bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neutrophil Gelatinase–Associated Lipocalin as an Early Marker of Contrast‐Induced Nephropathy After Elective Invasive Cardiac Procedures
Authors: Kafkas Nikolaos , Liakos Charalampos , Zoubouloglou Filitsa , Dagadaki Ourania , Dragasis Stylianos , Makris Konstantinos 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTBackgroundContrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) is an acute kidney injury (AKI) defined as serum creatinine (sCr) increase 48 to 72 hours after contrast administration. Because most subjects undergoing invasive cardiac procedures are discharged within 24 hours, sCr is unsuitable for CIN detection.HypothesisIn the present study we tested the hypothesis that neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) is superior compared with sCr and other established nephropathy markers in early CIN diagnosis after elective invasive cardiac procedures.MethodsSerum creatinine, urine creatinine, serum cystatin C, urine albumin, urine NGAL (uNGAL), and plasma NGAL were measured at 0, 6, 24, and 48 hours after contrast administration in 100 elective invasive cardiac procedures. Estimated glomerular filtration rate and albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio were calculated. Changes from baseline were considered statistically significant at P < 0.05 and clinically significant when > the biomarker's reference change value. Participants were divided into those with and without clinically significant uNGAL changes (uNGAL positive and negative for AKI, respectively).ResultsThirty‐three individuals were uNGAL positive for AKI. Serum cystatin C changes were statistically and clinically nonsignificant in both groups. Serum creatinine and plasma NGAL were statistically but not clinically elevated 48 hours postcatheterization in the AKI group. Except for contrast volume (higher in AKI group), groups were comparable at baseline (P not significant) regarding cardiovascular risk factors, coronary heart disease, coronary interventions performed, and renal biomarkers. Baseline uNGAL was significantly correlated to estimated glomerular filtration rate and albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio.ConclusionsUrine NGAL is potentially superior compared with conventional nephropathy markers in early CIN diagnosis after elective invasive cardiac procedures. Definition of clinically significant uNGAL changes with reference change value is probably a valuable supplement to statistically defined significant variations.
Refinement and revalidation of the demoralization scale: The DS‐II—internal validity
Authors: Robinson Sophie , Kissane David W. , Brooker Joanne , Michael Natasha , Fischer Jane , Franco Michael , Hempton Courtney , Sulistio Merlina , Pallant Julie F. , Clarke David M. , Burney Susan 
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUNDThe Demoralization Scale (DS) was initially validated in 2004 to enable the measurement of demoralization in patients with advanced cancer. Subsequent shortcomings indicated the need for psychometric strengthening. Here, the authors report on the refinement and revalidation of the DS to form the DS‐II, specifically reporting the scale's internal validity.METHODSPatients with cancer or other progressive diseases who were receiving palliative care (n = 211) completed a revised version of the 24‐item DS and a measure of symptom burden (the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale). Exploratory factor analysis and Rasch modeling were used to evaluate, modify, and revalidate the scale, providing information about dimensionality, suitability of response format, item fit, item bias, and item difficulty. Test‐retest reliability was examined for 58 symptomatically stable patients at a 5‐day follow‐up.RESULTSExploratory factor analysis supported a 22‐item, 2‐component model. Separate Rasch modeling of each component resulted in collapsing the response option categories and removing 3 items from each component. Both final 8‐item subscales met Rasch model expectations and were appropriate to sum as a 16‐item total score. The DS‐II demonstrated internal consistency and test‐retest reliability (Meaning and Purpose subscale: α = .84; intraclass correlation [ICC] = 0.68; Distress and Coping Ability subscale: α = .82; ICC = 0.82; total DS: α = .89; ICC = 0.80).CONCLUSIONSThe DS‐II is a 3‐point response, self‐report scale comprising 16 items and 2 subscales. Given its revalidation, psychometric strengthening, and simplification, the DS‐II is an improved and more practical measure of demoralization for research and clinical use. External validation of the DS‐II will be reported subsequently.Cancer2016;122:2251–9. ©2016 American Cancer Society.
