bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Renal effects of norepinephrine‐induced variations in mean arterial pressure after liver transplantation: A randomized cross‐over trial
Authors: Skytte Larsson J. , Bragadottir G. , Redfors B. , Ricksten S.‐E. 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundAcute kidney injury is commonly seen after liver transplantation. The optimal perioperative target mean arterial pressure (MAP) for renal filtration, perfusion and oxygenation in liver recipients is not known. The effects of norepinephrine‐induced changes in MAP on renal blood flow (RBF), oxygen delivery (RDO2), glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal oxygenation (=renal oxygen extraction, RO2Ex) were therefore studied early after liver transplantation.MethodsTen patients with an intra‐ and post‐operative vasopressor‐dependent systemic vasodilation were studied early after liver transplantation during sedation and mechanical ventilation. To achieve target MAP levels of 60, 75 and 90 mm Hg, the norepinephrine infusion rate was randomly and sequentially titrated. At each target MAP, data on cardiac index (CI), RBF and GFR were obtained by transpulmonary thermodilution (PiCCO), the renal vein thermodilution technique and renal extraction of chromium ethylenediaminetetraaceticacid (51Cr‐EDTA), respectively. Renal oxygen consumption (RVO2) and extraction (RO2Ex) were calculated according to standard formulas.ResultsAt a target MAP of 75 mm Hg, CI (13%), RBF (18%), RDO2 (24%), GFR (31%) and RVO2 (20%) were higher while RO2Ex was unchanged compared to a target MAP of 60 mm Hg. Increasing MAP from 75 up to 90 mm Hg increased RVR by 38% but had no further effects on CI, RBF, RDO2 or GFR.ConclusionsIn patients undergoing liver transplantation, RBF and GFR are pressure‐dependent at MAP levels below 75 mm Hg. Our results suggest that MAP should probably be targeted to approximately 75 mm Hg for optimal perioperative renal filtration, perfusion and oxygenation in patients undergoing liver transplantation.
Small mammal responses to farming practices in central Argentinian agroecosystems: The use of hierarchical occupancy models
Authors: Gomez María daniela , Goijman Andrea Paula , Coda José , Serafini Vanesa , Priotto José 
Published: June 2018

AbstractOrganic farming is more environmentally friendly than conventional agriculture, promoting greater levels of habitat heterogeneity. Field borders could be more suitable for biodiversity in agricultural anthromes. Small mammals are crucial in these anthromes due to their contribution to food webs and seed consumption. We used hierarchical multi‐season occupancy models to assess the effect of organic versus conventional farming on multiple small mammal species in agricultural anthromes of central Argentina. We modelled detectability and increased precision of estimates, overcoming deficiencies of previous studies. Small mammals were seasonally surveyed in 70 field borders (conventional) and 63 (organic) during two years. We were able to include less frequent specialist species, detecting a positive relationship with organic management possibly because of higher habitat quality of borders. Vegetation volume was the most important explanatory variable in both managements. Species' richness was greater under organic management mainly in spring when the habitat quality differences with conventional management were the greatest. Spring is key for the rodent assemblage because of the beginning of reproductive period, when resource demand is important. We suggest that maintaining high quality border habitats, as those supported by organic management, could allow farmers to obtain economic profit while also contributing to biodiversity conservation. Considering the positive role that native rodents may have in some agricultural anthromes, the maintenance of high population numbers may be important for biodiversity conservation. The approach used in this study shows the importance of modelling imperfect detection, reducing bias in parameter estimates, and it should be implemented in similar studies.
