bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early Transthoracic Echocardiography after Cardiac Surgery Predicts Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Lacalzada Juan , Jiménez Juan José , Iribarren José Luis , de la Rosa Alejandro , Martín‐Cabeza Marta , Izquierdo María Manuela , Marí‐López Belén , García‐González Martín Jesús , Jorge‐Pérez Pablo , Barragán Antonio , Laynez Ignacio 
Published: May 2016

PurposePostoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is frequent after cardiac surgery. We aimed to establish a predictive model of POAF based on postoperative transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) findings.MethodsThis study included 147 patients (aged 67 ± 11 years; 109 men) undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and/or aortic valve replacement. TTE and Doppler tissue imaging were performed on intensive care unit arrival after surgery. All patients were continuously monitored during hospitalization. The end point was the appearance of POAF.ResultsPOAF appeared in 37 patients (25.2%). These patients were older (69 ± 16 vs. 65 ± 12 years; P < 0.001) and had increased long axis of the left atrium (LA) dimension (5.4 ± 1 vs. 4.8 ± 0.9 cm, P = 0.02), lower early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus (e′) (6.9 ± 2.1 vs. 8 ± 1.8 cm/sec; P < 0.01), and higher early diastolic pulsed Doppler mitral ratio (E)/e′ (E/e′) (17.4 ± 6.8 vs. 13.8 ± 6; P = 0.01). Left ventricle diastolic dysfunction grade (DFG) of 2 or 3 relative to grade 0 was significant: odds ratio (OR) 22.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.52–57.2; P < 0.001, and OR: 23.6, 95% CI: 3.57–60.1; P = 0.001), respectively. On multivariate analysis, the independent predictors of POAF were age (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01–1.18; P < 0.05), long‐axis LA dimension (OR: 6.24, 95% CI: 1.97–8.23; P = 0.0017), DFG‐2 (OR: 4.1, 95% CI: 1.57–15.81; P < 0.001), and DFG‐3 (OR: 8.3, 95% CI: 4.11–25.37; P < 0.001).ConclusionsApart from age, the simple determination by postoperative TTE of long‐axis LA dimension and DFG after cardiac surgery proved to be powerful independent predictors of POAF and may be useful for risk stratification of these patients.
Conditioned medium from human bone marrow stromal cells attenuates initial inflammatory reactions in dental pulp tissue
Authors: Al‐Sharabi Niyaz , Mustafa Manal , Ueda Minoru , Xue Ying , Mustafa Kamal , Fristad Inge 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effect of MSC‐conditioned medium (CM) on the secretion of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines from dental pulp cells (hDPC) in vitro, and on the gene expression in vivo after replantation of rat molars.Materials and methodshDPC were cultured in CM for 24 h, and the concentration of interleukin IL‐10, IL‐4, IL‐6, and IL‐8, regulated on activation, normal T Cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the media were measured by multiplex assay and ELISA, respectively. Expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) was also examined by Western blot analysis after 24 h. Left and right maxillary first rat molars (n = 20) were elevated for 2 min and then replanted with or without application of CM into the tooth sockets. Levels of IL‐1β, IL‐10, IL‐4, IL‐6, and IL‐8, and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) mRNA were evaluated by real‐time qRT‐PCR 3 and 14 days following tooth replantation.ResultsThe production of IL‐8, IL‐10, and IL‐6, RANTES and PGE2 by cells cultured in CM was significantly higher than production by cells cultured in standard medium (DMEM). At day 3 following replantation in vivo, the levels of IL‐1β and IL‐6, and TNF‐α mRNA were significantly lower in the CM‐treated replanted teeth compared with control teeth. Further, at day 3, the IL‐6/IL‐10 ratio was significantly lower in the CM‐treated replanted teeth compared with control. At day 14 following replantation, no differences in the mRNA ratios were detected between the pulp tissues of replanted and control teeth.ConclusionsThese findings indicated that CM promotes secretion of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines from hDPCin vitro and attenuates the initial inflammatory response in the rat dental pulp in vivo following tooth replantation.
