bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment of HCV infection in Poland at the beginning of the interferon‐free era—the EpiTer‐2 study
Authors: Flisiak R. , Zarębska‐Michaluk D. , Janczewska E. , Staniaszek A. , Gietka A. , Mazur W. , Tudrujek M. , Tomasiewicz K. , Belica‐Wdowik T. , Baka‐Ćwierz B. , Dybowska D. , Halota W. , Lorenc B. , Sitko M. , Garlicki A. , Berak H. , Horban A. , Orłowska I. , Simon K. , Socha Ł. , Wawrzynowicz‐Syczewska M. , Jaroszewicz J. , Deroń Z. , Czauż‐Andrzejuk A. , Citko J. , Krygier R. , Piekarska A. , Laurans Ł. , Dobracki W. , Białkowska J. , Tronina O. , Pawłowska M. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThe aim of the EpiTer‐2 study was to analyse patient characteristics and their medication for HCV infection in Poland at the beginning of the interferon‐free era. Analysis of data of HCV infected patients treated during the initial period of availability of interferon‐free regimens in Poland, who started therapy after 1 July 2015 and had available an efficacy evaluation report before 30 June 2017 was undertaken. A total of 2879 patients with chronic hepatitis C were entered, including 46% with liver cirrhosis. The most common was genotype 1b (86.8%). The study population was gender balanced, the majority of patients were overweight or obese and 69% presented comorbidities, with the highest prevalence that for hypertension. More than half of patients were retreated due to failure of previous therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Almost two‐third of patients received current therapy with ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir±dasabuvir (OPrD) ±ribavirin. Other patients received mostly sofosbuvir‐based regimens including combination with ledipasvir and pegylated interferon and ribavirin for genotype 3‐infected patients. Efficacy of treatment in the whole study population measured as intent‐to‐treat analysis was 95%. The most frequent regimen, administered for patients infected with genotype 1b, was 12 weeks of OPrD, resulting in an SVR rate of 98%. At least one adverse event was reported in 38% of patients, and the death rate was 0.8%. In conclusion, data from the EpiTer‐2 study confirmed the excellent efficacy and safety profile of the real‐world experience with recently introduced therapeutic options for genotype 1 HCV infection, but demonstrated weakness of the current therapeutic programme regarding genotype 3 infections.
Teacher–Student Relationships and L2 Motivation
Authors: HENRY ALASTAIR , THORSEN CECILIA 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPositive relationships with teachers are important for students’ second language motivation. However, little is known about how interpersonal interactions stimulate motivated behavior. Drawing on studies of teacher–student relationships, theories from positive psychology, and the psychology of unconscious self‐regulation, this case study examines moments of teacher–student interaction and explores influences on students’ engagement and motivation. Observations (N= 15) were carried out in 2 classrooms, and interviews with the focal teacher of this study and her students were conducted. Data were analyzed using a grounded theory ethnography approach. Findings indicate that moments of close personal contact and their influences may differ in emerging and mature teacher–student relationships. While in emerging relationships moments of contact can have immediate influences on engagement and motivation, in mature relationships influences on learning behavior may be less pronounced and involve unconscious motivational processes. The study’s methodological limitations are discussed and proposals are made for future ethnographic and experimental work.
The Role of Context in Young Learners’ Processes for Responding to Self‐Assessment Items
Authors: BUTLER YUKO GOTO 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWith use of self‐assessment (SA) of young language learners on the rise, educators of young learners often want to know what SA captures and how best to use it in order to assist their students’ learning. This study focuses on understanding how young learners’ processes for responding to SA items differ by age and by context of implementation (i.e., whether or not the SA items refer to a specific task, an after‐task condition, or are conducted in a decontextualized fashion, a generic condition). The participants were 31 primary school children learning English in Japan. They were divided into 2 age groups (ages 8–9 and 10–12). In both the generic and the after‐task conditions, the children were asked to respond to 9 SA items using a 5‐point Likert scale. The children's processes for responding to SAs were obtained through guided interviews. Analyses based on Higgins, Strauman, and Klein's (1986) model of self‐evaluation processes indicated that, while the children, irrespective of age, drew on a variety of relevant incidents and reference points when responding to SA in the generic condition, they primarily focused on the just‐completed tasks and perceived task requirements as reference points in the after‐task condition.
Evaluating the reliability and construct validity of the Eckardt symptom score as a measure of achalasia severity
Authors: Taft T. H. , Carlson D. A. , Triggs J. , Craft J. , Starkey K. , Yadlapati R. , Gregory D. , Pandolfino J. E. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundAchalasia is a disease of mechanical esophageal dysfunction characterized by dysphagia, chest pain, regurgitation, and malnutrition. The Eckardt symptom score (ESS) is the gold standard self‐report assessment tool. Current guidelines outline a three‐step approach to patient reported outcomes measure design. Developed prior to these policies, the ESS has not undergone rigorous testing of its reliability and validity.MethodsAdult achalasia patients retrospectively identified via a patient registry were grouped based on treatment history. Patients were grouped PREPOST (completed ESS, GERDQ, brief esophageal dysphagia questionnaire, NIH PROMIS Global Health, high resolution manometry, timed barium esophagram prior to treatment and after) and POST (completed measures only after treatment). Clinical characteristics, treatment type and date were obtained via medical record. Standardized psychometric analyses for reliability and construct validity were performed.Key Results107 patients identified; 83 POST and 24 PREPOST. The ESS has fair internal consistency and split‐half reliability with a single factor structure. Dysphagia accounts for half the variance in ESS, while chest pain and weight loss account for 10% each. Pre‐post‐surgical assessment demonstrates improvements in ESS, except for weight loss. Effect sizes range from 0.24 to 2.53, with greatest change in regurgitation. Validity of the ESS is supported by modest correlations with GERDQ, HRQOL, and physiological data.Conclusions & InferencesThe ESS demonstrates fair reliability and validity, with a single factor structure mostly explained by dysphagia. Based on psychometric findings, weight loss and chest pain items may be decreasing ESS reliability and validity. Further assessment of the ESS under FDA guidelines is warranted.
On the relationship between fire regime and vegetation structure in the tropics
Authors: Veenendaal Elmar M. , Torello‐Raventos Mireia , Miranda Heloisa S. , Sato Naomi Margarete , Oliveras Imma , van Langevelde Frank , Asner Gregory P. , Lloyd Jon 
Published: January 2018

