bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heart rate variability parameters in horses distinguish atrial fibrillation from sinus rhythm before and after successful electrical cardioversion
Authors: Broux B. , De Clercq D. , Decloedt A. , Ven S. , Vera L. , van Steenkiste G. , Mitchell K. , Schwarzwald C. , van Loon G. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryBackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common pathological arrhythmia in horses. After successful treatment, recurrence is common. Heart rate monitors are easily applicable in horses and some devices offer basic heart rate variability (HRV) calculations. If HRV can be used to distinguish between AF and sinus rhythm (SR), this could become a monitoring tool for horses at risk for recurrence of AF.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to assess whether in horses AF (before cardioversion) and SR (after cardioversion) can be differentiated based upon HRV parameters.Study designCohort study with internal controls.MethodsSix HRV parameters were determined in 20 horses, both in AF and in SR, at rest (2‐ and 5‐min and 1‐ and 4‐h recordings) and during exercise (walk and trot, 2‐min recordings). Time‐domain (standard deviation of the NN intervals, root mean squared successive differences in NN intervals and triangular index), frequency domain (low/high frequency ratio) and nonlinear parameters (standard deviation of the Poincaré plot [SD]1 and SD2) were used. Statistical analysis was done using paired Wilcoxon signed rank tests and receiver operating characteristic curves.ResultsHRV was higher during AF compared to SR. Results for the detection of AF were good (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] 0.8–1) for most HRV parameters. Root mean squared successive differences in NN intervals and SD1 yielded the best results (AUC 0.9–1). Sensitivity and specificity were high for all parameters at all recordings, but highest during exercise. Although AUCs improved with longer recordings, short recordings were also good (AUC 0.8–1) for the detection of AF. In horses with frequent second degree atrioventricular block, HRV at rest is increased and recordings at walk or trot are recommended.Main limitationsAnimals served as their own controls and there was no long‐term follow‐up to identify AF recurrence.ConclusionsAF (before cardioversion) and SR (after cardioversion) could be distinguished with HRV. This technique has promise as a monitoring tool in horses at risk for AF development.
Characterisation of clotting factors, anticoagulant protein activities and viscoelastic analysis in healthy donkeys
Authors: Perez‐Ecija A. , Mendoza F. J. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryBackgroundStudies have demonstrated differences in commonly measured haemostatic parameters between donkeys and horses. Whether clotting factors, anticoagulant protein activities and thromboelastography parameters also differ between species is still unknown.ObjectivesTo characterise haemostatic parameters in healthy donkeys and to compare these with those in horses.Study designCross‐sectional study.MethodsClotting factors (V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI and XII), and antithrombin III, Protein C and Protein S activities were measured in 80 healthy Andalusian and crossbred donkeys and 40 healthy Andalusian crossbred horses with assays based on human deficient plasmas. Thromboelastography was performed in 34 donkeys using a coagulation and platelet function analyser.ResultsDonkeys had shorter activated partial thromboplastin time (mean ± s.d. 33.4 ± 5.2 s vs. 38.8 ± 4.2 s; P<0.001) and higher Factor VII (1825 ± 206 vs. 1513 ± 174; P<0.001), IX (142 ± 41 vs. 114 ± 28; P<0.05) and XI (59.4 ± 14.0 vs. 27.2 ± 6.3; P<0.001) activities, whereas horses showed higher Factor X (130 ± 32 vs. 145 ± 23; P>0.05) and XII (96 ± 21 vs. 108 ± 15; P<0.001) activities. Antithrombin III (204 ± 26 vs. 174 ± 29; P<0.001), Protein C (33.16 ± 10.0 vs. 7.57 ± 1.70; P<0.001) and Protein S (median [interquartile range]: 7.8 [5.8–9.3] vs. 6.2 [5.2–7.0]; P<0.001) activities were higher in donkeys. Activated clot time (175 [159–189]), time to peak (6.5 [5.8–7.8]) and clot formation rate (26.9 [16.9–36.4]) in donkeys were shorter than reported values in horses.Main limitationsHaemostatic pathways could not be fully evaluated in donkeys because some tests are unavailable. Certain fibrinolytic parameters (plasmin, plasminogen, etc.) have not been characterised in donkeys and this may have affected our results.ConclusionsThe haemostatic system in donkeys differs from that in horses and extrapolation of reference values between these species is not appropriate.