Update on causes of premature death in people with convulsive epilepsy in rural West China
Authors: Si Yang , Chen Deng , Tian Linyu , Mu Jie , Chen Tao , Liu Ling , Deng Ying , He Jun , Li You , He Li , Zhou Dong 
Published: May 2016

SummaryThis longitudinal prospective study updated a previous report on premature mortality and focused on the risk factors among patients with convulsive epilepsy in resource‐poor settings. The present cohort size (7,231) and follow‐up (mean 33.4 months) were expanded. The basic epidemiologic aspects of this cohort were similar to the original report (case fatality: 3.26% vs. 2.97%, respectively; injury contributed more than half of the deaths). Cox regression analysis suggested that male patients, late ages of onset (>45 years old), short duration of epilepsy (<10 years), and high convulsive seizure frequency (>2 per month) were independent risk factors for overall premature death. Male patients with late ages of onset and high seizure frequency had a higher risk of injury‐specific death. This study emphasizes the preventable nature of injuries that are leading putative causes of death among people with convulsive epilepsy in rural West China. Education on specific populations and efficient seizure control are of paramount importance in reducing the risk of premature mortality.
Ultrasonographic and morphological sequelae to repeated testicular biopsies in stallions in relation to the lateral branching of the testicular artery
Authors: Pozor M. A. , Zambrano G. L. , Runcan E. E. , Kelleman A. A. , Macpherson M. L. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryThe objectives of this study were to investigate the sequelae to repeated testicular biopsies in stallions and to determine if arterial injuries can be prevented. This study was part of a larger project focused on the antispermatogenic effects of an oral contraceptive compound,RTI‐4587‐073(l), which was given to 3 mature Miniature horse stallions, while another 3 received a placebo treatment. Testicular biopsies were taken once before treatment and 3 times after treatment. They were obtained from alternating testes, 2 procedures per testis, 2 samples each time, using a 18 gauge split‐needle core biopsy instrument (penetration depth: 22 mm). Colour Doppler ultrasonography was performed prior to the procedure to detect and thus avoid lateral branches of the testicular artery. Testicular parenchyma was evaluated ultrasonographically just before, and 2–6 h, 3 days and weekly after the biopsies were obtained. Changes in testicular volumes and semen parameters were monitored. All stallions were then castrated and the testes were evaluated for any gross pathology. There was no major scrotal swelling or gross haemorrhage after the procedures. Only mild, focal lesions were found in the testicular parenchyma 3 and 7 days after taking the biopsies. Three lateral branches of the testicular arteries were punctured, but there was no evidence of significant bleeding or other complications associated with these injuries. We conclude that repeated testicular biopsies may be taken from stallions without causing major complications, regardless of a presence or absence of the lateral branches of the testicular artery. Furthermore, we conclude that using colour Doppler ultrasonography to detect the lateral branches of the testicular arteries is unreliable; however, puncturing these vessels during a biopsy procedure does not necessarily result in significant haemorrhage.
Using nitrification inhibitors to mitigate agricultural N2O emission: a double‐edged sword?
Authors: Lam Shu Kee , Suter Helen , Mosier Arvin R. , Chen Deli 
Published: May 2016

AbstractNitrification inhibitors show promise in decreasing nitrous oxide (N2O) emission from agricultural systems worldwide, but they may be much less effective than previously thought when both direct and indirect emissions are taken into account. Whilst nitrification inhibitors are effective at decreasing direct N2O emission and nitrate (NO3–) leaching, limited studies suggest that they may increase ammonia (NH3) volatilization and, subsequently, indirect N2O emission. These dual effects are typically not considered when evaluating the inhibitors as a climate change mitigation tool. Here, we collate results from the literature that simultaneously examined the effects of nitrification inhibitors on N2O and NH3 emissions. We found that nitrification inhibitors decreased direct N2O emission by 0.2–4.5 kg N2O‐N ha−1 (8–57%), but generally increased NH3 emission by 0.2–18.7 kg NH3‐N ha−1 (3–65%). Taking into account the estimated indirect N2O emission from deposited NH3, the overall impact of nitrification inhibitors ranged from −4.5 (reduction) to +0.5 (increase) kg N2O‐N ha−1. Our results suggest that the beneficial effect of nitrification inhibitors in decreasing direct N2O emission can be undermined or even outweighed by an increase in NH3 volatilization.
