bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced serum levels of matrix Gla protein and bone morphogenetic protein in acute coronary syndrome patients
Authors: Buyukterzi Zafer , Can Ummugulsum , Alpaydin Sertac , Guzelant Asuman , Karaarslan Sukru , Mustu Mehmet , Kocyigit Duygu , Gurses Kadri Murat 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundVascular calcification has been found to be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. Various bone‐associated proteins have been suggested to be related with this process. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether serum levels of bone morphogenic protein‐4 (BMP‐4) and matrix Gla protein (MGP) differed in patients who were found to have normal epicardial coronary arteries or a culprit lesion in the coronary angiography leading to acute coronary syndrome (ACS).MethodsPatients admitted to emergency department with the diagnosis of ACS who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between October 2015 and April 2016 were consecutively recruited as the patient group. Age and gender‐matched subjects who underwent coronary angiography following non‐invasive ischemia assessment made the control group.ResultsA total of 90 subjects (63.00±14.02 years, 70% male) were included in this study. MGP (<0.001) and BMP‐4 (<0.001) levels were significantly elevated when compared to subjects with normal coronary arteries. Fasting blood glucose (P=.024), HDL‐cholesterol (P=.002), C‐reactive protein (CRP) (P=.001) levels, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (P=.021) were significantly correlated with serum MGP levels. HDL‐cholesterol (P=.001) and CRP (P=.030) levels were also significantly correlated with serum BMP‐4 levels. In the model including HDL‐cholesterol, CRP, MGP, and BMP‐4 levels, only MGP (odds ratio[OR]: 1.018, P=.019) and BMP‐4 (OR: 1.313, P=.023) were found to be independently associated with ACS.ConclusionThis study shows that serum BMP‐4 and MGP are independently associated with ACS occurrence when adjusted for other CV risk factors. These biomarkers may have a diagnostic potential in ACS patients.
Anti‐ENA antibody profiles in patients with hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Litwin Christine M. , Rourk Angela R. 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundThe presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) has been described following hepatitis C virus (HCV). Very few studies have investigated the presence of anti‐extractable nuclear antigens (ENA) in HCV infection.MethodsThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of ENA antibodies in 100 patients with HCV infection compared to the prevalence of ENA antibodies in 100 healthy control patients. Sera from patients were tested for ENA using a multiplex microbead immunoassay. Sera positive for ENA were subsequently tested for ANA using an indirect immunofluorescence assay and titered if positive.ResultsFourteen (14%) of the 100 patients with HCV infection had anti‐ENA antibodies: four each showed anti‐SSA antibodies and anti‐dsDNA antibodies, three each had RNP antibodies and Scl‐70 antibodies, and one each had anti‐SSB, centromere B, Sm, and Sm/RNP antibodies. Ten of the 14 patients positive for anti‐ENA were positive by indirect immunofluorescence staining (IFA) with titers ranging from 1:40 to 1:160. Five had antinuclear patterns, one had combined antinuclear and cytoplasmic patterns, and four only had a cytoplasmic pattern. Three of the 100 healthy control patients had ANA positive titers (1:80 and 1:320) and anti‐ENA antibodies: one anti‐Scl‐70 and two anti‐RNP.ConclusionThe prevalence of anti‐ENA antibodies was significantly higher in the patients with HCV infections than in the healthy controls. Other studies of anti‐ENA profiles in patients with HCV infection have identified similar patterns of positivity for anti‐SSA, anti‐SSB, anti‐dsDNA, anti‐RNP, anti‐ Sm/RNP, Scl‐70, centromere B, and anti‐Sm.
A Convex Hull‐Based New Metric for Quantification of Bladder Wall Irregularity in Pediatric Patients With Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract
Authors: Stember Joseph N. , Newhouse Jeffrey , Behr Gerald , Alam Shumyle 
Published: June 2017

