bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sulphur cycling in a Neoarchaean microbial mat
Authors: Meyer N. R. , Zerkle A. L. , Fike D. A. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractMultiple sulphur (S) isotope ratios are powerful proxies to understand the complexity of S biogeochemical cycling through Deep Time. The disappearance of a sulphur mass‐independent fractionation (S‐MIF) signal in rocks <~2.4 Ga has been used to date a dramatic rise in atmospheric oxygen levels. However, intricacies of the S‐cycle before the Great Oxidation Event remain poorly understood. For example, the isotope composition of coeval atmospherically derived sulphur species is still debated. Furthermore, variation in Archaean pyrite δ34S values has been widely attributed to microbial sulphate reduction (MSR). While petrographic evidence for Archaean early‐diagenetic pyrite formation is common, textural evidence for the presence and distribution of MSR remains enigmatic. We combined detailed petrographic and in situ, high‐resolution multiple S‐isotope studies (δ34S and Δ33S) using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) to document the S‐isotope signatures of exceptionally well‐preserved, pyritised microbialites in shales from the ~2.65‐Ga Lokammona Formation, Ghaap Group, South Africa. The presence of MSR in this Neoarchaean microbial mat is supported by typical biogenic textures including wavy crinkled laminae, and early‐diagenetic pyrite containing <26‰ μm‐scale variations in δ34S and Δ33S = −0.21 ± 0.65‰ (±1σ). These large variations in δ34S values suggest Rayleigh distillation of a limited sulphate pool during high rates of MSR. Furthermore, we identified a second, morphologically distinct pyrite phase that precipitated after lithification, with δ34S = 8.36 ± 1.16‰ and Δ33S = 5.54 ± 1.53‰ (±1σ). We propose that the S‐MIF signature of this secondary pyrite does not reflect contemporaneous atmospheric processes at the time of deposition; instead, it formed by the influx of later‐stage sulphur‐bearing fluids containing an inherited atmospheric S‐MIF signal and/or from magnetic isotope effects during thermochemical sulphate reduction. These insights highlight the complementary nature of petrography and SIMS studies to resolve multigenerational pyrite formation pathways in the geological record.
The latitudinal diversity gradient and interspecific competition: no global relationship between lizard dietary niche breadth and species richness
Authors: Gainsbury Alison , Meiri Shai 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAimDietary niche breadth has long been hypothesized to decrease towards lower latitudes as the numbers of competitors increase. Geographical variation in niche breadth is also hypothesized to be linked to high ambient energy levels, water availability, productivity and climate stability – reflecting an increased number of available prey taxa. Range size and body size are also hypothesized to be strongly and positively associated with niche breadth. We sought to determine which of these factors is associated with geographical variation in niche breadth across broad spatial scales and thus potentially drive the latitudinal diversity gradient.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe collated volumetric dietary data for 308 lizard species. For each species, we gathered data on number of sympatric lizard species (a proxy for the number of competitors), annual temperature and precipitation, net primary productivity, seasonality, range size and body size. We examined the relationship between dietary niche breadth and focal parameters using both ordinary and phylogenetic generalized least squares regressions.ResultsNiche breadth was positively related to annual precipitation, temperature seasonality and range size, and negatively related to body size. Lizard species richness increased towards lower latitudes. Dietary niche breadth, however, was unrelated to parameters reflecting diversity gradients, such as primary productivity, annual temperature, precipitation seasonality and, crucially, the number of potential competitors.Main conclusionsContrary to prevailing ecological theory, competition is unrelated to dietary niche breadth. We found no support for interspecific competition driving the latitudinal diversity gradient. Rather, we found variation in niche breadth to be associated with water availability, climate stability, range size and body size. Our study casts doubt on the common assumption that tropical species are specialists, promoting greater alpha diversity, and on the assumption that the number of sympatric species is reflected in the intensity of interspecific competition.