Soil carbon and belowground carbon balance of a short‐rotation coppice: assessments from three different approaches
Authors: Berhongaray Gonzalo , Verlinden Melanie S. , Broeckx Laura S. , Janssens Ivan A. , Ceulemans Reinhart 
Published: May 2016

AbstractUncertainty in soil carbon (C) fluxes across different land‐use transitions is an issue that needs to be addressed for the further deployment of perennial bioenergy crops. A large‐scale short‐rotation coppice (SRC) site with poplar (Populus) and willow (Salix) was established to examine the land‐use transitions of arable and pasture to bioenergy. Soil C pools, output fluxes of soil CO2, CH4, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and volatile organic compounds, as well as input fluxes from litter fall and from roots, were measured over a 4‐year period, along with environmental parameters. Three approaches were used to estimate changes in the soil C. The largest C pool in the soil was the soil organic carbon (SOC) pool and increased after four years of SRC from 10.9 to 13.9 kg C m−2. The belowground woody biomass (coarse roots) represented the second largest C pool, followed by the fine roots (Fr). The annual leaf fall represented the largest C input to the soil, followed by weeds and Fr. After the first harvest, we observed a very large C input into the soil from high Fr mortality. The weed inputs decreased as trees grew older and bigger. Soil respiration averaged 568.9 g C m−2 yr−1. Leaching of DOC increased over the three years from 7.9 to 14.5 g C m−2. The pool‐based approach indicated an increase of 3360 g C m−2 in the SOC pool over the 4‐year period, which was high when compared with the −27 g C m−2 estimated by the flux‐based approach and the −956 g C m−2 of the combined eddy‐covariance + biometric approach. High uncertainties were associated to the pool‐based approach. Our results suggest using the C flux approach for the assessment of the short‐/medium‐term SOC balance at our site, while SOC pool changes can only be used for long‐term C balance assessments.
Congruence of phenotypic and genetic variation at the subspecific level in a Neotropical passerine
Authors: García Natalia C. , Barreira Ana S. , Lavinia Pablo D. , Tubaro Pablo L. 
Published: May 2016

The increasing availability of molecular phylogenies has highlighted the issue that genotypic and phenotypic patterns of variation are not always congruent, particularly below the species level. This has led to an ongoing discussion on the validity of the subspecies category and on the use of molecular data to help revise traditional classifications based on phenotypic data. We compared patterns of spatial diversification in genotype and phenotype in the Blue‐black Grosbeak Cyanocompsa cyanoides, a Neotropical songbird with four recognized subspecies. Variation in phenotype and genotype are partially congruent among the four subspecies. The more genetically divergent subspecies C. c. rothschildii is strongly differentiated from the other subspecies in morphological characters, plumage coloration and song. We suggest that this taxon be accorded full species status as Cyanocompsa rothschildii. Regarding the remaining diversity within C. cyanoides, both phenotypic and genetic markers suggest that it could be divided into two subgroups, but the boundaries of genetic lineages do not coincide with those of subspecies defined using phenotypic data. Lack of complete congruence between phenotypic and molecular markers may be expected, as they are subject to different evolutionary processes. The discordance could also be due to a methodological problem, as subspecies' geographical boundaries were defined on the basis of phenotypic descriptions that were not systematically evaluated. We consider the subspecies to be an informative taxonomic entity, but note that many current subspecific designations for diverse species need extensive reassessment.
The Determinants of Student Migration to Poland Based on the Opolskie Voivodeship Study
Authors: Kubiciel‐Lodzińska Sabina , Ruszczak Bogdan 
Published: May 2016

AbstractUntil recently Poland has been considered a country to emigrate from. However, the situation is now beginning to change, and Poland is becoming an immigration country. This also refers to student migration. Polish universities are becoming increasingly attractive to foreign students, who are mainly of Ukrainian origin. They only began to promote their services abroad in 2005 and their foreign student population growth dynamic is one of the highest in the world. The study was conducted in the Opolskie Voivodeship, the first region in Poland where systematic action was taken to address depopulation, and the steps to counteract population decline were included in its strategic policies. One of the objectives of such policies was to stimulate immigration. For this reason, it was decided that the Opolskie Voivodeship might serve as a lab to study migration processes, including the inflow of foreign students.
