bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography in the Evaluation of Right Ventricular Global and Regional Systolic Function in Patients with Atrial Septal Defect before and after Percutaneous Closure
Authors: Kong Dehong , Cheng Leilei , Dong Lili , Pan Cuizhen , Yao Haohua , Zhou Daxin , Shu Xianhong 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveTo evaluate right ventricular (RV) global and regional systolic function in patients with atrial septal defect (ASD) before and after percutaneous closure using real time three‐dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE).MethodsRT3DE was performed in 81 patients with ASD within 24 hours before and after percutaneous closure to obtain RV global and regional ejection fraction (EF) in three compartments (inflow, body, and outflow). RV fractional area change (FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), peak tricuspid systolic velocity (S), and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) were recorded. Forty matched normal adults were included as controls.ResultsWhen compared with controls, RV global and regional EF were decreased in preclosure patients (P < 0.001). FAC was lower while TAPSE and S were higher in preclosure patients than in controls (P < 0.05). After closure, RV systolic function parameters were all reduced (P < 0.001). Regional EF in the body compartment was the lowest among the three compartments in ASD patients (P < 0.05). Procedural percentage changes of RV global EF and regional EF in the inflow compartment were lower than those of two‐dimensional systolic function parameters (P < 0.05). RV global and regional EF in the inflow compartment were negatively correlated with PVR in patients after closure (r = −0.601, −0.543, P < 0.001).ConclusionsRV global and regional systolic functions are impaired in open and closed ASD. RT3DE‐derived systolic function parameters are negatively correlated with RV after load. RT3DE has potential value in the evaluation of RV systolic function in patients with ASD.
Haematological malignancy in the intensive care unit: microbiology results and mortality
Authors: van Beers Eduard Johannes , Müller Marcella Catharina Antoinetta , Vlaar Alexander Petrus Johannes , Spanjaard Lodewijk , van den Bergh Walter Marcel ,   HEMA‐ICU Study Group
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundMortality prediction models of patients with a haematological malignancy admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) do not include the presence of neutropenia and microbiology results. We performed a registry‐based retrospective study of haematology patients admitted to the ICU to investigate the relation between neutropenia, microbiology results and outcome of these patients.MethodsNeutropenia and microbiology culture results within 24 h before or after ICU admission of patients with a haematological malignancy admitted between 2004 and 2010 were described and analysed for association with 28‐day mortality.ResultsWe identified 234 individual patients with a current malignant haematological condition, of which 27% were neutropenic and 21% had a positive blood culture at admission. Most prevalent from blood cultured species were Escherichia coli and coagulase‐negative staphylococci. The overall 28‐day mortality was 38%. In patients with a positive blood culture but no neutropenia, 28‐day mortality was 28% and in patients with neutropenia but without positive blood culture, it was 36%. The 28‐day mortality of patients with both neutropenia and a positive blood culture was 55% with an adjusted (for APACHE‐II score) hazard ratio (HR) of 1.8 (95%CI 1.0–3.4) compared to other hematologic patients admitted to the ICU.ConclusionIn patients with haematological malignancy admitted to the ICU, culture results are diverse. The combination of neutropenia and positive blood culture is associated with increased 28‐day mortality. We suggest this could be of additional value when assessing mortality risk in this patient group.
Multiaxial fatigue life modelling using hybrid approach of critical plane and genetic algorithm
Authors: Kamal M. , Rahman M. M. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis paper presents a new hybrid approach for multiaxial fatigue life estimation, based on continuum damage mechanics theory and a genetic algorithm with critical plane model formulation. The hybrid model employs a genetic algorithm based setup for calibration with standard proportional and non‐proportional profiles to predict fatigue life for complex loading profiles. The model is evaluated using experimental fatigue life data for SS304 steel. Calibration using simplified profiles is in agreement with the requirement for cost‐effective experimental fatigue life testing. In‐phase and out‐of‐phase loads are used for calibration, and fatigue life is predicted for more complicated profiles. The results show good agreement between the estimated and experimental fatigue life, and calibration through simple loading histories to predict fatigue life for complex histories appears to be an effective solution using the proposed model. A brief comparison is presented with fatigue life estimation performance of the proposed model with models available in commercial codes. Proposed model found to be more consistent in fatigue life prediction against various loading conditions.
Hypertension, haematuria and renal functioning in haemophilia – a cross‐sectional study in Europe
Authors: Holme P. A. , Combescure C. , Tait R.C. , Berntorp E. , Rauchensteiner S. , de Moerloose P. ,   the ADVANCE Working Group
Published: December 2015

