bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal obesity and offspring risk of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Wong Muh Geot , The Nguyen Long , Glastras Sarah 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTIt is increasingly recognized that maternal obesity is implicated in developmental programming, contributing to the future risk of chronic disease development in offspring. The exact mechanisms of the role of maternal obesity in the development of chronic kidney disease in offspring remain unclear and animal models used are not without limitation. Human studies are limited by the effects of postnatal environmental conditions, which may have a direct impact on disease phenotype; and animal models are limited by use of species that differ significantly. This review will examine the most recent evidence from animal models on the impact of maternal factors during pregnancy/lactation on the future risk of chronic kidney disease development in offspring, emphasising the role of maternal obesity in exacerbating the deleterious effects of diet‐induced obesity and/or diabetes on renal health.
CKD prevention: Perspectives in Hong Kong
Authors: Tang Sydney CW 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTHong Kong experiences a progressive rise in the prevalence of treated end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) as recorded by the Hong Kong Renal Registry managed by the Hospital Authority (HA) that takes care of 90 – 95% of the ESRD burden. The CKD burden is envisaged to be high, as reflected by 2 initiatives – SHARE which detected a high prevalence of urine or blood pressure abnormalities among 1,201 asymptomatic individuals who underwent screening, and RISKS that aimed to further characterize the spread of CKD in the asymptomatic population.For CKD prevention, two statutory bodies – the HA and Hong Kong College of Physicians (HKCP), and two non‐governmental organizations – Hong Kong Society of Nephrology (HKSN) and Hong Kong Kidney Foundation (HKKF), all have a role to play. The Central Renal Committee (CRC) operated under HA co‐produces with HKCP and HKSN a clinical practice guideline for the provision of renal service in Hong Kong which includes CKD care and prevention. HKSN now holds annual educational symposia and a Continuous Medical Education (CME) course in partnership with the HKCP and Asian Pacific Society of Nephrology in addition to its Annual Scientific Meeting. The HKSN also provides a collective International Society of Nephrology (ISN) membership for all its full members to enhance education and other pertinent initiatives.For public education, the HKSN and HKKF participate in the annual World Kidney Day event and organize free blood pressure and CKD surveys in public housing estates to increase public awareness of CKD. The latter is also effected via regular promotion through the mass media.
How to treat patients with chronic kidney disease: With special focus on IgA nephropathy
Authors: Tomino Yasuhiko 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTChronic kidney disease has become a worldwide problem. Among chronic kidney disease patients, IgA nephropathy is common in the world. Serum levels of galactose deficient (Gd)‐IgA1 and Gd‐IgA1‐specific antibodies are elevated in most IgA nephropathy patients. Glomerular Gd‐IgA1 deposition has been observed by immunofluorescence. There are many reports that the anti‐proteinuric effect is significantly greater in groups who receive tonsillectomy with steroid pulse therapy in IgA nephropathy patients. Furthermore, patients with tonsillectomy with steroid pulse therapy have shown a strong down‐regulation of delta serum IgA/C3 per year and have conserved their renal function. New treatments, that is, Atacicept and glucocorticoid budesonide, have been developed for this disease.
Biomarkers for acute cardiorenal syndrome
Authors: Fan Pei‐Chun , Chang Chih‐Hsiang , Chen Yung‐Chang 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTCardiorenal syndromes are disorders of the heart and kidneys whereby dysfunction in one organ may lead to dysfunction in the other organ. Cardiorenal syndrome type I (CRS I) is defined as acute kidney injury caused by acute cardiac dysfunction such as acute decompensated heart failure and acute coronary syndrome. Traditional markers like serum creatinine may delay the diagnosis of acute kidney injury and provide limited information regarding the underlying pathophysiology in the setting of CRS I. Herein, we briefly review some emerging biomarkers, including brain natriuretic peptide, soluble ST2, angiopoietin, soluble thrombomodulin, neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin, kidney injury molecule‐1, cystatin C, interleukin‐18 and calprotectin. These biomarkers may help early detecting, differential diagnosis, assessing disease severity and prognosis in patients with CRS I, therefore improve patient management and outcomes.