Biotic interactions modify multiple‐stressor effects on juvenile brown trout in an experimental stream food web
Authors: Bruder Andreas , Salis Romana K. , Jones Peter E. , Matthaei Christoph D. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAgricultural land use results in multiple stressors affecting stream ecosystems. Flow reduction due to water abstraction, elevated levels of nutrients and chemical contaminants are common agricultural stressors worldwide. Concurrently, stream ecosystems are also increasingly affected by climate change. Interactions among multiple co‐occurring stressors result in biological responses that cannot be predicted from single‐stressor effects (i.e. synergisms and antagonisms). At the ecosystem level, multiple‐stressor effects can be further modified by biotic interactions (e.g. trophic interactions). We conducted a field experiment using 128 flow‐through stream mesocosms to examine the individual and combined effects of water abstraction, nutrient enrichment and elevated levels of the nitrification inhibitor dicyandiamide (DCD) on survival, condition and gut content of juvenile brown trout and on benthic abundance of their invertebrate prey. Flow velocity reduction decreased fish survival (−12% compared to controls) and condition (−8% compared to initial condition), whereas effects of nutrient andDCDadditions and interactions among these stressors were not significant. Negative effects of flow velocity reduction on fish survival and condition were consistent with effects on fish gut content (−25% compared to controls) and abundance of dominant invertebrate prey (−30% compared to controls), suggesting a negative metabolic balance driving fish mortality and condition decline, which was confirmed by structural equation modelling. Fish mortality under reduced flow velocity increased as maximal daily water temperatures approached the upper limit of their tolerance range, reflecting synergistic interactions between these stressors. Our study highlights the importance of indirect stressor effects such as those transferred through trophic interactions, which need to be considered when assessing and managing fish populations and stream food webs in multiple‐stressor situations. However, in real streams, compensatory mechanisms and behavioural responses, as well as seasonal and spatial variation, may alter the intensity of stressor effects and the sensitivity of trout populations.
GATA3 expression in benign prostate glands with radiation atypia: a diagnostic pitfall
Authors: Tian Wei , Dorn David , Wei Shi , Sanders Ronald D , Matoso Andres , Shah Rajal B , Gordetsky Jennifer 
Published: March 2017

AimsPatients who have undergone prostate radiation are at increased risk for developing urothelial carcinoma. Radiation changes can cause significant cytological atypia in benign prostate glands that may mimic pagetoid spread of urothelial carcinoma. GATA3 is a common marker for differentiating prostatic adenocarcinoma from urothelial carcinoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of GATA3 in the epithelium of irradiated benign and malignant prostate tissue.Methods and resultsWe performed a retrospective review of prostate cases with radiation atypia. GATA3 staining was performed on benign prostate tissue with and without radiation atypia, as well as on residual/recurrent prostatic adenocarcinoma after radiation therapy. PIN4 immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed on prostate tissue with radiation atypia to confirm the presence of both basal and luminal cells. We identified 31 cases with benign prostate glands containing radiation atypia. The average time between treatment with radiation therapy and the surgical procedure was 10 years (range 5–20 years). PIN4 IHC staining confirmed the presence of basal and luminal cells in benign prostate glands with radiation atypia. Thirty‐one of 31 (100%) cases of benign prostate tissue with radiation atypia showed staining for GATA3 in both basal and luminal cells. Eight of eight (100%) cases of benign prostate glands without radiation atypia and no inflammatory changes showed GATA3 positivity limited to basal cells. GATA3 was negative in 12/12 (100%) cases of prostatic adenocarcinoma after radiation therapy.ConclusionBenign prostate glands with radiation atypia show diffuse positivity for GATA3. This staining pattern, along with the cytological atypia resulting from radiation, can mimic urothelial carcinoma.
