bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Visualization of Submitral Structure by Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Obase Kikuko , Komeda Masashi , Saito Ken , Tamada Tomoko , Fukuhara Kenzo , Koyama Terumasa , Kume Teruyoshi , Hayashida Akihiro , Okura Hiroyuki , Yoshida Kiyoshi 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveThe conventional mid‐esophageal observation by three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE) sometimes fails to visualize the subvalvular apparatus. In this study, we compared the effectiveness of the transgastric approach by 3DTEE in visualizing the mitral valve complex with the conventional mid‐esophageal approach.MethodsWe studied 10 consecutive patients who underwent mitral valve surgery for functional mitral regurgitation. The anatomy of the mitral complex was interpreted from the 3DTEE data acquired by both the mid‐esophageal and the transgastric approach preoperatively. The interpretations of the image of the mid‐esophageal approach and the transgastric approach were compared with surgical observations.ResultsIn the concordance rate for surgical observation, the interpretation of the number of papillary heads and chordal distribution for the transgastric observation were superior to those for the mid‐esophageal observation both for anterior papillary muscle (P < 0.01 and 0.005, respectively) and posterior papillary muscle (P < 0.001 and 0.0005, respectively).ConclusionThe accuracy of transgastric observations of submitral structure using 3DTEE was superior to that provided by the conventional mid‐esophageal approach. Transgastric approach offers a ventricular view and complementary information to conventional mid‐esophageal approach in patient with functional mitral regurgitation.
Impaired Coronary Microvascular Function and Its Association with Disease Duration and Inflammation in Patients with Psoriasis
Authors: Gullu Hakan , Caliskan Mustafa , Dursun Recep , Ciftci Ozgur , Guven Aytekin , Muderrisoglu Haldun 
Published: March 2013

SubjectsThirty‐six patients with psoriasis and 56 healthy volunteers were included in this study.MethodsEchocardiographic examination included transmitral peak flow velocities of the early phase (E) and late phase (A) of the mitral inflow, left ventricular myocardial velocity measurements, and coronary flow reserve (CFR) measurement.ResultsBaseline coronary diastolic peak flow velocity (DPFV) of left anterior descending artery (LAD) was significantly higher in the psoriasis group. However, hyperemic DPFV was slightly lower and CFR (2.19 ± 0.39 vs. 2.60 ± 0.31, P < 0.0001) was significantly lower in the psoriasis group than in the control group. CFR was significantly and inversely correlated with disease duration, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score, and hsCRP.ConclusionCFR is decreased in patients with psoriasis, and it correlates to disease duration, PASI score, and inflammation.
Pulmonary Artery Distensibility in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Ertan Cagatay , Tarakci Neslihan , Ozeke Ozcan , Demir Ahmet Duran 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundPulmonary hypertension (PH) is an important complication in the natural history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is caused by the remodeling of pulmonary arteries impairing the distensibility and stiffness of the major pulmonary arteries.ObjectivesTo evaluate the pulmonary artery distensibility by transthoracic echocardiography in patients with COPD.MethodWe prospectively investigated COPD male patients and compared with healthy controls. In addition to right ventricle (RV) conventional echocardiographic parameters, right pulmonary artery fractional shortening(RPA‐FS) and new pulmonary artery stiffness (PAS) parameters were compared.ResultsFifty‐four COPD patients participated in the study and compared with a control group consisting of 24, all men, healthy, nonsmoking subjects. Six patients were excluded from study due to poor quality of echocardiographic recordings. The distensibility of PA evaluated by the RPA‐FS parameter was found to be significantly lower in patients with COPD than it was in normal subjects (13.3 ± 8.1 vs. 27.6 ± 4.9,P :< 0.001) and correlated positively with tricuspid annular systolic excursion (TAPSE) (r = 0.566, P < 0.001) and pulmonary acceleration time (r = 0.607, P < 0.001) and correlated inversely with pulmonary artery systolic pressure (r = −0.587, P < 0.001), PAS(r = −0.479, P < 0.001) and functional capacity (r = −0.586, P < 0.001). Similar to this, PAS found to be impaired in COPD patients (29.5 ± 13.6 vs. 15.7 ± 4.1, P < 0.001) and correlated inversely RPA‐FS (r = −0.479, P < 0.001). There were statistically significant difference for pulmonary artery distensibility (RPA‐FS) and PAS parameters among the COPD subgroups with regard to NYHA functional capacity (P < 0.001).ConclusionIn this study, we found that PAS and distensibility were worsened in COPD patients and correlated with decreased functional capacity.