Symbiotic dinitrogen fixation is seasonal and strongly regulated in water‐limited environments
Authors: Dovrat Guy , Sheffer Efrat 
Published: October 2018

Summary

Plants, especially perennials, growing in drylands and seasonally dry ecosystems are uniquely adapted to dry conditions. Legume shrubs and trees, capable of symbiotic dinitrogen (N2) fixation, often dominate in drylands. However, the strategies that allow symbiotic fixation in these ecosystems, and their influence on the nitrogen cycle, are largely unresolved. We evaluated the climatic, biogeochemical and ontogenetic factors influencing nitrogen fixation in an abundant Mediterranean legume shrub, Calicotome villosa.

We measured nodulation, fixation rate, nitrogen allocation and soil biogeochemistry in three field sites over a full year. A controlled experiment evaluated differences in plant regulation of fixation as a function of soil nutrient availability and seedling and adult developmental stages.

We found a strong seasonal pattern, shifting between high fixation rates during the rainy season at flowering and seed‐set times to almost none in the rainless season. Under controlled conditions, plants downregulated fixation in response to soil nitrogen availability, but this response was stronger in seedlings than in adult shrubs. Finally, we did not find elevated soil nitrogen under N2‐fixing shrubs.

We conclude that seasonal nitrogen fixation, regulation of fixation, and nitrogen conservation are key adaptations influencing the dominance of dryland legumes in the community, with broader consequences on the ecosystem nitrogen cycle.
Epstein‐Barr virus associated smooth muscle tumors in solid organ transplant recipients: Incidence over 31 years at a single institution and review of the literature
Authors: Stubbins Ryan J. , Alami Laroussi Nassiba , Peters Anthea C. , Urschel Simon , Dicke Frank , Lai Raymond L. , Zhu James , Mabilangan Curtis , Preiksaitis Jutta K. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIntroductionEpstein‐Barr virus (EBV) associated smooth muscle tumors (EBV‐SMT) are a rare complication of solid organ transplantation (SOT). Incidence data related to this EBV‐SMT are limited. EBV DNA is universally present in these tumors. How these cells get infected with EBV, whether this is a result of primary EBV infection vs reactivation, and how persistent active EBV infection post‐transplant influences EBV‐SMT pathogenesis remains unknown.MethodsAmong 5006 SOT recipients (474 pediatric, 4532 adult) receiving SOT at our center between Jan 1984 and Dec 2015, three cases of post‐transplant EBV‐SMT were identified.ResultsAll cases were pediatric heart transplants who were EBV seronegative prior to transplant, and experienced primary EBV infection with persistently elevated EBV viral loads, despite antiviral therapy. Two are deceased at 3.2 and 0.9 years post‐diagnosis, while one remains alive 6.2 years post diagnosis. The overall local incidence of post‐transplant EBV‐SMT at our institution was 0.7 (95% CI, 0.2‐1.7) per 1000 patient years, and 2.6 (95% CI, 0.6‐6.7) per 1000 patient years in pediatric heart transplants. A literature review identified 36 pediatric and 51 adult cases of post‐transplant EBV‐SMT.ConclusionsWe hypothesize that pre‐transplant EBV seronegativity, followed by primary EBV infection and persistently high EBV viral loads, represents a unique risk factor for post‐transplant EBV‐SMT. Pediatric heart transplant recipients were found to be disproportionately affected by post‐transplant EBV‐SMT at our institution.
