bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prenatal counselling for congenital anomalies: a systematic review
Authors: Marokakis Sarah , Kasparian Nadine A. , Kennedy Sean E. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectivePrenatal diagnosis of fetal anomalies may arouse fear, anxiety and distress in parents, and counselling may assist parents to cope with the diagnosis. This systematic review aimed to (1) synthesise the evidence on the impact of non‐genetic, prenatal counselling after fetal diagnosis of a congenital anomaly on parental knowledge and psychological adjustment and (2) identify parents' preferences for the timing and format of counselling.MethodFive electronic databases were systematically searched to identify studies assessing prenatal counselling provided to parents after prenatal diagnosis of one or more structural congenital anomalies. Data were extracted using predefined data forms, according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses guidelines, and synthesised.ResultTwenty four articles were included for review; most articles reported results of retrospective surveys and the quality of included studies was variable. Only three studies assessed parental anxiety, and each reported a significant decrease in anxiety following prenatal counselling. Parents expressed a preference for counselling on all aspects of their baby's anomaly as soon as possible after prenatal diagnosis, and desired written, visual and web‐based information resources, and support group contacts.ConclusionAlthough prenatal counselling reduced parental anxiety, further research is needed to adequately assess the impact of prenatal counselling on other psychological outcomes. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Propofol Use for Toxin‐Related Seizures
Authors: Cantrell F. Lee , Wardi Gabriel , O'Connell Charles 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundThe use of propofol as treatment of toxin‐induced seizures is unclear. The goal of this study was to characterize the use of propofol for toxin‐related seizures as reported to a statewide poison system.MethodsThis study was a retrospective review of the electronic records from a poison control system from 2009 to 2012. Inclusion criteria were patient age (≥ 18 yrs) and cases coded with “seizure” that contained the term “propofol.” The age, sex, reported toxin(s) involved, recurrence of seizure activity following/during propofol use, and mortality were extracted.ResultsRecords review identified 235 poisoning cases, all of which involved adjunctive therapy with propofol. The age range was 18–82 years (53% female). A total of 155 different toxins were identified. Recurrent seizures occurred in 15.7% (n=37) of cases following propofol administration. The mortality rate was 6.8% (n=16) in cases with known outcomes.ConclusionsPropofol is being used as an anticonvulsant in poisoned patients and appears to have some utility as an adjunct in terminating toxin‐related seizures once airway control has been established. Less clear, however, is at what point propofol therapy should be initiated. Prospective controlled studies are warranted to identify the role of propofol in controlling toxin‐induced seizures.
Effectiveness of case management as a cross‐sectoral healthcare provision for women with breast cancer
Authors: Bleich Christiane , Büscher Cathrin , Melchior Hanne , Grochocka Anna , Thorenz Andrea , Schulz Holger , Koch Uwe , Watzke Birgit 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectiveCase management (CM) programs are intended to improve care coordination for cancer patients. This quasi‐experimental, controlled study evaluated whether such a program was effective in improving health‐related quality of life and reducing the psychological distress of breast cancer patients.MethodsFor the study, 126 patients with CM and 118 patients with treatment as usual (TAU) were surveyed at baseline, a 6‐month follow‐up and a 12‐month follow‐up. Comparisons of the two groups with regard to quality of life (Short Form‐8, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer‐11; primary outcome) and psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, distress thermometer; secondary outcome) were conducted.ResultsUnivariate t‐tests regarding the primary and secondary outcomes demonstrated improvements in the relevant outcomes at the 6‐month and 12‐month follow‐ups for the intervention group as well as for the control group. An analysis of covariance revealed that the controls showed a higher level of physical quality of life at the 12‐month follow‐up than the other time points and no differences at 6 months after the baseline.ConclusionsThe tested CM model did not improve the quality of life or psychological well‐being of the patients beyond treatment as usual. Possible reasons include that the treatment was already of high standards in the control group or that there are possibly different impacts than found in the literature regarding different forms of organization in CM. The need for and the tailoring of this CM model as well as the transfer of CM to other oncological indications remain to be clarified. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthetic and Runs‐Rules Charts Combined With an Chart: Theoretical Discussion