Fertility preservation in children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer: Quality of clinical practice guidelines and variations in recommendations
Authors: Font‐Gonzalez Anna , Mulder Renée L. , Loeffen Erik A.H. , Byrne Julianne , van Dulmen‐den Broeder Eline , van den Heuvel‐Eibrink Marry M. , Hudson Melissa M. , Kenney Lisa B. , Levine Jennifer M. , Tissing Wim J.E. , van de Wetering Marianne D. , Kremer Leontien C. M. ,   on behalf of the PanCareLIFE Consortium
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUNDFertility preservation care for children, adolescents, and young adults (CAYAs) with cancer is not uniform among practitioners. To ensure high‐quality care, evidence‐based clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are essential. The authors identified existing CPGs for fertility preservation in CAYAs with cancer, evaluated their quality, and explored differences in recommendations.METHODSA systematic search in PubMed (January 2000‐October 2014); guideline databases; and Web sites of oncology, pediatric, and fertility organizations was performed. Two reviewers evaluated the quality of the identified CPGs using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II Instrument (AGREE II). From high‐quality CPGs, the authors evaluated concordant and discordant areas among the recommendations.RESULTSA total of 25 CPGs regarding fertility preservation were identified. The average AGREE II domain scores (scale of 0%‐100%) varied from 15% on applicability to 100% on clarity of presentation. The authors considered 8 CPGs (32%) to be of high quality, which was defined as scores ≥60% in any 4 domains. Large variations in the recommendations of the high‐quality CPGs were observed, with 87.2% and 88.6%, respectively, of discordant guideline areas among the fertility preservation recommendations for female and male patients with cancer.CONCLUSIONSOnly approximately one‐third of the identified CPGs were found to be of sufficient quality. Of these CPGs, the fertility preservation recommendations varied substantially, which can be a reflection of inadequate evidence for specific recommendations, thereby hindering the ability of providers to deliver high‐quality care. CPGs including a transparent decision process for fertility preservation can help health care providers to deliver optimal and uniform care, thus improving the quality of life of CAYAs with cancer and cancer survivors. Cancer 2016;122:2216–23. © 2016 The Authors. Cancer published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Cancer Society.
Efficacy of the neurokinin‐1 receptor antagonist rolapitant in preventing nausea and vomiting in patients receiving carboplatin‐based chemotherapy
Authors: Hesketh Paul J. , Schnadig Ian D. , Schwartzberg Lee S. , Modiano Manuel R. , Jordan Karin , Arora Sujata , Powers Dan , Aapro Matti 
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUNDRolapitant, a novel neurokinin‐1 receptor antagonist, provided effective protection against chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in a randomized, double‐blind phase 3 trial of patients receiving moderately emetogenic chemotherapy or an anthracycline and cyclophosphamide regimen. The current analysis explored the efficacy and safety of rolapitant in preventing CINV in a subgroup of patients receiving carboplatin.METHODSPatients were randomized 1:1 to receive oral rolapitant (180 mg) or a placebo 1 to 2 hours before chemotherapy administration; all patients received oral granisetron (2 mg) on days 1 to 3 and oral dexamethasone (20 mg) on day 1. A post hoc analysis examined the subgroup of patients receiving carboplatin in cycle 1. The efficacy endpoints were as follows: complete response (CR), no emesis, no nausea, no significant nausea, complete protection, time to first emesis or use of rescue medication, and no impact on daily life.RESULTSIn the subgroup administered carboplatin‐based chemotherapy (n = 401), a significantly higher proportion of patients in the rolapitant group versus the control group achieved a CR in the overall phase (0‐120 hours; 80.2% vs 64.6%; P < .001) and in the delayed phase (>24‐120 hours; 82.3% vs 65.6%; P < .001) after chemotherapy administration. Superior responses were also observed by the measures of no emesis, no nausea, and complete protection in the overall and delayed phases and by the time to first emesis or use of rescue medication. The incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events was similar for the rolapitant and control groups.CONCLUSIONSRolapitant provided superior CINV protection to patients receiving carboplatin‐based chemotherapy in comparison with the control. These results support rolapitant use as part of the antiemetic regimen in carboplatin‐treated patients. Cancer 2016;122:2418–2425. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
