bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Application of Bileaflet Mechanical Heart Valves in the Polish Ventricular Assist Device: Physical and Numerical Study and First Clinical Usage
Authors: Malota Zbigniew , Sadowski Wojciech , Krzyskow Marek , Stolarzewicz Bogdan 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe Polish ventricular assist device (Polvad) has been used successfully in clinical contexts for many years. The device contains two single‐disc valves, one at the inlet and one at the outlet connector of the pneumatic pump. Unfortunately, in recent years, a problem has occurred with the availability of single‐disc valves. This article presents the possibility of using bileaflet mechanical heart valve prostheses in the Polvad to avoid a discontinuity in clinical use. The study is based on experimental and numerical simulations and comparison of the distribution of flow, pressure, and stress (wall, shear, and turbulent) inside the Polvad chamber and the inlet/outlet connectors fitted with Sorin Monodisc and Sorin Bicarbon Fitline valves. The type and orientation of the inlet valve affects valve performance and flow distribution inside the chamber. Near‐wall flow is observed for single‐disc valves. In the case of bileaflet valves, the main jet is directed more centrally, with lower shear stress but higher turbulent stress in comparison with single‐disc valves. For clinical usage, a 45° orientation of the bileaflet inlet valve was chosen, as this achieves good washing of the inlet area near the membrane paste surface. The Polvad with bileaflet valves has now been used successfully in our clinic for over a year and will continue to be used until new assist devices for heart support are developed.
Intra‐Aortic Balloon Pump Malposition Reduces Visceral Artery Perfusion in an Acute Animal Model
Authors: Vondran Maximilian , Rastan Ardawan J. , Tillmann Eugen , Seeburger Jörg , Schröter Thomas , Dhein Stefan , Bakhtiary Farhad , Mohr Friedrich‐Wilhelm 
Published: September 2015

AbstractVisceral artery perfusion can be potentially affected by intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) catheters. We utilized an animal model to quantify the acute impact of a low balloon position on mesenteric artery perfusion. In six pigs (78 ± 7 kg), a 30‐cc IABP was placed in the descending aorta in a transfemoral procedure. The celiac artery (CA) and the cranial mesenteric artery (CMA) were surgically dissected. Transit time blood flow was measured for (i) baseline, (ii) 1:1 augmentation with the balloon proximal to the visceral arteries, and (iii) 1:1 augmentation with the balloon covering the visceral arteries. Blood flow in the CMA and CA was reduced by 17 and 24%, respectively, when the balloon compromised visceral arteries compared with a position above the visceral arteries (flow in mL/min: CMA: (i) 1281 ± 512, (ii) 1389 ± 287, (iii) 1064 ± 276, P < 0.05 for 3 vs. 1 and 3 vs. 2; CA: (i) 885 ± 370, (ii) 819 ± 297, (iii) 673 ± 315; P < 0.05 for 3 vs. 1). The covering of visceral arteries by an IABP balloon causes a significant reduction of visceral artery perfusion; thus, the positioning of this device during implantation is critical for obtaining a satisfactory outcome.
Do Broad‐based Employee Ownership, Profit Sharing and Stock Options Help the Best Firms Do Even Better?
Authors: Blasi Joseph , Freeman Richard , Kruse Douglas 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThis article analyses the linkages among group incentive methods of compensation (broad‐based employee ownership, profit sharing and stock options), labour practices, worker assessments of workplace culture, turnover and firm performance in firms that applied to the ‘100 Best Companies to Work For in America’ competition from 2005 to 2007. Although employers with good labour practices self‐select into the 100 Best Companies firms sample, which should bias the analysis against finding strong associations among modes of compensation, labour policies and outcomes, we find that employees in the firms that use group incentive pay more extensively participate more in decisions, have greater information sharing, trust supervisors more and report a more positive workplace culture than in other companies. The combination of group incentive pay with policies that empower employees and create a positive workplace culture reduces voluntary turnover and increases employee intent to stay and raises return on equity.
Increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among patients with Helicobacter pylori infection: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Peng Yi‐Hao , Chen Cheng‐Kuo , Su Ching‐Hua , Liao Wei‐Chih , Muo Chih‐Hsin , Hsia Te‐Chun , Sung Fung‐Chang , Lai Chih‐Ho , Kao Chia‐Hung 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundIncreasing evidence suggests that Helicobacter pylori infection (HPI) may have extragastric manifestations, including the respiratory system. This study investigated the role of HPI in increasing the subsequent risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a nationwide population.MethodsWe conducted this retrospective cohort study using data from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database, which is derived from the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database. A total of 5941 adults who were newly diagnosed with HPI between 2005 and 2006 were selected. Healthy patients without HPI were selected from the general population and frequency matched as a ratio of 4:1, according to age, sex, and index years. Both cohorts were followed up from the index date to the end of 2011 to measure the incidence of COPD. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to assess the hazard ratio (HR) of COPD between the HPI cohort and non‐HPI cohorts.ResultsThe overall HR of COPD was 1.84 (95% confidence intervals = 1.57–2.17) for the HPI cohort, compared with the non‐HPI cohort, after adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities. Although the incidence of COPD was substantially higher in the elderly participants (age, ≥ 65 years) than that in younger participants, the highest HR (4.05, 95% confidence intervals = 1.39–11.8) of COPD was observed in the youngest (age, 20–49 years) participants.ConclusionIn this study, the patients with HPI exhibited a significantly higher risk of COPD than those without HPI did.
Evaluation of factors that influence anxiety and satisfaction in patients undergoing bronchofiberoscopy with analgosedation
Authors: Andrychiewicz Anna , Konarska Katarzyna , Gorka Karolina , Bartyzel Sylwia , Salek Marta , Biedron Grzegorz , Surowiec Aleksandra , Sladek Krzysztof , Soja Jerzy , Szczeklik Wojciech 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIntroductionBronchofiberoscopy (BF) is a key tool used in the management of patients with respiratory diseases. Describing factors that contribute to patient anxiety surrounding BF has the potential to influence patient management and willingness to undergo the procedure again in the future if needed.ObjectivesThis study sought to understand what factors influence anxiety and satisfaction experienced by patients undergoing BF under conscious sedation.MethodsThis study had a prospective observational character and evaluated 463 consecutive patients undergoing BF. Participants were divided into two groups, those undergoing BF for the first time and those who had undergone the procedure at least once in the past. Data were collected from three questionnaires prepared by the research team.ResultsPatients who had undergone multiple bronchoscopies were more satisfied with their physician's explanation of the procedure (P < 0.0001), had a better understanding of the indications (P < 0.0001) and potential complications (P < 0.0001) of BF and knew what specific procedure was planned (P < 0.001). Patients undergoing BF for the first time experienced anxiety before the procedure more frequently (P < 0.001). No significant difference in satisfaction was observed between patient groups and 89% would agree to BF in the future.ConclusionsPatients who had previously undergone BF were better prepared for their procedure; however, satisfaction levels after the procedure were similar in both groups. Results suggest that medical staff should target patients who have not undergone BF previously to relieve anxiety.
Smoking habits are an independent prognostic factor in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Avci Nilufer , Hayar Murat , Altmisdortoglu Ozgur , Tanriverdi Ozgur , Deligonul Adem , Ordu Cetin , Evrensel Turkkan 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjectivesThe role of tobacco in the pathogenesis of lung cancer (LC) has been clearly established. Based on the epidemiological evidence that smoking may influence LC progression, we investigated the idea that smoking behavior could be associated with overall survival (OS) in this group of patients.MethodsA total of 351 patients with LC (311 men and 40 women) were reviewed. Smoking status was assessed as tobacco users or non‐users. To calculate pack‐years of smoking, the average of number of cigarettes smoked per day was divided by 20 to give packs per day, and then multiplied by the total number of years of smoking. OS was the main outcome measure.ResultsThe mean follow‐up was 3.3 ± 1.2 years. Kaplan–Meier plots of OS by use of tobacco revealed significant differences by smoking status (log‐rank = 5.44, P < 0.01), indicating a reduced survival rate in tobacco users. The effect on OS of the amount of cigarette smoking was also evident when we subdivided the former and current smokers into ≤7 (mean value) pack‐years and >7 pack‐years groups (log‐rank = 4.27, P < 0.05). After adjusting for all potential confounders, tobacco smoking retained its independent prognostic significance for OS (hazard ratio = 1.53, 95% confidence interval = 1.19–2.17, P = 0.02).ConclusionsOur data indicate that cigarette smoking is significantly associated with a poor prognosis among patients diagnosed with LC in a dose‐dependent manner.