Recent Dasycladales (Chlorophyta) in Okinawa Jima in the Central Ryukyus, southwestern Japan: Paleontological implications
Authors: Ohba Hideo , Matsuda Shinya , Asami Ryuji , Iryu Yasufumi 
Published: March 2017

AbstractRecent dasycladalean algae (Dasycladales, Chlorophyta) are classified into two families, 11 genera, and 44 species, and inhabit the tropical to warm‐temperate waters of the world. Twelve species of dasycladalean algae occur in Okinawa Jima, Ryukyu Islands. In this paper, the present‐day dasycladalean species and their distributions in Okinawa Jima are reported and their paleontological implications are discussed. Dasycladalean algae grow mainly on coral rubble and rocks, often forming large meadows in calm shallow lagoons. However, Dasycladus vermicularis occurs in deeper waters, at depths of 15–89 m, around Okinawa Jima. Neomeris annulata is found at water depths of 0–30 m. These data throw doubt on the interpretation that the occurrence of dasycladalean algae is linked to warm shallow habitats.
U–Pb zircon geochronology of the Daraban leucogranite, Mawat ophiolite, Northeastern Iraq: A record of the subduction to collision history for the Arabia–Eurasia plates
Authors: Mohammad Yousif O. , Cornell David H. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe Mawat ophiolite is part of the Mesozoic Neo‐Tethyan ophiolite belt of the Middle East and is located in the Zagros Imbricate Zone of Iraq. It represents fossil fragments of the Neo‐Tethyan oceanic lithosphere within the Alpine collisional system between the Arabian and Eurasia Plates. The first U–Pb zircon dating of the Daraban leucogranite from the Mawat ophiolite provides a 207Pb–206Pb age of 96.8 ± 6.0 Ma. The age is 59.0 ± 6.0 m.y. older than the previously published age of the Daraban leucogranite obtained by 40Ar–39Ar muscovite dating method. The U–Pb dating of magmatic zircons collected from the Daraban leucogranite, which intrudes into the Mawat ophiolite, reveals that melting of the pelagic sediment beneath the hot Zagros proto‐ophiolite in an intra‐oceanic arc environment led to anatexis at the subduction front and the generation of granitic melts at 96.8 ± 6.0 Ma, which were emplaced in the overlaying mantle wedge. This process was a response to the initial formation of the Neo‐Tethys ophiolite above a northeast‐dipping intra‐oceanic subduction zone at 96.8 ± 6.0 Ma. Published 40Ar–39Ar muscovite dating from the same leucogranite dike yields plateau ages of 37.7 ± 0.3 Ma, reflecting that the age was reset during the Arabia–Eurasia continental collision. Therefore, the bimodal age populations from the granitic intrusion in the Mawat ophiolite preserve a record of the subduction to the collision cycle of the Zagros Orogenic Belt. The 59.0 ± 6.0 m.y. age difference from the Daraban leucogranite represents the duration of the subduction‐collision cycle of the Zagros Orogenic Belt in the Kurdistan region of Iraq and the time span for the closure of the Neo‐Tethys Ocean along the northern margin of the Arabian plate.
Lethal hopelessness: Understanding and responding to asylum seeker distress and mental deterioration
Authors: Procter Nicholas G. , Kenny Mary Anne , Eaton Heather , Grech Carol 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe mental deterioration of the so called ‘legacy caseload’ (asylum seekers who arrived in Australia by boat between August 2012–December 2013) has become a national concern and is garnering international attention. Prolonged uncertainty is contributing to mental deterioration and despair. There have been at least 11 deaths by suicide since June 2014. Social support services have been limited and legal assistance in short supply; this is associated with lengthy delays with visa applications. Thwarted belongingness, purpose and identity, a shortage of available services, and barriers to legal support for processes attendant upon Refugee Status Determination increase the likelihood that the mental health of asylum seekers will deteriorate further, potentially developing into worsening decline, which will lead to increased self‐harm and suicide. This article summarises recent suicide deaths in Australia, positing practical assistance and support for asylum seekers living in the community. Therapeutic engagement should be trauma‐informed wherever possible, helping asylum seekers to reframe their sense of lethal hopelessness.
Risk factors for obesity in preschool‐aged children in China
Authors: Chen J. ‐ L. , Esquivel J. H. , Guo J. , Chesla C. A. , Tang S. 