Contribution of recreational fisheries to the diet of the opportunistic Kelp Gull
Authors: Marinao Cristian , Kasinsky Tatiana , Suárez Nicolás , Yorio Pablo 
Published: June 2018

AbstractWe assessed Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) diet composition complementing conventional and stable isotope methods to determine the relevance of food derived from recreational fisheries. To achieve this goal, we quantified Kelp Gull diet composition breeding at the Bahía San Blas protected area, Argentina, between 2012 and 2014, assessing differences among four colonies, breeding stages and years. Diet analyses were based on pellets (n = 1054), chick stomach content samples (n = 351) and stable isotope analysis of adult and chick whole blood samples (n = 20 and 40, respectively). Kelp Gulls fed on at least 41 prey items, mainly fish complemented by marine invertebrates, Oat grain and insects. Stripped Weakfish (Cynoscion guatucupa), a demersal species, was in general the most frequent species among fish prey. Analyses of similarity indicated that diet composition based on pellet analysis was significantly different among the four colonies and, with a couple of exceptions, differed among breeding stages. Diet composition differed only between 2012 and 2013. Bayesian mixing model outputs confirmed demersal fish had in general the highest contribution to Kelp Gull diet. Stripped Weakfish is the most important target of recreational fisheries in the study area, and large quantities of waste resulting from the processing of this and other target fish is disposed mainly along the shore and in the Bahía San Blas refuse dump. The fact that it is a demersal species normally unavailable to surface feeding seabirds and the large size of Stripped Weakfish individuals found in diet samples (mean 41.5 ± 5.2 cm) strongly suggest that Kelp Gulls obtained this prey from the waste generated by the recreational fishery. Results show a strong association between the Kelp Gull and the recreational fishing activity that takes place in the Bahía San Blas protected area, likely resulting from the large amount of waste generated by the fishery.
Questionable validity of left ventricular hypertrophy cutoff values in morbidly and super‐morbidly obese patients
Authors: Domienik‐Karłowicz Justyna , Rymarczyk Zuzanna , Lisik Wojciech , Kurnicka Katarzyna , Ciurzyński Michał , Bielecki Maksymilian , Kosieradzki Maciej , Pruszczyk Piotr 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundCurrent diagnostic ECG criteria of left ventricular hypertrophy in obese patients are still lacking.ObjectiveTo assess the current ECG diagnostic criteria of LVH, and to validate our previously proposed criteria in a group of patients with morbid obesity.MethodsA group of consecutive 429 obese patients (MOP) with BMI of at least 35 kg/m2 (mean age 38.6 ± 8.9 years, BMI 48.7 ± 9.0 kg/m2; 323 females, 106 males) were included.ResultsThe diagnosis of LVH in MOPs was confirmed only by RaVL of 7.5 mm, Cornell index of 12.5 mm; Cornell index × QRS duration of 1,125 mm × ms and Romhilt–Estes score of 1. None of the criteria proposed to date is appropriate in super‐morbidly obese patients.ConclusionOur study confirmed that none of the currently used voltage‐based ECG criteria is appropriate for diagnosing LVH in morbidly obese patients. Further studies are required.
New drug controls and reduced hospital presentations due to novel psychoactive substances in Edinburgh
Authors: Pettie Janice , Burt Allan , Knipe Duleeka W. , Torrance Hazel , Dow Margaret , Osinski Karen , Greig Robert , Sabatini Diletta , Easterford Kate , Dear James , Eddleston Michael 
Published: June 2018

AimsRecreational use of novel psychoactive substance (NPS) has become increasingly common. We aimed to assess the association of national legislation and local trading standards activity with hospital presentations.MethodsWe established observational cohorts of patients with recreational drug toxicity presenting to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and dying with detectable recreational drugs in Edinburgh. We assessed associations with two temporary class drug‐orders (April 2015: methylphenidates, Nov 2015: methiopropamine), the Psychoactive Substances Act (June 2016), and trading standards forfeiture orders (October 2015).ResultsThe methylphenidate temporary class drug‐order was associated with rapid 46.7% (P = 0.002) and 21.0% (P = 0.003) reductions in presentations and admissions, respectively, for NPS drug toxicity, comparing 12 months before with 6 months after. The change was greatest for ethylphenidate toxicity (96.7% reduction in admissions, P < 0.001) that was partly offset by a tripling in synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist cases (P < 0.001) over the next 6 months. This increase reversed following trading standards activity removing all NPS drugs from local shops in October 2015, associated with 64.3% (P < 0.001) and 83.7% (P < 0.001) reductions in presentations and admissions, respectively, for all NPS drugs over the next 12 months. The effect was sustained and associated with a reduced postmortem detection of stimulant NPS drugs. The two interventions prevented an estimated 557 (95% confidence interval 327–934) NPS admissions during 2016, saving an estimated £303 030 (£177 901–508 133) in hospital costs.ConclusionsWe show here that drug legislation and trading standards activity may be associated with effective and sustained prevention. Widespread adoption of trading standards enforcement, together with focused legislation, may turn the tide against these highly‐damaging drugs.
