bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel insights into early neuroanatomical evolution in penguins from the oldest described penguin brain endocast
Authors: Proffitt J. V. , Clarke J. A. , Scofield R. P. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractDigital methodologies for rendering the gross morphology of the brain from X‐ray computed tomography data have expanded our current understanding of the origin and evolution of avian neuroanatomy and provided new perspectives on the cognition and behavior of birds in deep time. However, fossil skulls germane to extracting digital endocasts from early stem members of extant avian lineages remain exceptionally rare. Data from early‐diverging species of major avian subclades provide key information on ancestral morphologies in Aves and shifts in gross neuroanatomical structure that have occurred within those groups. Here we describe data on the gross morphology of the brain from a mid‐to‐late Paleocene penguin fossil from New Zealand. This most basal and geochronologically earliest‐described endocast from the penguin clade indicates that described neuroanatomical features of early stem penguins, such as lower telencephalic lateral expansion, a relatively wider cerebellum, and lack of cerebellar folding, were present far earlier in penguin history than previously inferred. Limited dorsal expansion of the wulst in the new fossil is a feature seen in outgroup waterbird taxa such as Gaviidae (Loons) and diving Procellariiformes (Shearwaters, Diving Petrels, and allies), indicating that loss of flight may not drastically affect neuroanatomy in diving taxa. Wulst enlargement in the penguin lineage is first seen in the late Eocene, at least 25 million years after loss of flight and cooption of the flight stroke for aquatic diving. Similar to the origin of avian flight, major shifts in gross brain morphology follow, but do not appear to evolve quickly after, acquisition of a novel locomotor mode. Enlargement of the wulst shows a complex pattern across waterbirds, and may be linked to sensory modifications related to prey choice and foraging strategy.
Refusal to participate in heart failure studies: do age and gender matter?
Authors: Harrison Jordan M , Jung Miyeon , Lennie Terry A , Moser Debra K , Smith Dean G , Dunbar Sandra B , Ronis David L , Koelling Todd M , Giordani Bruno , Riley Penny L , Pressler Susan J 
Published: February 2016

Aims and objectivesThe objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate reasons heart failure patients decline study participation, to inform interventions to improve enrollment.BackgroundFailure to enrol older heart failure patients (age > 65) and women in studies may lead to sampling bias, threatening study validity.DesignThis study was a retrospective analysis of refusal data from four heart failure studies that enrolled 788 patients in four states.MethodsChi‐Square and a pooled t‐test were computed to analyse refusal data (n = 300) obtained from heart failure patients who were invited to participate in one of the four studies but declined.ResultsRefusal reasons from 300 patients (66% men, mean age 65·33) included: not interested (n = 163), too busy (n = 64), travel burden (n = 50), too sick (n = 38), family problems (n = 14), too much commitment (n = 13) and privacy concerns (n = 4). Chi‐Square analyses showed no differences in frequency of reasons (p > 0·05) between men and women. Patients who refused were older, on average, than study participants.ConclusionsSome reasons were patient‐dependent; others were study‐dependent. With ‘not interested’ as the most common reason, cited by over 50% of patients who declined, recruitment measures should be targeted at stimulating patients’ interest. Additional efforts may be needed to recruit older participants. However, reasons for refusal were consistent regardless of gender.Relevance to clinical practiceHeart failure researchers should proactively approach a greater proportion of women and patients over age 65. With no gender differences in type of reasons for refusal, similar recruitment strategies can be used for men and women. However, enrolment of a representative proportion of women in heart failure studies has proven elusive and may require significant effort from researchers. Employing strategies to stimulate interest in studies is essential for recruiting heart failure patients, who overwhelmingly cited lack of interest as the top reason for refusal.
