bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single‐Center Experience With HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist Device Explantation
Authors: Tchantchaleishvili Vakhtang , Cheyne Christina , Sherazi Saadia , Melvin Amber L. , Hallinan William , Chen Leway , Todd Massey Howard 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIn patients with continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (CF‐LVADs) myocardial recovery is uncommon. Given the heterogeneity of the population implanted and low incidence of recovery, the discovery of native left ventricular (LV) recovery and criteria for explantation of CF‐LVAD system is not clearly determined. We sought to analyze the characteristics of the patients who underwent CF‐LVAD explantation at our institution. Prospectively collected data on patients supported with CF‐LVADs were reviewed retrospectively. Patients who underwent CF‐LVAD explants were identified and their characteristics were analyzed with a focus on patient presentation and determinants of explantability. From November 2006 to June 2014, 223 patients (181 male, 42 female) underwent implantation of HeartMate II LVAD. Seven female (16.7%) and one male (0.6%) patients were explanted (P < 0.001). Mean age was 43 ± 9 years and etiology for cardiomyopathy was ischemic in three (37.5%) patients, nonischemic in four (50%) patients, and mixed in the one (12.5%) male patient of the cohort. Five (62.5%) patients presented acutely with significant hemolysis, and were found to have LV improvement as well as reduced, absent, or reversed diastolic flow velocities on echocardiography. Overall, mean lactate dehydrogenase level before explantation was 1709 ± 1168 U/L compared to the mean baseline level of 601 ± 316 U/L (P = 0.048). Mean LV ejection fraction (LVEF) improved from 17 ± 7% preimplant to 56 ± 11% pre‐explantation (P < 0.001). Median number of days on CF‐LVAD support was 870 (interquartile range, 209–975) while mean duration of follow‐up after the CF‐LVAD explantation was 276 ± 240 days. Mean LVEF dropped from 46 ± 19% postexplantation to 34 ± 10% during the most recent follow‐up (P = 0.015). At our institution, patients who underwent LVAD explants were predominantly women with nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Clinical evidence of hemolysis and echocardiographic evidence of reduced or absent diastolic flow velocities were common findings in these patients. Over time, patient's native LV function declined in the absence of LVAD (after LVAD explantation). Significant challenges remain in predicting LV recovery and identifying those individuals who have recovered myocardial function significant enough to be explanted.
Early Adolescent Affect Predicts Later Life Outcomes
Authors: Kansky Jessica , Allen Joseph P. , Diener Ed 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundSubjective well‐being as a predictor for later behavior and health has highlighted its relationship to health, work performance, and social relationships. However, the majority of such studies neglect the developmental nature of well‐being in contributing to important changes across the transition to adulthood.MethodsTo examine the potential role of subjective well‐being as a long‐term predictor of critical life outcomes, we examined indicators of positive and negative affect at age 14 as predictors of relationship, adjustment, self‐worth, and career outcomes a decade later at ages 23 to 25, controlling for family income and gender. We utilised multi‐informant methods including reports from the target participant, close friends, and romantic partners in a demographically diverse community sample of 184 participants.ResultsEarly adolescent positive affect predicted fewer relationship problems (less self‐reported and partner‐reported conflict, and greater friendship attachment as rated by close peers) and healthy adjustment to adulthood (lower levels of depression, anxiety, and loneliness). It also predicted positive work functioning (higher levels of career satisfaction and job competence) and increased self‐worth. Negative affect did not significantly predict any of these important life outcomes. In addition to predicting desirable mean levels of later outcomes, early positive affect predicted beneficial changes across time in many outcomes.ConclusionsThe findings extend early research on the beneficial outcomes of subjective well‐being by having an earlier assessment of well‐being, including informant reports in measuring a large variety of outcome variables, and by extending the findings to a lower socioeconomic group of a diverse and younger sample. The results highlight the importance of considering positive affect as an important component of subjective well‐being distinct from negative affect.