Longer storage of red blood cells does not affect mortality in transfused liver transplant recipients
Authors: Kwon Ji Hye , Han Sangbin , Cho Duck , Spahn Donat R. , Ko Justin S. , Kim Do Yeon , Jun Joo Hyun , Gwak Mi Sook , Kim Gaab Soo 
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUNDThe characteristics of red blood cell (RBC) products change after 2 weeks of cold storage. It is unclear whether older RBCs affect mortality after liver transplantation. This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the association between the age of transfused RBCs and death after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSOf 200 recipients who underwent LDLT, 118 who received RBCs with a mean storage duration of less than 10 days (shorter storage group) were compared with 82 with an RBC mean storage duration of more than 14 days (longer storage group). Key exclusion criteria were transfusion of very fresh RBCs stored for less than 4 days and transfusion of old RBCs in recipients of the shorter storage group. The primary outcome was posttransplant overall death. Survival analysis was performed using the Cox model.RESULTSMean RBC storage duration was 7 days in the shorter storage group and 17 days in the longer storage group. Death probability at 1, 2, and 5 years posttransplant was 5.1%, 7.6%, and 13.6% in the shorter storage group, respectively, and 6.1%, 8.5%, and 13.5% in the longer storage group. Death risk was comparable between the two groups in univariable (hazard ratio [HR] 1.00, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.47‐2.16, p = 0.991) and multivariable (HR 1.07, 95% CI, 0.46‐2.50, p = 0.882) analyses. Graft failure risk was also comparable (HR 1.04, 95% CI, 0.50‐2.18, p = 0.916). Hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence probability at 1, 2, and 5 years was 10.8%, 15.4%, and 23.1%, respectively, in the shorter storage group and 11.4%, 15.9%, and 20.7% in the longer storage group (HR 0.84, 95% CI, 0.37‐1.89, p = 0.670). No significant differences were observed regarding graft regeneration/function, vascular/biliary complications, acute kidney injury, surgical site infection, or rejection (p > 0.05).CONCLUSIONSNo evidence was found that transfusion of old RBCs contributes to death after LDLT.
Ex vivo evaluation of the efficacy of canine fresh‐frozen plasma thawed using a microwave plasma defroster
Authors: Turner Matthew Alfred , Rahilly Louisa Jane , Katheryn O'Marra Shana 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundCommercial microwave plasma defrosters (MPDs) are used globally in human medicine to safely thaw fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP), but this technology has never been tested in a veterinary setting. This study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of a commercial MPD for the rapid thawing of canine FFP.Study DesignTwenty‐three units (twelve 120 mL and eleven 240 mL) of canine FFP were thawed using an MPD. Time‐to‐thaw and pre‐ and postthawing temperatures of the units were measured. Clotting factor activities (factors II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, and von Willebrand factor), fibrinogen concentrations, prothrombin times, and activated partial thromboplastin times were measured.Key FindingsThe evaluated MPD effectively thaws plasma quickly for both 120 mL units (2.7 ± 0.08 min) and 240 mL units (3.9 ± 0.15 min) while maintaining clinically relevant activities of clotting factors and fibrinogen concentration. While some measurements of factor VIII activity fell below the reference interval, none fell below 40%. One 240 mL unit had von Willebrand factor activity <70%. There was no evidence of excessively heated plasma to indicate a safety concern.SignificanceThe MPD evaluated in this study provides a useful means to rapidly thaw canine FFP for correction of factor‐deficient coagulopathy.
Nonsurgical management of traumatic pneumoperitoneum in a cat
Authors: Philp Helen S. , Hammond Gawain J. C. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the nonsurgical management of a cat with traumatic pneumoperitoneum.Case Series SummaryA 4‐year‐old cat was presented following vehicular polytrauma. Thoracic radiographs revealed 4 rib fractures, a scapular fracture, and pneumothorax. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a small volume of free abdominal fluid. Computed tomography showed a mild pneumoretroperitoneum and a pneumoperitoneum in the region of the porta hepatis. The cat was managed conservatively with close monitoring. Exploratory laparotomy was not pursued given patient stability and static serial imaging studies revealing no indications for surgical intervention. After 6 days, the pneumoperitoneum was no longer detectable.New or Unique Information ProvidedTo the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of successful nonsurgical management of traumatic pneumoperitoneum in a cat.