Nurses’ clinical decision‐making for preserving nursing home residents’ remaining abilities
Authors: Kim Hyun Ju , Choi Jung Eun , Kim Mi So , Kim Su Jin , Chang Sung Ok 
Published: February 2016

Aims and objectivesThis study was conducted to clarify and conceptualise nurses’ clinical decision‐making for preserving the remaining abilities of nursing home residents suffering from physical‐cognitive functional decline.BackgroundOlder adults experience physical, psychological and social changes, but their remaining abilities differ across individuals.DesignThis study used a qualitative research to gain a deeper understanding of nursing homes nurses’ clinical decision‐making.MethodsIn‐depth interviews with 32 experienced nurses were undertaken. The data were analysed using conventional content analysis.ResultsSix categories and 58 subcategories of nursing practice related to managing the remaining abilities of residents with physical‐cognitive functional decline were generated. The results of this study revealed five themes: (1) seeing residents’ potential, (2) physical, emotional and psychosocial care in daily routines, (3) keeping personalised charts, (4) encouraging, promoting and physical and emotional support and (5) preparing residents for more independent living. The results were categorised into nurses’ personal strategies based on their experience, practical nursing knowledge, nursing interventions and nursing evaluation criteria.ConclusionsThe themes reflected positive views on the residents’ functional abilities and the nursing homes nurses’ perception that their goal was to help residents achieve their highest level of independence.Relevance to clinical practicePreserving nursing home residents’ remaining abilities represents nurses’ optimistic view of residents’ functional status. Routine care tailored for preserving the remaining abilities of individual nursing home residents with physical‐cognitive functional decline is needed. Preserving the remaining abilities of nursing home resident is supported by therapeutic interactions including close contact as well as physical and emotional support. Nurses’ main goal in working with residents with remaining abilities is improving their independence.
Combined reconstructive surgery involving uterosacral colpopexy and anterior vaginal mesh implantation for pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Hamuro A. , Tachibana D. , Wang H. , Hayashi M. , Yanai S. , Kurihara Y. , Misugi T. , Katayama H. , Nakano A. , Koyama M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimThe optimal treatment for pelvic organ prolapse has been the subject of much discussion. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of a combination of uterosacral colpopexy and anterior vaginal mesh implantation.MethodsA single‐center prospective cohort study was conducted. Twenty‐eight patients with stage III–IV cystocele and uterine prolapse underwent reconstructive surgery. A combination of vaginal hysterectomy, McCall culdeplasty, and trocar‐guided anterior vaginal mesh implantation was performed, and the patients' postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Patient satisfaction was investigated using the modified Short Form 12 version 2 (SF‐12v2) questionnaire, and interviews regarding sexual behavior were conducted at 1 postoperative year.ResultsA bladder injury occurred during the dissection in one case (3.6%). Recurrent vaginal vault prolapse beyond the hymen was observed in one patient (cure rate: 96.4%), and further mesh augmentation was required in this case. Another patient developed mild cystocele (Ba = 0), but was simply observed because she did not complain of any symptoms caused by vaginal descent. We did not experience any other mesh‐related complications, such as protrusion, chronic pain, or chronic inflammation, during the follow‐up period. The patients' modified SF‐12 scores at 12 months were significantly better than their preoperative scores in all eight domains.ConclusionThe satisfactory correction of pelvic organ prolapse was achieved using a combination of vaginal hysterectomy and uterosacral ligament colpopexy augmented by anterior vaginal mesh implantation. © 2016 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Long‐term outcome of patients with persistent low‐level elevation of human chorionic gonadotrophin
Authors: Qian Xue‐qian , Chen Li‐li , Li Bao‐hua , Cheng Xiao‐dong , Wan Xiao‐yun 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to investigate a series of patients with sustained low‐level elevated human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and explore the management of these patients.MethodsA total of 47 patients with persistent low levels of hCG were selected for analysis between January 2002 and January 2014 at the Women's Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. Data were retrospectively reviewed for patient characteristics, therapeutic strategies, and follow‐ups. We compared the characteristics of patients who were and were not eventually considered to have malignancies.ResultsAmong the 47 patients, 17 with persistent low‐level elevated hCG and no detectable lesions were considered to have no active malignancy. Fifteen of the 17 patients had hCG levels that returned to normal range by the end of follow‐up, while the remaining two did not. The other 30 patients were eventually diagnosed as having active malignancies due to detected lesions or increasing elevation of hCG. A large proportion of these patients were diagnosed with placental site trophoblastic tumor or epithelioid trophoblastic tumor.ConclusionFor patients with persistent low‐level elevated hCG, frequent follow‐up rather than any therapy is recommended. Treatment was considered effective and safe once diagnosis of active malignancy was confirmed.