A Dual Catalyst with SERS Activity for Probing Stepwise Reduction and Oxidation Reactions
Authors: Li Jumei , Wu Yiren , Sun Xiaojun , Liu Jingyue , Winget Sarah A. , Qin Dong 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAromatic azo compounds are high‐value chemicals extensively used as pigments, drugs, and food additives, but their production typically requires stoichiometric amounts of environmentally unfriendly metals or nitrites. There is an urgent need to develop a dual catalytic system capable of reducing nitroaromatics to aromatic amines, followed by their oxidation to azo compounds. Here we report such a dual catalyst based on Ag@Pd‐Ag core‐frame nanocubes for the stepwise conversion of 4‐nitrothiophenol to trans‐4,4′‐dimercaptoazobenzene under ambient conditions. Our in situ surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy study reveals three sequential processes that include the Pd‐catalyzed reduction of 4‐nitrothiophenol to 4‐aminothiophenol by hydrogen, a period during which the 4‐aminothiophenol remain unchanged until all hydrogen has depleted, and the Ag‐catalyzed oxidation of 4‐aminothiophenol to trans‐4,4′‐dimercaptoazobenzene by the O2 from air. This work will lead to an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to the production of aromatic azo compounds.
Enabling application‐aware flexible graph partition mechanism for parallel graph processing systems
Authors: Dong Fang , Zhang Junxue , Luo Junzhou , Shen Dian , Jin Jiahui 
Published: May 2016

SummaryWith the emerging of the large‐scale graph data, Pregel‐like graph parallel processing systems have been an essential tool to efficiently process the graph data. The first step to use the Pregel‐like systems is to partition the graph into multiple blocks and distribute them on multiple machines. The partition strategy plays a significant role in determining the performance because a good partition could both ensure load balance and optimize network communication overhead, and vice versa. However, existing partition strategies fail to meet the requirements because they suffer from the following drawbacks: (1) they ignore the application features and (2) they ignore the multi‐application feature in productive environment. To overcome those drawbacks, we proposed the superblock partition strategy, which utilizes the atomic blocks generated by pre‐processing of the original graph and could be constructed and re‐constructed dynamically according to the submitted applications in real time. The hash‐based and clustering‐based pre‐partition methods are covered in details. The application feature extraction method and heuristic superblock partition algorithm are proposed to construct the superblocks. Experimental results show that the superblock partition strategy could boost the graph processing performance and its partition efficiency also outperforms the hash‐based and topology optimal partition strategy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolation of Human Amnion Epithelial Cells According to Current Good Manufacturing Procedures
Authors: Gramignoli Roberto , Srinivasan Raghuraman C. , Kannisto Kristina , Strom Stephen C. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractDifferent cell types can be isolated from human placental tissues, and some have been reported to retain phenotypic plasticity and characteristics that make them a promising source of cells for regenerative medicine. Among these are human amnion epithelial cells (hAECs). Adoption of current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) and enhanced quality control is essential when isolating hAECs in order to deliver a safe and effective cellular product for clinical purposes. This unit describes a detailed protocol for selective isolation of hAECs from human term placenta with little to no contamination by other cell types. A method for characterizing the heterogeneity of the hAEC suspension is also provided. The resulting cell product will be useful for clinical as well as basic research applications. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Optical Reflectivity of Xenon Plasma Revisited