Background and objectivesThis cross‐sectional, epidemiological study sought to assess the prevalence and extent of potential risk factors for hypertension, particularly renal function related to haematuria and their associations in people with haemophilia.MethodologyDemographic and medical data were collected at a single time‐point in patients with haemophilia over 40 years of age from 16 European centres. Associations with diagnosis of hypertension were tested in univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsWe enrolled 532 patients (median age 52 years, range 40–98) with haemophilia A (n = 467) or haemophilia B (n = 65). Haemophilia was severe (<0.01 IU mL−1) in 313 patients (59%). Hypertension was diagnosed in 239 patients (45%). In multivariate analyses, age and body mass index (BMI) were significantly and independently associated with hypertension (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 18.1, P < 0.001, in elderly patients and OR = 25.1, P < 0.001, in patients with BMI >30 kg m−2). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <70 mL min−1 (OR = 2.7, P = 0.047) was significantly associated with hypertension, but mean eGFR was significantly higher for severe than mild haemophilia. Further variables with OR > 2.8 were diabetes (OR = 2.8, P = 0.04), coronary artery disease (OR = 3.3, P = 0.052) and family history of hypertension (OR = 4.4, P < 0.001). Neither severity of haemophilia nor history of haematuria was significantly associated with hypertension in univariate or multivariate analyses.ConclusionAs in the general population, age and BMI were major risk factors for hypertension in people with haemophilia. Renal dysfunction was associated with hypertension, but the prevalence of renal dysfunction was not extensive and furthermore not significantly correlated with haematuria. The associations of other variables with hypertension require further studies to confirm causal relationships over time.
Long‐term follow up of peginterferon‐α‐2a treatment of hepatitis B e‐antigen (HBeAg) positive and HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B patients in phase II and III studies
Authors: Okanoue Takeshi , Shima Toshihide , Hasebe Chitomi , Karino Yoshiyasu , Imazeki Fumio , Kumada Takashi , Minami Masahito , Imai Yasuharu , Yoshihara Harumasa , Mita Eiji , Morikawa Teruhisa , Nishiguchi Shuhei , Kawakami Yoshiiku , Nomura Hideyuki , Sakisaka Shotaro , Kurosaki Masayuki , Yatsuhashi Hiroshi , Oketani Makoto , Kohno Hiroshi , Masumoto Akihide , Ikeda Kenji , Kumada Hiromitsu 
Published: December 2015

AimWe analyzed the 5‐year post‐treatment response to peginterferon α‐2a (PEG IFN‐α‐2a) in hepatitis B e‐antigen (HBeAg) positive and negative chronic hepatitis B patients.MethodsOne hundred and thirty‐seven chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients receiving 90 μg or 180 μg of PEG IFN‐α‐2a for 24 or 48 weeks in phase II or III studies were enrolled in the study, including 100 HBeAg positive patients and 37 HBeAg negative patients; 121 patients (88.4%) had genotype C.ResultsOf the 137 patients, 94 received additional antiviral therapy because of viral reactivation and 43 did not receive any additional antiviral treatment during follow up. Five years upon PEG IFN‐α‐2a treatment, 32 patients (23.4%) who did not receive any additional antiviral agent after PEG IFN‐α‐2a therapy achieved a good response (normal serum alanine aminotransferase, low‐level hepatitis B virus [HBV] DNA, and HBeAg negativity). Female sex and low HBV DNA levels by the end of treatment were independently associated with favorable 5‐year post‐treatment responses. Forty‐eight‐week administration of PEG IFN‐α‐2a showed a better response (26.4%) than 24‐week administration (18.0%). Six patients (4.3%), four males and two females, cleared hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) during the 5‐year follow‐up period.ConclusionThe 48‐week administration of PEG IFN‐α‐2a achieved better biochemical and virological responses than the 24‐week administration, particularly in younger females. The 5‐year post‐treatment response rate was 23.4%; however, more than two‐thirds of the patients received additional antiviral therapy because of viral reactivation after PEG IFN‐α‐2a treatment. HBsAg clearance was noted in six patients (4.3%). PEG IFN‐α‐2a is effective in young female patients.
Incidence and prevalence of autoimmune hepatitis in the Ueda area, Japan
Authors: Yoshizawa Kaname , Joshita Satoru , Matsumoto Akihiro , Umemura Takeji , Tanaka Eiji , Morita Susumu , Maejima Toshitaka , Ota Masao 
Published: December 2015