ObjectivesEarly identification and quantification of bladder damage in pediatric patients with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) is crucial to guiding effective treatment and may affect the eventual clinical outcome, including progression of renal disease. We have developed a novel approach based on the convex hull to calculate bladder wall trabecularity in pediatric patients with CAKUT. The objective of this study was to test whether our approach can accurately predict bladder wall irregularity.MethodsTwenty pediatric patients, half with renal compromise and CAKUT and half with normal renal function, were evaluated. We applied the convex hull approach to calculate T, a metric proposed to reflect the degree of trabeculation/bladder wall irregularity, in this set of patients.ResultsThe average T value was roughly 3 times higher for diseased than healthy patients (0.14 [95% confidence interval, 0.10–0.17] versus 0.05 [95% confidence interval, 0.03–0.07] for normal bladders). This disparity was statistically significant (P < .01).ConclusionsWe have demonstrated that a convex hull‐based procedure can measure bladder wall irregularity. Because bladder damage is a reversible precursor to irreversible renal parenchymal damage, applying such a measure to at‐risk pediatric patients can help guide prompt interventions to avert disease progression.
Nutrients and phytoplankton in semienclosed lagoon systems in Florida Bay and their responses to changes in flow from Everglades restoration
Authors: Shangguan Yini , Glibert Patricia M. , Alexander Jeffrey A. , Madden Christopher J. , Murasko Susan 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe largest estuarine flow restoration project is the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). In 2012, one of its first phases, the C‐111 Project, was initiated and designed to increase freshwater flow into northern Florida Bay. Effects of changes in flow and associated nutrients on phytoplankton abundance and composition were studied in two sets of interconnected, quasi‐enclosed saline lakes at the southern end of the Everglades that discharge into northern Florida Bay. After C‐111 implementation, total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) decreased, driven by especially large declines in
. In spite of N reduction, those lakes that has been oligotrophic prior to the project experienced an approximate doubling of phytoplankton biomass as nutrient ratios converged on Redfield proportions, and a shift to smaller sized cells and a loss of diatoms as
availability declined. The other set of these lakes, previously highly eutrophic, sustained a significant, nearly 50%, decline in overall phytoplankton biomass, particularly larger sized cells, which, in turn, increased downstream. A chemostat model was invoked to explain these changes based on changes in flow and nutrients. In both systems the proportions of picocyanobacteria increased in the upper lakes as the relative availability of chemically reduced forms of N increased. Both lake systems may export algal biomass, changing the phytoplankton assemblage in northern Florida Bay. These lakes may also serve as buffers, damping the effects in Florida Bay itself, and they illustrate broad implications for estuaries that are impacted by natural or anthropogenic changes in flow.
Experimental nitrogen and phosphorus additions increase rates of stream ecosystem respiration and carbon loss
Authors: Kominoski John S. , Rosemond Amy D. , Benstead Jonathan P. , Gulis Vlad , Manning David W. P. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractNitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) enrichment reduces organic carbon (C) storage in detritus‐based stream ecosystems, but the relative effects of N and P concentrations and ratios on stream metabolic rates have not previously been tested. We tracked changes in whole‐stream ecosystem respiration (ER) and gross primary productivity (GPP), particulate organic matter (POM) standing stocks, fungal biomass, and POM‐specific respiration rates before and during 2 yr of experimental N and P enrichment in five forest streams. Nutrient additions (∼ 96 μg N L−1 to ∼ 472 μg N L−1 and ∼ 10 μg P L−1 to ∼ 85 μg P L−1) targeted dissolved N : P molar ratios of 2, 8, 16, 32, and 128. Whole‐stream ER was positively related to standing stock of wood, a seasonably stable POM compartment that varied by up to 2× among streams. Nutrient enrichment generally increased ER but had no effect on low‐level GPP. Prior to nutrient enrichment, ER was higher at lower N : P, but during enrichment ER increased with increasing N : P. Respiration rates on leaf litter and wood increased with enrichment but decreased with increasing P, and the quantity of leaf litter generally declined with increasing N. Respiration rates on fine benthic organic matter (FBOM) were higher with increasing N : P, and FBOM standing stocks decreased with increasing N. Fungal biomass did not change with nutrient enrichment. Compared to pre‐enrichment conditions, nutrients increased seasonal variation in leaf litter standing stocks and whole‐stream respiration rates. Our results demonstrate how nutrient‐stimulated loss of C from detritus‐based ecosystems occurs through the maintenance of enhanced respiration rates on detrital resources that are particularly sensitive to N inputs.
Diverging views on health information exchange organizations
Authors: Vest Joshua R. , Greenberger Mari F. , Garnatz Audrey 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIntroductionHealth information exchange (HIE) capabilities meet the demands for a more effective, efficient, and safer health care system. However, organizations and individual providers have pursued different strategies to meet their respective needs for HIE capabilities. Because effective information sharing is necessary to a learning health system, this study sought to explore the perceptions of different approaches' effect on key features of an effective health care system.MethodsAn anonymous web‐based survey was sent to a convenience sample of the membership of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society and the Strategic Health Information Exchange Collaborative with knowledge of HIE (n=68). A series of 7‐point Likert‐type items measured perceptions of enterprise health information exchanges (eHIEs) and community health information organizations (cHIOs) in the areas of effect on exchange participation, effect on market dynamics, relationship to DIRECT Secure Messaging and vendor‐mediated exchange, and effect on quality. Also, respondents were asked to rate 13 qualities and services as “more about eHIE” or “more about cHIO.”ResultsRespondents tended to agree on the importance of cHIO and eHIE. Community benefits and support for public health agencies were concepts more often applied to cHIOs.DiscussionThis study affirmed much of the conventional wisdom and anecdotal comments about perceptions of cHIOs and eHIEs. Although the respondents viewed cHIOs and eHIEs differently in terms of broader societal benefit and strategic advantage, nonetheless consistent agreement appeared in areas of importance in relationship to other information sharing strategies and overall effect on the quality of care.
Differential Impact of Weight Loss on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Resolution in a North American Cohort with Obesity
Authors: Rachakonda Vikrant , Wills Rachel , DeLany James P. , Kershaw Erin E. , Behari Jaideep 
Published: June 2017

ObjectiveNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely associated with obesity. In this study, a North American cohort with obesity enrolled in a lifestyle modification program was examined to determine the impact of weight loss on NAFLD resolution and sarcopenia.MethodsNondiabetic individuals with World Health Organization Class II/III obesity enrolled in a 6‐month weight loss intervention were included. Steatosis was measured using computed tomography (CT)‐derived liver:spleen attenuation ratio. Body composition was assessed using dual X‐ray absorptiometry, air‐displacement plethysmography, and CT anthropometry.ResultsAt baseline, participants with NAFLD had greater visceral adipose tissue (VAT) but similar skeletal muscle area compared to those without NAFLD. After intervention, weight loss was similar in the two groups, but participants with NAFLD lost more VAT than those without NAFLD (−38.81 [−55.98 to −21.63] cm2 vs. −13.82 [−29.65 to −2.02] cm2; P = 0.017). In the subset with NAFLD at baseline, participants with NAFLD resolution after intervention lost more VAT than those with persistent NAFLD (−57.23 [−88.63 to −25.84) cm2 vs. −26.92 [−52.14 to −26.92] cm2, P = 0.039).ConclusionsIn a Western cohort with obesity, NAFLD was not associated with sarcopenia. After lifestyle modification, there was a differential impact on NAFLD resolution, with twofold greater VAT loss in participants who resolved NAFLD compared with those with persistent NAFLD despite similar weight loss
Depression profile in cancer patients and patients without a chronic somatic disease
Authors: Nikendei Christoph , Terhoeven Valentin , Ehrenthal Johannes C. , Maatouk Imad , Wild Beate , Herzog Wolfgang , Friederich Hans‐Christoph 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundTo investigate whether depressed oncology patients show a specific depressive symptom profile, we compared depression symptoms in depressed cancer patients (CANCER‐DEP) and depressed patients without a chronic somatic disease (NONCANCER‐DEP).MethodsOf a total of 2493 outpatients from a comprehensive cancer center and a center for psychosocial medicine, 1054 (42.3%) met the DSM‐5 criteria for depression, measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire 9. Based on the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 scores, differences in severity of each of the 9 individual DSM‐5 depression symptoms between CANCER‐DEP (n = 542) and NONCANCER‐DEP (n = 512) were examined. Non‐depressed cancer patients (CANCER‐NONDEP; n = 1216) served as a comparison group for somatic symptoms independent of depression in cancer. To control for depression severity, group comparisons were performed separately for patients with major depression and any depressive disorders.ResultsDepressed cancer patients reported significantly lower levels of the cognitive‐emotional depression symptoms “worthlessness” and “suicidal thoughts” than NONCANCER‐DEP. Only 1 out of 5 somatic depression symptoms (“changes in appetite”) was more pronounced in CANCER‐DEP than in NONCANCER‐DEP. Confirming previous research, somatic depression symptoms occurred more frequently in CANCER‐DEP than in CANCER‐NONDEP.ConclusionsThe lower level of cognitive‐emotional symptoms in CANCER‐DEP than in NONCANCER‐DEP is discussed in relation to different psychosocial phenomena. Our results indicate that somatic depression symptoms are similarly pronounced in CANCER‐DEP and NONCANCER‐DEP, and that CANCER‐DEP show greater somatic depression symptoms than CANCER‐NONDEP. The presence of high levels of somatic symptoms should alert clinicians to investigate for a potential comorbid depression in cancer patients.
Manganese‐Mediated Homolytic Aromatic Substitution with Phosphinylidenes
Authors: Berger Olivier , Montchamp Jean‐Luc 
Published: June 2017

