bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypermetabolism is a deleterious prognostic factor in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Jésus P. , Fayemendy P. , Nicol M. , Lautrette G. , Sourisseau H. , Preux P.‐M. , Desport J.‐C. , Marin B. , Couratier P. 
Published: September 2017

Background and purposeThe aim of this study was to investigate patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in order to determine their nutritional, neurological and respiratory parameters, and survival according to metabolic level.MethodsNutritional assessment included resting energy expenditure (REE) measured by indirect calorimetry [hypermetabolism if REE variation (ΔREE) > 10%] and fat mass (FM) using impedancemetry. Neurological assessment included the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale‐Revised score. Survival analysis used the Kaplan–Meier method and multivariate Cox model.ResultsA total of 315 patients were analysed. Median age at diagnosis was 65.9 years and 55.2% of patients were hypermetabolic. With regard to the metabolic level (ΔREE: < 10%, 10–20% and >20%), patients with ΔREE > 20% initially had a lower FM(29.7% vs. 32.1% in those with ΔREE ≤10%; P = 0.0054). During follow‐up, the median slope of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale‐Revised tended to worsen more in patients with ΔREE > 20% (−1.4 vs. −1.0 points/month in those with ΔREE ≤10%; P = 0.07). Overall median survival since diagnosis was 18.4 months. ΔREE > 20% tended to increase the risk of dying compared with ΔREE ≤10% (hazard ratio, 1.33; P = 0.055). In multivariate analysis, an increased REE:FM ratio was independently associated with death (hazard ratio, 1.005; P = 0.001).ConclusionsHypermetabolism is present in more than half of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It modifies the body composition at diagnosis, and patients with hypermetabolism >20% have a worse prognosis than those without hypermetabolism.
Challenges in dengue research: A computational perspective
Authors: Lourenço José , Tennant Warren , Faria Nuno R. , Walker Andrew , Gupta Sunetra , Recker Mario 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe dengue virus is now the most widespread arbovirus affecting human populations, causing significant economic and social impact in South America and South‐East Asia. Increasing urbanization and globalization, coupled with insufficient resources for control, misguided policies or lack of political will, and expansion of its mosquito vectors are some of the reasons why interventions have so far failed to curb this major public health problem. Computational approaches have elucidated on dengue's population dynamics with the aim to provide not only a better understanding of the evolution and epidemiology of the virus but also robust intervention strategies. It is clear, however, that these have been insufficient to address key aspects of dengue's biology, many of which will play a crucial role for the success of future control programmes, including vaccination. Within a multiscale perspective on this biological system, with the aim of linking evolutionary, ecological and epidemiological thinking, as well as to expand on classic modelling assumptions, we here propose, discuss and exemplify a few major computational avenues—real‐time computational analysis of genetic data, phylodynamic modelling frameworks, within‐host model frameworks and GPU‐accelerated computing. We argue that these emerging approaches should offer valuable research opportunities over the coming years, as previously applied and demonstrated in the context of other pathogens.
Tracking shifts in Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) larval habitat suitability on the Northeast U.S. Continental Shelf
Authors: McManus M. Conor , Hare Jonathan A. , Richardson David E. , Collie Jeremy S. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractClimate change has altered the oceanographic environment and subsequently the habitats of marine species. Fish and invertebrate populations’ responses to habitat include movement with latitude and depth to remain within their fundamental niches. The northwest Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) population has fluctuated over the last century due in part to changes in the environment. We used species distribution models to understand the influence of the physical (temperature) and biological (zooplankton) environment on mackerel larval abundance, and how such relations have determined larval habitat suitability in the Northeast U.S. Shelf. Atlantic mackerel larval presence and abundance correlated with sea temperature and copepod abundances, suggesting that larval survival may be sensitive to specific temperatures and zooplankton prey. Predicted abundances were spatially interpolated to estimate Atlantic mackerel larval suitable habitat. Metrics for habitat quality indicate that the Mid‐Atlantic Bight has become less suitable over time. Since the 1970s, the proportion of Northeast U.S. Shelf suitable habitat located in the Mid‐Atlantic Bight has decreased, as southern New England and the western Gulf of Maine regions have become more suitable. Habitat suitability within the Northeast U.S. Shelf has shifted northeast: from the Mid‐Atlantic Bight‐southern New England border towards the northeast portion of southern New England. While total Northeast U.S. Shelf habitat suitability has decreased since the 1970s, the decline in the time series trend was not statistically significant. Thus, while select ecoregions have decreased in habitat suitability, larval habitat does not appear to be the only contributor to decreases in the U.S. Atlantic mackerel contingent.
Optimizing patient and public involvement (PPI): Identifying its “essential” and “desirable” principles using a systematic review and modified Delphi methodology
Authors: Baines Rebecca L. , Regan de Bere Sam 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundThere is international interest in the active involvement of patients and the public. However, consensus on how best to optimize its application is currently unavailable.ObjectiveTo identify and assess the underlying principles of patient and public involvement (PPI) in health and social care services, research, education and regulation across medicine, dentistry and nursing.DesignA four‐phase methodology: (i) an extensive systematic review of published and grey literature; (ii) inductive thematic analysis of review findings; (iii) development of best practice principles; and (iv) consensus testing of identified principles using a modified Delphi methodology.Setting and participantsTwelve systematic reviews and 88 grey literature publications were reviewed leading to the unique identification of 13 principles later assessed by 18 PPI experts.ResultsEssential consensus (>75% agreement) was obtained for nine principles reviewed. Working in equal partnership and sharing information achieved the highest consensus rates: 16/17 essential 94.1%; 1/17 desirable 5.8%. The four remaining principles that failed to reach essential consensus were categorized as desirable by expert respondents. No principles were considered irrelevant. No alternatives were suggested.DiscussionExpert respondents suggest essential principles must be achieved to optimize PPI best practice. To advance PPI practice, desirable principles should also be aspired to wherever possible.ConclusionsThis study's innovative approach advances existing knowledge by providing previously unavailable consensus about PPI best practice. Research findings hold important theoretical and practical implications for educators, regulators, researchers and practitioners looking to effectively work together.
Pediatric vasculitis: a single center experience
Authors: Alexopoulos Alexios , Dakoutrou Maria , Stefanaki Kalliopi , Chrousos George , Kakourou Talia 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundExisting studies of children with vasculitis are limited. The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, course, and outcome of Greek children presenting with vasculitic rash.MethodsThe relevant data included in the study were collected retrospectively using a standardized form from children who were admitted into our department between 2003 and 2013, with the provisional diagnosis of vasculitis of the skin.ResultsThe study sample consisted of 95 children (58 boys, 37 girls) with a mean age of 5.9 years. In total, 76 out of 95 (80%) of the children were diagnosed with Henoch‐Schönlein purpura, 10/95 (10.5%) with hypersensitivity vasculitis, 6/95 (6.3%) with urticarial vasculitis, and 3/95 (3.1%) with acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy. The mean age of the children was 5.7 years for Henoch‐Schönlein purpura, 9 years for hypersensitivity vasculitis, 5.1 years for urticarial vasculitis, and 0.5 years for acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy.Conclusions(i) The most common vasculitis presenting with skin rash in children is Henoch‐Schönlein purpura; (ii) hypersensitivity vasculitis occurs in older children more often when compared to other types of vasculitis; (iii) urticarial vasculitis lesions may be a sign of severe underlying disease; therefore a thorough examination of these patients is warranted; (iv) Despite relapses, the overall prognosis of patients with pediatric skin vasculitides is good, with the exception of those with the urticarial vasculitis type.
