bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association between C‐reactive protein levels and the risk for chronic kidney disease hospitalizations in adults of a remote Indigenous Australian community – A prospective cohort study
Authors: Arnold Luke W , Hoy Wendy E , Wang Zhiqiang 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundIndigenous Australians are significantly burdened by chronic kidney disease (CKD). Elevated levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP) have been associated with diabetes and cardiovascular incidence in previous studies. Elevated CRP has been associated with albuminuria and reduced eGFR in cross‐sectional studies. This study investigated the long‐term predictive association between CRP measured at a baseline exam and the incidence of a CKD‐related hospitalization.MethodsHealth screening examinations were conducted in individuals of a remote indigenous Australian community between 1992 and 1998. The risk of subsequent CKD hospitalisations, documented through Northern Territory hospital records up to 2010, was estimated with Cox proportional hazard models in people aged over 18 years at the baseline screen and who had albumin‐creatinine ratios (ACRs) less than 34g/mol.Results546 participants were eligible for our study. Individuals in the highest CRP tertile at baseline had increased levels of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. They also had almost 4 times the risk of a CKD‐related hospitalisation compared with participants in the lowest CRP tertile (HR=3.91, 95%CI 1.01‐15.20, P=0.049) after adjustment for potential confounding factors. Participants with CRP concentrations greater than 3mg/L had almost 3 times the risk of CKD hospitalisations than those ≤3mg/L (HR=2.84, 95%CI 1.00‐8.00, P=0.049). Furthermore, risk of CKD hospitalisations increased 34% per doubling of baseline CRP (HR=1.34, 95%CI 1.04‐1.74, P=0.024).ConclusionIn individuals in this remote indigenous community without overt albuminuria at baseline the risk for incident CKD related hospitalisations was predicted by elevated C‐reactive protein levels almost a decade earlier. Further research is needed to understand the roles that CRP and systemic inflammation play in CKD risk.
Association between responsiveness to methoxy polyethylene glycol‐epoetin beta and renal survival in patients with non‐dialysis‐dependent chronic kidney disease: A pooled analysis of individual patient‐level data from clinical trials
Authors: Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Uemura Yukari , Hirakata Hideki , Kitazono Takanari , Tsubakihara Yoshiharu , Suzuki Masashi , Ohashi Yasuo 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimThe association between responsiveness to continuous erythropoietin‐receptor activator (CERA) and renal survival in patients with non‐dialysis‐dependent chronic kidney disease (NDD‐CKD) is uncertain.MethodsWe performed a pooled analysis of individual patient‐level data drawn from five clinical trials involving CERA administration. Based on the responsiveness to CERA, patients were classified into poor‐ or good‐response groups. Primary endpoints were defined as the initiation of dialysis or a 30% decrease in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from baseline. We set the landmark time point at 12 weeks after the start of CERA, from which we evaluated the time to the first renal event. The cumulative renal survival rates were calculated for each group using the Kaplan–Meier method. The adjusted hazard ratio was calculated using a stratified Cox regression model.ResultsOf 408 patients, 226 were analyzed. Haemoglobin levels and eGFRs were significantly lower in the poor‐response group (n = 113) than in the good‐response group (n = 113). Renal events occurred in 36.3% of the poor‐response group and in 23.0% of the good‐response group. The intergroup difference in renal survival rates was significant (log‐rank test, P = 0.03) and the adjusted hazard ratio was 1.71 (95% confidence interval, 1.03–2.83), indicating an unfavorable outcome in the poor‐response group.ConclusionHyporesponsiveness to CERA was associated with poor renal survival, consistent with the results of the conventional erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent (ESA). It is recommended that a randomized controlled trial on CERA use be performed in patients with NDD‐CKD with ESA‐hyporesponsive anaemia.
Preoperative warming and undesired surgical and anesthesia outcomes in pediatric spinal surgery—a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Görges Matthias , West Nicholas C. , Cheung Wesley , Zhou Guohai , Miyanji Firoz , Whyte Simon D. 