Authors: Shongwe Sandile C. , Graham Marien A. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractA synthetic and a runs‐rules
charts that are combined with a basic
chart are called a Synthetic‐
and an improved runs‐rules
charts, respectively. This paper gives the zero‐state and steady‐state theoretical results of the Synthetic‐
and improved runs‐rules
monitoring schemes. The Synthetic‐
and improved runs‐rules schemes can each be classified into four different categories, that is, (i) non‐side‐sensitive, (ii) standard side‐sensitive, (iii) revised side‐sensitive, and (iv) modified side‐sensitive. In this paper, we first give the operation and, secondly, the general form of the transition probability matrices for each of the categories. Thirdly, in steady‐state, we show that for each of the categories, the three methods that are widely used in the literature to compute the initial probability vectors result in different probability expressions (or values). Fourthly, we derive the closed‐form expressions of the average run‐length (ARL) vectors for each of the categories, so that, by multiplying each of these ARL vectors with the zero‐state and steady‐state initial probability vectors, yield the zero‐state and steady‐state ARL expressions. Finally, we formulate the closed‐form expressions of the extra quadratic loss function for each of the categories. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of respiratory activity and carbon usage of a mutant of Azotobacter vinelandii impaired in poly-β-hydroxybutyrate synthesis
Authors: Jiménez Lucero , Castillo Tania , Flores Celia , Segura Daniel , Galindo Enrique , Peña Carlos 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
In this study, the respiratory activity and carbon usage of the mutant strain of A. vinelandii AT6, impaired in poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) production, and their relationship with the synthesis of alginate were evaluated. The alginate yield and the specific oxygen uptake rate were higher (2.5-fold and 62 %, respectively) for the AT6 strain, compared to the control strain (ATCC 9046), both in shake flasks cultures and in bioreactor, under fixed dissolved oxygen tension (1 %). In contrast, the degree of acetylation was similar in both strains. These results, together with the analysis of carbon usage (% C-mol), suggest that in the case of the AT6 strain, the flux of acetyl-CoA (precursor molecule for PHB biosynthesis and alginate acetylation) was diverted to the respiratory chain passing through the tricarboxylic acids cycle, and an important % C-mol was directed through alginate biosynthesis, up to 25.9 % and to a lesser extent, to biomass production (19.7 %).
Report of a nationwide survey on actual administered radioactivities of radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic reference levels in Japan
Authors: Watanabe Hiroshi , Ishii Kazunari , Hosono Makoto , Imabayashi Etsuko , Abe Koichiro , Inubushi Masayuki , Ohno Kazuko , Magata Yasuhiro , Ono Kinya , Kikuchi Kei , Wagatsuma Kei , Takase Tadashi , Saito Kyoko , Takahashi Yasuyuki 
Published: May 2016

Abstract

Objective
The optimization of medical exposure is one of the major issues regarding radiation protection in the world, and The International Committee of Radiological Protection and the International Atomic Energy Agency recommend establishing diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) as tools for dose optimization. Therefore, the development of DRLs based on the latest survey has been required for nuclear medicine-related societies and organizations. This prompted us to conduct a nationwide survey on the actual administered radioactivity to adults for the purpose of developing DRLs in nuclear medicine.

Methods
A nationwide survey was conducted from November 25, 2014 to January 16, 2015. The questionnaire was sent to all of the 1249 nuclear medicine facilities in Japan, and the responses were collected on a website using an answered form.