AimAlthough autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is considered to be rare in Japan, precise data on the incidence and prevalence of this disease are scarce due to the lack of a nationwide registry. We therefore conducted a study of these factors over a secondary medical care area.MethodsWe retrospectively investigated the medical records of AIH patients seen during 2004–2009 and prospectively recruited subjects from 2010 to 2014 at our hospital. We surveyed via written questionnaires to all family doctors and hospitals in our secondary medical care area of Ueda, with a population 187 205 individuals over 14 years of age. We also surveyed several core liver disease hospitals in the areas neighboring Ueda.ResultsForty‐eight patients with AIH were diagnosed between 2004 and 2014. AIH with histological features of acute hepatitis was increased. The average annual incidence of AIH in the area was 2.23 (age‐standardized to the Japanese population). Forty‐eight patients (37 patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2014, and 11 patients before 2003) were followed to the study end‐point. The prevalence was 23.4 (age‐standardized to the Japanese population) on 31 December 2014. After age‐standardization to the World Health Organization world standard population, the incidence and prevalence of AIH decreased to 1.52 and 15.0, respectively, likely due to the high proportion of elderly patients in Japan.ConclusionThe incidence and prevalence of AIH in Japan may be higher than previously believed due to increased awareness among family doctors, and a rise in the diagnosis of mild or atypical AIH.
Pharmacist and physician perspectives on diabetes service delivery within community pharmacies in Indonesia: a qualitative study
Authors: Wibowo Yosi , Sunderland Bruce , Hughes Jeffery 
Published: December 2015

Abstract

Objective
To explore perspectives of physicians and pharmacists on diabetes service delivery within community pharmacies in Indonesia.

Methods
In depth interviews were conducted with 10 physicians and 10 community pharmacists in Surabaya, Indonesia, using a semi-structured interview guide. Nvivo version 9 was used to facilitate thematic content analysis to identify barriers/facilitators for community pharmacists to provide diabetes services.

Key findings
The identified themes indicating barriers/facilitators for diabetes service delivery within Indonesian community pharmacies included: (1) pharmacist factors − i.e. positive views (facilitator) and perceived lack of competence (barrier); (2) pharmacist–physician relationships – i.e. physicians' lack of support and accessibility (barriers); (3) pharmacist–patient relationships – i.e. perceived patients' lack of support and accessibility (barriers); (4) pharmacy environment − i.e. business orientation (barrier), lack of staff and poor pharmacist availability (barriers), and availability of supporting resources, such as counselling areas/rooms, procedures/protocols and IT systems for labelling and patient records (facilitators); and (5) external environment − i.e. a health system to support pharmacist roles, remuneration, marketing and professional assistance (facilitators).

Conclusion
Issues related to the pharmacist–physician–patient relationships, pharmacy environment and external environment need to be addressed before Indonesian community pharmacists can provide additional pharmacy services for type 2 diabetes patients. Collaboration between the Government, Ikatan Apoteker Indonesia (Indonesian Pharmacists Association) and Ikatan Dokter Indonesia (Indonesian Medical Association) is required to improve the pharmacy professional environment and facilities.
Community pharmacy-based A1c screening: a Canadian model for diabetes care
Authors: Papastergiou John , Folkins Chris , Li Wilson 
Published: December 2015

Abstract

Objectives
Point-of-care HbA1c screening devices are a valuable tool that community pharmacists can use to monitor patients with diabetes and improve their overall management. We previously reported our experiences using these devices to assess glycaemic control in diabetic patients at three community pharmacy locations in Toronto, Ontario. Here, we report data from screening of over 1000 patients at clinics held across Canada.

Methods
Community pharmacies across Canada offering A1c screening as part of their professional programmes were invited to upload screening data to a central database. A1c analysis was performed using the Bayer A1c Now. Patient recruitment and approach to A1c screening were at the discretion of the participating pharmacies and were not standardized. Data collection took place over a period of 8 months.

Key findings
The majority of patients screened (59.1%) had A1c values above target, indicating inadequate glycaemic control. Glycaemic control was generally poorer among patients on more intensive treatment regimens. A total of 1711 clinical interventions were performed by pharmacists. An average of two interventions were performed per patient, and we observed a trend towards increased numbers of interventions in patients with poorer glycaemic control. The prevalence of specific types of interventions showed an apparent shift from predominantly pharmacist-directed interventions in patients with better glycaemic control towards an increased prevalence of physician-directed interventions in patients with poorer glycaemic control.