Three novel mutations in CYBA among 22 Iranians with Chronic granulomatous disease
Authors: Badalzadeh M. , Tajik S. , Fazlollahi M. R. , Houshmand M. , Fattahi F. , Alizadeh Z. , Movahedi M. , Adab Z. , Khotaei G. T. , Hamidieh A. A. , Heidarnazhad H. , Pourpak Z. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryChronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare primary immunodeficiency caused by defect in one of the components of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)‐oxidase enzyme. The enzyme is at least composed of membrane‐bound subunits gp91‐phox and p22‐phox (also named cytochrome b558), and cytosolic ones p40‐phox, p47‐phox and p67‐phox. A defect in the enzyme activity leads to impaired intracellular killing of phagocytic cells. The CYBA gene encoding p22‐phox is located on chromosome 16q24. In this study, new genetic changes of CYBA gene in 22 Iranian patients with autosomal recessive‐CGD (AR‐CGD) were identified. Twenty‐two patients with CGD were referred to Immunology, Asthma and Allergy Research Institute (IAARI) and enrolled in this study based on defect in NADPH oxidase activity, demographic data and clinical histories. All patients had p22‐phox deficiency based on Western blotting. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and PCR followed by direct sequencing was performed to find p22‐phox mutations. Mutation analysis of CYBA revealed 12 different mutations, including three novel mutations: one was deletion of exon 1, and two were point mutations in exon 3 (c.136G>A (p.Gly46Ser)), and exon 6 (c.388C>T (p.Gln130X)). Three new mutations of CYBA gene in four of 22 Iranian patients with AR‐CGD were found. These three novel mutations can partly complete the database of Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD) and other related ones. It can also be helpful for further prenatal diagnosis in the affected families. Given that currently bone marrow transplantation is considered to be the curative treatment for patients with CGD, finding mutations will also be useful for timely decision‐making in bone marrow transplantation.
Association of human platelet antigens polymorphisms with susceptibility to hepatitis C virus infection in Chinese population
Authors: Zhou S.‐h. , Liang X.‐h. , Shao L.‐n. , Yu W.‐j. , Zhao C. , Liu M. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryHepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic hepatitis. Previous studies have identified a number of single nucleotide polymorphisms that are associated with HCV infection. Human platelet antigens (HPAs) polymorphisms play an important role in several diseases. Here, we demonstrated the association of the HPA‐2, HPA‐3, HPA‐5 and HPA‐15 polymorphisms with susceptibility to HCV infection in Chinese population. Overall, 118 patients with HCV and 167 controls were genotyped for HPAs. There were no significant differences in the allele and genotype frequency distribution for the HPA‐3, HPA‐5 and HPA‐15 systems between the patients with chronic HCV infection and the healthy controls (p > .05). However, the genotype frequency of HPA‐2aa was significantly lower, while HPA‐2ab/bb was significantly higher in patients than that in the controls (p = .006). The allele frequency of HPA‐2a in patients was significantly lower than that in the control group (p = .005). In contrast, HPA‐2b in patients was significantly higher than that in the control group (p = .005). We conclude that HPA‐2 polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to HCV infection, and individuals carrying the HPA‐2b allele may have a higher risk of HCV infection compared with individuals carrying HPA‐2a.
Impact of selective media for detecting fluoroquinolone‐insusceptible/extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase‐producing Escherichia coli before transrectal prostate biopsy
Authors: Sadahira Takuya , Wada Koichiro , Araki Motoo , Ishii Ayano , Watanabe Toyohiko , Nasu Yoshitsugu , Tsugawa Masaya , Takenaka Tadasu , Nasu Yasutomo , Kumon Hiromi 
Published: September 2017

ObjectivesTo investigate the prevalence of fluoroquinolone‐insusceptible and/or extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase‐producing Escherichia coli colonizing in the male rectum before transrectal prostate biopsy.MethodsWe carried out a prospective cohort study of men undergoing transrectal prostate biopsy. CHROMagar Orientation originally supplemented with levofloxacin and CHROMagar Orientation/extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase were used for detecting fluoroquinolone‐insusceptible and extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase‐producing Escherichia coli. Rectal specimens were collected before prostate biopsy, and the results of cultures in the selective medium were compared with drug susceptibility measured by standard methods. Targeted prophylactic antimicrobials were administered to patients with drug‐resistant Escherichia coli and the incidence of postoperative prostatitis was investigated. In the case of prostatitis, pathogens preoperatively isolated from the rectum and those from urine were compared using pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis.ResultsRectal colonization of fluoroquinolone‐insusceptible or extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase‐producing Escherichia coli was detected in 217 of 694 (31.3%) and 85 of 640 (13.3%) participants, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of fluoroquinolone‐insusceptible selective media were 96.8% and 88.2%, respectively. A total of 618 participants underwent transrectal prostate biopsy, and postoperative acute prostatitis was observed in four of 618 (0.6%) participants. Escherichia coli strains isolated preoperatively from the rectum and postoperatively from urine were found to be identical.ConclusionsThe present findings showed accuracy and performance of the selective media. Screening cultures before transrectal prostate biopsy using selective media seems to be helpful for guiding antibiotic prophylaxis and thus decreasing the rate of post‐biopsy acute prostatitis.