Relationship of CTLA4 and CD28 polymorphisms with lung involvement, HRCT findings and pulmonary function tests in Turkish patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Karakose Okyaltırık Fatmanur , Rezvani Aylin , Turan Saime , Uysal Ömer , Yakar Fatih , Sozgen Hatice , Ozkan Nazlı Ezgi , Akkoyunlu Muhammet Emin , Bayram Mehmet , Kutbay Ozcelik Hatice , Sezer Murat , Guler Mustafa , Yaylım İlhan , Kart Levent 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackground and AimsAnkylosing spondylitis (AS) is a multisystem disorder with ocular, pulmonary, and cardiovascular involvement. The incidence of pulmonary involvement varies from 1 to 52%. Abnormal T‐cell function‐derived immune responses are involved in AS pathogenesis. Numerous genes such as CTLA4 and CD28 control T‐cell functions. In this study, we aimed to address the relationship between CTLA4 and CD28 polymorphisms and lung involvement in Turkish patients with AS.MethodsA cross‐sectional evaluation of 80 healthy and 89 AS subjects with no active infection or malignancy was performed to determine the relationship between pulmonary involvement and CTLA4 and CD28 gene polymorphisms. All patients were assessed for clinical, radiological, and spirometric findings. Descriptive statistics, chi‐square tests, and independent‐sample t‐tests were used for statistical analyses.ResultsAll patients with the CD28 CC genotype (n = 4) had abnormal HRCT, but it was not significant (p = 0.47). All of the normal HRCT patients have CD 28 T alleles. In addition to this data ; 4 patients who have not any T alleles have abnormal HRCT finding. It was significant and was considered that T genotype have protective effect (p= 0,047) on radiologic involvement but no other association was found between CTLA4 and CD28 gene polymorphism with respect to pulmonary function tests (PFT), diffusion capacity, and clinical characteristics in the Turkish patients with AS.ConclusionOur results suggest a possible association of CTLA4 and CD28 variants with AS pulmonary involvement. Furthermore, these results may lead to the development of new therapeutic agents to control more aggressive forms of the disease. However, further studies are needed in larger populations.
Child and adolescent exposure to alcohol advertising in Australia's major televised sports
Authors: Carr Sherilene , O'Brien Kerry S. , Ferris Jason , Room Robin , Livingston Michael , Vandenberg Brian , Donovan Robert J. , Lynott Dermot 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIntroduction and AimsExposure to alcohol advertising is associated with greater alcohol consumption in children and adolescents, and alcohol advertising is common in Australian sport. We examine child, adolescent and young adult exposure to alcohol advertising during three televised sports in Australia: Australian Football League (AFL), cricket and the National Rugby League (NRL).MethodsAlcohol advertising and audience viewing data were purchased for all AFL, cricket and NRL TV programs in Australia for 2012. We estimated children and adolescents (0–17 years) and young adults (18–29 years) exposure to alcohol advertising during AFL, cricket and NRL programs in the daytime (06:00–20:29 h), and night‐time (20:30–23:59 h).ResultsThere were 3544 alcohol advertisements in AFL (1942), cricket (941) and NRL programs (661), representing 60% of all alcohol advertising in sport TV, and 15% of all alcohol advertisements on Australian TV. These programs had a cumulative audience of 26.9 million children and adolescents, and 32 million young adults. Children and adolescents received 51 million exposures to alcohol advertising, with 47% of this exposure occurring during the daytime. Children and adolescents exposure to alcohol advertising was similar to young adults and peaked after 8.30pm.Discussion and ConclusionsChild and adolescent and young adult's exposure to alcohol advertising is high when viewing sport TV in Australia in the daytime and night‐time. Current alcohol advertising regulations are not protecting children and adolescents from exposure, particularly in prominent televised sports. The regulations should be changed to reduce children and adolescent excessive exposure to alcohol advertising when watching sport. [Carr S, O'Brien KS, Ferris J, Room R, Livingston M, Vandenberg B, Donovan RJ, Lynott D. Child and adolescent exposure to alcohol advertising in Australia's major televised sports. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:406–411]