Feasibility and Observer Reproducibility of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Congenital Heart Disease Patients
Authors: Mokhles Palwasha , van den Bosch Annemien. E. , Vletter – McGhie Jackie S. , Van Domburg Ron T. , Ruys Titia P. E. , Kauer Floris , Geleijnse Marcel L. , Roos – Hesselink Jolien W. 
Published: March 2013

AimsThe twisting motion of the heart has an important role in the function of the left ventricle. Speckle tracking echocardiography is able to quantify left ventricular (LV) rotation and twist. So far this new technique has not been used in congenital heart disease patients. The aim of our study was to investigate the feasibility and the intra‐ and inter‐observer reproducibility of LV rotation parameters in adult patients with congenital heart disease.Methods and ResultsThe study population consisted of 66 consecutive patients seen in the outpatient clinic (67% male, mean age 31 ± 7.7 years, NYHA class 1 ± 0.3) with a variety of congenital heart disease. First, feasibility was assessed in all patients. Intra‐ and inter‐observer reproducibility was assessed for the patients in which speckle tracking echocardiography was feasible. Adequate image quality, for performing speckle echocardiography, was found in 80% of patients. The bias for the intra‐observer reproducibility of the LV twist was 0.0°, with 95% limits of agreement of −2.5° and 2.5° and for interobserver reproducibility the bias was 0.0°, with 95% limits of agreement of −3.0° and 3.0°. Intra‐ and inter‐observer measurements showed a strong correlation (0.86 and 0.79, respectively). Also a good repeatability was seen. The mean time to complete full analysis per subject for the first and second measurement was 9 and 5 minutes, respectively.ConclusionSpeckle tracking echocardiography is feasible in 80% of adult patients with congenital heart disease and shows excellent intra‐ and inter‐observer reproducibility.
The effects of drought and herbivory on plant–herbivore interactions across 16 soybean genotypes in a field experiment
Authors: GRINNAN ROSE , CARTER THOMAS E. , JOHNSON MARC T. J. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
As the Earth's climate continues to change, drought and insect population outbreaks are predicted to increase in many parts of the world. It is therefore important to understand how changes in such abiotic and biotic stressors might impact agroecosystems.
The plant stress hypothesis predicts that, owing to physiological and biochemical changes, plants experiencing drought will be more susceptible to insect herbivory, which could have synergistic negative effects on plant performance. By contrast, the plant vigor hypothesis predicts that insects will preferentially feed on fast‐growing vigorous plants.
These hypotheses were tested in a field experiment using 16 soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) genotypes to determine: (i) the combined effects of drought and herbivory on plant performance; (ii) the impact of drought on soybean resistance to herbivores; and (iii) how genetically variable phenotypic traits in soybean correlate with these responses.
It was found that drought had a greater effect on soybean performance than herbivory, and drought and herbivory did not interact to impact on any measure of plant performance. Drought caused decreased insect herbivory on average, suggesting that the plant vigor hypothesis is consistent with the effects of drought stress on soybean resistance to leaf‐chewing insect herbivores. This conclusion is further supported by genotypic correlations which show that plant growth rate is positively correlated with the amount of herbivory plants received.
These results suggest that, although the effects of climate‐associated changes in drought and herbivory will have negative effects on soybean, these potential effects are quantifiable with simple experiments and can be mitigated through continued breeding of varieties that are tolerant and resistant to these abiotic and biotic stressors.