Communicative challenges in the home care of older persons – a qualitative exploration
Authors: Sundler Annelie J. , Eide Hilde , van Dulmen Sandra , Holmström Inger K. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAimTo explore communicative challenges in encounters between nurse assistants and older persons during home care visits.BackgroundThe older population is increasing worldwide. Currently, there is a shift in care for older people from institutional care to home care. Providing home care in a person's home involves several challenges, including the complexity of communication.DesignA descriptive observational design with a qualitative approach was used.MethodsThe data consisted of audio recordings of real‐life encounters during home care visits between nurse assistants and older persons, collected in 2014. A hermeneutic phenomenological analysis was conducted.ResultsCommunicative challenges were identified: (a) in situations where the older persons had a different view than the nurse assistants on the care task and its content; and (b) when unexpected actions or turns occurred in the communication. Challenges included older person's existential issues, fragility and worries and concerns, which often appeared to be only vaguely expressed and difficult to verbally detect and tackle. This engendered a risk of misinterpretation or ignorance of these challenges.ConclusionThe findings point to the importance of communication as the key to facilitate person‐centred home care. Communication training should focus more on addressing needs and existential issues in older persons. Person‐centred home care for older persons needs to be addressed at both an individual and an organizational level.
Prevalence of elevated alanine transaminase in Australia and its relationship to metabolic risk factors: A cross‐sectional study of 9,447 people
Authors: Mahady Suzanne E , Gale Joanne , Macaskill Petra , Craig Jonathan C , George Jacob 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackground and AimElevated alanine transaminase (ALT) is a strong predictor of metabolic syndrome, but there are few data from the Australian population. We aimed to determine the prevalence of elevated ALT and association with metabolic risk factors.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study including adult participants (N = 9,447) from a nationwide, population‐based survey, we assessed the prevalence of elevated ALT [defined as ≥ 40 IU/L (men) and ≥ 30 IU/L (women) as baseline, and ALT as ≥ 30 IU/L (men) and ≥ 19 IU/L (women) as lower threshold], distribution of metabolic risk factors, and independent predictors of elevated ALT in logistic regression models. Analyses were weighted to the population with population weights.ResultsElevated ALT levels were found in 11.2% of the Australian population. People with elevated ALT were younger (43 vs 46 yrs) with more truncal adiposity (100 vs 91 cm), higher pro‐atherogenic lipids and glucose and exercised less (120 vs 160 min per week, P < 0.05 for all analyses). Regression analyses indicated that younger age, male sex, diabetes, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, and waist circumference were independent predictors of elevated ALT. The population attributable fraction of elevated ALT due to truncal obesity was estimated at 47%.ConclusionThese data demonstrate a high prevalence of elevated ALT in the general population that is closely associated with metabolic risk factors. Individuals with elevated ALT should be evaluated for co‐existent metabolic disorders.
Overcoming translational barriers impeding development of Alzheimer's disease modifying therapies
Authors: Golde Todd E. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIt has now been ~ 30 years since the Alzheimer's disease (AD) research entered what may be termed the ‘molecular era’ that began with the identification of the amyloid β protein (Aβ) as the primary component of amyloid within senile plaques and cerebrovascular amyloid and the microtubule‐associated protein tau as the primary component of neurofibrillary tangles in the AD brain. These pivotal discoveries and the subsequent genetic, pathological, and modeling studies supporting pivotal roles for tau and Aβ aggregation and accumulation have provided firm rationale for a new generation of AD therapies designed not to just provide symptomatic benefit, but as disease modifying agents that would slow or even reverse the disease course. Indeed, over the last 20 years numerous therapeutic strategies for disease modification have emerged, been preclinically validated, and advanced through various stages of clinical testing. Unfortunately, no therapy has yet to show significant clinical disease modification. In this review, I describe 10 translational barriers to successful disease modification, highlight current efforts addressing some of these barriers, and discuss how the field could focus future efforts to overcome barriers that are not major foci of current research efforts.
imageSeminal discoveries made over the past 25 years have provided firm rationale for a new generation of Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapies designed as disease modifying agents that would slow or even reverse the disease course. Unfortunately, no therapy has yet to show significant clinical disease modification. In this review, I describe 10 translational barriers to successful AD disease modification, highlight current efforts addressing some of these barriers, and discuss how the field could focus future efforts to overcome these barriers.This article is part of the 60th Anniversary special issue.