Vaginal cancer possibly caused by pessary and immunocompromised condition: Multiple risk factors may influence vaginal cancer development
Authors: Akino Nana , Wada‐Hiraike Osamu , Matsumoto Yoko , Arimoto Takahide , Oda Katsutoshi , Kawana Kei , Osuga Yutaka , Fujii Tomoyuki 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPrimary cancer of the vagina is a rare entity, comprising only 1–2% of all gynecologic malignancies. Infection of human papillomavirus, immunocompromised condition, and chronic irritation of the vagina by prolonged pessary usage are known to contribute to the development of vaginal cancer. We experienced a rare case of vaginal cancer that occurred after usage of a vaginal pessary while the patient was prescribed with oral prednisolone for idiopathic interstitial pneumonia. Previous reports of vaginal cancer that occurred after pessary usage are mostly neglected pessaries, but in this case the patient was managed properly. We suspect that her immunocompromised condition, as well as her pessary usage, may have accelerated the development of vaginal cancer. The presence of multiple risk factors could be related to the pathogenesis of vaginal cancer, and therefore proper management is required after pessary insertion for uterine prolapse treatment.
Urinary retention and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) secondary to impacted gravid uterus
Authors: Irani M. , Fisher N. , Mor A. , Bensinger G. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractUrinary retention is an emergency that rarely occurs during pregnancy. Previous case reports have suggested multiple risk factors that can cause the gravid uterus to become impacted in the pelvis leading to lower bladder or urethral compression with subsequent urinary retention. However, no cases of urinary obstruction in a pregnancy that was complicated with severe electrolyte imbalance have been reported. To our knowledge, we report the first case of a 31‐year‐old woman presenting at 8 weeks’ gestation with acute urinary retention caused by a retroflexed, retroverted uterus with a 6‐cm posterior uterine fibroid leading to syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion and severe hyponatremia requiring intensive care unit admission. The cornerstones of effective management of urinary retention should include: (i) urgent bladder catheterization; (ii) assessment of sodium levels to rule out syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, and prompt treatment before neurological damage occurs; (iii) reduction of the impacted uterus; and (iv) monitoring for post‐obstructive diuresis.
Cervical varix complicated by placenta previa: A case report and literature review
Authors: Tanaka Mie , Matsuzaki Shinya , Kumasawa Keiichi , Suzuki Yosuke , Endo Masayuki , Kimura Tadashi 
Published: February 2016

AbstractUterine cervical varix is rare, and its clinical course is poorly understood. Therefore, we present a case report of cervical varix complicating placenta previa before describing our findings in the context of an electronic database search of relevant reports. In the case report, we describe the clinical course and imaging results of a 35‐year‐old woman who was diagnosed with cervical varix complicated by placenta previa. Investigation by magnetic resonance imaging, serial ultrasonography, and speculum confirmed the diagnosis, and a healthy baby was successfully delivered at 36 weeks of gestation by cesarean section. An electronic search identified nine previous cases of cervical varix complicated by placenta previa in the literature. Clinicians should be aware of cervical varices when managing placenta previa to avoid iatrogenic rupture or misdiagnosis of placenta accreta by magnetic resonance imaging.
