bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autologous incus versus titanium partial ossicular replacement prosthesis in reconstruction of Austin type A ossicular defects: a prospective randomised clinical trial
Authors: Amith Naragund , RS Mudhol 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjective:This study aimed to compare the functional and anatomical outcomes of ossiculoplasty using an autograft incus or a titanium partial ossicular replacement prosthesis for reconstructing Austin type A ossicular defects.Methods:Patients with Austin A ossicular defects were randomly divided into two groups: one group underwent ossiculoplasty with an autologous incus (the autologous incus group) and the other underwent ossiculoplasty with a titanium partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (the titanium prosthesis group). Otoscopic examination and audiological assessment was done pre-operatively and at 3, 6 and 12 months post-operatively.Results:A post-operative average air–bone gap closure of less than 20 dB was seen in 13 patients (65 per cent) in the autologous incus group and 7 (35 per cent) in the titanium prosthesis group. There were fewer post-operative complications in the autologous incus group (20 per cent) than in the titanium prosthesis group (45 per cent).Conclusion:Hearing outcomes and graft take up after ossiculoplasty were significantly better when an autologous incus rather than a titanium partial ossicular replacement prosthesis was used to reconstruct Austin type A ossicular defects. The major disadvantages of the titanium prosthesis were unpredictable results and more post-operative complications.
Stop Stroke: A Brief Report on Door-to-Needle Times and Performance After Implementing an Acute Care Coordination Medical Application and Implications to Emergency Medical Services
Authors: Dickson Robert , Nedelcut Adrian , Nedelcut Melissa McPeek 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Stop Stroke (Pulsara; Bozeman, Montana USA) medical application on door-to-needle (DTN) time in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with an acute ischemic stroke (AIS).MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of the Good Shepherd Health System (Longview, Texas USA) stroke quality improvement dashboard for a 25-month period from February 2012 through February 2014. Data analysis includes all data from Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS; Baltimore, Maryland USA) reportable cases receiving Tissue Plasminogen Activator (TPA) for AIS during the study period. The primary outcome was mean DTN times before and after initiating Stop Stroke. Secondary outcome was the effect on the DTN≤60-minute benchmark.ResultsDuring the study period, there were 533 stroke activations (200 before Stop Stroke implementation and 333 after). A total of 68 patients meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed (34 pre-app and 34 post- app). The observed mean DTN times post-app decreased 21 minutes (77 to 56 minutes), a 28% improvement (P=.001). Further, the patients meeting DTN≤60 minutes improved from 32% (11 of 34) to 82% (28 of 34) after the app’s implementation.ConclusionsIn this cohort of patients with AIS, Stop Stroke improved mean DTN times and number of patients treated within 60 minutes of arrival. These results demonstrate the app’s effect of increasing awareness of suspected AIS and improving coordination of care, evidenced by the magnitude of its effect on treatment times.DicksonR, NedelcutA, McPeek NedelcutM. Stop Stroke: a brief report on door-to-needle times and performance after implementing an acute care coordination medical application and implications to Emergency Medical Services. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(3):343–347.
Collaborative Care model in mental health. Scope and experiences after three years of activity in Mexico City
Authors: Villamil-Salcedo Valerio , Vargas-Terrez Blanca E. , Díaz-Anzaldúa Adriana 
Published: February 2017

Aim
The aim of this study was to evaluate the experience of the Collaborative Care model with general practitioners (GPs) for diagnosis and treatment of depression and anxiety disorders in primary care centers (PCC).

Background
For many years, different ways to address mental health problems in primary care settings have been evaluated. However, there is still debate over how to treat psychiatric conditions in such a context.

Method
A cross-sectional design was used. The study was conducted in two consecutive studies in six PCC that serve marginalized population in Mexico City. In the first study, cases were interviewed, diagnosed, and treated by a psychiatrist. In the second study, Collaborative Care model was used and GPs were trained; psychiatrists diagnosed and treated patients but GPs discussed the symptoms and treatment of the patients with the psychiatrist.

