bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of the management and outcomes of cecal and appendiceal volvulus in children
Authors: Miura da Costa Karina , Saxena Amulya Kumar 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAimAppendiceal volvulus (AV) and cecal volvulus (CV) are rare conditions and there is no consensus regarding the best surgical approach. This study reviewed CV and AV management and outcomes in children.MethodsPubMed was reviewed from 1990 to 2018 for AV and CV in children and studies published in English were selected by two independent reviewers. This identified 24 papers that provided case reports on 29 children (72% male) with a median age of 10 years.ResultsAbdominal distension and abdominal pain were the most common symptoms and seven children had Cornelia de Lange syndrome. The initial treatment was surgical in 27 cases and endoscopic in 2. In 23 children, variants of cecopexy were performed. There was no mortality. Complications occurred in seven cases: five with sepsis and two with enterocutaneous fistulas. There were three CV recurrences and these were all in cases where cecopexy was not performed.ConclusionAV and CV are rare paediatric pathologies. Since a quarter of the patients had Cornelia de Lange syndrome, it is paramount to consider CV when abdominal symptoms occur. Complications were minor with prompt management. In order to reduce recurrence, cecopexy is recommended in CV cases and appendectomy in AV cases.
Serum glutamate was elevated in children aged 3–10 years with autism spectrum disorders when they were compared with controls
Authors: Khalifa D , Shahin O , Salem D , Raafat O 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAimThis study aimed to see whether measuring serum glutamate in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) could provide a biological marker that could allow early intervention.MethodsSerum glutamate was measured in 30 patients aged 3–10 years presenting with ASD to the Abou El Reesh Hospitals, Cairo University, Egypt and 30 matched controls without ASD in 2015. The Vineland Social Maturity Scale was applied to assess social competence, self‐ help skills and adaptive behaviour in both groups. The severity of autism was measured with the Childhood Autism Rating Scale test.ResultsThe patients’ group showed higher mean values of serum glutamate (5.888) than the control group (2.521) and the statistical difference was significant (p = 0.00021). There was no significant difference (p = 0.151) in the serum level of glutamate between patients receiving 1–2 mg of risperidone (6.519 ± 2.851) and those who were free from any medication for at least six weeks (5.157 ± 2.184).ConclusionWe found higher levels of serum glutamate in subjects with ASD and this might reflect altered glutamatergic neurotransmission which may aid early ASD detection. Further investigations are needed with a large number of participants to further clarify the possibility of using glutamate as a biomarker for ASD.
Prediction of enteric methane emission from beef cattle in Southeast Asia
Authors: Suzuki Tomoyuki , Sommart Kritapon , Angthong Wanna , Nguyen Thu Van , Chaokaur Anan , Nitipot Peerapot , Phromloungsri Arun , Cai Yimin , Sakai Takashi , Nishida Takehiro , Terada Fuminori , Kawashima Tomoyuki 
Published: June 2018

AbstractWe conducted a meta‐data analysis to develop prediction equations to estimate enteric methane (CH4) emission from beef cattle in Southeast Asia. The dataset was obtained from 25 studies, which included 332 individual observations on nutrient intakes, digestibilities, and CH4 emissions. Cattle were provided tropical forage or rice straw, with or without concentrates in individual pens equipped with indirect open‐circuit head hood apparatus. The simplest and best equation to predict daily CH4 emission was CH4 (g/day) = 22.71 (±1.008) × dry matter intake (DMI, kg/day) + 8.91 (±10.896) [R2 = 0.77; root mean square error (RMSE) = 19.363 g/day]. The best equation to predict CH4 energy as a proportion of gross energy intake (CH4‐E/GEI, J/100 J) was obtained using DMI per body weight (DMIBW, kg/100 kg), content (g/100 g DM) of ether extract (EE) and crude protein (CP), and DM digestibility (DMD, g/100 g); CH4‐E/GEI = −0.782 (±0.2526) DMIBW − 0.436 (±0.0548) EE − 0.073 (±0.0218) CP + 0.049 (±0.0097) DMD + 8.654 (±0.6517) (R2 = 0.39; RMSE = 1.3479 J/100 J GEI). It was indicated that CH4 emissions from beef cattle in Southeast Asia are predictable using present developed models including simple indices.