Targeting the NO/superoxide ratio in adipose tissue: relevance to obesity and diabetes management
Authors: Jankovic Aleksandra , Korac Aleksandra , Buzadzic Biljana , Stancic Ana , Otasevic Vesna , Ferdinandy Péter , Daiber Andreas , Korac Bato 
Published: April 2016

Insulin sensitivity and metabolic homeostasis depend on the capacity of adipose tissue to take up and utilize excess glucose and fatty acids. The key aspects that determine the fuel‐buffering capacity of adipose tissue depend on the physiological levels of the small redox molecule, nitric oxide (NO). In addition to impairment of NO synthesis, excessive formation of the superoxide anion (О2•–) in adipose tissue may be an important interfering factor diverting the signalling of NO and other reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in obesity, resulting in metabolic dysfunction of adipose tissue over time. Besides its role in relief from superoxide burst, enhanced NO signalling may be responsible for the therapeutic benefits of different superoxide dismutase mimetics, in obesity and experimental diabetes models. This review summarizes the role of NO in adipose tissue and highlights the effects of NO/О2•– ratio ‘teetering’ as a promising pharmacological target in the metabolic syndrome.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Redox Biology and Oxidative Stress in Health and Disease. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.12/issuetoc
Stop Jumping the Gun: A Call for Evidence‐Based Invasive Predator Management
Authors: Doherty Tim S. , Ritchie Euan G. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractInvasive mammalian predators are major drivers of species extinctions globally. To protect native prey, lethal control is often used with the aim of reducing or exterminating invasive predator populations. The efficacy of this practice, however, is often not considered despite multiple practical and ecological factors that can limit success. Here, we summarize contemporary knowledge regarding the use and challenges of both lethal control and alternative approaches for reducing invasive predator impacts. As the prevailing management approach, we outline four key issues that can compromise the effectiveness of lethal control: release of herbivore and mesopredator populations, disruption of predator social systems, compensatory predator immigration, and ethical concerns. We then discuss the relative merits and limitations of four alternative approaches that may enhance conservation practitioner's ability to effectively manage invasive predators: top‐predator conservation or reintroduction, maintaining habitat complexity, exclusion fencing, and behavioral and evolutionary ecology. Considerable uncertainty remains regarding the effectiveness of management approaches in different environmental contexts. We propose that the deficiencies and uncertainties outlined here can be addressed through a combination of adaptive management, expert elicitation, and cost‐benefit analyses. Improved management of invasive predators requires greater consideration and assessment of the full range of management approaches available.
Latitudinal and depth gradients in marine predation pressure
Authors: Harper Elizabeth M. , Peck Lloyd S. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAim There is a general paradigm that marine predation pressure increases towards the tropics and decreases with depth. However, data demonstrating global trends are generally lacking. Rhynchonelliform brachiopods inhabit all the oceans and often survive shell‐crushing predator attacks. We investigate shell repair in brachiopods across a range of Southern Hemisphere and tropical Northern Hemisphere latitudes and depths.Location The Southern Hemisphere and tropical Northern Hemisphere.Methods We analysed the frequency of shell repair in 112 bulk samples, over 70% of which showed traces of shell damage and repair.Results The pattern of shell repair frequency (RF) was more complicated than the anticipated increase with decreasing latitude, with low levels at both polar and tropical sites but high levels at temperate latitudes. This pattern is only evident, however, in shallow water assemblages; and there is no latitudinal trend in water depths greater than 200 m, where shell RF is systematically low. There was a significant logarithmic relationship between RF and depth. Low polar repair rates reflect reduced predation pressure, directly supporting the global paradigm. Low rates in the tropics appears counter to the paradigm. However, tropical brachiopods are generally very small (micromorphic) in shallow water and below the minimum size at which damage is recorded anywhere.Main conclusions Predation pressure decreased logarithmically with depth. At shallow depths (< 200 m) RF showed its highest levels in the mid temperate latitudes with decreasing frequency towards both the tropics and the poles. Low levels of shell repair at high latitudes are likely to be due to a lack of crushing predators, but in the tropics it is suggested that the low frequency is a result of the small size of tropical brachiopods. We hypothesize that micromorphy in this region may be an outcome of high predation pressure.