Psychosis 101: evaluating a training programme for northern and remote youth mental health service providers
Authors: Cheng Chiachen , deRuiter Wayne K. , Howlett Andrew , Hanson Mark D. , Dewa Carolyn S. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundMost of the early psychosis intervention (EPI) training has focused on family physicians participants. In Northern Ontario, there is a shortage of primary care. This paper will present evaluation results of a pilot training programme for rural and remote youth mental health service providers.MethodA mixed methods approach was used. We evaluated a 2‐day workshop about EPI for non‐medical mental health workers delivered onsite and simultaneously by videoconferencing. There were 19 participants across four agencies. Seven were onsite and 12 were offsite. Participants’ knowledge was measured using a validated questionnaire at pre‐intervention and at 3‐, 6‐ and 9‐month follow up. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to evaluate knowledge acquisition between the two modes of training. At 6 months, focus group interviews were conducted to explore their experiences of the mode of intervention delivery and evaluation. Emerging themes were iteratively derived through a series of discussions involving independent coders.ResultsOnly 15 complete datasets were available of the 19 original participants. Differences in knowledge acquisition between the two groups did not reach statistical difference. Six‐month focus group data indicated that participants improved their relationship with EPI services and they were part of a strengthened network with other providers in the region. Post‐intervention, the accuracy of referrals from participating agencies increased dramatically, with an increase in proportion of referrals who were eligible for EPI services. The follow‐up process engaged participants in learning and re‐engaged them with the material taught during the training session.ConclusionsThe results about developing service partnerships and relationship with specialist services are encouraging for policy and service decision‐makers to address mental health service needs in northern and remote areas.
Body Size and Morph as Drivers of Copulation Duration in a Male Dimorphic Damselfly
Authors: Wong‐Muñoz Jesus , Anderson Chris N. , Munguía‐Steyer Roberto , Córdoba‐Aguilar Alex 
Published: March 2013

AbstractCopulation duration is often highly variable within and among species. Here, we explore the roles of body size, male morph, morph frequency, and alternative reproductive tactics to explain copulation duration in the damselfly Paraphlebia zoe. P. zoe has two male morphs (pigmented or hyaline wings) which differ in reproductive tactics (territorial or non‐territorial behaviors). We also analyze the effects of season as the frequencies of both morphs tend to vary along the reproductive season. In the first non‐experimental year, we found that the relationship between body size and copulation duration depended on the time of year. Early in the season, body size positively correlated with copulation duration, while late in the year, body size negatively correlated with copulation duration. In the second experimental year (when we reversed the frequency of male morphs in the middle of the season: making pigmented males less frequent than hyaline males), size influenced copulation duration as well as morph – body size positively correlated with copulation duration, and hyaline males mated for longer than pigmented males. Contrary to our prediction, changes to the relative abundances of morphs did not influence copulation duration. Hyaline males may be under selection for longer copulation durations to compensate for their reduced access to females, as long copulations potentially lead to more rival sperm to be removed from the female sperm storage organs and/or increased mate guarding. We do not discard, however, other explanations that drive variation in copulation duration such as cryptic female choice and/or predation.
How a host cell signalling molecule modifies carbon metabolism in symbionts of the coral Plesiastrea versipora
Authors: Grant Adrienne , People Julie , Rémond Marc , Frankland Sarah , Hinde Rosalind 
Published: March 2013

Cnidarian cell signalling remains poorly understood. This study has expanded our knowledge of the cell signalling molecule host release factor (HRF) from the coral Plesiastrea versipora. We have now confirmed that HRF is present in coral host cells that lack intracellular algae. Previous studies showed that HRF stimulates the release of photosynthetic products (mainly glycerol) from Symbiodinium algae, thus providing the host with carbon; glycerol release was accompanied by reduced synthesis of algal triacylglycerols and starch. In this study, we have shown that supplying glycerol to algae incubated with HRF does not restore normal triacylglycerol and starch synthesis. Release of 14C‐labelled products from algae may continue after photosynthesis ceases, although at a much lower rate. When algae were placed in the dark for 4 h with HRF following 2 h of photosynthesis in seawater, 14C‐labelled products were released, but at ≤ 15% of the amount released during 2 h of photosynthesis with HRF. HRF did not stimulate the release of compounds derived from a nonphotosynthetic source. The response of Symbiodinium from P. versipora to HRF has been compared with the response of Symbiodinium algae from Tridacna maxima, Heliofungia actiniformis, Aiptasia pulchella and Pocillopora damicornis to both their own HRF and to P. versipora HRF. Algae from P. versipora showed the highest response to both P. versipora HRF and to the other hosts’ HRF. Further purification of P. versipora HRF suggests that HRF is a peptide with an acidic pI. We propose that HRF will provide a useful tool for the study of carbon metabolism.