Published: June 2016

SummaryBackgroundUnderbody forced air warming is a method commonly used for intraoperative temperature maintenance in children. We previously reported that preoperative forced air warming of children undergoing spinal surgery substantially reduces the incidence and duration of intraoperative hypothermia (<36°C).ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of preoperative warming before spinal deformity surgery on surgical site infection rate, length of hospitalization, and bleeding (estimated blood loss and incidence of cell salvaged and/or allogeneic packed red blood cell transfusions).MethodsDemographic, anesthetic, and surgical data of all patients who underwent spinal deformity surgery between December 2009 and December 2012 were obtained by retrospective chart review. Temperature data were abstracted from an existing repository; the incidence and duration of hypothermic episodes were identified. For each outcome, logistic regression models and propensity score analysis were used to estimate the effect of prewarming, adjusted for potential confounders. The issue of missing data was handled by a multiple imputation method. Data from 334 procedures were used in modeling and propensity score stratification.ResultsAdjusted odds ratios for the effects of prewarming were 0.47 (95% CI 0.15–1.49) for surgical site infections; 0.89 (95% CI 0.55–1.41) for cell salvaged blood transfusion; 0.43 (95% CI 0.22–0.83) for allogeneic packed red blood cell transfusion; and 1.24 (95% CI 0.77–1.99) for a length of hospitalization >6 days. Adjusted mean decrease in estimated blood loss for prewarming was 72 (95% CI −29 to 173) ml.ConclusionIn this study, prewarming was associated with a reduction in allogeneic packed red blood cell transfusion. However, no causal relationship between prewarming and reduced allogeneic blood transfusion should be assumed. Prewarming was not associated with reductions in estimated blood loss, length of hospitalization, or the incidence of surgical site infection.
The WNT‐less wonder: WNT‐independent β‐catenin signaling
Authors: Aktary Zackie , Bertrand Juliette U. , Larue Lionel 
Published: June 2016

Summaryβ‐catenin is known as an Armadillo protein that regulates gene expression following WNT pathway activation. However, WNT‐independent pathways also activate β‐catenin. During the establishment of the melanocyte lineage, β‐catenin plays an important role. In the context of physiopathology, β‐catenin is activated genetically or transiently in various cancers, including melanoma, where it can be found in the nucleus of tumors. In this review, we discuss alternative pathways that activate β‐catenin independent of WNTs and highlight what is known regarding these pathways in melanoma. We also discuss the role of β‐catenin as a transcriptional regulator in various cell types, with emphasis on the different transcription factors it associates with independent of WNT induction. Finally, the role of WNT‐independent β‐catenin in melanocyte development and melanomagenesis is also discussed.
Donor–recipient height ratio and outcomes in pediatric heart transplantation
Authors: Patel Anjlee , Bock Matthew J. , Wollstein Adi , Nguyen Khanh , Malerba Stefano , Lytrivi Irene D. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractHeight matching in pediatric HTx has been proposed as a superior method of evaluating graft size, but no studies have examined survival advantage for height‐matched donor–recipient pairs. We hypothesized that in pediatric patients with DCM, an oversized donor improves survival and aimed to define the optimal height ratio in this patient group. Pediatric primary HTx recipients with DCM between 10/89 and 09/12 were identified in the OPTN database. Patients were stratified into three donor–recipient height and weight ratio categories. One‐ and five‐yr survival was compared using Kaplan–Meier analysis and HRs were computed. A total of 2133 children with DCM who underwent HTx during the study period were included. Unadjusted one‐yr survival was worse for DRHR <0.87 (HR, 2.15 [95% CL, 1.30, 3.53]; p < 0.01). This difference was not present at five yr post‐HTx or when stratified by weight. After adjustment for other risk factors affecting transplant survival, height matching was no longer significant. Although height matching appears to predict short‐term survival better than weight in pediatric HTx recipients with DCM, other factors play a more important role as height matching loses significance in multivariate analysis.
Generation of Highly Accurate Digital Elevation Models with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Reshetyuk Yuriy , Mårtensson Stig‐Göran 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIn order to investigate the possibilities for the generation of digital elevation models with a height uncertainty of 20 mm or less using unmanned aerial vehicles, a survey with a fixed‐wing aircraft was carried out over a gravel quarry in Gävle, Sweden. At flying heights of about 80 and 160 m, the resulting imagery had ground sample distances of 24 and 50 mm, respectively. The data was processed in two different software suites – computer‐vision‐based PhotoScan and photogrammetric RapidStation/RapidTerrain. The results show that PhotoScan was more effective in flat terrain, with height uncertainties of 10 and 17 mm compared with 30 to 40 mm for RapidTerrain, whereas the latter had a clear advantage over undulating terrain.