In vitro hemolysis of stored units of canine packed red blood cells
Authors: Ferreira Rui R. F. , Graça Rita M. C. , Cardoso Inês M. , Gopegui Rafael R. , de Matos Augusto J. F. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundHemolysis is an important quality parameter of packed red blood cells (pRBCs) that is used to assess the cellular integrity of stored blood units. According to human standards, hemolysis at the end of storage must not exceed 1%, as otherwise it may be responsible for decreased transfusion effectiveness and acute life‐threatening reactions.ObjectivesThis prospective study was designed to evaluate the hemolysis of canine pRBCs stored in an additive solution containing adenine, dextrose, mannitol, and sodium chloride, and to assess its associations with storage time, duration of the collection process, collection disturbances, and with the final volume and PCV of the pRBCs units.MethodsOne hundred eighty pRBCs units were collected from canine donors. Hemolysis of the pRBCs units was determined immediately after processing (t = 0). The units were then stored and retested (t = 1) either before administration (during weeks 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 of storage) or at the end of the storage period (42 d) if not used.ResultsMean hemolysis at t = 0 was 0.09% (SD 0.06) and increased during storage, at a more pronounced rate from the 5th (mean values of 0.52%, SD 0.29) to the 6th week (1.2%, SD 0.72). Almost 51% of the units with 36–42 days of shelf‐life showed more than 1% hemolysis. Disturbances in the collection process, the volume of the whole blood units, and the volume of stored pRBCs units or their PCV were not related to pRBCs hemolysis.ConclusionsAccording to human blood bank recommendations regarding acceptable hemolysis, canine pRBCs stored for more than 35 days should be tested to ensure <1% hemolysis prior to administration.
Determining prognosis in canine sepsis by bedside measurement of cell‐free DNA and nucleosomes
Authors: Letendre Jo‐Annie , Goggs Robert 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the use of plasma cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) and nucleosome concentrations as prognostic biomarkers in canine sepsis.DesignProspective, observational cohort study conducted from June 2015 to February 2016.SettingUniversity teaching hospital.AnimalsForty‐five dogs with sepsis, 10 dogs with nonseptic systemic inflammatory response syndrome (nSIRS), and 15 healthy controls were consecutively enrolled and followed to hospital discharge. Patients were eligible for enrollment if they met ≥2 SIRS criteria and had a documented or highly suspected bacterial infection. Dogs <3 kg or with a known coagulopathy were excluded.InterventionsNone.Measurements and Main ResultsAcute Patient Physiology and Laboratory Evaluation scores (APPLE) were calculated and outcomes recorded. Plasma cfDNA was measured using a benchtop fluorimeter. Plasma nucleosome concentrations were determined by ELISA. Plasma nucleosome and cfDNA concentrations in dogs with sepsis or nSIRS were compared to those of healthy controls and cfDNA concentrations in septic dogs with and without bacteremia were compared. Associations between cfDNA concentrations and nucleosomes, leukocyte count, neutrophil count, and APPLE scores were evaluated. For septic dogs, cfDNA concentrations relative to neutrophil count and nucleosome concentrations in survivors and nonsurvivors were compared. Alpha was set at 0.05. cfDNA concentrations were significantly higher in dogs with sepsis or nSIRS compared to healthy controls (P < 0.0001 andP = 0.0034, respectively). Nucleosome concentrations were significantly higher in dogs with sepsis compared to healthy controls (P = 0.007). There was limited association between cfDNA and nucleosome concentrations (rs = 0.266), and no association between cfDNA concentration and leukocyte count, neutrophil count, and APPLEfullscores. Concentrations of cfDNA were positively correlated with APPLEfastscore (rs = 0.335,P = 0.025); however, cfDNA concentrations were significantly higher in dogs with bacteremia (P = 0.0299). In dogs with sepsis, cfDNA concentrations relative to neutrophil count were significantly higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors (P = 0.008).ConclusionsIn dogs with sepsis, high cfDNA concentrations relative to neutrophil count are associated with nonsurvival. Point‐of‐care cfDNA measurement may aid identification of bacteremia.
Issues of intelligibility in world Englishes and EIL contexts
Authors: Bayyurt Yasemin 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis article examines Larry Smith's work on intelligibility issues in English as an International Language (EIL) contexts. In his seminal articles and books, Smith describes how intelligibility can be problematized in both intra‐/inter‐national contexts in relation to cross‐/inter‐/intra‐cultural communication purposes. As one of the guiding/founding scholars of the world Englishes paradigm, he is one of the first to describe the functions of English as an International Language in inter‐/intra‐/cross‐cultural communication in world Englishes. His views on intelligibility influenced various fields of study – including the English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) paradigm – ranging from its connection to comprehensibility to interpretability in national and international contexts in intercultural communication studies to its implications for an EIL‐aware pedagogical practice.