Summary

We assessed data from 11 experiments examining the effects of the timing and/or frequency of fire on tropical forest and/or savanna vegetation structure over one decade or more. The initial ‘control treatment’ in many such cases consisted of previously cleared land. This is as opposed to natural vegetation subject to some sort of endogenous fire regime before the imposition of fire treatments.

Effects of fire on fractional foliar cover are up to 10‐fold greater when clearing pre‐treatments are imposed. Moreover, because many of the ‘classic’ fire trials were initialised with applied management questions in mind, most have also used burning regimes much more frequent and/or severe than those occurring in the absence of human activity.

Once these factors are taken into account, our modelling analysis shows that nonanthropogenic fire regimes serve to reduce canopy vegetative cover to a much lower extent than has previously been argued to be the case.

These results call into question the notion that fire effects on tropical vegetation can be of a sufficient magnitude to maintain open‐type savanna ecosystems under climatic/soil regimes otherwise sufficient to give rise to a more luxurious forest‐type vegetation cover.
Plant evolution: landmarks on the path to terrestrial life
Authors: de Vries Jan , Archibald John M. 
Published: January 2018

Contents

Summary
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I.
The singularity of plant terrestrialization
1428

II.
Adaptation vs exaptation – what shaped the land plant toolkit?
1430

III.
Trait mosaicism in (higher‐branching) streptophyte algae
1431

IV.
Conclusions: a streptophyte algal perspective on land plant trait evolution
1432

Acknowledgements
1432

ORCID
1433

References
1433

SummaryPhotosynthetic eukaryotes thrive anywhere there is sunlight and water. But while such organisms are exceptionally diverse in form and function, only one phototrophic lineage succeeded in rising above its substrate: the land plants (embryophytes). Molecular phylogenetic data show that land plants evolved from streptophyte algae most closely related to extant Zygnematophyceae, and one of the principal aims of plant evolutionary biology is to uncover the key features of such algae that enabled this important transition. At the present time, however, mosaic and reductive evolution blur our picture of the closest algal ancestors of plants. Here we discuss recent progress and problems in inferring the biology of the algal progenitor of the terrestrial photosynthetic macrobiome.
Experimental investigation of accommodation in eyes fit with multifocal contact lenses using a clinical auto‐refractor
Authors: Altoaimi Basal H. , Kollbaum Pete , Meyer Dawn , Bradley Arthur 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPurposeMultifocal or multi‐zone contact lenses are increasingly being fit to young eyes in an attempt to control myopia progression. However, success in achieving this aim may depend on how much the eye accommodates. The purpose of the current work was to evaluate the ability of an open‐field clinical autorefractor to measure on‐axis refractive state and accommodation in eyes fit with multifocal contact lenses (CLs).MethodsRefractive state was measured with a Grand Seiko WAM‐5500 autorefractor (www.grandseiko.com) and a clinical Shack‐Hartmann Complete Ophthalmic Analysis System (COAS) aberrometer (www.wfsci.com) in subjects fit bilaterally with single vision aspheric contact lenses, centre distance, and centre near zonal multifocal CLs, and an experimental myopia control multi‐zone bifocal CLs (MiSight). Autorefractor measurements were obtained when aligned with the pupil centre, pupil margin, and mid‐periphery. Accuracy of refractive state measurements was evaluated using a fully presbyopic (62‐year‐old) dilated (pupil diameter = 7.1 mm) eye measured through known added spherical powers (trial lenses) of +1.00 D to +6.00 D. Refractive state and accommodation were measured for seven young myopic eyes (23.71 ± 2.87 years) with six target vergences ranging from −0.33 D to −5.00 D.ResultsIrrespective of the CL fitted, measured changes in refractive state of the calibration eye were within ≤0.25 D of the added sphere power and the slope (measured refractive state/trial lens power) was approximately −1.0 D/D for both Shack‐Hartmann (COAS) aberrometer and Grand Seiko instruments. Also, the Grand Seiko data were highly repeatable (mean measurement standard deviation = 0.04 D) as long as measurements occurred at the same pupil location, but exhibited a hyperopic bias that increased to +1.00 D when eyes were fit with CLs containing significant negative spherical aberration. Centre and marginal refractive states could differ by >3.00 D due to the combined spherical aberration contained in the eye plus the different CL designs. Measured refractive states of young accommodating eyes also varied with measurement location in the pupil. The accommodation gains were similar at each pupil location, irrespective of contact lens design.ConclusionsWith consistent sampling at the same pupil location, the open field Grand Seiko clinical autorefractor proved an effective tool for assessing the on‐axis refractive state and accommodative responses of eyes fit with multi‐zone bifocal and multifocal CLs.