Creative approach for successful aging: A pilot study of an intergenerational health promotion program
Authors: Lin Yen‐Chun , Dai Yu‐Tzu , Huang Lian‐Hua , Wang Suh‐Chin , Huang Guey‐Shiun 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAimTo develop and evaluate the effectiveness of an intergenerational health promotion program.MethodsThis was an action research project. A total of 34 participants attended the 12‐week program and completed the pre‐test and post‐test. There were 16 middle‐aged and nine older adults recruited from a district of Taipei, and nine young adults recruited from the principal investigator's university. The “Attitudes toward Aging Scale” and the “Spiritual Health Scale” were two assessment instruments used in the study.ResultsThe results showed that there were significant improvements in the Attitudes toward Aging Scale for the young adult group (aged 18–29 years) and in the Spiritual Health Scale for the older adult group (aged 65–80 years). The evaluation showed that participants were satisfied with the program.ConclusionsThe results of the present study provide future directions for successful aging and intergenerational learning. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1799–1807.
Cross‐cultural adaptation and psychometric study of the Turkish version of the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity
Authors: Çekok Fatma Kübra , Kahraman Turhan , Kalkışım Muhammet , Genç Arzu , Keskinoğlu Pembe 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAimThe Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA) is a valid tool for use in clinical practice to provide an easily administered and interpreted means of assessing levels of physical activity among adults older than 50 years. However, there are some concerns about its reliability. The aim was to linguistically and culturally adapt the RAPA into Turkish, and assess its validity and reliability.MethodsThis methodological and cross‐sectional study included 110 participants (68 women) from the community and a nursing home. The RAPA was translated and culturally adapted into Turkish using established double‐back translation methods. The participants completed the RAPA twice with a 1‐week interval to examine test–retest reliability. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire‐Short Form and Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly were used to examine the validity.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 70.5 years (SD 10.5 years). The weighted kappa coefficients exceed 0.81 for each of the nine items, the aerobic score and strength and flexibility score, showing that the test–retest reliability was very good. There were positive moderate correlations between the RAPA, International Physical Activity Questionnaire‐Short Form and Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (P < 0.01). Additionally, the RAPA was negatively correlated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire‐Short Form sitting time as prehypothesized (P < 0.01). The convergent and discriminate validity of the RAPA were acceptable.ConclusionsThe present study has shown that the Turkish version of the RAPA was an easy‐to‐use, valid and reliable measure of physical activity among adults aged older than 50 years. This study has also provided considerable evidence about the test–retest reliability of the RAPA, which was not investigated in the original validation study. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1837–1842.
A Prospective Cohort Study of Outpatient Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation of Chronic Headache Patients
Authors: Krause Steven J. , Stillman Mark J. , Tepper Deborah E. , Zajac Deborah 
Published: January 2017

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of an intensive outpatient program designed to improve functioning and reduce psychological impairment in chronic headache patients.BackgroundChronic headaches, occurring 15 or more days per month, for three or more months, may arise from multiple International Classification of Headache Disorders diagnoses: Chronic Migraine, Chronic Tension Type Headache, New Daily Persistent Headache, Chronic Post Traumatic Headaches, and Medication Overuse Headache. Several interdisciplinary programs that treat patients with chronic headaches have reported decreases in headache frequency. This study sought to evaluate the effect of a 3 week interdisciplinary treatment program for patients with chronic headache disorders on headache severity, functional status, and psychological impairment.MethodsSubjects were 379 patients admitted to an outpatient chronic headache treatment program. Assessments of headache severity, psychological status, and functional impairment were completed by 371 (97.8%) of these at the time of admission. At discharge, 340 subjects (89.7%) provided assessment data, and 152 (40.1%) provided data at 1‐year follow‐up.ResultsSubjects' mean ratings on a 0‐10 scale for their headache pain in the prior week declined, and these improvements were maintained at follow‐up. (Estimated marginal means on a 0‐10 scale for Average pain: admission 6.1, discharge 3.5, follow‐up 3.3; for Least pain: admission 3.2; discharge 1.5; follow‐up 1.3; for Worst pain: admission 8.2; discharge 6.4; follow‐up 5.7), and similar results were found for current pain (admission 4.7; discharge 2.8; follow‐up 2.4): Measures of functional impairment also improved following treatment, and these gains were maintained at 12 month follow up (Estimated marginal mean Headache Impact Test‐6 score: admission 66.1, discharge 55.4, follow‐up 51.9; Estimated marginal mean Pain Disability Index score: admission 36.2, discharge 14.1, follow‐up 11.6). As measured by the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, anxiety and reactivity to stress decreased following treatment, and remained improved at follow‐up (Estimated marginal mean score for Anxiety: admission 8.7, discharge 5.2, follow‐up 4.4; Estimated marginal mean score for stress: admission 14.9, discharge 7.2, follow‐up 7.6). Depression decreased with treatment, but while 1‐year follow‐up depression scores remained significantly lower than at admission, they were also significantly higher than at discharge (Estimated marginal means: admission 13.3, discharge 4.1, follow‐up 6.6).ConclusionsThe study supports the efficacy of the treatment model. Limitations of the study and suggestions for future research are also discussed.
New bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy in patients infected with Helicobacter pylori: A first Italian experience in clinical practice
Authors: Tursi Antonio , Di Mario Francesco , Franceschi Marilisa , De Bastiani Rudi , Elisei Walter , Baldassarre Gianluca , Ferronato Antonio , Grillo Simone , Landi Stefano , Zamparella Maria , De Polo Manuela , Boscariolo Laura , Picchio Marcello 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackgroundRising antibiotic resistance requires the evaluation of new and effective therapies.AimsTo test the efficacy and safety of the new bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy in patients infected with Helicobacter pylori.Material and MethodsConsecutive H. pylori‐positive dyspeptic patients were enrolled, either naïve or with previous failure treatment. Patients were treated with Pylera® (three‐in‐one capsules containing bismuth subcitrate potassium 140 mg, metronidazole 125 mg, and tetracycline 125 mg) three capsules q.i.d. plus omeprazole 20 mg or esomeprazole 40 mg b.i.d. for 10 days. Eradication was confirmed using an urea breath test (at least 30 days after the end of treatment). Efficacy was assessed by UBT and safety by means of treatment‐emergent adverse events.ResultsOne hundred and thirty‐one patients were included in the study: 42% of patients were naïve, and 58%, with previous failure treatment. H. pylori eradication was achieved in 124 patients (94.7%, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) 89.3‐97.8) in ITT population. In the PP population, the percentage was 97.6% (95%, CIs 93.3‐99.2). No difference in eradication rate was found either between naïve and previously treated patients (92.7% vs 96.0%, P=.383), or smoking and nonsmoking ones, or in patients taking omeprazole or esomeprazole.Treatment‐emergent adverse events occurred in 35 patients (26.7%, 95% CIs 19.9‐34.9). They were mild in all cases except in four, who discontinued the study due to diarrhea (three patients) and diffuse urticarial rush (one patient).ConclusionsPylera® achieved a remarkable eradication rate in clinical practice, irrespective if it was used as first treatment or as a rescue therapy. Treatment‐emergent adverse events were uncommon generally mild.
ITPA gene variation and ribavirin‐induced anemia in patients with genotype 2 chronic hepatitis C treated with sofosbuvir plus ribavirin
Authors: Murakawa Miyako , Asahina Yasuhiro , Nagata Hiroko , Nakagawa Mina , Kakinuma Sei , Nitta Sayuri , Kawai‐Kitahata Fukiko , Otani Satoshi , Kaneko Shun , Miyoshi Masato , Tsunoda Tomoyuki , Asano Yu , Sato Ayako , Itsui Yasuhiro , Azuma Seishin , Nouchi Toshihiko , Furumoto Yohei , Asano Tooru , Chuganji Yoshimichi , Tohda Shuji , Watanabe Mamoru 
Published: January 2017

AimSofosbuvir (SOF) and ribavirin (RBV) combination therapy produces a sustained response in many patients with genotype 2 chronic hepatitis C. However, RBV‐induced anemia is a troublesome side‐effect that may limit this treatment. Genetic variation leading to inosine triphosphatase (ITPA) deficiency is known to protect against RBV‐induced hemolytic anemia. This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between the efficacy and safety of SOF/RBV treatment and ITPA gene variants.MethodsNinety patients with genotype 2 chronic hepatitis C treated with SOF/RBV were studied. The relationships among genetic polymorphisms of ITPA and the decline in hemoglobin levels from baseline, RBV dose reduction, and sustained virological response (SVR) rates were analyzed.ResultsOverall SVR at 12 weeks was 94.4% (85/90). Patients with the ITPA CA/AA genotypes had a lower degree of anemia throughout the therapy than those with the ITPA CC genotype. The percentage of patients requiring RBV dose reduction was significantly lower for those with the ITPA CA/AA variation, a difference even more apparent when the pretreatment hemoglobin level was <12 g/dL. The dose reduction of RBV and serum albumin level were significantly associated with SVR.ConclusionsPatients with the ITPA CA/AA genotype were less likely to develop anemia than those with the ITPA CC genotype and were more likely to complete SOF/RBV therapy. These results may provide a valuable pharmacogenetic diagnostic tool to predict drug‐induced adverse events, particularly in patients with pre‐existing anemia.