Photogrammetric Terminology: Third Edition
Authors: Granshaw Stuart I. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThis contribution offers a considerably expanded and updated version of “Photogrammetric Terminology: Second Edition” (2012), which was adopted as an official document of the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS). The aim is to assist authors and editors in preparing contributions for publication and readers in the wider geomatics community in understanding current photogrammetric terms and abbreviations.
Ultra low dose CT screen‐detected non‐malignant incidental findings in the Western Australian Asbestos Review Programme
Authors: Murray Conor P. , Wong Patrick M. , Teh Joelin , de Klerk Nick , Rosenow Tim , Alfonso Helman , Reid Alison , Franklin Peter , Musk A. W. (Bill) , Brims Fraser J. H. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackground and objectiveComputed tomography (CT)‐based studies of asbestos‐exposed individuals report a high prevalence of lung cancer, but the utility of low dose CT (LDCT) to screen asbestos‐exposed populations is not established. We aimed to describe the prevalence of indeterminate pulmonary nodules and incidental findings on chest LDCT of asbestos‐exposed subjects in Western Australia.MethodsA total of 906 subjects from the Western Australian Asbestos Review Programme underwent LDCT of the chest as part of regular annual review. An indeterminate (solid) nodule was defined as >50 mm3 and part‐solid/non‐solid nodules >5 mm. The presence of asbestos‐related diseases was recorded with a standardized report.ResultsSubjects were mostly (81%) men with a median age of 70 years. Fifty‐eight (6.5%) participants were current smokers, 511 (56.4%) ex‐smokers and 325 (36.4%) never‐smokers. One hundred and four indeterminate nodules were detected in 77 subjects (8.5%); of these, eight cases had confirmed lung cancer (0.88%). Eighty‐seven subjects (9.6%) had incidental findings that required further investigation, 42 (4.6%) from lower airways inflammation. The majority of nodules were solid, 4–6 mm and more common with age. Five hundred and eighty (64%) subjects had pleural plaques, and 364 (40.2%) had evidence of interstitial lung disease.ConclusionThe prevalence of LDCT‐detected indeterminate lung nodules in 906 individuals with significant asbestos exposure was 8.5%, lower than many other CT studies. Clinically important incidental findings were found in 9.4%, predominantly related to lower respiratory tract inflammation. LDCT appears to effectively describe asbestos‐related diseases and is likely to be an acceptable modality to monitor asbestos‐exposed individuals.
Primary aragonite and high‐Mg calcite in the late Cambrian (Furongian). Potential evidence from marine carbonates in Oman
Authors: Neilson Joyce E. , Brasier Alexander T. , North Colin P. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractTransient aragonite seas occurred in the early Cambrian but several models suggest the late Cambrian was a time of calcite seas. Here, evidence is presented from the Andam Group, Huqf High, Oman (Gondwana) that suggests a transient Furongian (late Cambrian) aragonite sea, characterized by the precipitation of aragonite and high‐Mg calcite ooids and aragonite isopachous, fibrous, cements. Stable carbon isotope data suggest that precipitation occurred just before and during the SPICE (Steptoean Positive Carbonate Isotope Excursion). Aragonite and high‐Mg calcite precipitation can be accounted for if mMg:Ca ratios were around 1.2 given the very high atmospheric CO2 at that time and if precipitation occurred in warm waters associated with the SPICE. This, together with reported occurrences of early Furongian aragonite ooids from various locations in North America (Laurentia), suggests that aragonite and high‐Mg calcite precipitation from seawater may have been more than just a local phenomenon.