Results
Responses were obtained from 516 facilities, for a response rate of 41 %. 75th percentile of 99mTc-MDP and 99mTc-HMDP: bone scintigraphy, 99mTc-HM-PAO, 99mTc-ECD and 123I-IMP: cerebral blood flow scintigraphy, 99mTc-Tetrofosmin, 99mTc-MIBI and 201Tl-Cl; myocardial perfusion scintigraphy and 18F-FDG: oncology PET (in-house-produced or delivery) in representative diagnostic nuclear medicine scans were 932, 937, 763, 775, 200, 831, 818, 180, 235 and 252, respectively. More than 90 % of the facilities were within the range of 50 % from the median of these survey results in representative diagnostic nuclear medicine facilities in Japan. Responses of the administered radioactivities recommended by the package insert, texts and guidelines such as 740 MBq (99mTc-MDP and 99mTc-HMDP: bone scintigraphy), 740 MBq (99mTc-ECD and 99mTc-HM-PAO: cerebral blood flow scintigraphy) and 740 MBq (99mTc-Tetrofosmin and 99mTc-MIBI: myocardial perfusion scintigraphy), etc. were numerous. The administered activity of many radiopharmaceuticals of bone scintigraphy (99mTc-MDP and 99mTc-HMDP), cerebral blood flow scintigraphy (99mTc-HM-PAO) and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (99mTc-Tetrofosmin and 99mTc-MIBI), etc. were within the range of the EU DRLs and almost none of the administered radioactivity in Japan exceeded the upper limit of SNMMI standard administered radioactivity.

Conclusions
This survey indicated that the administered radioactivity in diagnostic nuclear medicine in Japan had been in the convergence zone and nuclear medicine facilities in Japan show a strong tendency to adhere to the texts and guidelines. Furthermore, the administered radioactivities in Japan were within the range of variation of the EU and the SNMMI administered radioactivities.
Plasma phospholipids and prevalence of mild cognitive impairment and/or dementia in the ARIC Neurocognitive Study (ARIC‐NCS)
Authors: Li Danni , Misialek Jeffrey R. , Boerwinkle Eric , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Sharrett A. Richey , Mosley Thomas H. , Coresh Josef , Wruck Lisa M. , Knopman David S. , Alonso Alvaro 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIntroductionPhospholipids are altered in brains of patients with dementia and some studies suggest their plasma levels may be useful in the detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia.MethodsWe measured 188 plasma metabolites in participants who underwent a detailed neuropsychological assessment and classified as normal (n = 153), MCI (n = 145), or dementia (n = 143) by expert adjudication.ResultsAmong 10 phospholipids recently implicated as altered in dementia, higher concentration of PC aa C36:6 was significantly associated with decreased prevalence of dementia (odds ratio = 0.71, 95% confidence interval = 0.50–1.00 per 1−SD increase). Adding these phospholipids to a model including multiple predictors of dementia led to only minimal improvement in detection (C statistic changed from 0.702 to 0.71).DiscussionSome phospholipids and metabolites were altered in MCI and dementia but cross‐sectional association was relatively weak and did not improve detection of MCI and dementia beyond information provided by clinical variables.
Ecomorphological determinations in the absence of living analogues: the predatory behavior of the marsupial lion (Thylacoleo carnifex) as revealed by elbow joint morphology
Authors: Figueirido Borja , Martín-Serra Alberto , Janis Christine M. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThylacoleo carnifex, or the “pouched lion” (Mammalia: Marsupialia: Diprotodontia: Thylacoleonidae), was a carnivorous marsupial that inhabited Australia during the Pleistocene. Although all present-day researchers agree thatThylacoleohad a hypercarnivorous diet, the way in which it killed its prey remains uncertain. Here we use geometric morphometrics to capture the shape of the elbow joint (i.e., the anterior articular surface of the distal humerus) in a wide sample of extant mammals of known behavior to determine how elbow anatomy reflects forearm use. We then employ this information to investigate the predatory behavior ofThylacoleo. A principal components analysis indicates thatThylacoleois the only carnivorous mammal to cluster with extant taxa that have an extreme degree of forearm maneuverability, such as primates and arboreal xenarthrans (pilosans). A canonical variates analysis confirms thatThylacoleohad forearm maneuverability intermediate between wombats (terrestrial) and arboreal mammals and a much greater degree of maneuverability than any living carnivoran placental. A linear discriminant analysis computed to separate the elbow morphology of arboreal mammals from terrestrial ones shows thatThylacoleowas primarily terrestrial but with some climbing abilities. We infer from our results thatThylacoleoused its forelimbs for grasping or manipulating prey to a much higher degree than its supposed extant placental counterpart, the African lion (Panthera leo). The use of the large and retractable claw on the semiopposable thumb ofThylacoleofor potentially slashing and disemboweling prey is discussed in the light of this new information.
