bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Left atrial size and risk of stroke in patients in sinus rhythm
Authors: Overvad Thure Filskov , Nielsen Peter Brønnum , Larsen Torben Bjerregaard , Søgaard Peter 
Published: April 2016

SummaryLittle is known about the risk of stroke associated with left atrial enlargement in patients in sinus rhythm, and whether such patients may have an unmet need for thromboprophylaxis. In this systematic review we summarise the existing evidence concerning left atrial size and risk of stroke in patients in sinus rhythm. Nine cohort studies were identified, analysing a total of 67,875 participants and 3,093 stroke outcomes. Rates of stroke per 100 person-years in patients with left atrial enlargement and in sinus rhythm ranged from 0.59 in a population-based cohort to 2.06 in patients referred for echocardiography. All studies reported a higher risk of stroke with larger/enlarged left atrium compared to smaller/normal sized left atrium. Two studies found indications of modification by sex, with only positive associations observed in women. Left atrial enlargement may represent an important predictor of stroke across a variety of patient populations in sinus rhythm. The underlying aetiology explaining this observed higher risk is likely to be multifactorial and not confined to a potential direct effect of left atrial enlargement on thromboembolic risk. Formal stroke risk stratification among patients with left atrial enlargement may further help identify patients who stand to gain from preventive antithrombotic therapy.Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter in Pregnant Women—A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Lee Ming‐Sum , Chen Wansu , Zhang Zilu , Duan Lewei , Ng Angie , Spencer Hillard T. , Kwan Damon M. , Shen Albert Y.‐J. 
Published: April 2016

Background

The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter (
AF
) in pregnant women and to examine the impact of
AF
on maternal and fetal outcomes.

Methods and Results

Between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2013, there were 264 730 qualifying pregnancies (in 210 356 women) in the Kaiser Permanente Southern California hospitals, among whom
AF
was noted in 157 pregnancies (129 women; 61.3 per 100 000 women, or 59.3 per 100 000 pregnancies). Prevalence of
AF
(per 100 000 women) in white, black, Asian, and Hispanic women was 111.6, 101.7, 45.0, and 34.3, respectively. Older age was associated with higher odds of having
AF
. Compared to women <25 years of age, the odds ratio (
OR
) of
AF
was 4.1 in women age 30 to 34 years, 4.9 in women age 35 to 39 years, and 5.2 in women age ≥40. Odds of
AF
episodes were higher during the third trimester compared to the first trimester (
OR
, 3.2; 95%
CI
: 1.5–7.7). Among
AF
patients, adverse maternal cardiac events were rare—2 women developed heart failure and there were no strokes or systemic embolic events and no maternal death. There were 156 live births (99.4% of all pregnancies). Compared to women without
AF
, fetal birth weights were similar, but rate for neonates’ admission to the neonatal intensive care unit was higher (10.8% vs 5.1%;
P
=0.003).

Conclusions

AF
is rare in pregnant women. Certain factors such as increased maternal age and white race increase the odds of having
AF
. Major maternal and fetal complications are infrequent, albeit a source of concern.
Digital Connectedness in the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Fox Caroline S. , Hwang Shih‐Jen , Nieto Kenneth , Valentino Maureen , Mutalik Karen , Massaro Joseph M. , Benjamin Emelia J. , Murabito Joanne M. 
Published: April 2016

Background

New avenues of data collection such as
eH
ealth and mobile technology have the potential to revolutionize the way large populations can be assessed and managed outside of standard research and clinical settings.

Methods and Results

A digital connectedness survey was administered within the Framingham Heart Study from 2014 to 2015. The exposure was usage of the Internet, email, cell phones, and smartphones in relation to demographic and cardiovascular disease risk factors; all results were adjusted for age and sex. Among 8096 living study participants, 6503 (80.3%) completed the digital survey. Among survey responders, 5678 (87.4%) reported regular Internet use. Participants reporting regular Internet use were younger (aged 59.1 versus 76.5 years,
P
<0.0001), were more likely to be employed (70.3% versus 23.7%,
P
=0.002), and had more favorable cardiovascular disease risk factors than those who did not use the Internet (all
P
≤0.05). Overall, 5946 (92.1%) responders reported using cell phones. Among cell phone users, 3907 (67.8%) had smartphones. Smartphone users were younger (aged 55.4 versus 68.5 years,
P
<0.0001), more likely to be employed (81.1% versus 43.9%,
P
<0.0001) and to have a college education, and less likely to have hypertension (27.9% versus 55.7%,
P
=0.0002) than those who did not use smartphones.