Maternal obesity stimulates lipotoxicity and up‐regulates inflammatory signaling pathways in the full‐term swine placenta
Authors: Liang Tian , Jinglong Xie , Shusheng Dong , Aiyou Wen 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the effects of back‐fat thickness (BF), at mating of sows, on placental lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation. We performed iTRAQ labeling‐based proteomic analysis on term placentas obtained by vaginal delivery from BFI (15–20 mm, control) and BFII (21–27 mm, obese) sows formed according to BF at mating. Proteomic analysis revealed 413 proteins to be significantly different in placenta from BFII sows by ≥1.2‐fold. Gene ontology (GO) analysis identified proteins related to lipid metabolism and inflammatory response to be altered in placenta from obese sows. Indicative of a lipotoxic placental environment, increased placental lipid, and up‐regulated mRNA expression of lipogenic genes, including ADRP (p = .06), PPARD, FASN, ACACA, DGAT1, and LIPIN3, were associated with decreased AMPK and increased activation of WNT signaling in placenta from BFII group (p < .05). Furthermore, we observed a 18% decrease in total antioxidant capacity (TAC), increased mRNA content of pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐6, IL‐18, and TNF‐α, and increased activation of inflammatory NF‐κB and JNK signaling in placenta from BFII sows that was significantly associated with macrophage accumulation (p < .05). These findings suggest that maternal obesity aggravates a lipotoxic environment in pig term placenta that may be associated with placental dysfunction and impaired fetal growth.
Taxonomic and functional facets of the resilience to management of mown subalpine grasslands
Authors: Lochon Iris , Colace Marie‐Pascale , Devaux Caroline , Grigulis Karl , Rettinger Ricarda , Lavorel Sandra 
Published: June 2018

AbstractQuestionsSustaining ecosystem services for society in the face of global change is a major challenge. Resilience, an ecosystem's ability to absorb disturbance and return to its initial functioning, is critical for this. We assessed the resilience of mown subalpine grasslands following restoration management. Using a novel multi‐indicator approach, we asked how different taxonomic and functional facets of biodiversity influence resilience mechanisms. We demonstrated this approach for a case study in subalpine grasslands, asking: how resilient are grasslands dominated by Patzkea paniculata and their agronomic services to changing mowing regimes?LocationVillar d'Arène, Hautes‐Alpes, Provence‐Alpes‐Côte d'Azur, France. Boundary area of Ecrins National Park.MethodsA manipulative experiment tested the reciprocal effects of mowing cessation and mowing resumption for 10 years. We analysed floristic composition data following four steps. First, we used the Community Structure Integrity Index (CSII; Jaunatre et al., ) to obtain qualitative and quantitative summaries of taxonomic responses. The second step focused on taxonomic biodiversity using species richness, Simpson and Pielou indices, and responsive species identified in the first step. Third, we analysed functional diversity responses using functional groups and community weighted mean (CWM) of vegetative plant traits. Finally, we quantified ecosystem services impacts by estimating fodder quantity and quality using trait‐based models.ResultsThe mowing manipulation demonstrated the high resilience of P. paniculata grasslands and revealed reversibility of transitions between mown and unmown states. By reducing the abundance of P. paniculata, the resumption of mowing restored forage quality. Supported by a complementary case study on post‐disturbance re‐sowing in hay meadows, this study demonstrates the resilience of mown subalpine grasslands to management change and explores underlying belowground mechanisms of vegetative regeneration and belowground reserves.ConclusionOur novel multi‐indicator approach provides multifaceted mechanistic understanding necessary to anticipate impacts of socio‐ecological changes and to maintain the multiple benefits of mountain grasslands. Addressing the different facets of biodiversity from abundance data that are systematically collected in impact or monitoring assessment, this approach provides a common framework, widely applicable to different types of restoration or management interventions, across regions and biota.