Authors: Zaporozhets Yu. B. , Omarbakiyeva Y. A. , Reinholz H. , Röpke G. , Mintsev V. B. , Gryaznov V. K. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractNewly obtained experimental data for the reflectivity of Xenon plasmas at pressures of 10‐12 GPa at large incident angles are analyzed. Using a Fermi‐like density profile along the shock wave front, the reflectivity coefficients for the s and p ‐ polarized waves were calculated. The influence of atoms which were taken into account at the level of collision frequency unique density prove to be crucial for the understanding of the reflection process. Subsequently, as physically expected, a profile is sufficient to obtain good agreement with the experimental data at all investigated optical laser frequencies. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Eating disorder symptoms in middle‐aged and older men
Authors: Mangweth‐Matzek Barbara , Kummer Kai K. , Pope Harrison G. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTObjectiveFew studies have assessed symptoms of eating disorders in older men.MethodWe administered anonymous questionnaires to 470 men, aged 40–75 years, in and around Innsbruck, Austria, to assess eating behavior, body image, and exercise activities. We defined current eating disorder symptoms (EDS) as (1) BMI < 18.5; (2) binge eating; (3) binge eating and purging; or (4) purging without binge eating.ResultsOf the 470 men, 32 (6.8%) reported one of the four eating disorder symptoms. The 32 men with eating disorder symptoms, compared to the 438 men with normal eating, showed significantly greater pathology on scales assessing eating behavior, exercise addiction, satisfaction with body shape, and weight. However, the EDE‐Q cutoff score for eating disturbance identified only three (9%) of the EDS men.DiscussionSymptoms of disordered eating, sometimes involving purging via excessive exercise, do occur in older men, and may be missed by conventional instruments. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.(Int J Eat Disord 2016; 49:953–957)
Environmental context and magnitude of disturbance influence trait‐mediated community responses to wastewater in streams
Authors: Burdon Francis J. , Reyes Marta , Alder Alfredo C. , Joss Adriano , Ort Christoph , Räsänen Katja , Jokela Jukka , Eggen Rik I.L. , Stamm Christian 
Published: May 2016

AbstractHuman land uses and population growth represent major global threats to biodiversity and ecosystem services. Understanding how biological communities respond to multiple drivers of human‐induced environmental change is fundamental for conserving ecosystems and remediating degraded habitats. Here, we used a replicated ‘real‐world experiment’ to study the responses of invertebrate communities to wastewater perturbations across a land‐use intensity gradient in 12 Swiss streams. We used different taxonomy and trait‐based community descriptors to establish the most sensitive indicators detecting impacts and to help elucidate potential causal mechanisms of change. First, we predicted that streams in catchments adversely impacted by human land‐uses would be less impaired by wastewater inputs because their invertebrate communities should be dominated by pollution‐tolerant taxa (‘environmental context’). Second, we predicted that the negative effects of wastewater on stream invertebrate communities should be larger in streams that receive proportionally more wastewater (‘magnitude of disturbance’). In support of the ‘environmental context’ hypothesis, we found that change in the Saprobic Index (a trait‐based indicator of tolerance to organic pollution) was associated with upstream community composition; communities in catchments with intensive agricultural land uses (e.g., arable cropping and pasture) were generally more resistant to eutrophication associated with wastewater inputs. We also found support for the ‘magnitude of disturbance’ hypothesis. The SPEAR Index (a trait‐based indicator of sensitivity to pesticides) was more sensitive to the relative input of effluent, suggesting that toxic influences of wastewater scale with dilution. Whilst freshwater pollution continues to be a major environmental problem, our findings highlight that the same anthropogenic pressure (i.e., inputs of wastewater) may induce different ecological responses depending on the environmental context and community metrics used. Thus, remediation strategies aiming to improve stream ecological status (e.g., rehabilitating degraded reaches) need to consider upstream anthropogenic influences and the most appropriate indicators of restoration success.