Conclusions
Digital connectedness varies substantially by age; connected persons tend to be younger and better educated and to have more favorable cardiovascular disease risk factor profiles. Less than two‐thirds of study participants who completed the survey had a smartphone. The generalizability of studies focused on digitally connected persons may have limitations.
Robinson, A.S., Gironella, E.P. &amp; Cervancia, J.M. (2016) New orchid species of Sigmatodactylus (Orchidoideae; Diurideae) and a new record of Cryptostylis carinata from central Palawan, Philippines. Phytotaxa 252 (2): 99–113.
Authors: ROBINSON ALASTAIR S. , GIRONELLA ELIZABETH P. , CERVANCIA JEHSON M. 
Published: April 2016

Two new species of Stigmatodactylus from Palawan Island in the Philippines are described and illustrated. The taxa, which represent the first records for the genus Stigmatodactylus in the Philippines, are restricted to the ultramafic peaks of central Palawan. Cryptostylis carinata, originally described from New Guinea, is also documented, representing a first record for this species in Palawan.
Understanding Anomalous Eddy Vorticity Forcing in North Atlantic Oscillation Events
Authors: Song Jie 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
This study proposes an anomalous eddy vorticity forcing (EVF) decomposing procedure to investigate physical mechanisms responsible for the formation of the anomalous EVF associated with North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) events. Utilizing the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) dynamical core atmospheric model, a series of NAO initial-value short-term experiments are conducted. Applying the EVF decomposing procedure to the results of these experiments, the anomalous nonlinear EVF associated with the NAO events in the model can be decomposed into several fundamental linear eddy–eddy interaction terms and an unimportant nonlinear eddy–eddy interaction term. Compared with the NAO-free situation, synoptic-scale eddies have faster (slower) eastward phase speeds during the positive (negative) NAO events. Through a synoptic-scale eddy–eddy interaction mechanism, the behaviors of anomalous EVF components in the positive (negative) NAO events are well explained by synoptic-scale eddies with faster (slower) eastward phase speeds. Therefore, synoptic-scale eddies with faster (slower) eastward phase speeds are responsible for the development of the anomalous EVF associated with positive (negative) NAO events. Note that at the initial stage of the NAO initial-value experiments, the faster (slower) phase speeds of the synoptic-scale eddies are specified by modifying the initial-value fields and then are amplified/maintained by the strengthening (weakening) zonal wind in the middle and high latitudes associated with the approaching positive (negative)-phase NAO. Therefore, this study indicates that the properties of the synoptic-scale eddies at the initial stage determine the upcoming NAO anomalies.
Earnings, productivity and inequality in Indonesia
Authors: Tadjoeddin Mohammad Zulfan 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis article examines real wage-earning, productivity and earning inequality in Indonesia, focusing on differentials among provinces and economic sectors. The post-1997 Asian crisis and democratic Indonesia mimic the global trend of disconnection between wages and productivity: labour productivity continues to rise while real wage-earning stagnates or declines. This disconnection has three consequences. First, it affects income or earning distribution as confirmed by rising overall earnings inequality. Second, while it explains the conventional wisdom of an economy-wide negative relationship between real wages and employment, it is of concern that these two variables do not move in the same direction as the productivity improvements that have occurred in large and medium establishments in the manufacturing sector. Third, the disconnection between productivity and earnings growth opens a new discussion on the broader issue of quality of growth, as the data show that robust economic growth in the post-crisis Indonesia has not been accompanied by parallel improvements in the quality of employment.
Videoconferencing for Teens With Diabetes
Authors: Duke Danny C. , Wagner David V. , Ulrich Jenae , Freeman Kurt A. , Harris Michael A. 
Published: April 2016