Determining fatigue limits with thermal analysis of static traction tests
Authors: Risitano A. , Risitano G. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTThis work evaluates the limit stress of the thermo‐elastic phase of deformation by thermo‐analysing the surface of a specimen during a static traction test.By adding a temperature curve measured over a small area of the surface to the classical stress–strain curve, it is possible to evaluate a limit temperature T0that is coincident with the beginning of the curve's nonlinear trend. The corresponding stress value is as estimation of the fatigue limit of the component under analysis.The authors derive an expression to evaluate temperature during a mono‐axial static traction test. As an example, temperature curves recorded during traction tests performed on two notched steel specimens are reported and compared with this proposed expression. The change to the linearity in the temperature curve during the static traction test is evident in these examples and the corresponding stress value is an estimation of the fatigue limit of the component under analysis.
Simplified analysis of fracture behaviour of a Francis hydraulic turbine runner blade
Authors: Vantadori Sabrina , Carpinteri Andrea , Scorza Daniela 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTEach welded connection between blades and band or crown of a Francis hydraulic turbine runner can be considered as a T‐joint subjected to pure bending induced by the water action. A semi‐elliptical crack is assumed to exist at the surface of one of the aforementioned welded connections. The actual geometry of the T‐joint can be simplified, that is, only the cracked plate (representing the blade) under a given stress distribution acting on the defect faces is examined. A numerical procedure already proposed by the authors to compute the stress‐intensity factor (SIF) along the crack front is here applied by introducing some changes to simplify such computations. The obtained values of SIF are compared with some results available in the literature.
Ankle fusion in patients with haemophilia
Authors: Bluth B. E. , Fong Y. J. , Houman J. J. , Silva M , Luck J. V. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryAnkle fusion in patients with haemophilia is a well‐accepted treatment for end‐stage arthropathy. However, current published outcome data are based on small sample sizes and generally short‐term follow‐up. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long‐term results of ankle fusion in a large group of haemophilic patients treated at a single institution. The results of 57 ankle fusions performed on 45 patients between 1971 and 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. Data were gathered for type and severity of haemophilia, HIV status, fixation technique, postoperative complications and requirement of additional surgeries. A modified American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score was calculated for 20 ankles available for follow‐up. Patients were followed for a mean of 6.6 years. There were no intra‐operative or immediate postoperative complications related to fusion of the ankle. The overall non‐union rate was 10.4% for tibio‐talar fusion and 8.3% for sub‐talar fusion. This rate was reduced to 3.7% and 5.6%, respectively, after the introduction of newer surgical techniques in 1995. None of these non‐unions required revision surgery. The modified AOFAS scale demonstrated that 75% had no pain in the operated ankle a mean of 7.2 years following surgery. The remaining 25% scored their average pain as 3 of 10. The functional portion of the score suggested that patients have good alignment, minimal activity limitations or gait abnormalities, and can walk long distances. We conclude that ankle fusion successfully relieves pain and provides a good functional outcome. It is an appropriate treatment for end‐stage haemophilic arthropathy of the ankle.
