bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Burden of atrial fibrillation in Māori and Pacific people in New Zealand: a cohort study
Authors: Gu Yulong , Doughty Robert N. , Freedman Ben , Kennelly John , Warren Jim , Harwood Matire , Hulme Richard , Paltridge Chris , Teh Ruth , Rolleston Anna , Walker Natalie 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is a major risk factor for ischaemic stroke and cardiovascular events. In New Zealand (NZ), Māori (indigenous New Zealanders) and Pacific people experience higher rates of AF compared with non‐Māori/non‐Pacific people.AimTo describe a primary care population with AF in NZ. Stroke risk and medication adherence according to ethnicity are also detailed.MethodsElectronic medical records for adults (≥20 years, n = 135 840, including 19 918 Māori and 43 634 Pacific people) enrolled at 37 NZ general practices were analysed for AF diagnosis and associated medication prescription information.ResultsThe overall prevalence of non‐valvular AF (NVAF) in this population was 1.3% (1769), and increased with age (4.4% in people ≥55 years). Māori aged ≥55 years were more likely to be diagnosed with NVAF (7.3%) than Pacific (4.0%) and non‐Māori/non‐Pacific people (4.1%, P < 0.001). Māori and Pacific NVAF patients were diagnosed with AF 10 years earlier than non‐Māori/non‐Pacific patients (median age of diagnosis: Māori = 60 years, Pacific = 61 years, non‐Māori/non‐Pacific = 71 years, P < 0.001). Overall, 67% of NVAF patients were at high risk for stroke (CHA2DS2‐VASc ≥ 2) at the time of AF diagnosis. Almost half (48%) of Māori and Pacific NVAF patients aged <65 years were at high risk for stroke, compared with 22% of non‐Māori/non‐Pacific (P < 0.001). Irrespective of ethnic group, adherence to AF medication was suboptimal in those NVAF patients with a high risk of stroke or with stroke history.ConclusionAF screening and stroke thromboprophylaxis in Māori and Pacific people could start below the age of 65 years in NZ.
Access to a youth‐specific service for young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus is associated with decreased hospital length of stay for diabetic ketoacidosis
Authors: Burns Kharis , Farrell Kaye , Myszka Rickie , Park Kris , Holmes‐Walker D. Jane 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundManagement of type 1 diabetes mellitus in youth with diabetes (YWD) is complex, and glycaemic control often deteriorates during this challenging period. We hypothesise that attendance at a youth‐specific diabetes clinic reduces hospital admission rates and length of stay (LOS) for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).AimsTo assess the impact of a youth‐specific diabetes service for YWD on DKA admissions in two adjacent local health districts.MethodsA retrospective cohort analysis of admissions for DKA in YWD aged 15–25 years, presenting to four hospitals in Western Sydney in 2011 was performed. Number of admissions, LOS and DKA severity were assessed. Cost was analysed as a function of LOS. Groups were divided by attendance at a youth‐specific diabetes service and no record of attendance.ResultsThere were 55 DKA admissions from 39 patients (median age 20.0 years); the majority of admissions (82%) was YWD not supported by a youth‐specific diabetes service. Median LOS was significantly longer in the unsupported group (3.0 vs 1.5 days, P = 0.028). Median pH at presentation in the unsupported group was significantly lower, 7.11 versus 7.23 (P = 0.05). The admission rate was four times greater for those not supported by youth‐specific diabetes services, 5.5% compared with 1.6% (P = 0.001). The estimated cost saved by youth‐specific services was over $250,000 pa.ConclusionsLack of access to supported care for YWD during transition from paediatric to adult care has an adverse impact on subsequent DKA admission rates and LOS.