Spatial and temporal patterns of herbaceous primary production in semi‐arid shrublands: a remote sensing approach
Authors: Blanco Lisandro J. , Paruelo José M. , Oesterheld Martín , Biurrun Fernando N. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractQuestionsCan herbaceous above‐ground net primary production (ANPP) be estimated from remote sensing when woody and herbaceous plants are intermingled? How does herbaceous ANPP change in space and time in an ecosystem dominated by woody species? What are the main controls of herbaceous ANPP to paddock scale?LocationNative plant communities and buffelgrass roller chopped pastures of the Arid Chaco, western Argentina (28–32° S, 64–67° W; area: 100 000 km2).MethodsWe decomposed normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data from MODIS (pixel size: 250 m × 250 m) into woody (W) and herbaceous (H) components. We calibrated the relationship between field estimates of herbaceous ANPP and the H component of NDVI using linear regression. The regression model fitted was applied to a 10‐yr MODIS database for four paddocks to estimate herbaceous ANPP. We analysed the relationship between herbaceous ANPP and watering point distance and growing season precipitation.ResultsThe annual integral of NDVI × proportion of the herbaceous component [H/(H + W)] explained 71% and 91% of herbaceous ANPP variation in native plant communities and buffelgrass roller chopped pastures, respectively. The regression model fitted, however, differed (P < 0.05) between the two types of system. The NDVI annual integral explained a higher proportion of herbaceous ANPP variations than the NDVI annual peak or the growing season (December–April) integral. For native plant communities, herbaceous production increased significantly (P < 0.05) with watering point distance, and marginally significantly (P < 0.10) with growing season precipitation. For buffelgrass roller chopped pastures, the herbaceous production increased significantly (P < 0.05) with growing season precipitation.ConclusionOur model was able to estimate herbaceous ANPP from the decomposition of an NDVI time series that included woody components. Thus, the model provides the basis for more accurate monitoring of spatial and temporal variability of herbaceous ANPP in areas where herbaceous and woody plant components co‐exist. Applying our models, we detected clear spatial and temporal patterns of herbaceous ANPP. The possibility of describing in a spatially explicit way the past 14 yrs of herbaceous ANPP allows designing livestock management strategies and devise alternatives to control degradation processes in the Arid Chaco.
Decompensated cirrhosis may be a risk factor for adverse events in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
Authors: Inamdar Sumant , Berzin Tyler M. , Berkowitz Joshua , Sejpal Divyesh V. , Sawhney Mandeep S. , Chutanni Ram , Pleskow Douglas K. , Trindade Arvind J. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackground and AimsThere are limited data regarding the safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in cirrhosis. The current literature consists of small series totalling less than 225 patients.MethodsRetrospective matched cohort study of the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) for 2009. We compared adverse events of cirrhotic patients who underwent ERCP (n = 1930) with a matched control group that consisted of randomly selected non‐cirrhotic patients who underwent ERCP (n = 5790). An additional control group, to measure cirrhosis‐related adverse events, consisted of cirrhotic patients undergoing non‐pancreaticobiliary endoscopy.ResultsERCP‐associated adverse events of post‐ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) (8.3% vs. 5.5%) and bleeding (2.3% vs. 1.0%) were more common in the cirrhosis cohort vs. the non‐cirrhosis cohort (all P < 0.05). In subgroup analysis, compensated cirrhotic patients (n = 1308) had a similar adverse event profile to non‐cirrhotic controls except for a slightly higher rate of PEP (7.7% vs. 5.5%; P < 0.05). However, decompensated cirrhotic patients (n = 622) had statistically significant higher rates of PEP (9.7% vs. 5.5%) and bleeding (4.3% vs. 1.0%), compared with non‐cirrhotic controls respectively (P < 0.05). In regard to cirrhosis‐related adverse events, cirrhotic patients undergoing ERCP were more likely to develop bacterial peritonitis vs. cirrhotic patients undergoing non‐pancreaticobiliary endoscopy (2.2% vs. 1.1%; P < 0.005).ConclusionERCP adverse events were statistically higher among patients with decompensated cirrhosis. This increased risk needs to be confirmed with prospective studies. A thorough risk/benefit assessment should be performed prior to performing ERCP in decompensated cirrhotic patients.
