bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term decision regret after post‐prostatectomy image‐guided intensity‐modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Shakespeare Thomas P , Chin Stephen , Manuel Lucy , Wen Shelly , Hoffman Matthew , Wilcox Shea W , Aherne Noel J 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIntroductionDecision regret (DR) may occur when a patient believes their outcome would have been better if they had decided differently about their management. Although some studies investigate DR after treatment for localised prostate cancer, none report DR in patients undergoing surgery and post‐prostatectomy radiotherapy. We evaluated DR in this group of patients overall, and for specific components of therapy.MethodsWe surveyed 83 patients, with minimum 5 years follow‐up, treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) and post‐prostatectomy image‐guided intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IG‐IMRT) to 64–66 Gy following www.EviQ.org.au protocols. A validated questionnaire identified DR if men either indicated that they would have been better off had they chosen another treatment, or they wished they could change their mind about treatment.ResultsThere was an 85.5% response rate, with median follow‐up post‐IMRT 78 months. Adjuvant IG‐IMRT was used in 28% of patients, salvage in 72% and ADT in 48%. A total of 70% of patients remained disease‐free. Overall, 16.9% of patients expressed DR for treatment, with fourfold more regret for the RP component of treatment compared to radiotherapy (16.9% vs 4.2%, P = 0.01). DR for androgen deprivation was 14.3%. Patients were regretful of surgery due to toxicity, not being adequately informed about radiotherapy as an alternative, positive margins and surgery costs (83%, 33%, 25% and 8% of regretful patients respectively). Toxicity caused DR in the three radiotherapy‐regretful and four ADT‐regretful patients. Patients were twice as regretful overall, and of surgery, for salvage vs adjuvant approaches (both 19.6% vs 10.0%).ConclusionDecision regret after RP and post‐prostatectomy IG‐IMRT is uncommon, although patients regret RP more than post‐operative IG‐IMRT. This should reassure urologists referring patients for post‐prostatectomy IG‐IMRT, particularly in the immediate adjuvant setting. Other implications include appropriate patient selection for RP (and obtaining clear margins), and ensuring adequately discussing definitive radiotherapy as an alternative to surgery.
Estimates of avian collision with power lines and carcass disappearance across differing environments
Authors: Costantini D. , Gustin M. , Ferrarini A. , Dell'Omo G. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractData on collisions of birds with high‐voltage electric power lines are scarce and are often gathered without protocols for the correction of carcass disappearance. There is actually growing awareness that it is important to accomplish carcass removal trials in order to develop correction factors for producing adjusted estimates of mortality due to collisions. In this study, we provided for the first time raw counts and estimates of bird collisions across seven Italian areas that largely differ in their habitats. We also carried out carcass removal trials to compute the rate of carcass disappearance and produce better estimates of collision events and of optimal time intervals of carcass searches. Results of 1‐year monitoring showed a general low frequency of birds collided with the power lines. Carcass removal trials showed effects of carcass size and season on the carcass disappearance, which varied largely among the study areas. In four areas, both small and large carcasses had more than 50% probability to be removed within 3–5 days from their distribution. Given the high variation among study areas, we suggest that estimates of carcass persistence and optimal time intervals should be conducted concurrently for each new study site.
Seasonal variation in epifaunal communities associated with giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) at an upwelling‐dominated site
Authors: Winkler Natalia S. , Pérez‐Matus Alejandro , Villena Álvaro A. , Thiel Martin 
Published: August 2016

AbstractKelp forests are highly productive and species‐rich benthic ecosystems in temperate regions that provide biogenic habitat for numerous associated species. Diverse epifaunal communities inhabit kelp sporophytes and are subject to variations in the physical environment and to changes experienced by the kelp habitat itself. We assessed seasonal variations in epifaunal invertebrate communities inhabiting giant kelps, Macrocystis pyrifera, and their effects on this seaweed. Six seasonal samplings were conducted over a year at an upwelling‐dominated site in northern‐central Chile where physical conditions are known to fluctuate temporally. More than 30 taxa were identified, among which peracarid crustaceans stood out in both diversity and abundance. Species richness and abundance differed among sporophyte sections (holdfast and fronds) and throughout the year. The frond community was dominated by two grazers (the amphipod Peramphithoe femorata and the isopod Amphoroidea typa), while suspension feeders, grazers, and omnivores (the amphipod Aora typica, the isopod Limnoria quadripunctata, and polychaetes) dominated the holdfasts. Abundances of the dominant species fluctuated throughout the year but patterns of variation differed among species. The most abundant grazer (P. femorata) had highest densities in summer, while the less abundant grazer (A. typa) reached its peak densities in winter. Interestingly, the area of kelp damaged by grazers was highest in autumn and early winter, suggesting that grazing impacts accumulate during periods of low kelp growth, which can thus be considered as ‘vestiges of herbivory past.’ Among the factors determining the observed seasonal patterns, strong variability of environmental conditions, reproductive cycles of associated fauna, and predation by fishes vary in importance. Our results suggest that during spring and early summer, bottom‐up processes shape the community structure of organisms inhabiting large perennial seaweeds, whereas during late summer and autumn, top‐down processes are more important.