Neurological presentations revealing acquired copper deficiency: diagnosis features, aetiologies and evolution in seven patients
Authors: Poujois Aurélia , Djebrani‐Oussedik Nouzha , Ory‐Magne Fabienne , Woimant France 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundAcquired copper deficiency (ACD) is a rare condition usually diagnosed from haematological changes.AimsTo characterise the diagnosis features and the evolution of patients with ACD revealed by neurological symptoms.MethodsClinical, biological and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were prospectively analysed at diagnosis and during follow up under copper supplementation.ResultsSeven patients were studied over a 5‐year period. Time to diagnosis ranged from 2.5 to 15 months. Subacute ascending paraesthesias and gait disorder were the first symptoms. All patients had a posterior cord syndrome (PCS) with sensory ataxic gait associated with superficial hypoesthesia of the feet; 50% had also lateral cord signs. Electrodiagnostic tests diagnosed a lower limb sensory neuropathy in four patients. Spinal cord MRI was normal in three of seven patients. Anaemia and lymphopenia were diagnosed in six of seven patients. Serum copper was always low, and urinary copper was low or normal. Serum and urinary zinc were high in four patients. Decreased copper intake (stoma/parenteral nutrition, malnutrition, malabsorption with lack of vitamin supplementation after bariatric or other digestive surgeries) was found in four patients, and the chronic use of denture adhesive paste containing zinc was discovered in four patients. One patient had both the causes recorded. After copper supplementation, copper balance and then haematological disturbances were the first features to normalise gradually in 2 months. Radiological myelitis disappeared in 10 months, whereas neurological symptoms improved in six of seven patients after a mean follow up of 2 years.ConclusionsProgressive PCS with anaemia and lymphopenia must raise the possibility of an ACD. Early copper supplementation could increase the neurological prognosis.
Urban particulate matter stimulation of human dendritic cells enhances priming of naive CD8 T lymphocytes
Authors: Pfeffer Paul E. , Ho Tzer R. , Mann Elizabeth H. , Kelly Frank J. , Sehlstedt Maria , Pourazar Jamshid , Dove Rosamund E. , Sandstrom Thomas , Mudway Ian S. , Hawrylowicz Catherine M. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryEpidemiological studies have consistently shown associations between elevated concentrations of urban particulate matter (UPM) air pollution and exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which are both associated with viral respiratory infections. The effects of UPM on dendritic cell (DC) ‐stimulated CD4 T lymphocytes have been investigated previously, but little work has focused on CD8 T‐lymphocyte responses despite their importance in anti‐viral immunity. To address this, we examined the effects of UPM on DC‐stimulated naive CD8 T‐cell responses. Expression of the maturation/activation markers CD83, CCR7, CD40 and MHC class I on human myeloid DCs (mDCs) was characterized by flow cytometry after stimulation with UPMin vitro in the presence/absence of granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF). The capacity of these mDCs to stimulate naive CD8 T‐lymphocyte responses in allogeneic co‐culture was then assessed by measuring T‐cell cytokine secretion using cytometric bead array, and proliferation and frequency of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ)‐producing T lymphocytes by flow cytometry. Treatment of mDCs with UPM increased expression of CD83 and CCR7, but not MHC class I. In allogeneic co‐cultures, UPM treatment of mDCs enhanced CD8 T‐cell proliferation and the frequency of IFN‐γ+ cells. The secretion of tumour necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐13, Granzyme A and Granzyme B were also increased. GM‐CSF alone, and in concert with UPM, enhanced many of these T‐cell functions. The PM‐induced increase in Granzyme A was confirmed in a human experimental diesel exposure study. These data demonstrate that UPM treatment of mDCs enhances priming of naive CD8 T lymphocytes and increases production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Such UPM‐induced stimulation of CD8 cells may potentiate T‐lymphocyte cytotoxic responses upon concurrent airway infection, increasing bystander damage to the airways.
Epidemiology and burden of influenza in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Authors: Lucero‐Obusan Cynthia , Schirmer Patricia L. , Wendelboe Aaron , Oda Gina , Holodniy Mark 
Published: October 2017

We describe influenza activity in the US Veterans Affairs (VA) population for the 2010‐2011 through 2015‐2016 seasons and compare with national CDC FluView data. VA confirmed influenza cases ranged from 1005 to 11 506 per season; triage calls from 6090 to 10 346; outpatient visits from 3849 to 13 406; antiviral prescriptions from 3650 to 32 826; hospitalizations from 546 to 4673; and deaths in hospitalized patients from 17 to 139. Peak activity was generally the same as observed nationally by the CDC. For the seasons analyzed, correlation between VA and CDC %ILI visits (r = .863), influenza hospitalizations (r = .953), positive tests (r = .948), and percent of tests positive (r = .938) was strong. Understanding influenza burden is important for evaluating prevention priorities and resource allocation within VA.