Hospitalisation and readmission costs after radical cystectomy in a nationally representative sample: does urinary reconstruction matter?
Authors: Joice Gregory A. , Chappidi Meera R. , Patel Hiten D. , Kates Max , Sopko Nikolai A. , Stimson C. J. , Pierorazio Phillip M. , Bivalacqua Trinity J. 
Published: June 2018

ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of continent urinary diversion on readmissions and hospital costs in a nationally representative sample of radical cystectomies (RCs) performed in the USA.Patients and MethodsThe 2010–2014 Nationwide Readmissions Database was queried for patients with a diagnosis of bladder cancer who underwent RC. We identified patients undergoing continent (neobladder or continent cutaneous reservoir) or incontinent (ileal conduit) diversions. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of 90‐day readmission, prolonged length of stay, and total hospital costs.ResultsAmongst 21 126 patients identified, 19 437 (92.0%) underwent incontinent diversion and 1 689 (8.0%) had a continent diversion created. Continent diversion patients were younger, healthier, and treated at high‐volume metropolitan centres. Continent diversions resulted in fewer in‐hospital complications (37.3% vs 42.5%, P = 0.02) but led to more 90‐day readmissions (46.5% vs 39.6%, P = 0.004). In addition, continent diversion patients were more often readmitted for infectious complications (38.7% vs 29.4%, P = 0.004) and genitourinary complications (18.5% vs 13.0%, P = 0.01). On multivariable logistic regression, patients with a continent diversion were more likely to be readmitted within 90 days (odds ratio [OR] 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.28, 1.88) and have increased hospital costs during initial hospitalisation (OR 1.99, 95% CI: 1.52, 2.61). Continent diversion led to a $4 617 (American dollars) increase in initial hospital costs ($36 640 vs $32 023, P < 0.001), which was maintained at 30 days ($48 621 vs $44 231, P < 0.001) and at 90 days ($56 380 vs $52 820, P < 0.001).ConclusionIn a nationally representative sample of RCs performed in the USA, continent urinary diversion led to more frequent readmissions and increased hospital costs. Interventions designed to address specific outpatient issues with continent diversions can potentially lead to a significant decrease in readmissions and associated hospital costs.
Population viability and harvest sustainability for Madagascar lemurs
Authors: Brook Cara E. , Herrera James P. , Borgerson Cortni , Fuller Emma C. , Andriamahazoarivosoa Pascal , Rasolofoniaina B. J. Rodolph , Randrianasolo J. L. Rado Ravoavy , Rakotondrafarasata Z. R. Eli , Randriamady Hervet J. , Dobson Andrew P. , Golden Christopher D. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractSubsistence hunting presents a conservation challenge by which biodiversity preservation must be balanced with safeguarding of human livelihoods. Globally, subsistence hunting threatens primate populations, including Madagascar's endemic lemurs. We used population viability analysis to assess the sustainability of lemur hunting in Makira Natural Park, Madagascar. We identified trends in seasonal hunting of 11 Makira lemur species from household interview data, estimated local lemur densities in populations adjacent to focal villages via transect surveys, and quantified extinction vulnerability for these populations based on species‐specific demographic parameters and empirically derived hunting rates. We compared stage‐based Lefkovitch with periodic Leslie matrices to evaluate the impact of regional dispersal on persistence trajectories and explored the consequences of perturbations to the timing of peak hunting relative to the lemur birth pulse, under assumptions of density‐dependent reproductive compensation. Lemur hunting peaked during the fruit‐abundant wet season (March–June). Estimated local lemur densities were roughly inverse to body size across our study area. Life‐history modeling indicated that hunting most severely threatened the species with the largest bodies (i.e., Hapalemur occidentalis, Avahi laniger, Daubentonia madagascariensis, and Indri indi), characterized by late‐age reproductive onsets and long interbirth intervals. In model simulations, lemur dispersal within a regional metapopulation buffered extinction threats when a majority of local sites supported growth rates above the replacement level but drove regional extirpations when most local sites were overharvested. Hunt simulations were most detrimental when timed to overlap lemur births (a reality for D. madagascariensis and I. indri). In sum, Makira lemurs were overharvested. Regional extirpations, which may contribute to broad‐scale extinctions, will be likely if current hunting rates persist. Cessation of anthropogenic lemur harvest is a conservation priority, and development programs are needed to help communities switch from wildlife consumption to domestic protein alternatives.