The clinical spectrum of sporadic and familial forms of frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Woollacott Ione O. C. , Rohrer Jonathan D. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe term frontotemporal dementia (FTD) describes a clinically, genetically and pathologically diverse group of neurodegenerative disorders. Symptoms of FTD can present in individuals in their 20s through to their 90s, but the mean age at onset is in the sixth decade. The most common presentation is with a change in personality and impaired social conduct (behavioural variant FTD). Less frequently patients present with language problems (primary progressive aphasia). Both of these groups of patients can develop motor features consistent with either motor neuron disease (usually the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis variant) or parkinsonism (most commonly a progressive supranuclear palsy or corticobasal syndrome). In about a third of cases FTD is familial, with mutations in the progranulin, microtubule‐associated protein tau and chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 genes being the major causes. Mutations in a number of other genes including TANK‐binding kinase 1 are rare causes of familial FTD. This review aims to clarify the often confusing terminology of FTD, and outline the various clinical features and diagnostic criteria of sporadic and familial FTD syndromes. It will also discuss the current major challenges in FTD research and clinical practice, and potential areas for future research.
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This review clarifies the terminology of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and summarizes the various clinical features and most recent diagnostic criteria of sporadic and familial FTD syndromes. It also discusses the current major challenges in FTD research and clinical practice, and highlights potential areas for future research.This article is part of the Frontotemporal Dementia special issue.
Mobile Phone Short Message Service to Improve Malaria Pharmacoadherence in Zambia
Authors: Steury Elinda Enright 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPurposeThe current malaria treatment in Zambia is more than 97% effective when the regimen is strictly adhered to. However, the mean adherence rate in sub‐Saharan Africa is only 38% to 48%. Poor pharmacoadherence remains a significant barrier to malaria control and elimination. The purpose of this study was to determine if adherence rates to a six‐dose artemesinin‐based combination therapy (ACT) treatment differ between patients who received short message service (SMS) reminders and those who did not. This is the first study of its kind using SMS directly to the patient for ACT adherence in sub‐Saharan Africa.DesignAn experimental, randomized controlled trial was conducted through a sample of 96 adult malaria patients at Fisenge Clinic in Zambia in 2014.MethodsThe intervention group received SMS messages to remind them to take their medication according to the prescribed regimen. An electronic pillbox was used to measure pharmacoadherence for both groups, and patients were classified as probably adherent or probably nonadherent.FindingsData were analyzed using chi‐square for association between the SMS intervention and pharmacoadherence, and logistic regression was used for predictors of adherence. No significant association was found between SMS reminders and pharmacoadherence (χ2 = 0.19, df = 1, p = .67). Binary logistic regression indicated that there were no variables associated with adherence (p > .05).ConclusionsSMS reminder messages did not appear to improve pharmacoadherence in malaria medication.Clinical RelevanceThe study indicates few implications to nursing practice due to the lack of association between SMS and adherence, but adds to current knowledge.
Cosmeceuticals: peptides, proteins, and growth factors
Authors: Husein el Hadmed Husein , Castillo Rafael Fernandez 
Published: May 2016

SummaryRecent research advances in the molecular and biochemical processes involved in wound healing and skin aging have led to the development of innovative cosmeceuticals that rely on peptides, proteins, and growth factors to enhance skin health. Although the long‐term benefits of these products have not been fully tested and evaluated, evidence of the benefits derived from their use is steadily growing. This study describes the peptides, proteins, and growth factors that are most frequently used in cosmeceuticals and discusses their potential benefits and practical use in dermatology.