Comparison of three scoring systems for risk stratification in elderly patients wıth acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Kalkan Çağdaş , Soykan Irfan , Karakaya Fatih , Tüzün Ali , Gençtürk Zeynep Bıyıklı 
Published: April 2016

AimAcute gastrointestinal bleeding is a potentially life‐threatening condition that requires rapid assessment and dynamic management. Several scoring systems are used to predict mortality and rebleeding in such cases. The aim of the present study was to compare three scoring systems for predicting short‐term mortality, rebleeding, duration of hospitalization and the need for blood transfusion in elderly patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.MethodsThe present study included 335 elderly patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Pre‐ and post‐endoscopic Rockall, Glasgow–Blatchford and AIMS65 scores were calculated. The ability of these scores to predict rebleeding, mortality, duration of hospitalization and the need for blood transfusion was determined.ResultsPre‐ (4.5) and post‐endoscopic (7.5) Rockall scores were superior to the Glasgow–Blatchford (12.5) score for predicting mortality (P = 0.006 and P = 0.015). Likewise, pre‐ (4.5) and post‐endoscopic Rockall scores were superior to the respective Glasgow–Blatchford scores for predicting rebleeding (P = 0.013 and P = 0.03). There was an association between duration of hospitalization and mortality; as the duration of hospitalization increased the mortality rate increased. In all, 94% of patients hospitalized for a mean of 5 days were alive versus 56.1% of those hospitalized for 20 days, and 20.2% of those hospitalized for 40 days.ConclusionsIn elderly patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, the Rockall score is clinically more useful for predicting mortality and rebleeding than the Glasgow–Blatchford and AIMS65 scores; however, for predicting duration of hospitalization and the need for blood transfusion, the Glasgow–Blatchford score is superior to the Rockall and AIMS65 scores. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 575–583.
Brand Firm Performance and Tough Economic Times
Authors: Chang Yuk Ying , Young Martin 
Published: April 2016

AbstractNegative income shocks may cause lower consumption and a switch in consumption from brand to non‐brand products as consumers economize on price (Larkin ). This switch can also be the result of the vigorous promotion of private label products (Lamey et al. ). However, dedicated customers and conspicuous consumption (Veblen ; Berger and Ward ) can mitigate or even neutralize these effects on brand firms. Consistent with the notion that enduring consumption by brand customers has a stronger effect, we find that compared with non‐brand firms, brand firms performed better in and recovered quicker from the difficult economic times of the late 2000s.
Prediction model for sustained hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion to peginterferon alfa‐2a in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Zhu Huilan , Wang Changtai , Zhang Yafei , Wei Shaofeng , Li Xu , Zhang Zhenhua 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackground and AimClinically applicable models to predict hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) response to peginterferon (PEG‐IFN) are scarce. This study aimed to develop simple scoring systems, based on multiple parameters, for predicting sustained HBeAg seroconversion to PEG‐IFN.MethodsEighty‐five treatment‐naïve patients with HBeAg‐positive CHB underwent 52‐week PEG‐IFN treatment and 24‐week follow‐up. Logistic regression analysis assessed parameters at baseline and weeks 12, 24, and 52 to predict HBeAg seroconversion at week 24 off‐treatment. The best three predictors at each time point were included in prediction models of PEG‐IFN therapy efficacy.ResultsThe three most meaningful predictors were alanine aminotransferase (ALT) > 5 × ULN, HBeAg ≤ 500 S/CO, and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc) > 10.7 S/CO at baseline; HBeAg ≤ 20 S/CO, anti‐HBc > 11.7 S/CO, and HBeAg decline > 1 log10 S/CO at week 12; ALT > 2 × ULN, HBeAg ≤ 15 S/CO, and anti‐HBc > 10.4 S/CO at week 24; HBeAg ≤ 5 S/CO, anti‐HBc > 11.1 S/CO, and hepatitis B virus DNA decline > 2 log10 copies/mL at week 52. Parameters meeting optimal cutoff thresholds were scored 1 or otherwise scored 0. For total scores of 0 versus 3 at baseline and weeks 12, 24, and 52, response rates were 6.3%, 12.5%, 0%, and 0% versus 90.0%, 83.3%, 76.9%, and 86.4%, respectively.ConclusionsWe successfully established prediction models for PEG‐IFN response in HBeAg‐positive CHB.