Continental-scale biogeographic variation: provinces versus gradients in the Upper Ordovician of Laurentia
Authors: Jenkins Chelsea E. , Holland Steven M. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAlthough provinces are widely used to delimit large-scale variations in biotic composition, it is unknown to what extent such variations simply reflect large-scale gradients, much as has been shown at smaller scales for communities. We examine here whether four previously described Middle and Late Ordovician provinces on Laurentia are best described as distinct provinces or as biotic gradients through a combination of the Paleobiology Database and new field data. Both data sets indicate considerable overlap in faunal composition, with spatial patterns in Jaccard similarity, quantified Jaccard similarity, and nonmetric multidimensional scaling ordination structure that correspond to variations in substrate type, specifically from carbonate-dominated strata in western Laurentia to mixed carbonate–siliciclastic strata in the midcontinent to siliciclastic-dominated rocks in easternmost Laurentia. Because sampling was limited to shallow-subtidal settings, this gradient cannot be attributed to variations in water depth. Likewise, geographic distance accounts for only a quarter of the variation in faunal composition. This cross-continent faunal gradient increases in strength into the early Late Ordovician, and appears to represent increased siliciclastic influx into eastern Laurentia during the Taconic orogeny. These results raise the question of whether biogeographic provinces may be in general better interpreted and analyzed as biotic gradients rather than as discrete entities.
Axial growth gradients across the postprotaspid ontogeny of the Silurian trilobiteAulacopleura koninckii
Authors: Fusco Giuseppe , Hong Paul S. , Hughes Nigel C. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractRecent morphometric analysis revealed a juvenile (meraspid) axial growth gradient in the trunk of the ~429 Myr old trilobiteAulacopleura koninckiithat resulted from growth control based on positional specification, as is common among extant organisms. Here we explore axial growth gradients in the more anterior body region, the cephalon, and in the cephalon and trunk during subsequent development in the holaspid period. We detected an axial growth gradient in the cephalon in the meraspid period, flatter and opposite in direction to that of the trunk, which also persisted during the holaspid period. We also found an holaspid trunk growth gradient, with a different distribution of growth rates among segments than that of the meraspid period. These newly observed growth gradients are compatible with the mechanism of growth control inferred for the meraspid trunk. Thus, the same kind of growth control may have operated in both body regions and during the whole ontogeny ofA. koninckii.This study, along with others on the same species that preceded it, show that morphometric analysis of appropriate data sets can address questions of high interest for evolutionary developmental biology using data from fossils. By revealing developmental features at deep nodes of the phylogenetic tree, these studies will elucidate both how developmental processes evolved and how they themselves affected the evolution of organismal body patterning.
Rhinosinusitis associated with post-dental extraction chronic oroantral fistula: outcomes of non-surgical management comprising antibiotics and local decongestion therapy
Authors: Mishra A K , Sinha V R , Nilakantan A , Singh D K 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjective:A non-surgical approach for managing rhinosinusitis associated with chronic oroantral fistula resulting from tooth extraction was evaluated.Methods:Twenty-six consecutive patients (15 males and 11 females) aged 28–72 years (mean, 49.81 years) were administered local decongestion therapy for 2 weeks and antibiotics for 10 days. Patients showing a reduction in Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 scores after two weeks continued to receive local decongestion therapy weekly for up to six weeks, while those not showing any improvement underwent surgical management.Results:At 2 weeks, 17 patients (65.38 per cent) showed an improvement in rhinosinusitis (33.39 per cent mean reduction in Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 scores). The primary determinant of response was fistula size. At 6 weeks, sinusitis resolved completely in all 17 patients, and the fistula closed in 16 of these. Final Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 and Lund–Mackay scores showed no significant difference between the surgically treated and non-surgically treated groups.Conclusion:Local decongestion therapy along with antibiotics may promote resolution in this subset of rhinosinusitis patients.