Conclusions
These results illustrate the prevalence of suboptimal glycaemic control among diabetic patients in the community, which represents a significant opportunity for pharmacists to use point-of-care screening to detect hyperglycaemia and intervene to improve disease management when warranted.
New roles in pharmacy – learning from the All Wales Common Ailments Scheme†
Authors: Mantzourani Efi , Richards Thomas Gwyn , Hughes Mary Louise 
Published: December 2015

Abstract

Objectives
The objective of this study was to explore the perceptions of stakeholders on a national pilot of a new service, the ‘Choose Pharmacy’ Common Ailments Service (CAS) in Wales.

Methods
Methods used were semi-structured interviews with stakeholders involved in development and delivery of the CAS. Snowball sampling was employed and invites were extended to eight of 13 pharmacies offering CAS in Cwm Taf LHB, the practice managers at two associated general practitioner surgeries and two local and national level commissioners.

Key findings
The benefits of encouraging self-care by patients were widely recognised in terms of their impact on patients, health professionals and wider society. Although some challenges of introducing a new service were identified, these did not appear to be insurmountable.

Conclusions
CAS was welcomed by stakeholders in terms of its potential benefits. Results are therefore encouraging for policy makers involved in the implementation of other new roles within community pharmacy in the UK and beyond.
Weitere Vergleichsversuche mit Wolf und Hund
Authors: Grzimek Bernhard 
Published: December 2015

Zusammenfassung

Es soil geprüft werden, ob die Domestikation die psychischen Leistungen verbessert oder nicht. Frühere Versuche hatten gezeigt, daß zwei Hunde ein besseres Gedächtnis als ein Wolf aufwiesen. Drei andere Wölfe und einer dieser Hunde, die in den vorstehenden Versuchen Fleischköder an Schnüren oder Latten in den Zwinger zu Ziehen hatten, überblickten den „verständlichen Zusamraenhang”. Die Hündin Furba war den beiden Wölfinnen und dem Wolfsrüden an Zahl der richtigen Lösungen eindeutig überlegen.
Der Ruf einer Wölfin, frauenfeindlich zu sein, bewahrheitete sich bei Nachprüfung nicht.
Die Balz des Samtfalters, Eumenis (=Satyrus) semele (L.)
Authors: Tinbergen N. , Meeuse B. J. D. , Varossieau L. K. Boerema u. W. W. 
Published: December 2015