Does the suburethral sling change its location?
Authors: Majkusiak Wojciech , Pomian Andrzej , Tomasik Paweł , Horosz Edyta , Zwierzchowska Aneta , Kociszewski Jacek , Barcz Ewa 
Published: September 2017

ObjectivesTo ascertain whether a phenomenon of sling migration exists after suburethral sling placement, whether this might be responsible for suboptimal sling location and persistent incontinence, and whether a link exists between sling dislocation or migration and risk factors, such as obesity or age.MethodsThe present prospective cohort study was carried out in a group of 244 patients who underwent retropubic sling implantation. Sling location was determined by means of pelvic floor ultrasound, and calculated relative to the individual patient's urethral length measured before the procedure. The sling location was visualized on 1 day, and 1 and 6 months post‐surgery. Overweight/obese and elderly patients were analyzed separately to assess the possible influence of those factors on sling location.ResultsThe mean urethral length in the studied cohort was 28.76 ± 3.67 mm. The mean tape position 1 day post‐surgery was 66.18 ± 8.43% of the urethral length, and it did not change 1 and 6 months post‐surgery in the whole group. Similar results were obtained in elderly and overweight/obese patients.ConclusionsSuboptimal sling location appears to result from incorrect surgical technique, and should be diagnosed and treated early after the primary surgery. Sling location does not change after mid‐term follow up.
Addressing the support needs of families during the acute hospitalization of a parent with mental illness: A narrative literature review
Authors: Foster Karen P. , Hills Danny , Foster Kim N. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractHospitalisation of a parent with acute mental health problems impacts the consumer, their extended family/carers and children. Mental health nurses are at the forefront of promoting recovery for consumers in an acute inpatient setting. Recovery‐oriented care can include provision of family‐focused care which supports recovery of the parent‐consumer and their family members and contributes to prevention of intergenerational mental illness. The aim of this narrative literature review was to explore existing knowledge regarding the experiences, care and support needs of parent‐consumers, their family members/carers and children during the parent's acute mental health hospitalisation. It also aims to explore existing knowledge about the practices of mental health nurses providing care to this consumer group, to inform future healthcare practice and strengthen parent, child and family outcomes. Nineteen published studies addressed the review questions. In the context of hospitalisation, the majority of research regarding parenting with a mental illness is focused on mothers. Parents reported experiencing stigma during their hospitalisation. Separation from children was a concern for parents and their extended family, but admission provided an opportunity for the parent to receive treatment and for the family to receive support. Mental health nurses did not always identify parental status on admission. When parental status was identified, nurses reported issues regarding logistics and practicalities of using family rooms, children visiting the unit, and their own professional knowledge and organisational support regarding familyfocused care. Implications for practice are identified, highlighting how mental health nurses can develop their practice to support the recovery of parent‐consumers.
Flame‐assisted flash sintering: A noncontact method to flash sinter coatings on conductive substrates
Authors: Johnson Stephen L. , Venugopal Ganesh , Hunt Andrew T. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWe present a novel and effective method for sintering ceramic coatings onto metallic substrates. This new technique, called Flame‐assisted flash sintering (FAFS), utilizes a flame as both a heating source and a conformal, current‐carrying top electrode to facilitate flash sintering. Using this method, Yttria‐stabilized Zirconia (8 mol% Y, 8YSZ) coatings are sintered onto stainless steel substrates to controlled degrees of porosity in rapid fashion. Flame‐assisted flash sintering utilizes a dynamic soft electrode for flash sintering and has commercial potential to sinter ceramic coatings on complex‐shaped substrates for a variety of applications including tribological or thermal protection coatings.