Coping with problematic drug use in the family: An evaluation of the Stepping Stones program
Authors: Gethin Anni , Trimingham Tony , Chang Theo , Farrell Michael , Ross Joanne 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIntroduction and AimsProblematic substance use by an individual is often highly destructive to their family, creating emotional turmoil and destroying healthy family functioning. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of participation in the Stepping Stones family support program on the coping capacity of family members affected by another's substance use.Design and MethodsA pre and post study of the Stepping Stones intervention for families was conducted, involving 108 participants recruited from March 2013 to March 2014.ResultsSignificant improvement in coping across all domains was observed post course and at follow up on both outcome measures (Coping Questionnaire and the Family Drug Support Questionnaire). Improvements for participants were either increased or sustained at 3 months follow up. Participants recorded high satisfaction ratings.Discussion and ConclusionsThe findings from this study demonstrate that participation in the Stepping Stones program assists family members to cope better with problematic substance use of a family member, as indicated by reductions in negative coping strategies, such as over‐engagement, making excuses for the drug user or hopelessly tolerating the problem, and improvements in positive coping strategies such as self‐care and engagement with their own activities and interests. [Gethin A, Trimingham T, Chang T, Farrell M, Ross J. Coping with problematic drug use in the family: An evaluation of the Stepping Stones program. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:470–476]
Effects of host heterogeneity on pathogen diversity and evolution
Authors: Fleming‐Davies Arietta E. , Dukic Vanja , Andreasen Viggo , Dwyer Greg 
Published: September 2015

AbstractPhenotypic variation is common in most pathogens, yet the mechanisms that maintain this diversity are still poorly understood. We asked whether continuous host variation in susceptibility helps maintain phenotypic variation, using experiments conducted with a baculovirus that infects gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) larvae. We found that an empirically observed tradeoff between mean transmission rate and variation in transmission, which results from host heterogeneity, promotes long‐term coexistence of two pathogen types in simulations of a population model. This tradeoff introduces an alternative strategy for the pathogen: a low‐transmission, low‐variability type can coexist with the high‐transmission type favoured by classical non‐heterogeneity models. In addition, this tradeoff can help explain the extensive phenotypic variation we observed in field‐collected pathogen isolates, in traits affecting virus fitness including transmission and environmental persistence. Similar heterogeneity tradeoffs might be a general mechanism promoting phenotypic variation in any pathogen for which hosts vary continuously in susceptibility.
New species of alderfly genus Sialis (Megaloptera: Sialidae) from China and Vietnam, with a key to species of Sialis from Asia
Authors: Liu Xingyue , Hayashi Fumio , Yang Ding 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe alderfly genus Sialis is the most species‐rich group of the family Sialidae. However, discovery of new Sialis species is becoming difficult because of previous good faunal exploration. In this paper, we describe two new Sialis species from the southern part of East Asia, S. australis and S. jiyuni, based on materials from historical and recent collections. These two species are closely related to the insular species S. kumejimae and are among the early diverged species within Sialis. Presently, 32 species of Sialis are recorded from Asia. A key to all the Sialis species from Asia is provided.