Waterlogging severely retards P use efficiency of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare)
Authors: Ylivainio K. , Jauhiainen L. , Uusitalo R. , Turtola E. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractEfficient utilization of various phosphorus (P) sources for producing optimum yields in P‐deficient conditions requires knowledge of best management under changing weather conditions. In this study, barley (Hordeum vulgare) was grown in an extremely P‐deficient soil with variable moisture conditions. During a wet growing period, utilization of P from dairy cow manure (DCM), fox manure (FM) and meat and bone meal (MBM) was compared with the utilization of P from superphosphate (SP) with concomitant effects on grain yield and quality. High P application rates were necessary to compensate for severe yield losses due to waterlogging. Only 7 kg P/ha was required for optimum yield in less waterlogged conditions, while 43 kg P/ha was needed in waterlogged conditions. In both moisture conditions, broadcast DCM‐P increased grain yield similar to banded SP‐P, although P acquisition was lower in early growth stages. FM‐P and MBM‐P were less efficiently utilized. Waterlogging also depressed yield quality when P was applied. Extreme rainfall events are predicted to become more frequent at northern latitudes. As an alternative to higher P fertilizer rates, improving soil drainage could be a favourable, long‐term measure for better utilization of applied P and soil P resources, even at very low soil P status.
Seed priming improves germination in saline conditions for Chenopodium quinoa and Amaranthus caudatus
Authors: Moreno C. , Seal C. E. , Papenbrock J. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractSeed priming has proved to be an effective method in imparting stress tolerance to plants using natural and/or synthetic compounds to treat the seeds before germination. The present work aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of priming treatments in seeds of Chenopodium quinoa and Amaranthus caudatus to improve germination under NaCl. Species‐specific protocols for seed hydropriming and osmopriming were established by germinating seeds under different water potentials and creating seed imbibition curves. Primed seeds were then germinated under different concentrations of NaCl, and the effect of priming was analysed based on the parameters, such as final germination percentage (FGP), germination index (GI) and mean germination time (MGT). Seed hydropriming and osmopriming caused significant improvements in germination velocity and uniformity, reflected in high FGP, high GI and reduced MGT under salinity. C. quinoa had a higher tolerance to salinity than A. caudatus during seed germination. Improved germination in salinity resulted from osmopriming seeds with solutions of low water potential for A. caudatus, while for C. quinoa, this effect was achieved from hydropriming and osmopriming seeds with solutions of high water potential. Primed tolerance to moderate salinity was achieved for A. caudatus, and for both species, the salinity threshold for germination to occur was slightly broadened.
Waterlogging events during stem elongation or flowering affect yield of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) but not seed quality
Authors: Wollmer A.‐C. , Pitann B. , Mühling K.H. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractOilseed rape suffers from serious waterlogging in many regions of the world limiting the cultivation area for rapeseed. Due to the man‐induced climate change, the risk of severe waterlogging events and associated therewith the damage of rapeseed plants will increase, even in Europe and North America. To investigate the effects of waterlogging on growth, yield and seed quality, rapeseed was cultivated throughout its vegetation period and waterlogged for 14 days at two different growth stages: at stem elongation (BBCH 31) or at floral bud appearance (BBCH 55). The experiments revealed that waterlogging at BBCH 31 affected plant growth and nutrient accumulation and finally resulted in lower yields. Waterlogging at BBCH 55 seriously impaired main racemes, but due to an increased production of secondary racemes, yield losses were lower than after waterlogging at BBCH 31. Oil quality was not affected by any waterlogging treatment under the chosen experimental conditions.
The properties of Al2O3 coated fine‐grain temperature stable BaTiO3‐based ceramics sintered in reducing atmosphere
Authors: Zhao Qiancheng , Wang Xiaohui , Gong Huiling , Liu Baibo , Luo Bingcheng , Li Longtu 
Published: October 2017

AbstractChemical coating, an effective doping modification method, was employed to fabricate fine‐grain BaTiO3‐based ceramics. Based on the consideration of subsequently using base metal as inner electrodes in multilayer ceramic devices, green bodies are generally sintered in reducing atmosphere, which generates more charged point defects and thus affects the electric properties. According to the elements distribution analysis, Al element is greatly enriched in the grain boundary and shell region. Coating Al2O3 achieves not only a smaller grain size and narrower distribution but also a higher breakdown strength, discharge energy density and energy efficiency at ambient temperature. In addition, temperature dependences of dielectric and energy storage properties under a same field were also investigated. Over the whole measuring temperature range, the sample with Al2O3 remains higher discharge energy density and energy efficiency.