Findings
First study: 18 patients with depressive and/or anxiety disorders were interviewed; these cases were not discussed between the GPs and the psychiatrist. Second study: psychiatrists and GPs conducted joint interviews and cases were discussed. From the 399 evaluated individuals, 38.94% were diagnosed with a depressive disorder. After the Collaborative Care model was applied, GPs were more aware about mental health problems and they were more interested in the identification of these conditions in PCC. Replication studies will help confirm the effectiveness of this model.
Correlates of the positive psychological byproducts of cancer: Role of family caregivers and informational support
Authors: Litzelman Kristin , Blanch-Hartigan Danielle , Lin Chun Cheih , Han Xuesong 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTObjective:Experiencing a life-threatening illness such as cancer can elicit both negative (e.g., distress) and positive (e.g., growth) psychological responses. The present study sought to determine the correlates of four positive psychological byproducts in cancer survivors: becoming a stronger person, coping better with life's challenges, making positive changes in life, and adopting healthier habits.Method:Data for this cross-sectional study were taken from the Medical Expenditures Panel Survey (MEPS) Experiences with Cancer Survivorship Supplement (Yabroff et al., 2012). Cancer survivors (N = 785) reported their sociodemographic and cancer-related characteristics. Descriptive statistics were utilized to summarize cancer survivor characteristics, including demographic factors, cancer factors, and stressors and resources related to cancer. Multivariable logistic regressions were employed to assess the independent association of the stressors and resources with each psychological response, controlling for covariates. All analyses were weighted to account for the complex sampling design of the MEPS.Results:In multivariable analyses, those with a family caregiver were 50% more likely to report better coping with challenges, and around 70% were more likely to report making positive changes in life or adopting healthier habits because of their cancer. Receiving informational support from healthcare providers was also consistently associated with positive byproducts (odds ratios ranging from 1.6 to 2.0). Few of the stressors were associated with positive byproducts: having insurance problems due to cancer was positively associated with becoming a stronger person, and work limitations were associated with making positive changes in life; those who reported high perceived chances of recurrence were less likely to report becoming a stronger person.Significance of Results:Having a family caregiver and receiving detailed informational support from healthcare providers were associated with reporting positive experiences with cancer. The hypotheses and future research stimulated by these findings may improve our understanding of the process by which positive byproducts develop and may ultimately help improve psychological well-being among cancer survivors.
Archaeogenomic evidence reveals prehistoric matrilineal dynasty
Authors: Kennett Douglas J. , Plog Stephen , George Richard J. , Culleton Brendan J. , Watson Adam S. , Skoglund Pontus , Rohland Nadin , Mallick Swapan , Stewardson Kristin , Kistler Logan , LeBlanc Steven A. , Whiteley Peter M. , Reich David , Perry George H. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractFor societies with writing systems, hereditary leadership is documented as one of the hallmarks of early political complexity and governance. In contrast, it is unknown whether hereditary succession played a role in the early formation of prehistoric complex societies that lacked writing. Here we use an archaeogenomic approach to identify an elite matriline that persisted between 800 and 1130 CE in Chaco Canyon, the centre of an expansive prehistoric complex society in the Southwestern United States. We show that nine individuals buried in an elite crypt at Pueblo Bonito, the largest structure in the canyon, have identical mitochondrial genomes. Analyses of nuclear genome data from six samples with the highest DNA preservation demonstrate mother–daughter and grandmother–grandson relationships, evidence for a multigenerational matrilineal descent group. Together, these results demonstrate the persistence of an elite matriline in Chaco for ∼330 years.
Impact of genetic background and experimental reproducibility on identifying chemical compounds with robust longevity effects
Authors: Lucanic Mark , Plummer W. Todd , Chen Esteban , Harke Jailynn , Foulger Anna C. , Onken Brian , Coleman-Hulbert Anna L. , Dumas Kathleen J. , Guo Suzhen , Johnson Erik , Bhaumik Dipa , Xue Jian , Crist Anna B. , Presley Michael P. , Harinath Girish , Sedore Christine A. , Chamoli Manish , Kamat Shaunak , Chen Michelle K. , Angeli Suzanne , Chang Christina , Willis John H. , Edgar Daniel , Royal Mary Anne , Chao Elizabeth A. , Patel Shobhna , Garrett Theo , Ibanez-Ventoso Carolina , Hope June , Kish Jason L , Guo Max , Lithgow Gordon J. , Driscoll Monica , Phillips Patrick C. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractLimiting the debilitating consequences of ageing is a major medical challenge of our time. Robust pharmacological interventions that promote healthy ageing across diverse genetic backgrounds may engage conserved longevity pathways. Here we report results from the Caenorhabditis Intervention Testing Program in assessing longevity variation across 22 Caenorhabditis strains spanning 3 species, using multiple replicates collected across three independent laboratories. Reproducibility between test sites is high, whereas individual trial reproducibility is relatively low. Of ten pro-longevity chemicals tested, six significantly extend lifespan in at least one strain. Three reported dietary restriction mimetics are mainly effective across C. elegans strains, indicating species and strain-specific responses. In contrast, the amyloid dye ThioflavinT is both potent and robust across the strains. Our results highlight promising pharmacological leads and demonstrate the importance of assessing lifespans of discrete cohorts across repeat studies to capture biological variation in the search for reproducible ageing interventions.
Atomic layer confined vacancies for atomic-level insights into carbon dioxide electroreduction
Authors: Gao Shan , Sun Zhongti , Liu Wei , Jiao Xingchen , Zu Xiaolong , Hu Qitao , Sun Yongfu , Yao Tao , Zhang Wenhua , Wei Shiqiang , Xie Yi 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe role of oxygen vacancies in carbon dioxide electroreduction remains somewhat unclear. Here we construct a model of oxygen vacancies confined in atomic layer, taking the synthetic oxygen-deficient cobalt oxide single-unit-cell layers as an example. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate the main defect is the oxygen(II) vacancy, while X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy reveals their distinct oxygen vacancy concentrations. Proton transfer is theoretically/experimentally demonstrated to be a rate-limiting step, while energy calculations unveil that the presence of oxygen(II) vacancies lower the rate-limiting activation barrier from 0.51 to 0.40 eV via stabilizing the formate anion radical intermediate, confirmed by the lowered onset potential from 0.81 to 0.78 V and decreased Tafel slope from 48 to 37 mV dec−1. Hence, vacancy-rich cobalt oxide single-unit-cell layers exhibit current densities of 2.7 mA cm−2 with ca. 85% formate selectivity during 40-h tests. This work establishes a clear atomic-level correlation between oxygen vacancies and carbon dioxide electroreduction.
Origin of heavy rare earth mineralization in South China
Authors: Xu Cheng , Kynický Jindřich , Smith Martin P. , Kopriva Antonin , Brtnický Martin , Urubek Tomas , Yang Yueheng , Zhao Zheng , He Chen , Song Wenlei 
Published: February 2017