AbstractCarbon‐phosphorus (C−P) bond‐forming reactions via homolytic aromatic substitution (HAS) of non‐functionalized substrates with phosphinylidene P(O)H compounds is becoming a useful synthetic tool for the preparation of aryl and heteroaryl phosphonates, phosphinates, and phosphine oxides. This review specifically covers recent work using manganese‐mediated free radical processes. Several research groups employ expensive Mn(OAc)3, whereas our own contributions focus on the novel and inexpensive Mn(OAc)2/MnO2 system.
Surgical Human Resources According to Types of Health Care Facility: An Assessment in Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries
Authors: Sheik Ali Shirwa , Jaffry Zahra , Cherian Meena N. , Kunjumen Teena , Nkwowane Annette M. , Leather Andrew J. M. , Von Muhlenbrock Hernan Montenegro , Kelley Edward , Campbell James 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundA robust health care system providing safe surgical care to a population can only be achieved in conjunction with access to competent surgical personnel. It has been reported that 5 billion people do not have access to safe, affordable surgical and anaesthesia care when needed. This study aims to fill the existing gap in evidence by quantifying shortfalls in trained personnel delivering safe surgical and anaesthetic care in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) according to the type of health care facility.MethodsWe conducted secondary analysis of 1323 health facilities, in 35 low‐ and middle‐income countries using facility‐based cross‐sectional data from the World Health Organization Situational Analysis Tool to Assess Emergency and Essential Surgical Care.ResultsThe majority of surgical and anaesthetic care in LMICs was provided by general doctors (range 13.8–41.1%; mean 27.1%). Non‐physicians made up a significant proportion of the surgical workforce in LMICs. 26.76% of the surgical and anaesthetic workforce was provided by clinical medical officers and nurses. Private/NGO/mission hospitals, large, well‐resourced institutions had the highest proportion of surgeons compared to any other type of health care facility at 27.92%. This compares to figures of 18.2 and 19.96% of surgeons at health centres and subdistrict/community hospitals, respectively, representing the lowest level of health facility.ConclusionsWe highlight the significant proportion of non‐physicians delivering surgical and anaesthetic care in LMICs and illustrate wide variations according to the type of health care facility.
The Advent of Ultra‐high Volume Thoracic Surgical Centers in Shanghai
Authors: Sihoe Alan D. L. , Han Baohui , Yang Timothy Y. , Pan Changqing , Jiang Gening , Fang Vincent W. T. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundA core principle in surgery is that high surgical volumes are conducive toward better outcomes. Ultra‐high volume centers (UHVCs) have now emerged in thoracic surgery in China that now perform a volume of thoracic operations far greater than even traditional international centers of excellence.MethodsIn 2016, two hospitals in Shanghai performed over 10,000 major pulmonary, esophageal and mediastinal resections each. A qualitative analysis of the lessons learned in achieving such large operation volumes was undertaken.ResultsThe advent of these UHVCs gives important insights for not only thoracic surgeons, but for surgical oncologists and surgeons globally. First, these ultra‐high volumes were achieved to a large degree by cancer screening—but the success of the screening programs relies on reaching wider patient groups and allowing for affordable ‘self‐screening.’ Second, the ultra‐high clinical volumes at UHVCs offer unique opportunities for surgical training and research, potentially changing paradigms for academic surgery. Third, these ultra‐high volumes may place new stresses on existing healthcare resources and prompt novel management strategies in response.ConclusionsThe UHVCs represent a revolutionary development in modern surgery, and it behooves surgeons to both accept the challenges and harness the advantages they may bring.
Diffusion-weighted imaging for assessment of synovial inflammation in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a promising imaging biomarker as an alternative to gadolinium-based contrast agents
Authors: Barendregt Anouk M. , van Gulik E. Charlotte , Lavini Cristina , Nusman Charlotte M. , van den Berg J. Merlijn , Schonenberg-Meinema Dieneke , Dolman Koert M. , Kuijpers Taco W. , Hemke Robert , Maas Mario 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Objectives
To compare dynamic-contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in quantifying synovial inflammation in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods
Regions of interest (ROI) were drawn in the synovium of JIA patients on T1 DCE and T2 DWI, followed by extraction of the maximum enhancement (ME), maximum initial slope (MIS), time to peak (TTP), % of different time intensity curve shapes (TIC) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the ROIs. Mann-Whitney-U test was used for comparing parameters between MRI-active and -inactive patients (defined by the juvenile arthritis MRI scoring system). Spearman’s rank was used to analyse the correlation between DCE and DWI.