Drawing as Driver of Creativity: Nurturing an Intelligence of Seeing in Art Students
Authors: Riley Howard 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe article reasserts the primacy of drawing as a driver of creativity within art schools. It reviews specific aspects of visual perception theory and visual communication theory relevant to a pedagogical strategy as a means of nurturing an ‘intelligence of seeing’ in art students. The domain of drawing is theorised as a systemic‐functional semiotic model informed by Michael Halliday's model for language, as adapted by Michael O'Toole in his 2011 The Language of Displayed Art. The model is demonstrated as an aid to the production of drawings, rather than its more‐recognised efficacy as a means of negotiating meaning from existing works. The article is illustrated with examples of drawings by the author.
Beyond Representation: Exploring Drawing as Part of Children's Meaning‐Making
Authors: Darling‐McQuistan Kirsten 
Published: October 2017

AbstractDrawing is an everyday feature of primary school classrooms. All too often however, its role within the classroom is limited to a ‘representational’ one, used to demonstrate the accuracy of children's images and representations of the world. Furthermore, drawings, which most closely ‘match’ objective, dominant perspectives are generally given greater value. Reflecting on the role of drawing in the classroom is particularly interesting at a time when there is increasing emphasis on ‘evidenced‐based’ and research‐informed practice within schools. Such a policy context, which is primarily concerned with ‘objective’ forms of evidence, raises questions about a possible role for drawing to support a more nuanced understanding of learning processes, taking account of the uniquely contextualised experiences of the children. In response to this context, this article reports on my engagement – as a primary school teacher in Scotland – with a Participatory Action Research (PAR) project with children aged five to seven. The project enabled us to explore how drawing could support our own, collective meaning‐making. The process involved employing walking and drawing as methods to open up rich linguistic spaces to enable the children to engage with and reflect on their lived experiences. The analysis of the drawings that were created surfaced many tensions within the Scottish education system, highlighted from the perspectives of the children. Such findings point to the need for more relational interpretation of ‘evidence’, arising from classroom actions and interactions, which include the perspectives of children.
No disparity of the efficacy and all‐cause mortality between Asian and non‐Asian type 2 diabetes patients with sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors treatment: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Cai Xiaoling , Gao Xueying , Yang Wenjia , Chen Yifei , Zhang Simin , Zhou Lingli , Han Xueyao , Ji Linong 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo evaluate whether there is disparity of the efficacy and all‐cause mortality and other adverse effects between Asian and non‐Asian patients with sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors treatment.Materials and MethodsRandomized clinical trials publicly available before January 2017, comparing SGLT2 inhibitors treatment with a placebo in type 2 diabetes patients were identified. The association between treatment and outcomes was estimated by computing the weighted mean difference for glycated hemoglobin level, blood pressure level, lipid profile levels and bodyweight, and the odds ratios for adverse events.ResultsA total of 17 trials with Asian patients were included and 39 trials with non‐Asian patients were included. Comparison of the glycated hemoglobin decreases corrected by a placebo between Asian and non‐Asian patients showed that there was a non‐significant difference of 0.05% between groups (P > 0.05). Comparisons of the bodyweight changes and blood pressure changes corrected by a placebo between Asian and non‐Asian patients did not show a significant difference between groups (P > 0.05). The risk of all‐cause mortality was not increased when compared with a placebo both in Asian and non‐Asian populations, and the risk of genital infection in Asian and non‐Asian populations were both significant increased.ConclusionsOverall, according to the present meta‐analysis, comparison of the efficacy in SGLT2 inhibitors treatment between Asian and non‐Asian type 2 diabetes patients showed no significant difference in glycated hemoglobin reduction and bodyweight reduction. Furthermore, no disparity was found in the risk of all‐cause mortality or hypoglycemia in SGLT2 inhibitors treatment between Asian and non‐Asian patients.