AbstractHeavy rare earth elements (HREE) are dominantly mined from the weathering crusts of granites in South China. Although weathering processes occur globally, no economic HREE resources of this type have yet been found outside China. Here, we report the occurrence of unidentified REE minerals in the granites from South Chinese deposits. They contain high levels of both HREE and light REE, but are strongly depleted in Ce, implying high oxidation state. These REE minerals show higher initial Nd isotope than primary REE-rich minerals (ɛNd(t)=0.9±0.8 versus −11.5±0.5). The mineralized weathering crusts inherited REE signature of the granites, but show more Ce depletion and more overall concentration of the REE. We propose, therefore, that highly oxidized, REE-rich fluids, derived from external, isotopically depleted sources, metasomatized the granites, which resulted in Ce depletion as Ce4+ and enrichment of the remaining REE, especially the HREE, contributing to formation of a globally important REE resource.
Patterns of dairy food intake, body composition and markers of metabolic health in Ireland: results from the National Adult Nutrition Survey
Authors: Feeney E L , O'Sullivan A , Nugent A P , McNulty B , Walton J , Flynn A , Gibney E R 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Background:
Studies examining the association between dairy consumption and metabolic health have shown mixed results. This may be due, in part, to the use of different definitions of dairy, and to single types of dairy foods examined in isolation.