Diarrhoea in children under five years of age in South Africa (1997–2014)
Authors: Awotiwon Oluwatoyin F. , Pillay‐van Wyk Victoria , Dhansay Ali , Day Candy , Bradshaw Debbie 
Published: June 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo present evidence from available reliable published data on the prevalence, incidence and severity of diarrhoea in children aged under five years in South Africa.MethodsWe searched seven electronic databases. Two reviewers assessed the studies independently and extracted outcome data. The heterogeneity of the studies did not allow for a meta‐analysis.ResultsWe found only one nationally representative study conducted in 1998 reporting a diarrhoea prevalence of 13% in children under five. Other studies were conducted in smaller settings across the country. Diarrhoea incidence was 10.13 per 1000 person years in children admitted to a tertiary hospital. Three studies reported severity of diarrhoea; however, they differed across study settings and time period.ConclusionThe paucity of nationally representative prevalence data for SA necessitates more national surveys with standardised data‐collection methods to allow for more effective comparisons.
Metabolomic prediction of yield in hybrid rice
Authors: Xu Shizhong , Xu Yang , Gong Liang , Zhang Qifa 
Published: June 2016

SummaryRice (Oryza sativa) provides a staple food source for more than 50% of the world's population. An increase in yield can significantly contribute to global food security. Hybrid breeding can potentially help to meet this goal because hybrid rice often shows a considerable increase in yield when compared with pure‐bred cultivars. We recently developed a marker‐guided prediction method for hybrid yield and showed a substantial increase in yield through genomic hybrid breeding. We now have transcriptomic and metabolomic data as potential resources for prediction. Using six prediction methods, including least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP), stochastic search variable selection, partial least squares, and support vector machines using the radial basis function and polynomial kernel function, we found that the predictability of hybrid yield can be further increased using these omic data. LASSO and BLUP are the most efficient methods for yield prediction. For high heritability traits, genomic data remain the most efficient predictors. When metabolomic data are used, the predictability of hybrid yield is almost doubled compared with genomic prediction. Of the 21 945 potential hybrids derived from 210 recombinant inbred lines, selection of the top 10 hybrids predicted from metabolites would lead to a ~30% increase in yield. We hypothesize that each metabolite represents a biologically built‐in genetic network for yield; thus, using metabolites for prediction is equivalent to using information integrated from these hidden genetic networks for yield prediction.
Hikui disease in nine koi carp (Cyprinus carpio): first description of a cutaneous perivascular wall tumour
Authors: Sirri Rubina , Pretto Tobia , Montesi Francesco , Berton Valeria , Mandrioli Luciana , Barbé Tim 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundHikui disease is a well known disfiguring disease of koi carp (Cyprinus carpio) primarily affecting fish with red pigmentation. It causes light orange to golden yellow, multifocal to coalescing raised patches, starting from the red cutaneous areas. Some cases respond to surgery or topical treatment, but recurrence is common.ObjectivesTo describe the clinical and pathological presentation of Hikui disease and its cause.AnimalsNine affected koi carp belonging to private hobbyists.MethodsEight fish underwent surgery or biopsy; one was euthanized. Tissues were submitted for histology, immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy.ResultsFive fish showed typical lesions of Hikui disease, whereas four fish showed an atypical presentation characterized by focal or multifocal, oedematous, dark red cutaneous plaques or nodules. Histology showed unencapsulated, infiltrating and densely cellular neoplasms composed of spindle cells arranged in bundles, rows and whorls frequently centred on capillaries. Immunohistochemistry for smooth muscle actin labelled neoplastic cells in all cases. Ultrastructure showed neoplastic cells with slender cytoplasmic processes encircling the capillaries, a thin basal membrane and occasional plasmalemmal vesicles.Conclusions and clinical importanceAll of the data supported a neoplastic process producing perivascular wall tumours. Immunoreactivity to smooth muscle actin and the ultrastructural features were indicative of a pericyte origin (haemangiopericytoma). This is the first report dealing with Hikui disease that has achieved a conclusive diagnosis. The neoplastic nature of this condition suggests the potential usefulness of a surgical approach in the clinical management of less severe cases.
Erythropoietin to reduce allogeneic red blood cell transfusion in patients undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty
Authors: Voorn V. M. A. , van der Hout A. , So‐Osman C. , Vliet Vlieland T. P. M. , Nelissen R. G. H. H. , van den Akker‐van Marle M. E. , Dahan A. , Marang‐van de Mheen P. J. , van Bodegom‐Vos L. 