Published: March 2017

AimsTo examine the relationship between child, mother, and environmental factors and increased body mass index in preschool‐aged children in China.BackgroundThere are about 120 million children in China are classified as overweight or obese. Understanding the key factors associated with childhood obesity (i.e. child, mother and environment) is the first step in combating the growing obesity epidemic in China, as well as in the global community, where large numbers of Chinese immigrants can be found.MethodsA cross‐sectional design was used. Each child's weight and height were measured by trained assistants, whereas mothers were asked to complete several questionnaires including family demographic, family eating and activity habit and child feeding practices. Mothers also reported their own as well as the father's height, weight and waist circumference. Linear regression models were used.FindingsThe overweight and obesity prevalence was 22% for children, 7% for mothers and 82% for fathers. Children spent an average of 1.2 h (72 min) engaged in physical activities and 0.76 h (46 min) in sedentary time including TV watching or computer and video games playing per day. Factors associated with a child's higher body mass index included maternal beliefs regarding the child's susceptibility to obesity, their own susceptibility to obesity, a child's more advanced age and more unhealthy food stimulus exposure at home.ConclusionBecause a mother's health behaviours may influence their child's health behaviours and they are a crucial model for the family and children, childhood obesity prevention needs to include mothers and focus on building a healthy home environment for the family.Implications for nursing and health policyUnderstanding factors associated with childhood obesity can assist researchers and clinicians to develop culturally sensitive and evidence‐based programmes and policy to reduce this global epidemic.
Regional Financial Developments and Research and Development Investment–Cash Flow Sensitivity: Evidence on Chinese Public High‐Tech Companies
Authors: Hu Jie , Li Guo , Zhu Feifei 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIn a sample of 485 Chinese public high‐tech companies, we show that the R&D investment is significantly dependent on internal cash flow. Based on the sizable discrepancies of stock market and financial intermediary developments in the East, Middle and West regions of China, empirical estimation provides strong evidence that the financial developments in both credit and equity markets have large effects on reducing financing constraints. The effects are most significant in the financially advanced East region of China.
Benefits of intralesional injections of sodium thiosulfate in the treatment of calciphylaxis
Authors: Isoherranen Kirsi , Bouchard Laura , Kluger Nicolas 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTCalciphylaxis (CPX) is a rare calcifying thrombotic vasculopathy responsible for painful necrotic ulcers, with a high mortality rate, and its management is often difficult. Recently, intravenous infusions of sodium thiosulfate (STS) have shown efficacy. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of intralesional STS (IL STS) in four patients. Our aim was to assess the efficacy of IL STS in a prospective mono‐centric open study that included four patients with a biopsy‐proven cutaneous CPX. Four women (55–84 years old, mean age: 71·2 years) with a uremic (n = 1) or non‐uremic CPX (n = 3) and primary hyperparathyroidism induced by teriparatide or after the initiation of oral anti‐vitamin K were treated by IL STS (250 mg/ml). The injections were performed around the ulcers, on the active borders, once or twice a week and then at 1‐2 weeks intervals. The injected quantity varied from 1·5 to 15 ml. Pain usually improved after two series of injections. Clinical response was visible after 2 weeks. Three patients (75%) healed completely or almost completely. A failure was observed in the last patient who also had lower limb arteriopathy. The main side effect was the pain during injections. IL STS is an interesting alternative therapeutic option in the management of CPX necrotic ulcers with limited side effects. Larger studies are warranted to precisely define its place, its administration procedure and the patients who could benefit from it.