A classroom intervention to improve executive functions in late primary school children: Too ‘old’ for improvements?
Authors: Benzing Valentin , Schmidt Mirko , Jäger Katja , Egger Fabienne , Conzelmann Achim , Roebers Claudia M. 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundGiven the strong relationship between executive functions and academic achievement, there has been great interest in improving executive functions. School‐based group interventions targeting executive functions revealed encouraging results in preschoolers and young school children; however, there is a paucity of studies in older primary school children (age 10–12). This is surprising considering that deficits in executive function performance can often be observed in this age group.AimsTherefore, the aim of this study was to examine whether an innovative customized school‐based group intervention could improve core executive functions (updating, inhibition, and shifting) in the age group concerned.SampleIn total, 118 ten‐ to twelve‐year‐old school children were recruited from eight participating classes.MethodsThey were randomly assigned to one of two‐six‐week conditions of either a cognitive games group comprising of card and board games training executive functions (experimental group) or a wait‐list control group (regular school lessons). In the cognitive games group, the class teachers held a 30‐min training session twice a week. ANCOVAs (using pre‐test values as covariate) were used to compare executive function performance between groups.ResultsResults revealed that the cognitive games group improved specific executive functions (updating and shifting) compared to the control group. These findings indicate that a school‐based group intervention can improve executive functions, even in ‘older’ primary school children.ConclusionThis study provides empirical evidence for the effectiveness of a classroom‐based cognitive training in older primary school children and is of practical relevance for educators.
Effects of instructor's facial expressions on students' learning with video lectures
Authors: Wang Yang , Liu Qingtang , Chen Wenli , Wang Qiyun , Stein David 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis study investigated whether video lectures instructed by a heightened level of expressiveness instructor were better than those instructed by a conventional level of expressiveness instructor or audio‐only in promoting students' online learning, and what kind of effects do instructor's facial expressions have on students' learning. Three different types of video lectures (one with a heightened level of expressiveness instructor, one with a conventional level of expressiveness instructor and one with the instructor' audio only) were used to study the effects of instructor's facial expressions. Sixty‐nine participants from Chinese Normal University were selected to learn with these video lectures. Results of this study indicated that video lectures with a heightened level of expressiveness instructor were better than those with a conventional level of expressiveness instructor and audio‐only ones with regard to improving students' arousal level and learning satisfaction. Instructor's facial expressions had no significant influence on participants' short‐term recall (p = .90), while instructor's facial expressions did influence students' medium‐term recall (p = .03). Instructor's facial expressions played a key role in students' online learning.
A meta‐analysis of survival factors in rhino‐orbital‐cerebral mucormycosis—has anything changed in the past 20 years?
Authors: Vaughan Casey , Bartolo Amanda , Vallabh Nimisha , Leong Samuel C. 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundRhino‐orbital‐cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) is an uncommon yet potentially lethal fungal infection. Although most cases originate from developing countries, an ageing population and increased prevalence of chronic illness may mean some clinicians practicing in developed countries will encounter ROCM cases in their careers. Yohai et al published a systematic review of 145 case reports from 1970 to 1993 assessing prognostic factors for patients presenting with ROCM. We present an updated review of the literature and assess whether survival outcomes have changed in the two decades since that seminal paper.Search strategyAn extensive Medline literature search was performed for case reports published between 1994 and 2015.ResultsIn total, 210 published cases were identified from the literature review, of which 175 patients from 140 papers were included in this review. Fifty‐five were female, with an overall mean age of 43 years. Overall survival rate was 59.5%, which was not significantly better than the previous series reported (60%) reported by Yohai et al. Survival rates in patients with chronic renal disease had improved, from 19% to 52%, and in patients with leukaemia (from 13% to 50%). Facial necrosis and hemiplegia remained poor prognostic indicators (33% and 39% survival rates, respectively). Early commencement of medical treatment related to better survival outcomes (61% if commenced within first 12 days of presentation, compared to 33% if after 13 days). Timing of surgery had less of an effect on overall survival. However, in 28 cases that did not receive any surgical treatment, survival was only 21%.ConclusionsAlthough overall survival rates have not improved, survival in patients with renal disease were better, potentially due to the introduction of liposomal amphotericin B which is less nephrotoxic. Prompt recognition of ROCM, reversal of predisposing co‐morbidities and aggressive medical treatment remain the cornerstone of managing this highly aggressive disease.