Larry Smith and world Englishes
Authors: Bolton Kingsley , Davis Daniel R. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis article discusses the contribution of Professor Larry E. Smith to the field of world Englishes (WE), a linguistic and educational enterprise in which Professor Smith was a founding figure. The article traces the development of Smith's thinking on world Englishes from early attempts to theorize English as an ‘international auxiliary language’ (EIAL), to a full theorization of world Englishes as a dynamic new field of study in the 1980s and 1990s. This discussion of Larry Smith's work also acknowledges his contribution to such other related areas of study as intercultural communication, and intelligibility studies, as well as his enduring contribution to the World Englishes journal, and the International Association for World Englishes (IAWE).
Language and communication
Authors: Dissanayake Wimal 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCommunication is the lifeblood of society. An understanding of communication is vital to an understanding of society. Larry Smith and I, in our explorations into language, have been guided by this conviction. Two questions inform our project. First, why is communication important? Second, what are the conditions of its possibility? The phenomenon of miscommunication, which is not often given adequate attention in communication research, is central to our endeavor, and it is explored in terms of three intersecting circles that are designated by the terms subjectivity, sociality and metaphysics. We have sought to highlight the phenomenon of miscommunication against the backdrop of dominant models of communication that have made a deep impression on communication studies.
Intelligibility after 1979
Authors: Nelson Cecil L. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis article discusses Larry Smith's theoretical and applied approach to the investigation of intelligibility in the teaching of English as a Second Language and in other areas of world Englishes. In particular, Smith's investigation of this topic, which distinguishes between intelligibility, comprehensibility, and interpretability, has provided a framework the analysis of this topic from a range of diverse perspectives in applied linguistics and sociolinguistics. For Larry, the issue of intelligibility also illuminated many other areas of investigation, including cross‐cultural discourse and intercultural communication.
Digital religion and Hinduism in the United States
Authors: Pandharipande Rajeshwari V. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAs religions migrate from their native contexts, they adopt new languages for their communication. Additionally, in the 21st century, digital media is being used for religious practices such as ritual worship, sermons and discourses. This article focuses on the case of Hinduism in the US diaspora where the Hindu community (unlike its native counterpart in India) uses the English language and the digital media for the Hindu religious practices. In particular, this article discusses the ways in which the use of the English language and digital media is more conventionalized in the context of discussion about religion (in the discourses of satsang), as opposed to the experience of religion (for example, in puja ‘worship ritual’).
Total Energy Expenditure, Physical Activity Level, and Water Turnover of Collegiate Dinghy Sailors in a Training Camp
Authors: Sagayama Hiroyuki , Toguchi Makiko , Yasukata Jun , Yonaha Kazunari , Higaki Yasuki , Tanaka Hiroaki 
Published: October 2018

Prior studies have examined offshore sailing and energy strategies using accurate total energy expenditure (TEE) measurement in free-living conditions. However, no research has studied energy and water requirements during dinghy class sailing such as an Olympic event with concentrated training. This study aimed to investigate the TEE, physical activity level (PAL), and water turnover (rH2O) of collegiate dinghy sailors in a training camp using the doubly labeled water method. Eleven dinghy sailing collegiate athletes (nine males and two females) participated. The doubly labeled water method was used to determine the participants’ TEE and PAL over 8 days (six training and two nontraining days). Participants trained approximately 7 hr/day on water. Body fat was measured using a stable isotope dilution method. The rH2O was estimated using deuterium turnover. The mean TEE, PAL, and rH2O were 17.30 ± 4.22 MJ/day (4,133 ± 1,009 kcal/day), 2.8 ± 0.3 (range: 2.1–4.1), and 3.3 ± 0.7 L/day (range: 2.6–4.5 L/day), respectively. To our knowledge, this was the first study to use the doubly labeled water method to determine TEE, PAL, and rH2O as references for competitive dinghy sailors in a spring training camp. Our results may serve as a reference to assist competitive dinghy sailors in determining their required nutritional support.