The Utility of Exercise Testing in Risk Stratification of Asymptomatic Patients With Type 1 Brugada Pattern
Authors: SUBRAMANIAN MUTHIAH , PRABHU MUKUND A. , HARIKRISHNAN MADHAVANKUTTY SANTHAKUMARI , SHEKHAR SARITHA S. , PAI PRAVEEN G. , NATARAJAN KUMARASWAMY 
Published: March 2017

Risk Stratification in Type 1 Brugada PatternIntroductionRisk stratification of asymptomatic patients with a Brugada type 1 ECG pattern remains an unresolved clinical conundrum. In contrast to provocative pharmacological testing in Brugada syndrome, there is limited data on the role of exercise stress testing as a risk stratification modality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of exercise testing in asymptomatic patients with type 1 Brugada pattern to prognosticate major arrhythmic events (MAE) during follow‐up.Methods and ResultsTreadmill exercise testing was conducted for 75 asymptomatic patients with type 1 Brugada pattern and for 88 healthy control subjects. The clinical end point of MAE was defined as the occurrence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) or resuscitated ventricular fibrillation (VF). During a follow‐up of 77.9 ± 28.9 months, eight MAE occurred (five VF and three SCD). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the following were independent predictors of MAE in asymptomatic patients with a type 1 Brugada pattern: increase in S wave upslope duration ratio >30% at peak exercise (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.08–10.97, P = 0.023), augmentation of J point elevation in lead aVR >2 mm in late recovery (HR 1.88, 95% 1.21–15.67, P = 0.011), and delayed HR recovery (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.06–18.22, P = 0.042). A high‐risk cohort was identified by the final step‐wise regression model with good accuracy (specificity = 98.4%, sensitivity = 62.5%) and discriminative power (AUC = 0.93, 95% CI 0.89–0.96, P = 0.002). Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed increasing MAE in subjects with one, two, or three predictors, respectively (log rank P < 0.001).ConclusionsExercise testing in asymptomatic patients with type 1 Brugada pattern aids in identification of high‐risk patients and provides a unique window of opportunity for early intervention.
Endothelial microparticles act as novel diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers of circulatory hypoxia‐related diseases: a literature review
Authors: Deng Fan , Wang Shuang , Zhang Liangqing 
Published: March 2017

AbstractCirculatory hypoxia‐related diseases (CHRDs), including acute coronary syndromes, stroke and organ transplantation, attract increased attention due to high morbidity and mortality. Mounting evidence shows that hypoxia‐induced oxidative stress, coagulation, inflammation and angiogenesis play extremely important roles in the physiological and pathological processes of CHRD‐related vascular endothelial injury. Interestingly, hypoxia, even hypoxia‐induced oxidative stress, coagulation and inflammation can all induce release of endothelial microparticles (EMPs). EMPs, shed from activated or apoptotic endothelial cells (ECs), reflect the degree of EC damage, and elevated EMP levels are found in several CHRDs. Furthermore, EMPs, which play an important role in cell‐to‐cell communication and function, have confirmed pro‐coagulant, proinflammatory, angiogenic and other functions, affecting pathological processes. These findings suggest that EMPs and CHRDs have a very close relationship, and EMPs may help to identify CHRD phenotypes and stratify the severity of disease, to improve risk stratification for developing CHRDs, to better define prophylactic strategies and to ameliorate prognostic characterization of patients with CHRDs. This review summarizes the known and potential roles of EMPs in the diagnosis, staging, treatment and clinical prognosis of CHRDs.
Smell Loss Predicts Mortality Risk Regardless of Dementia Conversion
Authors: Ekström Ingrid , Sjölund Sara , Nordin Steven , Nordin Adolfsson Annelie , Adolfsson Rolf , Nilsson Lars‐Göran , Larsson Maria , Olofsson Jonas K. 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesTo determine whether dementia could explain the association between poor olfactory performance and mortality risk within a decade‐long follow‐up period.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingBetula Study, Umeå, Sweden.ParticipantsA population‐based sample of adult participants without dementia at baseline aged 40 to 90 (N = 1,774).MeasurementsOlfactory performance using the Scandinavian Odor‐Identification Test (SOIT) and self‐reported olfactory function; several social, cognitive, and medical risk factors at baseline; and incident dementia during the following decade.ResultsWithin the 10‐year follow‐up, 411 of 1,774 (23.2%) participants had died. In a Cox model, the association between higherSOITscore and lower mortality was significant (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.74 per point interval, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.71–0.77,P< .001). The effect was attenuated, but remained significant, after controlling for age, sex, education, and health‐related and cognitive variables (HR= 0.92, 95%CI= 0.87–0.97,P= .001). The association betweenSOITscore and mortality was retained after controlling for dementia conversion before death (HR= 0.92, 95%CI= 0.87–0.97,P= .001). Similar results were obtained for self‐reported olfactory dysfunction.ConclusionPoor odor identification and poor self‐reported olfactory function are associated with greater likelihood of future mortality. Dementia does not attenuate the association between olfactory loss and mortality, suggesting that olfactory loss might mark deteriorating health, irrespective of dementia.