Interaction Between Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor δ and Epithelial Membrane Protein 2 Polymorphisms Influences HDL‐C Levels in the Chinese Population
Authors: Ke Tingjing , Dorajoo Rajkumar , Han Yi , Khor Chiea‐Chuen , van Dam Rob M. , Yuan Jian‐Min , Koh Woon‐Puay , Liu Jianjun , Teo Yik Ying , Goh Daniel Y.T. , Tai E Shyong , Wong Tien Yin , Cheng Ching‐Yu , Friedlander Yechiel , Heng Chew‐Kiat 
Published: August 2016

SummaryPeroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) are transcription factors involved in the regulation of key metabolic pathways. Numerous in vivo and in vitro studies have established their important roles in lipid metabolism. A few SNPs in PPAR genes have been reported to be associated with lipid levels. In this study, we aimed to investigate the interactive effects between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in three PPAR isoforms α/δ/γ and other genetic variants across the genome on plasma high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels. Study subjects (N = 2003) were genotyped using Illumina HumanOmniZhongHua‐8 Beadchip. Fifty‐three tag SNPs ± 100 kb of PPAR α, δ, and γ (r2 < 0.2) were selected. The effect of interactions between PPAR SNPs and those across the genome on HDL‐C was tested using linear regression models. One statistically significant interaction influencing HDL‐C was detected between PPARδ SNP rs2267668 and epithelial membrane protein 2 (EMP2) downstream SNP rs7191411 (N = 1993, β = 0.74, adjusted P = 0.022). This interaction was successfully replicated in the meta‐analysis of two additional Chinese cohorts (N = 3948, P = 0.01). The present study showed a novel SNP × SNP interaction between rs2267668 in PPARδ and rs7191411 in EMP2 that has significant impact on circulating HDL‐C levels in the Singaporean Chinese population.
First stage of labour management practices: A survey of Australian obstetric providers
Authors: White Louise , Lee Nigel , Beckmann Michael 
Published: August 2016

AimsTo report on the opinions and reported practices of Australian obstetricians and general practice (GP) obstetricians, in the definition and management of spontaneous first stage of labour, in low‐risk nulliparous women.Materials and methodsCross‐sectional survey sent electronically to all Australian Specialist obstetricians (FRANZCOG) and Diplomates. Respondents answered questions regarding care of nulliparous women in spontaneous labour at term across three domains: (i) practitioners' characteristics; (ii) current practice; (iii) opinion regarding joint statement by ACOG/SMFM (Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine) ‘Safe prevention of primary caesarean section’.ResultsThe dataset included responses from 664 participants, representing 29% of Specialists and 11% of Diplomates. Responses varied in the criteria used to define normal labour, and the diagnosis and management of prolonged labour. Clinicians with more post‐qualification experience considered the minimal acceptable progress to be faster than those with fewer years of experience (P = 0.02). Clinicians working in higher acuity hospitals were more likely to augment labour for longer prior to recommending a caesarean section for active phase arrest, compared to those in lower acuity hospitals (P = 0.025). The majority of respondents (58.2%) already based their practice on the ACOG/SMFM ‘Safe prevention of primary caesarean section’ statement, or would now consider changing their practice.ConclusionThere is a lack of consensus among Australian obstetricians and GP obstetricians regarding definition of normal progress in first stage of labour and how to manage abnormal progress; however, many are open to new recommendations for practice.
Neonatal invasive pneumococcal disease: New Zealand experience in the era of pneumococcal vaccination
Authors: Mount Vicki , Burton Cameron , Jackson Catherine , Heffernan Helen , Best Emma 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundInvasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) became a notifiable disease in New Zealand in 2008, and in the same year pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) was added to the childhood immunisation schedule.DesignThis was a retrospective study of IPD in infants aged <90 days reported to the national notifiable disease database, EpiSurv, from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2013. All cases had Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from a normally sterile site.Main outcome measuresIPD incidence was calculated for babies aged <90 and <30 days using the number of national IPD cases with a denominator of annual infant live births. Clinical, demographic and outcome data were reviewed for infants aged less than seven days (early onset).ResultsThere were 29 cases of IPD in infants aged <90 days and 19 cases in infants aged <30 days. Of the nine early‐onset cases, six occurred within the first 48 h. Six of the early‐onset cases were infants of NZ Maori ethnicity. One infant died six hours after birth. Three infants developed long‐term neurological or respiratory sequelae. Isolates from five of the early‐onset cases were S. pneumoniae serotypes not covered by the PCV in use at the time of infection. Maternal vaccination with 23‐valent pneumococcal vaccine would have covered 84% (16 of 19) of serotypes responsible for the cases in infants <30 days old.ConclusionStrategies such as maternal vaccination or accelerated neonatal vaccination may be beneficial to protect neonates at high risk of IPD.