Somatic symptoms, sleep disturbance and psychological distress among women undergoing oocyte pick‐up and in vitro fertilisation–embryo transfer
Authors: Lin Ya‐Hui , Chueh Ke‐Hsin , Lin Jia‐Ling 
Published: April 2016

Aims and objectivesThis study investigated the relationship between somatic symptoms, sleep disturbance and psychological distress in women who underwent oocyte pick‐up and in vitro fertilisation–embryo transfer.BackgroundAccording to worldwide research, women receiving assisted reproductive technologies may suffer from somatic and psychological symptoms and even experience sleep disturbance. Apparently, the guilt of infecundity forces Asian women to conceal this scenario and delay the time at which they accept medical assistance and mental support.DesignA longitudinal study.MethodsThe subjects in this study were infertile female patients who received oocyte pick‐up and in vitro fertilisation–embryo transfer therapies in a hospital in northern Taiwan. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire, including somatic symptoms, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and a five‐item brief symptom rating scale. Data were analysed using the McNemar's test, Wilcoxon Sign Rank and fully entered multiple regression with spss version 20.0 software.ResultsThe mean age of 100 participants was 34·54 (SD = 3·94) years old. They experienced abdominal distention, breast engorgement, nausea, faintness, diarrhoea, sleep disturbance and psychological distress when they received in vitro fertilisation–embryo transfer; these results were apparently higher than those receiving oocyte pick‐up. In addition, sleep disturbance was the most significant factor involved in psychological distress during oocyte pick‐up and in vitro fertilisation–embryo transfer therapies. The most serious indicator of the women's psychological distress during oocyte pick‐up and in vitro fertilisation–embryo transfer treatment is anxiety.ConclusionsSleep disturbance was the most significant factor involved in the psychological distress of women having problems with conception.Relevance to clinical practiceAssisted reproductive technologies nurses can assess women's psychological distress by caring for their sleep disturbance without directly exploring their mood state. Moreover, these medical personnel should understand infertile female patients’ psychological distress is mainly associated with their sleep disturbance. Developing various strategies to improve both sleep quality and psychological distress for infertile female patients should be recognised in future studies.
Possibility of less radical treatment for patients with early invasive uterine cervical cancer
Authors: Kim Miseon , Ishioka Shinichi , Endo Toshiaki , Baba Tsuyoshi , Mizuuchi Masahito , Takada Sakura , Saito Tsuyoshi 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimRadical trachelectomy (RT) with lymphadenectomy has become a standard treatment modality for patients with early invasive uterine cervical cancer who hope to preserve fertility. However, pregnancy after RT has high risks of preterm birth. The possibility of more conservative RT and the application of RT for patients with higher clinical stages were studied.MethodsThe medical charts and specimens of 42 patients who underwent RT and 64 patients who underwent radical hysterectomy were retrospectively studied. Tumor size, distance between the margin of the cancer and the internal orifice of the uterus (os), parametrial invasion, lymph node metastasis and prognoses were investigated.ResultsThe average distances between the inner margin of the cancer and the internal os were 37 mm, 29 mm, 18.7 mm and 14 mm for patients with stage 1 A2, 1B1 (≤ 2 cm), 1B1 (> 2 cm) and 1B2, respectively. When amputation was performed 10 mm below the internal os, all 10 patients with 1 A2, 57 with 1B1 (≤ 2 cm), 19 with 1B1 (> 2 cm), and one with 1B2 had a cancer‐free margin > 10 mm. Patients with stage 1 A2 had a cancer‐free margin > 10 mm even if we amputated the cervix 20 mm below the internal os. Parametrial invasion was detected in two patients with stage 1B1.ConclusionsA simple trachelectomy 20 mm below the internal os with pelvic lymphadenectomy might be possible for stage 1 A2 patients. The present method is best for stage 1B1 patients (≤ 2 cm). RT for stage 1B1 (>2 cm) or higher stages should be contraindicated.