Background: Adolescence is a developmental period associated with increased difficulty managing diabetes. During adolescence family functioning, including miscarried helping, family conflict, and acceptance of illness, is an important predictor of adherence to treatment recommendations. Multiple barriers exist to receiving behavioral health interventions to address suboptimal adherence. We hypothesized that behavioral family systems therapy–diabetes (BFST-D) delivered via telehealth would yield changes in family functioning that were not significantly different than changes in clinic-based treatment. Furthermore, that BFST-D would significantly improve overall family functioning. Methods: Ninety adolescent participants and their parents were randomized to receive BFST-D via telehealth or traditional (Clinic) treatment conditions. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to assess changes in mean scores across pre, post, and follow-up assessments. Mediation analyses were conducted using methods outlined by Sobel and were confirmed by bootstrapping. Results: Changes in miscarried helping, family conflict and adjustment to illness were not significantly different across groups. Overall, clinically significant improvements were identified in youth- and parent-reported miscarried helping, family conflict, and acceptance of illness. Reductions in family conflict mediated the relationship between changes in miscarried helping and acceptance of illness. In addition, improvements in family functioning were associated with changes in adherence and glycemic control. Conclusions: Results provide strong support for BFST-D (and similar interventions) delivered via telehealth as yielding outcomes no different than clinic-based treatment. In addition, further support was provided for the effectiveness of BFST-D.
Management of diabetes in Morocco: results of the International Diabetes Management Practices Study (IDMPS) – wave 5
Authors: Chadli Asmae , El Aziz Siham , El Ansari Nawal , Ajdi Farida , Seqat Mehdi , Latrech Hanane , Belmejdoub Ghizlaine 
Published: April 2016

Objectives: The International Diabetes Mellitus Practice Study (IDMPS) is a 5-year survey documenting changes in diabetes treatment practices in developing countries. The primary objective of this survey was to assess the therapeutic management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in real-life medical practice. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the clinical management of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and to assess the proportion of all diabetic patients failing to reach the glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) <7% target. Methods: Data were analysed for 738 patients (240 with T1DM and 498 with T2DM) included in wave 5 of the IDMPS in Morocco in 2011. Results: Nearly two-thirds (61%) of T2DM patients were treated with oral glucose-lowering drugs (OGLDs) alone, 13.1% were treated with insulin alone and 23.3% were treated with OGLDs plus insulin. Insulin use was less frequent, was initiated later and involved a greater use of premixes versus basal/prandial schedules compared to other populations evaluated in the IDMPS. The majority (92.5%) of T1DM patients were treated with insulin alone and the remainder received insulin plus an OGLD. Insulin protocols included basal + prandial dosing (37.5%) and premix preparations (41.3%). The recommended target of HbA1c <7% was achieved by only 22.2% of T1DM patients and 26.8% of T2DM patients. More macrovascular but fewer microvascular complications were reported in T2DM compared to T1DM patients. Late complications increased with disease duration so that 20 years after diagnosis, 75.7% of T2DM patients were found to have at least one late complication. Conclusions: The clinical burden of diabetes is high in Morocco and the majority of patients do not achieve the recommended glycaemia target, suggesting that there is a huge gap between evidence-based diabetic management and real-life practice. Better education of patients and improved compliance with international recommendations are necessary to deliver a better quality of diabetic care.
Seven years of follow up of trabecular bone score, bone mineral density, body composition and quality of life in adults with growth hormone deficiency treated with rhGH replacement in a single center
Authors: Allo Miguel Gonzalo , Serraclara Plá Alicia , Partida Muñoz Myriam Lorena , Martínez Díaz-Guerra Guillermo , Hawkins Federico 
Published: April 2016