Results
Thirty-five JIA patients (18 MRI active and 17 MRI inactive) were included. Median age was 13.1 years and 71% were female. ME, MIS, TTP, % TIC 5 and ADC were significantly different in MRI-active versus MRI-inactive JIA with median ADC 1.49 × 10-3mm2/s in MRI-active and 1.25 × 10-3mm2/s in MRI-inactive JIA, p = 0.001, 95% confidence interval of difference in medians =0.11-0.53 × 10-3mm2/s. ADC correlated to ME, MIS and TIC 5 shapes (r = 0.62, r = 0.45, r = -0.51, respectively, all p < 0.05).

Conclusions
Similar to DCE parameters, DWI-derived ADC is significantly different in MRI-active JIA as compared to MRI-inactive JIA. The non-invasiveness of DWI combined with its possibility to detect synovial inflammation shows the potential of DWI.

Key Points

• MRI can quantify: dynamic contrast-enhanced and diffusion-weighted MRI can quantify synovitis

• Both DWI and DCE can differentiate active from inactive JIA

• The DWI-derived apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) is higher in active JIA

• DWI is non-invasive and thus safer and more patient-friendly

• DWI is a potentially powerful and non-invasive imaging biomarker for JIA
Invasive alien species on islands: impacts, distribution, interactions and management
Authors: RUSSELL JAMES C. , MEYER JEAN-YVES , HOLMES NICK D. , PAGAD SHYAMA 
Published: June 2017

SUMMARYInvasive alien species (IASs) on islands have broad impacts across biodiversity, agriculture, economy, health and culture, which tend to be stronger than on continents. Across small-island developing states (SIDSs), although only a small number of IASs are widely distributed, many more, including those with greatest impact, are found on only a small number of islands. Patterns of island invasion are not consistent across SIDS geographic regions, with differences attributable to correlated patterns in island biogeography and human development. We identify 15 of the most globally prevalent IASs on islands. IAS impacts on islands are exacerbated through interactions with a number of other global change threats, including over-exploitation, agricultural intensification, urban development and climate change. Biosecurity is critical in preventing IAS invasion of islands. Eradication of IASs on islands is possible at early stages of invasion, but otherwise is largely restricted to invasive mammals, or otherwise control is the only option. Future directions in IAS management and research on islands must consider IASs within a broader portfolio of threats to species, ecosystems and people's livelihoods on islands. We advocate for stronger collaborations among island countries and territories faced with the same IASs in similar socio-ecological environments.
Gender, Diversity, and Methods in Political Science: A Theory of Selection and Survival Biases
Authors: Shames Shauna L. , Wise Tess 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT
At a recent major political science conference, Tamara (not her real name) presented an in-depth qualitative study several years in the making, only to have the panelist speaking after her begin his remarks by saying, “And now back to the hard-core data.” By this, he meant quantitative, large-n data, which his work utilized. This moment highlights a series of tensions in our field relating to gender and methodology, and their effects, which this article explores and elucidates.