The comparative effectiveness and safety of three activated irrigation techniques in the isthmus area using a transparent tooth model
Authors: Malentacca A. , Uccioli U. , Mannocci F. , Bhuva B. , Zangari D. , Pulella C. , Lajolo C. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAimTo compare the effectiveness and safety of three activated irrigation techniques when removing pulp tissue from the isthmus of a transparent tooth model. The three techniques assessed were: the EndoVac (EV), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) and ultrasonic wave aspiration (TUWA). Conventional syringe irrigation (CSI) was used as a control.MethodologyA transparent tooth model was created using the mesial root of an extracted mandibular first molar that had an isthmus and two independent mesial canals. An artificial 0.3‐mL cylindrical chamber was created below the apical foramen. The tooth was then cleared. After preparation, the root canals were filled with fuchsine‐stained bovine pulp tissue. The irrigation protocols were compared in respect of their effectiveness at removing pulp tissue from the isthmus and their safety with regard to irrigant extrusion. For all four groups, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite solution was used as the irrigant. Photographs were taken and analysed using an imaging software. A Kruskal–Wallis test was used to detect the differences between groups (statistical significance was set at P < 0.05).ResultsNo group was associated with extrusion of irrigant beyond the apex. Significant differences were observed between the groups: TUWA was the most effective technique at removing pulp tissue from the isthmus (3.39 mm2; standard deviation (SD) = 0.67; range = 1.25–3.69), followed by PUI (2.16 mm2; SD = 0.38; range = 1.37–2.96), EV (0.73 mm2; SD = 0.14; range = 0.49–0.98) and CSI (0.27 mm2; SD = 0.01; range = 0.26–0.28).ConclusionUltrasonic wave aspiration was the most effective technique at removing artificial pulp tissue from the isthmus of a transparent tooth model. None of the techniques extruded irrigant.
The Impact of Transforming Growth Factor‐β1 Level on Outcome After Catheter Ablation in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: KISHIMA HIDEYUKI , MINE TAKANAO , TAKAHASHI SATOSHI , ASHIDA KENKI , ISHIHARA MASAHARU , MASUYAMA TOHRU 
Published: January 2017

Transforming Growth Factor‐β1 and Atrial FibrillationIntroductionTransforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) is an important factor that induces atrial fibrosis and atrial fibrillation (AF). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between TGF‐β1 level and clinical factors before catheter ablation (CA), and to investigate the impact of TGF‐β1 level on the outcome after CA for AF.Methods and ResultsThis prospective study included 151 patients (persistent AF group: n = 59, paroxysmal AF [PAF] group: n = 54, and control group: n = 38). All patients who underwent CA for AF were followed up for 12 months. The PAF group had the highest TGF‐β1 levels in all patients. An early recurrence of AF (ERAF: defined as episodes of atrial tachyarrhythmia within a 3‐month blanking period) was detected in 60 patients (53%). Recurrent AF after the blanking period was detected in 36 patients (32%). On multivariate analysis, low TGF‐β1 level was the only independent factor associated with recurrent AF. Moreover, the AF recurrence ratio was higher in the low TGF‐β1 group (< 12.56 ng/mL) than in the high TGF‐β1 group (16 of 29 patients, 55% vs. 20 of 84 patients, 24%, P = 0.002 by log‐rank test).ConclusionsPAF was associated with a higher TGF‐β1 level. Moreover, lower TGF‐β1 level in AF patients could be a cause of recurrent AF after CA.
