of new APIs, but that improvement in the vehicle used to deliver existing APIs has the potential to result in significant clinical and patient benefits.
Prognostic risk factors of first recurrence in patients with primary stages I–II cutaneous malignant melanoma – from the population‐based Swedish melanoma register
Authors: Lyth J. , Falk M. , Maroti M. , Eriksson H. , Ingvar C. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundPrognostic factors in patients with localized primary cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) are well described. However, prognostic factors for recurrence are less documented.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to identify prognostic risk factors for first recurrence in patients with localized stages I‐II CMM using population‐based data.MethodsThis study included 1437 CMM patients registered in one region of Sweden during 1999–2012 follow‐up through 31 December 2012. To identify first recurrence of CMM disease, data from a care data warehouse, the pathology and radiology department registries were used. Patients were also followed through a census register and the national Cause of Death Register.ResultsThe 5‐ and 10‐year recurrence‐free survival (RFS) were 85.7% and 81.2%, respectively. The most common site of first recurrence was regional lymph node metastasis closely followed by distant metastasis. After adjusting for all prognostic factors, women had 50% lower risk of recurrence than men (HR = 0.5, 95% CI 0.4–0.7) and patients ≥70 had higher risk compared to patients 55–69 years (HR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.2–2.5). Other significant prognostic factors for risk of recurrence were tumour thickness, presence of ulceration, Clark's level of invasion and histogenetic type.ConclusionTumour thickness was found to be the predominant risk factor for recurrence. The prognostic factors for recurrence coincided with prognostic factors for CMM death. The most common site of first recurrence in stages I‐II CMM is regional lymph node (42.8%) closely followed by distant metastases (37.6%), a fact which has to be taken into consideration when choosing follow‐up strategies.
Do outdoor workers know their risk of NMSC? Perceptions, beliefs and preventive behaviour among farmers, roofers and gardeners
Authors: Zink A. , Wurstbauer D. , Rotter M. , Wildner M. , Biedermann T. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundNon‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) was officially recognized in 2015 as an occupational disease for outdoor workers in Germany. Together with the enormous socioeconomic impact of NMSC, this has led to the continuous demand of evidence‐based prevention. However, studies assessing the perceptions and beliefs along with risk behaviour of outdoor workers as an essential prerequisite for prevention are rare.ObjectiveTo assess perceptions, beliefs, barriers, risk and preventive behaviours towards non‐melanoma skin cancer among different outdoor groups as a basis for the development of sustainable prevention programmes.Patients and MethodsCross‐sectional study among outdoor workers of three different occupational groups (farmer, gardener, roofer) using a 20‐question online survey on NMSC awareness, risk and preventive behaviours.ResultsBetween March and April 2016, 353 outdoor workers participated in the study. Of these, 153 (43.4%) reported never to use sunscreen during work. Wearing headgear and long pants were the most common sun protection measures. Poor use of sunscreen was more likely in males and farmers. A low perceived skin cancer risk was significantly associated with poor use of sunscreen, long‐sleeved shirts, sunglasses and headgear.ConclusionsDespite great evidence on NMSC risk in outdoor professions throughout the literature, high‐risk groups in fact are not yet aware of the topic. Sustainable target group‐oriented awareness prevention programmes are needed to lower the immense burden of NMSC.
Influence of vacuum drying temperature on: Physico‐chemical composition and antioxidant properties of murta berries
Authors: López Jéssica , Vega‐Gálvez Antonio , Bilbao‐Sainz Cristina , Chiou Bor‐Sen , Uribe Elsa , Quispe‐Fuentes Issis 
Published: April 2017

AbstractMurta (Ugni molinae T.) berries were vacuum dried at a constant pressure of 15 kPa. The effects of processing temperatures (50, 60, 70, 80 and 90 °C) on the physico‐chemical characteristics, the phenolic and flavonoid compounds, the antioxidant activity and the sugar and β‐carotene contents of the fruit were evaluated. The dried samples had lower protein contents than the fresh sample. Also, drying temperatures significantly affected the phenolic compounds. The antioxidant activity decreased in value after vacuum drying at each temperature. Fructose was the predominant sugar, followed by sucrose and glucose. Overall, sugar contents were affected by drying temperatures, especially at 50 °C with a noticeable sucrose content decrease. However, β‐carotene contents showed significant increases in value with an increase in temperature. These results indicated that vacuum drying might be a good alternative for dried murta production. Dried murta could be an important source of bioactive compounds.Practical applicationsMurta berries are rich in phenolic compounds having antioxidant activity and beneficial potential effects on human health. Drying is widely used in the fruit processing industry. This process has proven to be a good alternative for preservation of many fruits and vegetables. The obtained results provide the necessary vacuum drying conditions to stand out the nutritional value of murta berries. Thus, we believe that our findings can contribute to obtain the best process that retains the nutritional quality of murta berries.
Development and application of the loop‐mediated isothermal amplification assay for rapid detection of enterotoxigenic Clostridium perfringens in food
Authors: Hong Joonbae 
Published: April 2017

AbstractA loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method for rapid detection of enterotoxigenic Clostridium perfringens in food is developed and evaluated in this study. Six primers were designed to recognize the cpa gene of C. perfringens. A panel of 45 bacterial strains, including 15 C. perfringens and 30 other strains, were included in this study to evaluate and optimize the LAMP assay. The specificity of the LAMP assay was 100%. The sensitivity of the LAMP assay for the detection of C. perfringens in food was 10 CFU/ml. Different methods of extracting DNA from artificially contaminated food, such as boiling, NaOH treatment, and the use of magnetic beads, were evaluated. The established LAMP assay was used to analyze C. perfringens in various food samples. The magnetic bead‐based method was a useful tool for extracting genomic DNA from 14 foods contaminated by C. perfringens. All 15 foods contaminated by C. perfringens were identified as positive.Practical ApplicationsThe traditional method for detecting Clostridium perfringens in foods involves the use of a bioassay that is laborious and time‐consuming. The LAMP assay is a useful and powerful tool for the rapid detection of C. perfringens, and, undoubtedly, the efficiency, technical simplicity, and cost‐effectiveness of the LAMP assay will have broad applications in bacteriological detection of enterotoxigenic C. perfringens.