Synthesis of hexagonal phases of WN and W2.25N3 by high‐pressure metathesis reaction
Authors: Kawamura Fumio , Yusa Hitoshi , Taniguchi Takashi 
Published: September 2017

AbstractHexagonal tungsten nitrides were synthesized by the metathesis reaction between WCl6 and NaN3 under high pressure and temperature. As well as tungsten mononitride (WN), which is isostructural with hexagonal tungsten carbide (WC), a nitrogen‐rich hexagonal compound was also confirmed in the product. The ratio of nitrogen to tungsten was determined to be 1.34 by the quantitative combustion method. The composition was estimated to be W2.25N3 by considering the crystal structure that is best explained by the X‐ray diffraction profile. Volume compression measurements under hydrostatic pressure revealed that the WC‐type WN has a higher bulk modulus (K0 = 342 ± 1 GPa) than that of hexagonal W2.25N3 (K0 = 291 ± 2 GPa).
Stress distribution around Fe5Si3 and its effect on interface status and mechanical properties of Si3N4 ceramics
Authors: Wang Lujie , Qi Qian , Wu Haibo , Zhang Hui , Yin Jie , Yang Yong , Huang Jian , Yang Xiao , Liu Xuejian , Huang Zhengren 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSi3N4 ceramics with different amount of Fe5Si3 were prepared by adding FeSi2. Residual thermal stress distribution and elastic energy around Fe5Si3 particles in various depths were calculated. The interface status between second phase particles and matrix was analyzed in terms of stress and energy. High tangential compressive stresses and low radial tensile stresses were generated along the surface of the ceramics. Elastic strain energy caused by unit interface was high around big particles in deep area of the ceramics. Microcracks are observed around the big Fe5Si3 particles. Furthermore, accord to our calculation, microcracks are easily generated around particles in superficial layer of matrix when second phase particles have lower thermal expansion coefficient than the matrix, while microcracks tend to be generated in deep layer of matrix preferentially when the thermal expansion coefficient of second phase particles is higher than matrix. Residual stresses and microcracks around Fe5Si3 particles greatly influenced mechanical properties. Fracture toughness of Si3N4 ceramics with similar Si3N4 particle size distribution increased with the amount of Fe5Si3, and fine Fe5Si3 particles could enhance the strength of Si3N4 ceramics. Si3N4 ceramics exceeding 1.2 GPa strength were prepared.
Domain engineering enhanced microwave tunability in nonstoichiometric Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3
Authors: Teranishi Takashi , Osaki Koji , Hayashi Hidetaka , Kishimoto Akira 
Published: September 2017

AbstractDomain engineering via oxygen vacancy, , loading achieved by A/B modification as well as quenching treatment, was utilized for Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3 (0.8 BSTs) in an attempt to enhance the microwave tunable characteristics. For similar grain sizes, the domain sizes were notably reduced for all nonstoichiometric BSTs, indicating that the loaded (as a consequence of Ti defects, ) played a role in the nuclei for new domain walls. The tunability T at 100 MHz under a direct current field of 30 V/20 μm increased steadily as the domain size (d.s.) declined for all BSTs, regardless of the A/B ratio, due to the d.s. effect. The tunable characteristics in nonstoichiometric BSTs having a similar d.s. of ˜190 nm were then compared. The tunability and tan δ decreased for A/B = 1.002 (0.2 mol% Ti defects). The introduced formed pinning centers that restricted domain wall motion, leading directly to lower tunability and smaller dielectric loss. However, ‐overloaded samples (i.e., A/B ≥ 1.005) exhibited increased values for tan δ due to conduction in the domains. The quench treatment of 0.8 BST (with A/B = 1.002) samples resulted in a d.s. reduction from 191 to 170 nm. These quenched specimens showed greater tunability, Ttotal, originating from the strengthened dipole contribution, Tdipole, as a consequence of the d.s. effect. The tan δ of the quenched specimens was essentially unchanged, indicating a homogenous distribution via the quench, effectively reducing the mobile (which contributes to electrical conduction) in the domains. Consequently, the achieved figure of merit via domain engineering was 2.25 at 100 MHz for the quenched BST with A/B = 1.002, which was 1.54 times larger than that of unmodified BST.