Evidence of genetic structure in a wide‐ranging and highly mobile soaring scavenger, the Andean condor
Authors: Padró Julian , Lambertucci Sergio A. , Perrig Paula L. , Pauli Jonathan N. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAimEvaluating the patterns of genetic variation and population connectivity is fundamental to effectively designing and implementing conservation strategies for threatened species. However, connectivity patterns in highly mobile vertebrates, and especially in avian species, are often overlooked as it is generally assumed to be driven by demographic panmixia or isolation by distance. Herein, we investigated the genetic structure and patterns of connectivity across four biomes in a highly vagile bird, the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus).LocationFour major Neotropical biomes of Argentina (>300,000 km2): Puna, Monte, Chaco and Patagonia.MethodsWe genotyped 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci plus one sex‐determining gene in 300 moulted feathers from 13 roosting sites in the core of species distributional range. We quantified levels of genetic differentiation, population structure, effective gene flow, genetic diversity and assessed sex‐biased dispersal events.ResultsWe detected genetic structure with a moderate differentiation between the north (Puna and Chaco) and south (Patagonia) regions with a contact zone in the central area (Monte). We observed a spatial pattern of genetic patches with higher levels of gene flow along the Andes range. Although we found no indication of bottlenecks or inbreeding, we observed larger effective population sizes in the south compared to the northern region.Main conclusionsOur study revealed that, despite the high dispersal potential of condors, demographic panmixia is not consolidated, even in the core of this species range. Our analyses further suggest that gene flow rate is modulated by topographic features, as condors may disperse more following the natural updrafts and lifts along the Andean mountains. Conservation initiatives should prioritize the protection of the Andean corridor to maintain connectivity between the apparent source from Patagonia to the northern biomes.
Slimy invasion: Climatic niche and current and future biogeography of Arion slug invaders
Authors: Zemanova Miriam A. , Broennimann Olivier , Guisan Antoine , Knop Eva , Heckel Gerald 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAimThe current volume of global trade has led to an unprecedented rate of biological invasions, causing severe problems to native ecosystems. The knowledge of species introduction routes and areas suitable for establishment is therefore an important step in preventing future invasions. The situation can be further exacerbated by climate change, which might alter the amount of environmentally suitable areas for establishment of invasive species. Here, we focus on three Arion slug species recently introduced to North America and Australia with potentially significant impact—A. ater, A. rufus and A. vulgaris.LocationWorldwide.ResultsWe combined interception records, molecular analyses and species distribution modelling to assess their introduction history and to predict which regions are at highest risk of future invasions. We found extensive sharing of mitochondrial haplotypes among continents in all three species. In concordance with the genetic analyses, interception records suggest that slugs were introduced to the USA and Australia primarily from France, the Netherlands and the UK, but also from other locations in North America. The models predicted climatically suitable regions for the three Arion species in several areas across the globe for which management actions can be targeted.Main conclusionsWhile the amount of regions with climatic conditions that would be suitable for slug establishment is predicted to slightly decrease under future scenarios, new suitable areas will also emerge. We therefore recommend that prevention efforts to limit new introductions should continue in order to protect vulnerable native ecosystems.