Objective:
The objective of the study was to examine associations between dairy food intake and metabolic health, identify patterns of dairy food consumption and determine whether dairy dietary patterns are associated with outcomes of metabolic health, in a cross-sectional survey.

Design:
A 4-day food diary was used to assess food and beverage consumption, including dairy (defined as milk, cheese, yogurt, cream and butter) in free-living, healthy Irish adults aged 18–90 years (n=1500). Fasting blood samples (n=897) were collected, and anthropometric measurements taken. Differences in metabolic health markers across patterns and tertiles of dairy consumption were tested via analysis of covariance. Patterns of dairy food consumption, of different fat contents, were identified using cluster analysis.

Results:
Higher (total) dairy was associated with lower body mass index, %body fat, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio (P<0.001), and lower systolic (P=0.02) and diastolic (P<0.001) blood pressure. Similar trends were observed when milk and yogurt intakes were considered separately. Higher cheese consumption was associated with higher C-peptide (P<0.001). Dietary pattern analysis identified three patterns (clusters) of dairy consumption; 'Whole milk', 'Reduced fat milks and yogurt' and 'Butter and cream'. The 'Reduced fat milks and yogurt' cluster had the highest scores on a Healthy Eating Index, and lower-fat and saturated fat intakes, but greater triglyceride levels (P=0.028) and total cholesterol (P=0.015). conclusion: Overall, these results suggest that while milk and yogurt consumption is associated with a favourable body phenotype, the blood lipid profiles are less favourable when eaten as part of a low-fat high-carbohydrate dietary pattern. More research is needed to better understand this association.

Conclusion:
Overall, these results suggest that although milk and yogurt consumption is associated with a favourable body phenotype, the blood lipid profiles are less favourable when eaten as part of a low-fat high-carbohydrate dietary pattern. More research is needed to better understand this association.
Multicolor light-emitting devices with Tb2O3 on silicon
Authors: Li Ling , Wang Shenwei , Mu Guangyao , Yin Xue , Yi Lixin 
Published: February 2017

AbstractGreat efforts have been devoted to achieving efficient Si-based light-emitting devices. Here we report new light-emitting devices fabricated with Tb2O3 on Si substrates. Intense green electroluminescence was observed, with a turn-on voltage of about 8 V. The green emission is attributed to the characteristic transitions of Tb3+ ions in Tb2O3. The electroluminescence mechanisms of the Tb2O3 light-emitting devices are discussed. In addition, visible and near infrared electroluminescence was observed in rare-earth (Eu3+, Sm3+ and Yb3+) doped Tb2O3 light-emitting devices.
An Agrobacterium tumefaciens Strain with Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Transaminase Activity Shows an Enhanced Genetic Transformation Ability in Plants
Authors: Nonaka Satoko , Someya Tatsuhiko , Zhou Sha , Takayama Mariko , Nakamura Kouji , Ezura Hiroshi 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAgrobacterium tumefacienshas the unique ability to mediate inter-kingdom DNA transfer, and for this reason, it has been utilized for plant genetic engineering. To increase the transformation frequency in plant genetic engineering, we focused on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is a negative factor in theAgrobacterium-plant interaction. Recent studies have shown contradictory results regarding the effects of GABA onvirgene expression, leading to the speculation that GABA inhibits T-DNA transfer. In this study, we examined the effect of GABA on T-DNA transfer using a tomato line with a low GABA content. Compared with the control, the T-DNA transfer frequency was increased in the low-GABA tomato line, indicating that GABA inhibits T-DNA transfer. Therefore, we bred a newA. tumefaciensstrain with GABA transaminase activity and the ability to degrade GABA. TheA. tumefaciensstrain exhibited increased T-DNA transfer in two tomato cultivars andErianthus arundinacuesand an increased frequency of stable transformation in tomato.
Water-use efficiency of an old-growth forest in lower subtropical China
Authors: Liu Xiaodong , Chen Xiuzhi , Li Ronghua , Long Fengling , Zhang Lu , Zhang Qianmei , Li Jiyue 
Published: February 2017