Background: Adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) is characterized by impaired physical activity, diminished quality of life (QoL), weight and fat mass gain, decreased muscle mass and decreased bone mineral density (BMD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of long-term treatment (7 years) with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) on metabolic parameters, body composition (BC), BMD, bone microarchitecture and QoL. Patients and Methods: In this prospective study, BMD and BC were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Bone microarchitecture was assessed with the trabecular bone score (TBS). The QoL-AGHDA test was used to assess QoL. Results: A total of 18 AGHD patients (mean age, 37.39 ± 12.42) were included. Body weight and body mass index (BMI) showed a significant increase after 7 years ( p = 0.03 and p = 0.001, respectively). There was a significant tendency of body fat mass (BFM) ( p = 0.028) and lean body mass (LBM) ( p = 0.005) to increase during the 7 years of rhGH treatment. There was a significant increase in lumbar spine (LS) BMD ( p = 0.01). TBS showed a nonsignificant decrease after 7 years of treatment, with a change of -0.86% ± 1.95. QoL showed a large and significant improvement ( p = 0.02). Conclusion: Long-term rhGH treatment in AGHD patients induces a large and sustained improvement in QoL. Metabolic effects are variable with an increase in LBM as well as in BMI and BFM. There is a positive effect on BMD based on the increase in LS BMD, which stabilizes during long-term therapy and is not associated with a similar increase in bone microarchitecture.
V-Fuzzy metric space and related fixed point theorems
Authors: Gupta Vishal , Kanwar Ashima 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe paper concerns our sustained efforts for introduction of V-fuzzy metric spaces and to study their basic topological properties. As an application of this concept, we prove coupled common fixed point theorems for mixed weakly monotone maps in partially ordered V-fuzzy metric spaces. An example quoted in this paper also corroborates fully the main result. Also, here we introduce the concept of a symmetric V-fuzzy metric space. Under the influence of symmetry property of V-fuzzy metric spaces, its conversion materializes to the main result from V-fuzzy metric spaces to fuzzy metric spaces.
Non contiguous-finished genome sequence and description of Microbacterium gorillae sp. nov.
Authors: Hadjadj Linda , Rathored Jaishriram , Keita Mamadou Bhoye , Michelle Caroline , Levasseur Anthony , Raoult Didier , Fournier Pierre-Edouard , Rolain Jean-Marc , Bittar Fadi 
Published: April 2016

AbstractStrain G3T (CSUR P207 = DSM 26203) was isolated from the fecal sample of a wild gorilla (Gorilla gorilla subsp gorilla) from Cameroon. It is a Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic short rod. This strain exhibits a 16S rRNA sequence similarity of 98.2 % with Microbacterium thalassium, the closest validly published Microbacterium species and member of the family Microbacteriaceae. Moreover, it shows a low MALDI-TOF-MS score (1.1 to 1.3) that does not allow any identification. Thus, it is likely that this strain represents a new species. Here we describe the phenotypic features of this organism, the complete genome sequence and annotation. The 3,692,770 bp long genome (one chromosome but no plasmid) contains 3,505 protein-coding and 61 RNA genes, including 4 rRNA genes. In addition, digital DNA-DNA hybridization values for the genome of the strain G3T against the closest Microbacterium genomes range between 19.7 to 20.5, once again confirming its new status as a new species. On the basis of these polyphasic data, consisting of phenotypic and genomic analyses, we propose the creation of Microbacterium gorillae sp. nov. that contains the strain G3T.
Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia Treatment at the Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence in Rwanda
Authors: Nzayisenga Ignace , Segal Roanne , Pritchett Natalie , Xu Mary J. , Park Paul H. , Mpanumusingo Edgie V. , Umuhizi Denis G. , Goldstein Donald P. , Berkowitz Ross S. , Hategekimana Vedaste , Muhayimana Clemence , Rubagumya Fidel , Fadelu Temidayo , Tapela Neo , Mpunga Tharcisse , Ghebre Rahel G. 
Published: April 2016