Ictal Adiponectin Levels in Episodic Migraineurs: A Randomized Pilot Trial
Authors: Peterlin B. Lee , Tietjen Gretchen E. , Gower Barbara A. , Ward Thomas N. , Tepper Stewart J. , White Linda W. , Dash Paul D. , Hammond Edward R. , Haythornthwaite Jennifer A. 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveTo assess ictal adiponectin (ADP) levels before and after acute abortive treatment in women episodic migraineurs.MethodsPeripheral blood specimens were collected from women episodic migraineurs before and after acute abortive treatment with sumatriptan/naproxen sodium vs placebo. Univariate and multivariate models were utilized to examine the relationship between serum total ADP (T‐ADP), ADP oligomers (high molecular weight [HMW], middle molecular weight, and low molecular weight [LMW]‐ADP), and ADP ratio levels and pain severity. Paired t‐tests and random intercept longitudinal models were utilized to assess the mean changes in T‐ADP, ADP oligomers, and ratios over time in treatment responders and nonresponders.ResultsTwenty participants (11 responders, 9 nonresponders) have been studied to date. In all participants, increases in the HMW : LMW ADP ratio were associated with an increase in pain severity. For every 1 point increase in the HMW : LMW ratio, pain severity increased by 0.22 (Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.07, 0.37; P = .004). In contrast, for every 0.25 μg/mL increase in LMW‐ADP, pain severity decreased by 0.20 (CI: −0.41, −0.002; P = .047). In treatment responders, T‐ADP levels were reduced at 30 minutes (12.52 ± 3.4; P = .03), 60 minutes (12.32 ± 3.2; P = .017), and 120 minutes (12.65 ± 3.2; P = .016) after treatment as compared with onset (13.48 ± 3.8). Additionally, in responders, the HMW : LMW ratio level was greater at pain onset (3.70 ± 1.9 μg/mL) as compared with nonresponders (2.29 ± 0.71 μg/mL), P = .050. Responders also showed a decrease in the HMW : LMW ratio at 60 minutes (2.37 ± 1.1; P = .002) and 120 minutes (2.76 ± 1.4; P = .02) after treatment as compared with onset (3.70 ± 1.9). These changes in responders remained significant after adjusting for covariates, including measured body mass index (m‐BMI). Although nonresponders showed no significant changes in unadjusted T‐ADP or ADP oligomer or ratio levels, the HMW : LMW ratio was increased in nonresponders after adjustments (P = .025).ConclusionIn this pilot study of women episodic migraineurs, the HMW : LMW ADP ratio level was associated with migraine severity and predictive of acute treatment response. ADP and the HMW : LMW ratio of ADP represent potential novel biomarkers and drug targets for episodic migraine.
Adjuvant interferon therapy after surgical treatment for hepatitis B/C virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Xu Jian‐Bo , Qi Fu‐Zhen , Xu Gang , Chen Guo‐Feng , Huang Ming‐De , Zhang Jian‐Huai 
Published: March 2013

AimThis meta‐analysis aimed to determine whether interferon (IFN) therapy could improve clinical effects of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection‐related primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after surgery.MethodsAn electronic search from January 1998 to December 2012 was conducted to identify comparative studies evaluating IFN therapy on recurrence and survival after surgical treatment of HCC.ResultsThe estimated odds ratios (OR) for the 1‐, 2‐, 3‐ and 5‐year overall survival rates of HBV‐related HCC were 3.37 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18–6.27), 2.36 (95% CI, 1.45–3.83), 1.81 (95% CI, 1.21–2.72) and 1.93 (95% CI, 1.35–2.75), respectively; and the OR for the 1‐, 2‐, 3‐ and 5‐year recurrence rates were 0.63 (95% CI, 0.44–0.91), 0.84 (95% CI, 0.60–1.18), 0.88 (95% CI, 0.63–1.22) and 0.78 (95% CI, 0.56–1.07), respectively. The overall survival rates of HCV‐related HCC were significantly higher in IFN groups than in control groups at 1, 2, 3 and 5 years (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 0.96–4.55; OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.01–2.89; OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.09–2.83; and OR, 3.03; 95% CI, 1.97–4.65, respectively); and the recurrence rates of IFN groups were lower than control groups at 1, 2, 3 and 5 years (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.38–0.92; OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.41–0.81; OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.41–0.80; and OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.36–0.75, respectively).ConclusionIn conclusion, IFN therapy in this meta‐analysis shows a significant clinical effect in postoperative patients of HCC, particularly in HCV‐related HCC.