AbstractCarbon and water fluxes are key properties of ecosystem processes and functions. A better understanding of their temporal dynamics and coupling mechanism between these fluxes will help us improve ecosystem management for mitigation as well as adaption to future climatic change. From 2003 to 2009, carbon and water flux data were obtained by the eddy covariance method over an old-growth forest in the lower subtropical China. The 7 years of observational data indicated that the water-use efficiency (WUE) of the old-growth forest exhibited weak inter-annual variability. The mean annual WUE ranged from 1.70 to 1.98 g C kg−1 H2O. An analysis of the effects of environmental variables on the monthly gross primary productivity (GPP) and evapotranspiration (ET) indicated that solar radiation, air temperature, precipitation and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) produced similar effects on the monthly GPP and ET, which suggests that photosynthesis and ET were similarly driven by the climatic variables. At the monthly scale, the WUE decreased significantly as the precipitation and soil moisture content increased. However, a significant correlation was not detected between the WUE and the VPD at the monthly scale. Moisture conditions tend to be major drivers of the ecosystem WUE.
On the Long-term Stability of Clines in Some Metabolic Genes in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Cogni Rodrigo , Kuczynski Kate , Koury Spencer , Lavington Erik , Behrman Emily L. , O’Brien Katherine R. , Schmidt Paul S. , Eanes Walter F. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractVery little information exists for long-term changes in genetic variation in natural populations. Here we take the unique opportunity to compare a set of data for SNPs in 15 metabolic genes from eastern US collections of Drosophila melanogaster that span a large latitudinal range and represent two collections separated by 12 to 13 years. We also expand this to a 22-year interval for the Adh gene and approximately 30 years for the G6pd and Pgd genes. During these intervals, five genes showed a statistically significant change in average SNP allele frequency corrected for latitude. While much remains unchanged, we see five genes where latitudinal clines have been lost or gained and two where the slope significantly changes. The long-term frequency shift towards a southern favored Adh S allele reported in Australia populations is not observed in the eastern US over a period of 21 years. There is no general pattern of southern-favored or northern-favored alleles increasing in frequency across the genes. This observation points to the fluid nature of some allelic variation over this time period and the action of selective responses or migration that may be more regional than uniformly imposed across the cline.
Aptamers for respiratory syncytial virus detection
Authors: Percze Krisztina , Szakács Zoltán , Scholz Éva , András Judit , Szeitner Zsuzsanna , Kieboom Corné H. van den , Ferwerda Gerben , Jonge Marien I. de , Gyurcsányi Róbert E. , Mészáros Tamás 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe identification of the infectious agents is pivotal for appropriate care of patients with viral diseases. Current viral diagnostics rely on selective detection of viral nucleic acid or protein components. In general, detection of proteins rather than nucleic acids is technically more suitable for rapid tests. However, protein-based virus identification methods depend on antibodies limiting the practical applicability of these approaches. Aptamers rival antibodies in target selectivity and binding affinity, and excel in terms of robustness and cost of synthesis. Although aptamers have been generated for virus identification in laboratory settings, their introduction into routine virus diagnostics has not been realized, yet. Here, we demonstrate that the rationally designed SELEX protocol can be applied on whole virus to select aptamers, which can potentially be applied for viral diagnostics. This approach does not require purified virus protein or complicated virus purification. The presented data also illustrate that corroborating the functionality of aptamers with various approaches is essential to pinpoint the most appropriate aptamer amongst the panel of candidates obtained by the selection. Our protocol yielded aptamers capable of detecting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), an important pathogen causing severe disease especially in young infants, at clinically relevant concentrations in complex matrices.