Density‐dependent diel activity in stream‐dwelling Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus
Authors: Fingerle Amy , Larranaga Nicolas , Steingrímsson Stefán Óli 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIntraspecific competition plays a significant role in shaping how animals use and share habitats in space and time. However, the way individuals may modify their diel activity in response to increased competition has received limited attention. We used juvenile (age 1+) Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus to test the prediction that individuals at high population density are more active and distribute their foraging activity over a greater portion of the 24‐h cycle than individuals at low population density. Individually tagged fish were stocked in seminatural stream enclosures at low (2 fish/m2) and high (6 fish/m2) density. During each of two 2‐week experimental rounds, activity of all fish within each enclosure was recorded every 3 h over seven 24‐h cycles. At high density, fish were more active and distributed their activity over a greater portion of the 24‐h cycle, with increased activity particularly at crepuscular times. Fluctuations in ecological conditions (e.g., water temperature and light intensity) also affected activity. Fish at high density grew as fast as fish at low density. This study demonstrates that individuals exhibit a degree of behavioral flexibility in their response to changes in ecological conditions and suggests that intraspecific competition can cause animals to modify temporal aspects of their activity to gain access to resources and maintain growth.
Uniting paradigms of connectivity in marine ecology
Authors: Brown Christopher J. , Harborne Alastair R. , Paris Claire B. , Mumby Peter J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe connectivity of marine organisms among habitat patches has been dominated by two independent paradigms with distinct conservation strategies. One paradigm is the dispersal of larvae on ocean currents, which suggests networks of marine reserves. The other is the demersal migration of animals from nursery to adult habitats, requiring the conservation of connected ecosystem corridors. Here, we suggest that a common driver, wave exposure, links larval and demersal connectivity across the seascape. To study the effect of linked connectivities on fish abundance at reefs, we parameterize a demographic model for The Bahamas seascape using maps of habitats, empirically forced models of wave exposure and spatially realistic three‐dimensional hydrological models of larval dispersal. The integrated empirical‐modeling approach enabled us to study linked connectivity on a scale not currently possible by purely empirical studies. We find sheltered environments not only provide greater nursery habitat for juvenile fish but larvae spawned on adjacent reefs have higher retention, thereby creating a synergistic increase in fish abundance. Uniting connectivity paradigms to consider all life stages simultaneously can help explain the evolution of nursery habitat use and simplifies conservation advice: Reserves in sheltered environments have desirable characteristics for biodiversity conservation and can support local fisheries through adult spillover.
Transgenerational effects and impact of compensatory responses to changes in breeding phenology on antipredator defenses
Authors: Orizaola Germán , Richter‐Boix Alex , Laurila Anssi 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAs organisms living in temperate environments often have only a short time window for growth and reproduction, their life‐history strategies are expected to be influenced by these time constraints. Parents may alter the pace of offspring life‐history as a response to changes in breeding phenology. However, the responses to changes in time constraints must be balanced with those against other stressors, such as predation, one of the strongest and more ubiquitous selective factors in nature. Here, after experimentally modifying the timing of breeding and hatching in the moor frog (Rana arvalis), we studied how compensatory responses to delayed breeding and hatching affect antipredator strategies in amphibian larvae. We examined the activity patterns, morphology and life‐history responses in tadpoles exposed to different combinations of breeding and hatching delays in the presence and absence of predators. We found clear evidence of adaptive transgenerational effects since tadpoles from delayed breeding treatments increased growth and development independently of predation risk. The presence of predators reduced tadpole activity, tadpoles from delayed breeding treatments maintaining lower activity than non‐delayed ones also in the absence of predators. Tadpoles reared with predators developed deeper tails and bodies, however, tadpoles from breeding delay treatments had reduced morphological defenses as compared to non‐delayed individuals. No significant effects of hatching delay were detected in this study. Our study reveals that amphibian larvae exposed to breeding delay develop compensatory life‐history responses even under predation risk, but these responses trade‐off with the development of morphological antipredator defenses. These results suggest that under strong time constraints organisms are selected to develop fast growth and development responses, and rely on lower activity rates as their main antipredator defense. Examining how responses to changes in phenology affect species interactions is highly relevant for better understanding ecological responses to climate change.