Priming and de‐priming of neutrophil responses in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Vogt Katja L. , Summers Charlotte , Chilvers Edwin R. , Condliffe Alison M. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe activation status of neutrophils can cycle from basal through primed to fully activated (“green‐amber‐red”), and at least in vitro, primed cells can spontaneously revert to a near basal phenotype. This broad range of neutrophil responsiveness confers extensive functional flexibility, allowing neutrophils to respond rapidly and appropriately to varied and evolving threats throughout the body. Primed and activated cells display dramatically enhanced bactericidal capacity (including augmented respiratory burst activity, degranulation and longevity), but this enhancement also confers the capacity for significant unintended tissue injury. Neutrophil priming and its consequences have been associated with adverse outcomes in a range of disease states, hence understanding the signalling processes that regulate the transition between basal and primed states (and back again) may offer new opportunities for therapeutic intervention in pathological settings. A wide array of host‐ and pathogen‐derived molecules is able to modulate the functional status of these versatile cells. Reflecting this extensive repertoire of potential mediators, priming can be established by a range of signalling pathways (including mitogen‐activated protein kinases, phosphoinositide 3‐kinases, phospholipase D and calcium transients) and intracellular processes (including endocytosis, vesicle trafficking and the engagement of adhesion molecules). The signalling pathways engaged, and the exact cellular phenotype that results, vary according to the priming agent(s) to which the neutrophil is exposed and the precise environmental context. Herein we describe the signals that establish priming (in particular for enhanced respiratory burst, degranulation and prolonged lifespan) and describe the recently recognised process of de‐priming, correlating in vitro observations with in vivo significance.
Parent Education for Migrant Mothers of Left‐Behind Children in China: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: To Siu‐ming , Kwok Ching‐man , So Yuk‐yan , Yan Ming‐wai 
Published: June 2018

Although numerous studies have indicated the significance of parental support and parent–child communication in alleviating the adverse effects of parental departure on left‐behind children, researchers have rarely addressed the impact of parent education on migrant parents. On the basis of the results of a pilot randomized controlled trial, the study reported here involved examining the possible outcomes and feasibility of a parent education program for rural‐to‐urban migrant mothers of left‐behind children in China. Informed by an existential–narrative approach to parent education, the program was composed of six 2.5‐hour sessions. The sample included 56 migrant mothers recruited from a social service center in Shenzhen, China, who were randomly assigned to either the immediate group (n = 28, M = 34.82 years, SD = 4.12, aged 23–43) or the waitlist control group (n = 28, M = 34.68 years, SD = 4.53, aged 28–43). The hypotheses of the trial were twofold: that the program would positively affect participants’ parental identity and that it would improve mother–child relationships and parenting practices. The results revealed no significant difference in parental identity between the intervention group and the waitlist control group at the post‐test assessment after ruling out the effects of pretest survey scores. However, significant differences did emerge in parent–child relationships and parenting practices. Overall, the results corroborate the feasibility of examining the current program for migrant mothers in China in a full trial. The findings also offer insights into developing empirically supported parent education programs for migrant parents.
Inland fish stock assessment: Applying data‐poor methods from marine systems
Authors: Fitzgerald Colm J. , Delanty Karen , Shephard Samuel 
Published: June 2018

AbstractInland fisheries can be diverse, local and highly seasonal. This complexity creates challenges for monitoring, and consequently, many inland fish stocks have few data and cannot be assessed using methods typically applied to industrial marine fisheries. In such situations, there may be a role for methods recently developed for assessment of data‐poor fish stocks. Herein, three established data‐poor assessment tools from marine systems are demonstrated to highlight their value to inland fisheries management. A case study application uses archived length, catch and catch‐per‐unit‐effort data to characterise the ecological status of an important recreational brown trout stock in an Irish lake. This case study is of specific use to management of freshwater sport fisheries, but the broader purpose of the paper was to provide a crossover between marine and inland fisheries science, and to highlight accessible data‐poor assessment approaches that may be applicable in diverse inland systems.