Dysautonomy in different death risk groups (Rassi score) in patients with Chagas heart disease
Authors: Merejo Peña Catherine Masiel , Reis Michel Silva , Pereira Basílio de Bragança , Nascimento Emília Matos do , Pedrosa Roberto Coury 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundIt has been difficult to prove that “catecholamine‐induced cardiomyopathy” contributes to the mechanism of sudden cardiac death in Chagas heart disease. Also, it is almost impossible to rule out the possibility that it is not involved in the process. More importantly, the vagal‐cholinergic pathway in the ventricle plays a direct role in the prevention of the initiation of complex ventricular arrhythmias, including nonsustained ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation responsible for sudden death.ObjectiveTo determine frequency of parasympathetic autonomic indices among the different groups of risk of cardiovascular death when stratified by Rassi score.MethodsPatients with Chagas heart disease were selected and divided into three risk groups by Rassi score. A fourth group, non‐Chagas group, was of similar age and gender. All were subjected to analysis of heart rate variability during controlled breathing (RSA) and tilt table passive test (tilt test). High frequency and low frequency/high frequency ratio were calculated and presented by box‐plot. Also, t‐test was used to compare the two groups.ResultsIt was observed that the parasympathetic and sympathetic component were affected, when the risk group increased the response was worsened to the stimulus (RSA or Tilt). Also, the low‐risk group was jeopardized, when compared to the non‐Chagas group.ConclusionThe loss of parasympathetic modulation was present in all Rassi risk groups, including the low risk, indicating that a morphological change of the myocardium represents a detectable neurofunctional change.
Effect of remote ischemic preconditioning on left atrial remodeling and prothrombotic response after radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Han Ruijuan , Liu Xiaoqing , Zheng Meili , Zhao RuiPing , Liu XiaoYan , Yin Xiandong , Liu Xingpeng , Tian Ying , Shi Liang , Sun Kai , Yang Xinchun 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundRadiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) is known to induce left atrial remodeling and prothrombotic response.AimsThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) on left atrial remodeling and prothrombotic response induced by RFCA of AF.MethodsForty‐four patients with drug‐refractory paroxysmal AF undergoing RFCA were randomized into RIPC (four short episodes of forearm ischemia) and control groups before the procedure. Blood samples were collected before RIPC/sham RIPC, and 24 and 72 hours later after the procedure. The atrial remodeling marker matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) and endothelial damage marker von Willebrand factor (vWF) were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Platelet activation was evaluated by flow cytometric measurements of the expression of platelet P‐selectin (CD62P) and active glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor (PAC‐1). The early recurrence of atrial fibrillation (ERAF) in the two groups was observed over the subsequent 3 months.ResultsRFCA resulted in a significant increase in MMP‐9 and vWF in both the groups, which persisted for 72 hours. However, the expression of CD62P and PAC‐1 showed less increase during RFCA in either group. The RIPC group showed a lower increase in MMP‐9 and vWF compared with the control group. In contrast, no significant differences were found in the trend of expression of CD62P and PAC‐1 during RFCA between the two groups. The AF recurrence in the 3 months after the ablation was significantly lower in the RIPC group than in the control group.ConclusionsRIPC before RFCA for paroxysmal AF significantly reduces the increase in markers of left atrial remodeling and endothelial damage associated with the procedure, and results in a lower ERAF.