Analysis of treatment goal alignment between Japanese psoriasis patients and their paired treating physicians
Authors: Okubo Y. , Tsuruta D. , Tang A.C. , Inoue S. , Torisu‐Itakura H. , Hanada T. , Ohtsuki M. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundAppropriate goal‐oriented treatment strategies are important for optimal treatment outcomes and may prevent under‐treatment. As treatment goals vary by patient, a study to examine treatment goals is more meaningful when patients and their physicians are paired. There has not been any study that examines alignment between paired psoriasis patients and physicians in real‐world clinical practice using skin clearance as a treatment goal indicator.ObjectivesTo evaluate treatment goal alignment between psoriasis patients and their paired physicians, and to quantitatively identify factors associated with goal misalignment.MethodsThe study was a nationwide multicenter cross‐sectional observational study. Subjects were physician‐reported moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis patients with a history of systemic treatments, directly paired with their treating physicians. Subjects completed surveys independently. Treatment goals included seven categories, and patient–physician pairs were grouped as ‘aligned’ or ‘misaligned’ when the answers were the same or different, respectively.ResultsA total of 425 pairs (mean response rate, 94.7%) of responses were collected from 54 sites (64.8% general practitioners or clinics; 35.2% university or large hospitals). Treatment goal misalignment was found in 67.9% of the patient–physician pairs. The misalignment was mainly ‘patient predominant’ (60.9%) indicating that patients had higher goals (‘complete clearance’) than physicians. In the multivariate logistic regression analyses, patients’ treatment expectation for ‘complete clearance’ [odds ratio (OR): 1.927; 95% confidential interval (CI): 1.232–3.016] and physician rating of ‘level of understanding on treatment options’ being low (OR: 1.552, 95% CI; 1.082–2.227) were significant factors for treatment goal misalignment.ConclusionsThe majority of treatment goal misalignment was found between paired psoriasis patients and their treating physicians in Japan. The most important contributing factors to misalignment were patients’ treatment expectation for ‘complete clearance’ and physicians’ rating of their patients’ ‘level of understanding on treatment options’ being low.
The burden of glory: Competing for nonmonetary incentives in rank‐order tournaments
Authors: Kali Raja , Pastoriza David , Plante Jean‐François 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn an environment in which elite, highly paid professionals compete for nonmonetary rewards, we find evidence of underperformance. Our analysis suggests that choking under pressure from high‐stakes nonmonetary rewards is behind the underperformance. This implies that high stakes nonmonetary rewards can create meaningful pressure on individuals and lead to worse performance, a distinct issue that has yet to be adequately examined. These findings come from an examination of the behavior of top U.S. golfers competing to earn a place on the U.S. Ryder Cup team via their performance in PGA Tour tournaments with differing allocations of Ryder Cup qualifying points.
SIRS contagion model of food safety risk
Authors: Chen Tingqiang , Ma Baichao , Wang Jining 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis paper introduces the SIRS contagion model of food safety risk considering the entry rate, the normal bankruptcy rate, the abnormal bankruptcy rate, and other correlated parameters of food enterprise. The influences of these correlated factors on the contagion of food safety risk is discussed and theoretically analyzed. Computer simulation was performed to measure the entry rate of food enterprises, the normal bankruptcy rate, the abnormal bankruptcy rate, the re‐violation rate, the recovery rate, and the connectivity of food enterprises. The study found that: (a) the inhibitory effect of the normal bankruptcy rate on food safety risk contagion is the most significant; (b) the abnormal bankruptcy rate and the recovery rate can also constrain food safety risk, but the re‐violation rate will scale up the food safety risk; (c) a negative correlation exists between the entry rate and the contagion threshold of food safety risk, and a positive correlation is observed between the entry rate and the contagion scale of food safety risk; (d) with the increasing number of food enterprises' business partners, the contagion scale of food safety risk will increase.Practical applicationsThis study is significant in supervising and managing the food market because it analyzes the contagion mechanism and the influence factors of food safety risk in the food supply network. According to the research results, we could take corresponding effective actions which introduced in the research to control the contagion scale of food safety risk and to guard the safety of food market.