ZusammenfassungDer Hauptteil der Arbeit befaßt sich mit einer Analyse der Balz von Eumenis semele (L.). Die erste Reaktion des ♂ auf ein vorüberfliegendes ♀ hat ein sehr merkmalarmes auslösendes Schema. Untersueht wurde die Wirksamkeit von Farbe, Form, Größe, Entfernung und Bewegungsweise.Die Farbe des ♀ ist nur von Bedeutung in dem Sinne, daß das dunkelste ♀ (‐Modell) am intensivsten beflogen wird. Schwarz und Rot haben einen höheren auslösenden Wert als die natürliche Farbe; sie sind „überoptimal”. Daß semele nicht einfach farbenblind ist, beweist das Verbalten beim Blütenbesuch, wobei gelbe und blaue Blumen auf Grand ihrer Farbqualitäten bevorzugt werden.Die Form des ♀ ist von sehr geringer Bedeutung: Falterform, Kreis und Rechteck werden ungefähr gleich bäufig beflogen. Oberflächengleiche Rechtecke mit verschiedenem Längen‐Breite‐Verhältnis haben nicht alle denselben auslösenden Wert; es sind hier also Beziehungen und nicht einfach Reizmengen wirksam.Eine Attrappe von natürlicher Größe ist wirksamer alskleinere Attrappen, bleibt aber hinter größeren Attrappen bedeutend zurück. Auch in dieser Hinsicht gibt es also „überoptimale” Attrappen.Alle Attrappen sind um so wirksamer, je näher sie sind. Dies beruht nicht nur auf der Größe des gesehenen Bildes, sondern auch auf einem noch nicht weiter analysierten räumlichen Unterscheidungsvermögen.Die Bewegungsweise ist ein sehr wichtiges Merkmal: eine glatt bewegte Attrappe ist viel weniger wirksam als eine „tanzende” oder eine solche, die durch fortwährendes Drehen abwechselnd breit und schmal erscheint.Die Koordination dieser „Merkmale” ist rein summativ, das heißt, das Fehlen eines jeden Merkmals kann durch beliebige andere Merkmale kompensiert werden. Es muß also zwischen Rezeptor und Effektor eine sammelnde Station eingeschaltet sein, welche die urgleichartigen Erregungen, wie die Merkmale sie hervorrufen, in gleichartige, summierbare Erregung umsetzt und als Gauzes wieder aussendet. Durch die Wirksamkeit dieser sammelnden Station, sowie durch die Gestalt‐Eigenschaften der rezeptorischen und der Bewegungsprozesse unterscheidet sich die untersuchte Reaktion von einer einfachen Reflexbewegung.Es wurde weiter durch Ausschaltungsversuche die Funktion des Duftfeldes auf dem männlichen Vorderflügel untersueht. Es sendet Geruchsreize aus, durch die das balzende ♂ sein ♀ zur Begattung bereitmacht. Die Bewegungsform der männlichen Flügel und die der weiblichen Fühler während der Balz dienen dazu, den männlichen Reizduft dem weiblichen Gerucbsorgan so intensiv wie möglich rechtzeitig zuzuführen. Ausschaltversuche beweisen die Richtigkeit der Deutung.Ein vergleichendes Studium verwandter Arten, bei denen ähnliche Duftfelder in wechselnder Anordnung vorkommen, steht noch aus.
The Role of Urine in Parent‐Offspring Communication in a Cichlid Fish
Authors: BARNETT COLIN 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe fry of the Midas cichlid,Cichlasoma citrinellum, preferred over blank water, a urine solution from either parent or from a nonparental adult of either sex. They failed to show a preference for the urine of a predator,C. managuense, or for the mucus from the mother. It is possible that steroid titers in urine could provide information on sex, and that peptide chains in urine could indicate species. The chemosensory acuity of fry is high, as they were able to detect a “concentration” of pheromone as low as one sibling per 2 1 of water. This high acuity implies that olfaction rather than gustation mediated the chemosensory responses described above.
Duets, Greetings and Triumph Ceremonies: Analogous Displays in the Parrot Genus Trichoglossus
Authors: SERPELL JAMES 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis paper describes a range of cooperative displays in the loriine parrot genus Trichoglossus. The displays tend to be performed jointly by the members of established monogamous pairs, and have evolved specialised characteristics which distinguish them from solo performances. The possible functions of these displays are discussed with reference to observations of apparently analogous performances in other monogamous avian and mammalian groups.
Corticosterone and Body Temperature During Acquisition of Social Hierarchy in the Captive Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus I. lagopus)1
Authors: Myhre Grete , Ursin Holger , Hanssen Ingolf 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe establishment of a social order in a flock of Arctic birds is important for their survival. It also has effects on the internal state of each individual bird. Submissive birds have higher levels of body temperature and of plasma corticosterone than the dominant birds following establishment of a stable hierarchy. This is explained as being due to psychological effects of success (coping) in the situation rather than indicating any primary physiological differences between dominating and submissive birds.ZusammenfassungAn 21 Moorschneehühnern, die in Gefangenschaft in zwei Gruppen gehalten waren, wurden während der Ausbildung einer Rangordnung Körper‐temperatur und Corticosteron‐Spiegel im Blut gemessen. Beide Maße lieferten — wie auch die Aktivität der Tiere — hohe Werte während der Ordnungs‐phase und tiefere Werte, als die Rangordnung feststand. In beiden Gruppen waren die Körpertemperatur und der Corticosteron‐Spiegel beim dominanten Tier geringer als bei den rangunterlegenen Tieren.
On the Social Organisation, Alarm and Fighting in the Primitive Cockroach Cryptocercus punctulatus Scudder
Authors: SEELINGER GÜNTER , SEELINGER UTE 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe wood‐feeding cockroach Cryptocercus is usually believed to live in aggregations. Field observations, however, gave evidence for the existence of distinct family groups living in different gallery systems. This study investigates intraspecific behavioural interactions with respect to the social structure. The interactions among family members were observed in artificial burrows in the laboratory. Individuals from different families were brought together experimentally and the resulting alarm and fighting behaviour was studied. The importance of Cryptocercus for the evolution of termite sociality is discussed.