Long‐term outcomes following cryoablation of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia in children
Authors: Karacan Mehmet , Çelik Nida , Akdeniz Celal , Tuzcu Volkan 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundAtrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is a common tachyarrhythmia substrate in children, which is successfully treated by catheter ablation using radiofrequency or cryothermal energy. In recent years, cryoablation (Cryo) using electroanatomical system guidance is more commonly preferred for use in children in order to decrease the risk of an atrioventricular block. However, there are concerns regarding the long‐term efficacy of Cryo in treating AVNRT. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and long‐term efficacy of Cryo for AVNRT in children.Methods and resultsA total of 275 consecutive children above 4 years of age diagnosed with AVNRT were included in our study. The EnSite system (St. Jude Medical, Inc., St. Paul, MN, USA) was used to reduce or eliminate fluoroscopy. The study included 275 patients (148 females, age: 11.9 ± 3.6 years) undergoing catheter ablation for AVNRT from July 2012 to September 2016. Acute success was obtained in all (100%) patients with a mean procedure time of 140 ± 44 minutes. Fluoroscopy was used in only 12 (4.4%) patients. During a follow‐up time of 25.6 ± 13.5 months (median: 23 months), AVNRT recurred in 12 of 279 (4.4%) of the patients. Age, sex, number of Cryo lesions, and catheter tip size (6‐mm vs 8‐mm) were not predictive for recurrence. In nine patients, a repeat ablation was successfully performed with cryoenergy.ConclusionsCryo for AVNRT is a safe and effective procedure with excellent long‐term outcomes. The use of electroanatomical systems during ablation significantly decreases exposure to fluoroscopy without compromising success.
The prevalence of depressive symptoms among Arab adolescents: Findings from Jordan
Authors: Dardas Latefa Ali , Silva Susan G. , Smoski Moria J. , Noonan Devon , Simmons Leigh Ann 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe lack of research regarding the current profile of adolescent depression in the Arab countries in general, and Jordan in particular, makes it difficult to design, implement, and disseminate effective interventions to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of adolescent depression in the region. The purpose of this study was to estimate a national prevalence of depressive symptoms among adolescents in Jordan, and to identify characteristics associated with severity of depression.MethodsA descriptive, cross‐sectional, nationally representative school survey was utilized. A total of 2,349 Jordanian adolescents aged 12–17 completed and returned the survey packets, which included the Beck Depression Inventory‐II and measures of sociodemographics and health history. Participants represented all three regions in the country, with 34% from the northern (suburban) region, 43% from the central (urban) region, and 23% from the southern (rural) region.ResultsThe majority of the adolescents were females (59%) and 15–17 years old (67%). Almost 14% reported having at least one chronic health problem, 15% reported having a mental health problem, 25% reported having academic difficulties, 8% reported that they had received a psychiatric diagnosis, and 22% reported that they had sought psychological help at some point in the past. The mean total depression score was 16.3 (SD = 11.2, 95% CI = 15.8–16.7), with 34% of the sample reporting moderate to severe depression. Depression was significantly higher among respondents who were female, ages 14–15 years, and living in families with low monthly incomes; and who reported having a chronic health problem, mental health problem, learning difficulty, a psychiatric diagnosis and/or seeking previous psychological help.ConclusionsOur findings should serve as an alarm, particularly given that rates of depression in the Arab countries are expected to increase rapidly in the context of the Arab Spring. Healthcare providers, researchers, and educators should focus attention on developing effective and culturally appropriate screening, prevention, and intervention approaches using evidence‐based guidelines to promote Jordanian adolescent mental health, particularly for depression.
Infection cycle ofAlternaria brassicicolaonBrassica oleracealeaves under growth room conditions
Authors: Macioszek V. K. , Lawrence C. B. , Kononowicz A. K. 
Published: January 2018