Sodium and potassium urinary excretion levels of preschool children: Individual, daily, and seasonal differences
Authors: Yasutake Kenichiro , Nagafuchi Mikako , Izu Ryoji , Kajiyama Tomomi , Imai Katsumi , Murata Yusuke , Ohe Kenji , Enjoji Munechika , Tsuchihashi Takuya 
Published: January 2017

In this study, the authors measured sodium and potassium concentrations in spot urine samples of preschool children on multiple days, and evaluated individual, daily, and seasonal effects. A total of 104 healthy preschool children aged 4 to 5 years were studied. Urine samples were collected from the first urine of the day after waking for three consecutive days (Monday–Wednesday) four times a year (spring, summer, autumn, winter). The authors estimated the daily urine volume as 500 mL and daily creatinine excretion as 300 mg, and used these to calculate daily sodium and potassium excretion levels. Daily sodium and potassium excretion levels and sodium to potassium ratios were highly variable. The coefficient variant in the children's excretion levels were also high within and between individuals. Sodium excretion levels and sodium to potassium ratios were higher on Monday (weekend sodium intakes) than Tuesday. Season had no effect on sodium or potassium excretion levels, but the sodium to potassium ratio was higher in summer than in winter. In conclusion, levels of urinary sodium excretion are comparatively high and those of potassium are low in preschool students, with high variability within and between individuals.
The number of microvascular complications is associated with an increased risk for severity of periodontitis in type 2 diabetes patients: Results of a multicenter hospital‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Nitta Hiroshi , Katagiri Sayaka , Nagasawa Toshiyuki , Izumi Yuichi , Ishikawa Isao , Izumiyama Hajime , Uchimura Isao , Kanazawa Masao , Chiba Hiroshige , Matsuo Akira , Utsunomiya Kazunori , Tanabe Haruyasu , Takei Izumi , Asanami Soichiro , Kajio Hiroshi , Ono Toaki , Hayashi Yoichi , Ueki Kiichi , Tsuji Masatomi , Kurachi Yoichi , Yamanouchi Toshikazu , Ichinokawa Yoshimi , Inokuchi Toshiki , Fukui Akiko , Miyazaki Shigeru , Miyauchi Takashi , Kawahara Reiko , Ogiuchi Hideki , Yoshioka Narihito , Negishi Jun , Mori Masatomo , Mogi Kenji , Saito Yasushi , Tanzawa Hideki , Nishikawa Tetsuo , Takada Norihiko , Nanjo Kishio , Morita Nobuo , Nakamura Naoto , Kanamura Narisato , Makino Hirofumi , Nishimura Fusanori , Kobayashi Kunihisa , Higuchi Yoshinori , Sakata Toshiie , Yanagisawa Shigetaka , Tei Chuwa , Ando Yuichi , Hanada Nobuhiro , Inoue Shuji 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo explore the relationships between periodontitis and microvascular complications as well as glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients.Materials and MethodsThis multicenter, hospital‐based, cross‐sectional study included 620 patients with type 2 diabetes. We compared the prevalence and severity of periodontitis between patients with ≥1 microvascular complication and those without microvascular complications. We also compared the prevalence and severity of periodontitis among patients with different degrees of glycemic control.ResultsAfter adjusting for confounding factors, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the severity of periodontitis was significantly associated with the number of microvascular complications (odds ratio 1.3, 95% confidence interval 1.1–1.6), glycated hemoglobin ≥8.0% (64 mmol/mol; odds ratio 1.6; 95% confidence interval 1.1–2.3), and older age (≥50 years; odds ratio 1.7; 95% confidence interval 1.1–2.6). However, the prevalence of periodontitis was not significantly associated with the number of microvascular complications, but was associated with male sex, high glycated hemoglobin (≥8.0% [64 mmol/mol]), older age (≥40 years), longer duration of diabetes (≥15 years) and fewer teeth (≤25). Furthermore, propensity score matching for age, sex, diabetes duration and glycated hemoglobin showed that the incidence of severe periodontitis was significantly higher among patients with microvascular complications than among those without microvascular complications (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe number of microvascular complications is a risk factor for more severe periodontitis in patients with type 2 diabetes, whereas poor glycemic control is a risk factor for increased prevalence and severity of periodontitis.