Diverging response patterns of terrestrial and aquatic species to hydromorphological restoration
Authors: Pilotto Francesca , Tonkin Jonathan D. , Januschke Kathrin , Lorenz Armin W. , Jourdan Jonas , Sundermann Andrea , Hering Daniel , Stoll Stefan , Haase Peter 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAlthough experiences with ecological restoration continue to accumulate, the effectiveness of restoration for biota remains debated. We complemented a traditional taxonomic analysis approach with information on 56 species traits to uncover the responses of 3 aquatic (fish, macroinvertebrates, macrophytes) and 2 terrestrial (carabid beetles, floodplain vegetation) biotic groups to 43 hydromorphological river restoration projects in Germany. All taxonomic groups responded positively to restoration, as shown by increased taxonomic richness (10–164%) and trait diversity (habitat, dispersal and mobility, size, form, life history, and feeding groups) (15–120%). Responses, however, were stronger for terrestrial than aquatic biota, and, contrary to our expectation, taxonomic responses were stronger than those of traits. Nevertheless, trait analysis provided mechanistic insights into the drivers of community change following restoration. Trait analysis for terrestrial biota indicated restoration success was likely enhanced by lateral connectivity and reestablishment of dynamic processes in the floodplain. The weaker response of aquatic biota suggests recovery was hindered by the persistence of stressors in the aquatic environment, such as degraded water quality, dispersal constraints, and insufficient hydromorphological change. Therefore, river restoration requires combined local‐ and regional‐scale approaches to maximize the response of both aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Due to the contrasting responses of aquatic and terrestrial biota, the planning and assessment of river restoration outcomes should consider effects on both components of riverine landscapes.
Left ventricular diastolic function is enhanced after peak exercise in endurance‐trained adolescents as well as in their non‐trained controls
Authors: Rundqvist Louise , Engvall Jan , Faresjö Maria , Blomstrand Peter 
Published: June 2018

SummaryThe aims of the study were to explore the temporal change of cardiac function after peak exercise in adolescents, and to investigate how these functional changes relate to maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). The cohort consisted of 27 endurance‐trained adolescents aged 13–19 years, and 27 controls individually matched by age and gender. Standard echocardiography and colour tissue Doppler were performed at rest, and immediately after as well as 15 min after a maximal cardio pulmonary exercise test (CPET) on a treadmill. The changes in systolic and diastolic parameters after exercise compared to baseline were similar in both groups. The septal E/e′‐ratio increased immediately after exercise in both the active and the control groups (from 9·2 to 11·0; P<0·001, and from 8·7 to 10·2; P = 0·008, respectively). In a comparison between the two groups after CPET, the septal E/e′‐ratio was higher in the active group both immediately after exercise and 15 min later compared to the control group (P = 0·007 and P = 0·006, respectively). We demonstrated a positive correlation between VO2max and cardiac function including LVEF and E/e′ immediately after CPET, but the strongest correlation was found between VO2max and LVEDV (r = 0·67, P<0·001) as well as septal E/e′ (r = 0·34, P = 0·013). Enhanced diastolic function was found in both groups, but this was more pronounced in active adolescents. The cardiac functional response to exercise, in terms of LVEF and E/e′, correlates with the increase in VO2 uptake. These findings in trained as well as un‐trained teenagers have practical implications when assessing cardiac function.