Three‐dimensional saline‐infusion sonohysterography is useful for the identification of endometrial polyp
Authors: Inoue Tsuneo , Kitajima Michio , Taniguchi Ken , Masuzaki Hideaki 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimTo determine whether three‐dimensional saline infusion sonohysterography (3D‐SISH) is useful for the detection of endometrial polyps and whether it can accurately identify the site of attachment within the uterine cavity.MethodsSixteen women who underwent preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 3D‐SISH and subsequent hysteroscopic resection or total hysterectomy and who were surgically diagnosed with endometrial polyps were enrolled. The rate of polyp detection and the accuracy of attachment site within the uterine cavity for each test were examined.ResultsEndometrial polyps could only be identified in 37.5% of women using MRI, but could be identified in all women using 3D‐SISH. The accuracy rate of the attachment site of endometrial polyps was 87.5% on 3D‐SISH and 18.8% (in all patients) or 50.0% (in polyp‐detected patients) on MRI, indicating a higher accuracy rate using 3D‐SISH.ConclusionWe demonstrated that 3D‐SISH is useful for the detection and localization of endometrial polyps and is likely to become the examination method of first choice for the identification of endometrial polyps.
A Prospective, Randomized, Masked, Placebo‐Controlled Multisite Clinical Study of Grapiprant, an EP4 Prostaglandin Receptor Antagonist (PRA), in Dogs with Osteoarthritis
Authors: Rausch‐Derra L. , Huebner M. , Wofford J. , Rhodes L. 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundThis study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of grapiprant for treatment of pain in dogs with osteoarthritis (OA).Hypothesis/ObjectivesGrapiprant will relieve pain as measured by the owner's and veterinarian's evaluation of pain in dogs with OA. Another objective was evaluation of the safety of grapiprant.AnimalsTwo hundred and eighty‐five client‐owned dogs with OA were enrolled and treated with grapiprant or placebo with 262 cases (N = 131 in each group) evaluable for the effectiveness analysis.MethodsIn this prospective, randomized, masked, placebo‐controlled study dogs were treated daily with grapiprant (2 mg/kg) per OS or placebo. Owners completed an evaluation using the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) on days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Success was defined as improvement in the CBPI. Veterinary assessments were made on screening and days 14 and 28. Safety was evaluated by physical examination, evaluation of clinical pathology results, and owner observations.ResultsGrapiprant treatment improved pain compared to placebo on day 28 (48.1 and 31.3% treatment successes respectively; P = .0315). The pain interference score (PIS) and pain severity score (PSS) improved in the grapiprant group compared to placebo (P = .0029 and 0.0022, respectively). Veterinary assessments were significantly better in the grapiprant‐treated dogs (P = .0086). Grapiprant generally was well tolerated, but a higher percentage of treated dogs (17.02%) had occasional vomiting as compared to the placebo group (6.25%).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceGrapiprant is an effective treatment for alleviation of pain in dogs with OA, and represents a modality of treatment that may be better tolerated than current options.
An expanded nationwide view of chronic kidney disease in Aboriginal Australians
Authors: Hoy Wendy E , Mott Susan A , Mc Donald Stephen P 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWe summarize new knowledge that has accrued in recent years on chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Indigenous Australians. CKD refers to all stages of preterminal kidney disease, including end‐stage kidney failure (ESKF), whether or not a person receives renal replacement therapy (RRT). Recently recorded rates of ESKF, RRT, non‐dialysis CKD hospitalizations and CKD attributed deaths were, respectively, more than sixfold, eightfold, eightfold and threefold those of non‐Indigenous Australians, with age adjustment, although all except the RRT rates are still under‐enumerated. However, the nationwide average Indigenous incidence rate of RRT appears to have stabilized. The median age of Indigenous people with ESKF was about 30 years less than for non‐Indigenous people, and 84% of them received RTT, while only half of non‐Indigenous people with ESKF did so. The first‐ever (2012) nationwide health survey data showed elevated levels of CKD markers in Indigenous people at the community level. For all CKD parameters, rates among Indigenous people themselves were strikingly correlated with increasing remoteness of residence and socio‐economic disadvantage, and there was a female predominance in remote areas. The burden of renal disease in Australian Indigenous people is seriously understated by Global Burden of Disease Mortality methodology, because it employs underlying cause of death only, and because deaths of people on RRT are frequently attributed to non‐renal causes.These data give a much expanded view of CKD in Aboriginal people. Methodologic approaches must be remedied for a full appreciation of the burden, costs and outcomes of the disease, to direct appropriate policy development.