Multiple methods increase detection of large and medium-sized mammals: working with volunteers in south-eastern Oman
Authors: Mazzolli Marcelo , Haag Taiana , Lippert Beatriz G. , Eizirik Eduardo , Hammer Matthias L.A. , Al Hikmani Khalid 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe compared the effectiveness of various methods for surveying medium and large wild mammals in southern Oman. Working with volunteers recruited by Biosphere Expeditions, wildlife professionals and local rangers, we used direct observation, camera traps, sign surveys (tracks and/or dung) and molecular scatology to study 66 sampling units of 2 × 2 km (grid cells) in an area of 32 × 36 km during a 4-week period in February–March 2011. Sixteen mammal species were recorded, and the largest numbers of species were recorded by sign surveys and camera traps (both n = 9); sign surveys, direct sightings and DNA scatology recorded species across the largest number of grid cells. For species with a sample size large enough for comparison (i.e. detected in ≥ 8 grid cells), DNA scatology proved most effective for detecting caracalCaracal caracal, signs for hyaenaHyaena hyaena, ibexCapra nubiana, porcupineHystrix indicaand hyraxProcavia capensis, and signs and direct sightings for mountain gazelleGazella gazella. Clustering, in which records from multiple methods are either adjacent or overlapping, was highest (≥ 76%) for the wolfCanis lupus, porcupine, ibex and gazelle. Our results indicate the best methods to detect and record the distributions of individual species in the study area, and demonstrate the advantage of using multiple methods to reduce the risk of false absences or partial detections. Our findings also highlight the potential of clustering as a means of cross-checking results of observations that are skill-dependent, which is particularly useful when employing a large workforce.
Apathy in patients with Parkinson’s disease following deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus
Authors: Hindle Fisher Isabel , Pall Hardev S. , Mitchell Rosalind D. , Kausar Jamilla , Cavanna Andrea E. 
Published: May 2016

ObjectiveApathy has been reported as a possible adverse effect of deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS). We investigated the prevalence and severity of apathy in 22 patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) who underwent STN-DBS, as well as the effects of apathy on quality of life (QOL).MethodsAll patients were assessed with the Lille Apathy Rating Scale (LARS), the Apathy Scale (AS), and the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire and were compared to a control group of 38 patients on pharmacotherapy alone.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the prevalence or severity of apathy between patients who had undergone STN-DBS and those on pharmacotherapy alone. Significant correlations were observed between poorer QOL and degree of apathy, as measured by the LARS (p<0.001) and the AS (p=0.021). PD-related disability also correlated with both apathy ratings (p<0.001 and p=0.017, respectively).ConclusionOur findings suggest that STN-DBS is not necessarily associated with apathy in the PD population; however, more severe apathy appears to be associated with a higher level of disability due to PD and worse QOL, but no other clinico-demographic characteristics.
Giant photoluminescence enhancement in tungsten-diselenide–gold plasmonic hybrid structures
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Dong Zhaogang , Gu Yinghong , Chang Yung-Huang , Zhang Lei , Li Lain-Jong , Zhao Weijie , Eda Goki , Zhang Wenjing , Grinblat Gustavo , Maier Stefan A. , Yang Joel K. W. , Qiu Cheng-Wei , Wee Andrew T. S. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractImpressive properties arise from the atomically thin nature of transition metal dichalcogenide two-dimensional materials. However, being atomically thin limits their optical absorption or emission. Hence, enhancing their photoluminescence by plasmonic nanostructures is critical for integrating these materials in optoelectronic and photonic devices. Typical photoluminescence enhancement from transition metal dichalcogenides is 100-fold, with recent enhancement of 1,000-fold achieved by simultaneously enhancing absorption, emission and directionality of the system. By suspending WSe2 flakes onto sub-20-nm-wide trenches in gold substrate, we report a giant photoluminescence enhancement of ∼20,000-fold. It is attributed to an enhanced absorption of the pump laser due to the lateral gap plasmons confined in the trenches and the enhanced Purcell factor by the plasmonic nanostructure. This work demonstrates the feasibility of giant photoluminescence enhancement in WSe2 with judiciously designed plasmonic nanostructures and paves a way towards the implementation of plasmon-enhanced transition metal dichalcogenide photodetectors, sensors and emitters.