Purpose Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) is a highly treatable disease, most often affecting young women of childbearing age. This study reviewed patients managed for GTN at the Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence (BCCOE) in Rwanda to determine initial program outcomes. Patients and Methods A retrospective medical record review was performed for 35 patients with GTN assessed or treated between May 1, 2012, and November 30, 2014. Stage, risk score, and low or high GTN risk category were based on International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging and the WHO scoring system and determined by beta human chorionic gonadotropin level, chest x-ray, and ultrasound per protocol guidelines for resource-limited settings. Pathology reports and computed tomography scans were assessed when possible. Treatment was based on a predetermined protocol stratified by risk status. Results Of the 35 patients (mean age, 32 years), 26 (74%) had high-risk and nine (26%) had low-risk disease. Nineteen patients (54%) had undergone dilation and curettage and 11 (31%) had undergone hysterectomy before evaluation at BCCOE. Pathology reports were available in 48% of the molar pregnancy surgical cases. Systemic chemotherapy was initiated in 30 of the initial 35 patients: 13 (43%) received single-agent oral methotrexate, 15 (50%) received EMACO (etoposide, methotrexate, dactinomycin, cyclophosphamide, and vincristine), and two (7%) received alternate regimens. Of the 13 patients initiating methotrexate, three had their treatment intensified to EMACO. Four patients experienced treatment delays because of medication stockouts. At a median follow-up of 7.8 months, the survival probability for low-risk patients was 1.00; for high-risk patients, it was 0.63. Conclusion This experience demonstrates the feasibility of GTN treatment in rural, resource-limited settings. GTN is a curable disease and can be treated following the BCCOE model of cancer care.
Optogenetic activation reveals distinct roles of PIP3 and Akt in adipocyte insulin action
Authors: Xu Yingke , Nan Di , Fan Jiannan , Bogan Jonathan S. , Toomre Derek 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT
Glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4; also known as SLC2A4) resides on intracellular vesicles in muscle and adipose cells, and translocates to the plasma membrane in response to insulin. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)–Akt signaling pathway plays a major role in GLUT4 translocation; however, a challenge has been to unravel the potentially distinct contributions of PI3K and Akt (of which there are three isoforms, Akt1–Akt3) to overall insulin action. Here, we describe new optogenetic tools based on CRY2 and the N-terminus of CIB1 (CIBN). We used these ‘Opto’ modules to activate PI3K and Akt selectively in time and space in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We validated these tools using biochemical assays and performed live-cell kinetic analyses of IRAP–pHluorin translocation (IRAP is also known as LNPEP and acts as a surrogate marker for GLUT4 here). Strikingly, Opto-PIP3 largely mimicked the maximal effects of insulin stimulation, whereas Opto-Akt only partially triggered translocation. Conversely, drug-mediated inhibition of Akt only partially dampened the translocation response of Opto-PIP3. In spatial optogenetic studies, focal targeting of Akt to a region of the cell marked the sites where IRAP–pHluorin vesicles fused, supporting the idea that local Akt-mediated signaling regulates exocytosis. Taken together, these results indicate that PI3K and Akt play distinct roles, and that PI3K stimulates Akt-independent pathways that are important for GLUT4 translocation.
Bok is a genuine multi-BH-domain protein that triggers apoptosis in the absence of Bax and Bak
Authors: Einsele-Scholz Stephanie , Malmsheimer Silke , Bertram Katrin , Stehle Daniel , Johänning Janina , Manz Marianne , Daniel Peter T. , Gillissen Bernhard F. , Schulze-Osthoff Klaus , Essmann Frank 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT
The pro-apoptotic multidomain Bcl-2 proteins Bax and Bak (also known as BAK1) are considered the gatekeepers of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis by triggering the mitochondrial release of cytochrome c. The role of the third Bax- and Bak-homologous multidomain protein Bok, however, is still unresolved. As cells doubly deficient for Bax and Bak are largely resistant to various apoptotic stimuli, it has been proposed that Bok is either dispensable for apoptosis or that its role is dependent on Bax and Bak. Here, we demonstrate, in several cell systems, that Bok efficiently induces cytochrome c release and apoptosis even in the complete absence of both Bak and Bax. Moreover, modulation of endogenous Bok levels affects the apoptosis response. By RNA interference and targeted deletion of the Bok gene, we demonstrate that Bok can significantly influence the apoptotic response to chemotherapeutic drugs in ovarian carcinoma cells. Hence, our results not only establish Bok as a Bak- and Bax-independent apoptosis inducer, but also suggest a potential impact of Bok expression in ovarian cancer therapy.
Η ανάπτυξη, η αμφισβήτηση και η μεταρρύθμιση του ευρωπαϊκού κοινωνικού κράτους: «It’s the economy, stupid!»
Authors: Κουτσιαράς Νίκος 
Published: April 2016

<p>The post-war growth of the European welfare state was made possible by the exceptionally high rates of economic growth and the spectacular performance of European labour markets during that (golden) era. Yet, it also contributed to economic success. However, since the early ’70s, weak growth and high unemployment have made evident the impact of social and labour market policy failures, resulting in heavy economic distortions, whilst also putting in doubt the adequacy and (long-term) sustainability of the European welfare state. Reform of the social and labour market policies and institutions should, therefore, primarily<br />aim at removing heavy economic distortions, thereby improving efficiency.</p>