Seed dispersal of the hemiparasitic plant Thesium chinense by Tetramorium tsushimae and Pristomyrmex punctatus
Authors: Suetsugu Kenji 
Published: September 2015

AbstractHeterotrophic plants normally produce a vast number of dust‐like seeds containing minimal energy reserves, which are usually wind dispersed. However, some heterotrophic species have evolved adaptive strategies to use zoochorous seed dispersal. Seed dispersal by ants, known as myrmecochory, is one of the most widespread animal dispersal systems and has been reported in a diverse range of plant taxa. However, the combination of myrmecochory and heterotrophy seems to be very rare. Here I report the discovery of myrmecochory in the hemiparasitic plant Thesium chinense by Tetramorium tsushimae and Pristomyrmex punctatus. Myrmecochory would be an advantageous dispersal system for T. chinense because its fruits are quickly transferred to the ants' nests, which provide a refuge from the seed predator Canthophorus niveimarginatus. Myrmecochory is also potentially beneficial for T. chinense, as the nests of these ants are frequently located close to poaceous plants, which are the preferred hosts.
Structure of product‐bound SMG1 lipase: active site gating implications
Authors: Guo Shaohua , Xu Jinxin , Pavlidis Ioannis V. , Lan Dongming , Bornscheuer Uwe T. , Liu Jinsong , Wang Yonghua 
Published: September 2015

Monoacylglycerol and diacylglycerol lipases are industrially interesting enzymes, due to the health benefits that arise from the consumption of diglycerides compared to the traditional triglyceride oils. Most lipases possess an α‐helix (lid) directly over the catalytic pocket which regulates the activity of the enzyme. Generally, lipases exist in active and inactive conformations, depending on the positioning of this lid subdomain. However, lipase SMG1, a monoacylglycerol and diacylglycerol specific lipase, has an atypical activation mechanism. In the present study we were able to prove by crystallography, in silico analysis and activity tests that only two positions, residues 102 and 278, are responsible for a gating mechanism that regulates the active and inactive states of the lipase, and that no significant structural changes take place during activation except for oxyanion hole formation. The elucidation of the gating effect provided data enabling the rational design of improved lipases with 6‐fold increase in the hydrolytic activity toward diacylglycerols, just by providing additional substrate stabilization with a single mutation (F278N or F278T). Due to the conservation of F278 among the monoacylglycerol and diacylglycerol lipases in the Rhizomucor miehei lipase‐like family, the gating mechanism described herein might represent a general mechanism applicable to other monoacylglycerol and diacylglycerol lipases as well.DatabaseStructural data are available in the Protein Data Bank under the accession numbers 4ZRE (F278D mutant) and 4ZRD (F278N mutant).
Risk analysis reveals global hotspots for marine debris ingestion by sea turtles
Authors: Schuyler Qamar A. , Wilcox Chris , Townsend Kathy A. , Wedemeyer‐Strombel Kathryn R. , Balazs George , van Sebille Erik , Hardesty Britta Denise 
Published: September 2015

AbstractPlastic marine debris pollution is rapidly becoming one of the critical environmental concerns facing wildlife in the 21st century. Here we present a risk analysis for plastic ingestion by sea turtles on a global scale. We combined global marine plastic distributions based on ocean drifter data with sea turtle habitat maps to predict exposure levels to plastic pollution. Empirical data from necropsies of deceased animals were then utilised to assess the consequence of exposure to plastics. We modelled the risk (probability of debris ingestion) by incorporating exposure to debris and consequence of exposure, and included life history stage, species of sea turtle and date of stranding observation as possible additional explanatory factors. Life history stage is the best predictor of debris ingestion, but the best‐fit model also incorporates encounter rates within a limited distance from stranding location, marine debris predictions specific to the date of the stranding study and turtle species. There is no difference in ingestion rates between stranded turtles vs. those caught as bycatch from fishing activity, suggesting that stranded animals are not a biased representation of debris ingestion rates in the background population. Oceanic life‐stage sea turtles are at the highest risk of debris ingestion, and olive ridley turtles are the most at‐risk species. The regions of highest risk to global sea turtle populations are off of the east coasts of the USA, Australia and South Africa; the east Indian Ocean, and Southeast Asia. Model results can be used to predict the number of sea turtles globally at risk of debris ingestion. Based on currently available data, initial calculations indicate that up to 52% of sea turtles may have ingested debris.