Alterations in the nucleocytoplasmic transport in apoptosis: Caspases lead the way
Authors: Kopeina Gelina S. , Prokhorova Evgeniia A. , Lavrik Inna N. , Zhivotovsky Boris 
Published: June 2018

AbstractApoptosis is a mode of regulated cell death that is indispensable for the morphogenesis, development and homeostasis of multicellular organisms. Caspases are cysteine‐dependent aspartate‐specific proteases, which function as initiators and executors of apoptosis. Caspases are cytosolic proteins that can cleave substrates located in different intracellular compartments during apoptosis. Many years ago, the involvement of caspases in the regulation of nuclear changes, a hallmark of apoptosis, was documented. Accumulated data suggest that apoptosis‐associated alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport are also linked to caspase activity. Here, we aim to discuss the current state of knowledge regarding this process. Particular attention will be focused on caspase nuclear entry and their functions in the demolition of the nucleus upon apoptotic stimuli.
Heart and heart–liver transplantation in adults with failing Fontan physiology
Authors: Reardon Leigh C. , DePasquale Eugene C. , Tarabay Jana , Cruz Daniel , Laks Hillel , Biniwale Reshma M. , Busuttil Ronald W. , Kaldas Fady M. , Saab Sammy , Venick Robert S. , Lin Jeannette P. , Nsair Ali , Deng Mario C. , Ardehali Abbas , Caderias Martin , Iygengar Amit , Aboulhosn Jamil A. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundAs the population of patients with a Fontan palliation grows so does, the number of patients with cardiac failure necessitating orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) and combined heart–liver transplant (CHLT). There is recent evidence that current era cardiac transplant in Fontan patients has improved outcomes, but most studies have a preponderance of pediatrics patients in their cohorts. We examine our institutional experience with adult OHT and CHLT transplantation for failed Fontan physiology.Methods and ResultsRetrospective analysis of patients at the Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center who underwent OHT or CHLT for failing Fontan physiology from January 1, 2002 to May 31, 2017. We identified 20 patients with single‐ventricle physiology and Fontan palliation who underwent OHT or CHLT. The median age was 29.5 years (range 19‐44). Five patients underwent CHLT because of biopsy proven hepatic cirrhosis. The median length of hospital stay was 23 days (range 8‐76) post‐OHT and 51 days (range 26‐77) post‐CHLT. During a median follow‐up of 56 months (range 2‐178), there was one mortality occurring at 34 months post‐OHT due to coronary vasculopathy. Most frequent early postoperative complications included bleeding and infection (55% and 20%, respectively) and surgical reintervention for bleeding complications (n = 8, 40%). One CHLT patient experienced clinically significant hepatic rejection requiring admission and steroid treatment.ConclusionsDespite inherent risks and complexities of OHT or CHLT in patients with a failed Fontan, transplant is a reasonable therapy. Peri‐ and postoperative complications are common and may require surgical reintervention. Continued observation of practices and unifying themes may help improve patient selection, pre‐ and postoperative treatment and ultimately outcomes.
Modelling historical mesocosm data: Application of a fish bioenergetics model in semi‐natural conditions
Authors: David Viviane , Goussen Benoit , Tebby Cleo , Joachim Sandrine , Porcher Jean‐Marc , Beaudouin Rémy 
Published: June 2018

AbstractDeveloping ecological models for accurately predicting the dynamics of a population and individual physiological processes in field conditions is a challenging task for ecosystem management and ecological risk assessment. Here, we propose to assess the relevance of a dynamic energy budget (DEB) model calibrated using data previously generated from laboratory experiments for adult three‐spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) living in semi‐natural conditions. We compared different ways of integrating different data sets such as temperature and prey abundance obtained in mesocosm experiments to assess the predictive capacity of the model. By this study, we provide recommendations for developing an appropriate environmental scenario (e.g. natural variations of food and temperature) for using aDEBmodel in a field context. We conclude that aDEBmodel calibrated with laboratory data can be used to predict the physiological processes of an organism living in semi‐natural conditions, but that the reproductive behaviour of the organism can affect the predictions. At last, we suggest that further studies on the feeding behaviour may be necessary for immature organisms.