Development of the necrotrophic fungusAlternaria brassicicolawas evaluated during infection of three cabbage varieties:Brassica oleraceavar. capitataf.alba‘Stone Head’ (white cabbage),B. oleraceavar. capitataf. rubra‘Langedijker Dauer’ (red cabbage) andB. oleraceavar. capitataf. sabauda‘Langedijker Dauerwirsing’ (Savoy cabbage). Following inoculation of cabbage leaves, conidial germination, germ tube growth, and appressorium formation were analysed during the first 24 h of infection. Differences in the dynamics of fungal development on leaves were observed, e.g. approximately 40% of conidia germinated on Savoy cabbage leaves at 4 h post‐inoculation (hpi) while only 20% germinated on red and white cabbage leaves. Leaf penetration on the three cabbage varieties mainly occurred through appressoria, rarely through stomata. Formation of infection cushions was found exclusively on red cabbage. Appressoria were first observed on red cabbage leaves at 6 hpi, and on white and Savoy cabbage leaves at 8 hpi. Conidiogenesis occurred directly from mature conidia at an early stage of fungal development (10 hpi), but later (48 hpi) it occurred through conidiophores. Disease progress and changes in the morphology of leaf surfaces were also observed. At the final 120 hpi measurement point, necroses on all investigated varieties were approximately the same size. Based on detailed light and electron microscopic analyses, an outline of theA. brassicicolainfection cycle onB. oleracealeaves under growth room conditions has been proposed. According to the authors’ knowledge, this report represents the most detailed up‐to‐date description of infection ofB. oleraceavarieties byA. brassicicola.
End‐stage renal disease treatment options education: What matters most to patients and families
Authors: St. Clair Russell Jennifer , Boulware L. Ebony 
Published: January 2018

AbstractTreatment modality education can offer many important benefits to patients and their families. Evidence suggests such education can increase use of home dialysis, reduce catheter use, decrease 90‐day mortality, and increase transplantation. While these benefits are encouraging, not all patients are offered options education and when they are, it may not be presented in a way that is immediately applicable to them and their lives. Furthermore, little is known regarding specific characteristics (e.g. format such as group or individual or in‐person or online, duration, teaching methods, location, content) of educational programs that are most successful. No single approach has emerged as a best practice. In the absence of such evidence, adult learning principles, such as involving patients and families in the development programs and materials, can serve as a guide for educational development. Adult learning principles can enhance options education, evolving them from information delivery to a person‐centered, values‐based endeavor that helps match treatment to values and lifestyle.