Enhalus acoroides responses to experimental shoot density reductions in Haad Chao Mai National Park, Trang Province, Thailand
Authors: Rattanachot Ekkalak , Short Frederick T. , Prathep Anchana 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe effect of self‐shading and competition for light in the seagrass Enhalus acoroides were investigated with a density reduction experiment in Haad Chao Mai National Park, Trang Province, Thailand. The study was carried out in a monospecific meadow with a natural density of 141.0 ± 8.7 shoots·m−2. The intent was to determine the response of E. acoroides beds to loss of shoots and thinning, which often occur during typhoons and severe storm activity. Permanent quadrats were manipulated by clipping the seagrass shoots to 140, 72, 36 and 16 shoots·m−2, to yield natural, 50%, 25% and 10% densities, respectively. Reducing shoot density in E. acoroides increased underwater light intensity below the canopy, generating increased leaf surface area and shoot weight. Seagrass leaf width, growth rate, and number of leaves per shoot also increased with greater light. The extent of flowering varied among treatments with no consistent trend. Our results demonstrate that increasing the available light to E. acoroides produces an increasing leaf size response as self‐shading in the bed is reduced.
Fine‐tuning of choline metabolism is important for pneumococcal colonization
Authors: Johnston Calum , Hauser Christoph , Hermans Peter W. M. , Martin Bernard , Polard Patrice , Bootsma Hester J. , Claverys Jean‐Pierre 
Published: February 2016

SummaryThe human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) is rare in having a strict requirement for the amino alcohol choline, which decorates pneumococcal teichoic acids. This process relies on the lic locus, containing the lic1 and lic2 operons. These operons produce eight proteins that import and metabolize choline, generate teichoic acid precursors and decorate these with choline. Three promoters control expression of lic operons, with Plic1P1 and Plic1P2 controlling lic1 and Plic2 controlling lic2. To investigate the importance of lic regulation for pneumococci, we assayed the activity of transcriptional fusions of the three lic promoters to the luciferase reporter gene. Plic1P1, whose activity depends on the response regulator CiaR, responded to fluctuations in extracellular choline, with activity increasing greatly upon choline depletion. We uncovered a complex regulatory mechanism controlling Plic1P1, involving activity driven by CiaR, repression by putative repressor LicR in the presence of choline, and derepression upon choline depletion mediated by LicC, a choline metabolism enzyme. Finally, the ability to regulate Plic1P1 in response to choline was important for pneumococcal colonization. We suggest that derepression of Plic1P1 upon choline depletion maximizing choline internalization constitutes an adaptive response mechanism allowing pneumococci to optimize growth and survival in environments where choline is scarce.
The plant response induced in wheat ears by a combined attack of Sitobion avenae aphids and Fusarium graminearum boosts fungal infection and deoxynivalenol production
Authors: De Zutter Nathalie , Audenaert Kris , Ameye Maarten , De Boevre Marthe , De Saeger Sarah , Haesaert Geert , Smagghe Guy 
Published: February 2016

SummaryThe pathogen Fusarium graminearum, producer of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol, and Sitobion avenae aphids both reside on wheat ears. We explored the influence of an earlier aphid infestation on the expression profile of specific molecular markers associated with F. graminearum infection. Using reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, we followed the expression of wheat defence genes on S. avenae infestation and explored the effect on a subsequent F. graminearum infection. This was performed by the assessment of disease symptoms, fungal biomass, mycotoxin production and number of aphids at several time points during disease progress. Wheat ears infected with F. graminearum showed more disease symptoms and higher deoxynivalenol levels when ears were pre‐exposed to aphids relative to a sole inoculation with F. graminearum. Aphids induced defence genes that are typically induced on F. graminearum infection. Other defence genes showed earlier and/or enhanced transcription after exposure to both aphids and F. graminearum. In the discussion, we link the symptomatic and epidemiological parameters with the transcriptional induction pattern in the plant. Our study suggests that pre‐exposure of wheat ears to aphids affects the plant response, which plays a role in the subsequent attack of F. graminearum, enabling the fungus to colonize wheat ears more rapidly.