Published: June 2016

Background and ObjectivesTo determine the value of erythropoietin in reducing allogeneic transfusions, it is important to assess the effects, safety and costs for individual indications. Previous studies neither compared the effects of erythropoietin between total hip and total knee arthroplasty, nor evaluated the safety or costs. We performed a meta‐analysis to assess the effects of erythropoietin in total hip and knee arthroplasty separately. Safety and costs were evaluated as secondary outcomes.Materials and MethodsA systematic literature search was performed to identify randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of erythropoietin in total hip and knee arthroplasty until April 2014. Study data were extracted using standardized forms and pooled using a random‐effects model. Strength of the evidence was evaluated using Cochrane's Collaboration's tool for risk of bias assessment.ResultsSeven studies were included (2439 patients). Erythropoietin significantly reduced exposure to allogeneic transfusion in both hip (RR 0·45; 95%CI 0·33–0·61) and knee (RR 0·38; 95%CI 0·27–0·53) arthroplasty, without differences between indications (P = 0·44). Mean number of transfused red blood cell units was significantly decreased in erythropoietin‐treated patients (mean difference −0·57; 95%CI −0·86 to −0·29)(unable to split). No differences in thromboembolic or adverse events were found. Only one study evaluated costs, so that no pooled cost‐effectiveness estimates could be given.ConclusionErythropoietin is effective in both hip and knee arthroplasty and can be considered as safe. However, the decision to use erythropoietin on a routine base should be balanced against its costs, which may be relatively high.
Barriers and motivations to voluntary blood donation in sub‐Saharan African settings: a literature review
Authors: Burzynski E. S. , Nam S. L. , Le Voir R. 
Published: June 2016

Background and ObjectivesVoluntary blood donor recruitment and retention in sub‐Saharan Africa needs to be strengthened. To do this, an understanding of the factors underpinning people's willingness or refusal to donate is essential; yet there has been little attention to these in sub‐Saharan African contexts. This overview of studies explores attitudes of blood donors, non‐donors and potential donors towards voluntary blood donation in a range of sub‐Saharan African settings.Materials and MethodsA structured literature search was conducted between January and May 2014 based on the Overseas Development Institute's evidence‐focused literature review methodology.ResultsThe review identified 22 individual studies across ten countries in sub‐Saharan Africa. The main barriers to donation related to health concerns and fears and to a lack of knowledge; socio‐cultural and practical barriers were less dominant. Important motivating factors included saving a relative, friend or other person's life, and access to adequate information. Across the studies, respondents reported eagerness to receive a range of incentives besides money.ConclusionMultiple barriers and motivations to donation exist in sub‐Saharan Africa, many of which are common to developed countries. Variations between settings highlight the importance of context‐specific evidence to inform donor recruitment and retention strategies.
A retrospective study of cryopreserved umbilical cord as an adjunctive therapy to promote the healing of chronic, complex foot ulcers with underlying osteomyelitis
Authors: Caputo Wayne J. , Vaquero Carina , Monterosa Alexis , Monterosa Patricia , Johnson Edward , Beggs Donald , Fahoury George J. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractComplex lower extremity ulcers with exposed bone, tendon, muscle, and/or joint capsule as well as multiple comorbidities including diabetes, ischemia, and underlying osteomyelitis are difficult to heal and associated with high morbidity and mortality and high rates of amputation. A retrospective review was performed to assess healing of 31 patients presenting with 33 complex foot ulcers with a confirmed histopathological diagnosis of osteomyelitis treated by the same surgeon at a single wound care center by the following treatment regimen: sharp debridement, resection of infected bone when necessary, open cortex, antibiotics, and application of cryopreserved umbilical cord (cUC). The average ulcer size was 15.6 ± 17.7 cm2 (0.4–73.95 cm2). Overall, 26 out of the 33 wounds achieved complete closure (78.8%). Five patients were lost to follow‐up and one patient expired during the course of treatment, not believed to be treatment related. Of the remaining 27 wounds in patients not lost to follow‐up, 26 achieved complete healing with an average time to healing of 16 weeks and an average of 1.24 applications of cUC. The results suggest that cUC used as an adjunctive tissue therapy in conjunction with surgical debridement, resection of infected bone, open cortex, and antibiotic treatment may be an effective overall treatment strategy to promote wound healing of complex foot ulcers associated with osteomyelitis. The preliminary results are encouraging and warrant further randomized control studies to determine whether cUC might help address such an unmet medical need.