Effects of melatonin on oocyte maturation in PCOS mouse model
Authors: Nikmard Fatemeh , Hosseini Elham , Bakhtiyari Mehrdad , Ashrafi Mahnaz , Amidi Fardin , Aflatoonian Reza 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe purpose of oocyte in vitro maturation is generation of mature oocytes that could support future development. Efforts have been made to enhance oocyte developmental competence by developing optimal culture conditions. The present study is conducted to determine melatonin effects on quality of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) oocytes when it has been added during in vitro maturation, and immature oocytes were cultured in defined conditioned medium with and without different melatonin concentrations. Melatonin could significantly improve nuclear maturation of PCOS oocytes (81.1% vs. 56.3%, P < 0.05 were achieved with 10−6 mol/L concentration). Cleavage rate was significantly higher in 10−5 mol/L concentration compared to untreated oocytes in PCOS (54% vs. 35%, respectively) and it was significantly higher with 10−6 mol/L concentration in the control group, 55% versus 38%, compared to untreated oocytes. This study showed that melatonin has the potential to induce oocyte nuclear maturation and guarantee fertilization potential. © 2016 Japanese Society of Animal Science
Preliminary study of the effects of condensed barley distillers soluble on rumen fermentation and plasma metabolites in Japanese Black cows
Authors: Tsuruoka Katsuhiko , Kanamaru Hidenobu , Takahashi Hideyuki , Gotoh Takafumi 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIn Japan, condensed barley distillers soluble (CBDS) is a widely known liquor byproduct that contains a high level of protein and is used as a supplementary protein feed for cattle. The present study evaluated the effects of CBDS feed on rumen fermentation and plasma metabolites in Japanese Black cows. Applying a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design, nine cows were offered CBDS and hay (CBDS‐t), soy bean meal and hay (Soybean‐t) and only hay (Hay‐t) over 35 days. We collected ruminal fluid and plasma just before feeding and at 3 h after feeding. The concentrations of propionate and butyrate in the rumen before feeding were lower in the CBDS‐t than in the Soybean‐t group (P < 0.05). However, after 3 h, the concentrations were higher in the CBDS‐t than in the Soybean‐t and Hay‐t groups (P < 0.05). Although, there were no differences in the compositions (% mol) of propionate and butyrate in the rumen and the concentration of plasma β‐hydroxybutyric acid before feeding between treatments, after 3 h they were significantly higher in the CBDS‐t than in the Soybean‐t and Hay‐t groups (P < 0.05). These results indicate that feeding CBDS promotes rumen fermentation and butyrate metabolism.
Population pharmacokinetics of intramuscular droperidol in acutely agitated patients
Authors: Foo Lee‐Kien , Duffull Stephen B. , Calver Leonie , Schneider Jennifer , Isbister Geoffrey K. 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundIntramuscular droperidol is used increasingly for sedation of aggressive and violent patients. This study aimed to characterise the pharmacokinetics of intramuscular droperidol in these patients to determine how rapidly it is absorbed and the expected duration of measurable drug concentrations.MethodsWe undertook a population pharmacokinetic analysis of a subgroup of patients from a clinical trial comparing droperidol and midazolam: 17 receiving 5 mg and 24 receiving 10 mg droperidol. Droperidol was measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography. Pharmacokinetic modelling was performed under a nonlinear mixed effects modelling framework (NONMEM v7.2). The model was used to simulate concentration time profiles of three typical doses, 5 mg, 10 mg and 10 mg + 10 mg repeated at 15 min.ResultsA two‐compartment first‐order input with first‐order output model fitted the data best. The absorption rate constant was poorly characterised by the data and an estimate of the first order rate constant of absorption when fixed to 10 h–1 provided a stable model and lowest objective function. This represents extremely rapid absorption with a half‐life of 5 min. The final model had a clearance of 41.9 l h–1 and volume of distribution of the central compartment of, 73.6 l. Median and interquartile range of initial (alpha) half‐life was 0.32 h (0.26–0.37 h) and second (beta) half‐life was 3.0 h (2.5–3.6 h). Simulations indicate that 10 mg alone provides an 80% probability of being above the lower limit of quantification (5 μg l–1) for 7 h, 2 h longer than for 5 mg. Giving two 10 mg doses increased this duration to 10 h.ConclusionsIntramuscular droperidol is rapidly absorbed with high therapeutic concentrations after 5 and 10 mg doses, and supports clinical data in which droperidol sedates rapidly for up to 6 h.
Experimental food allergy to peanut enhances the immune response to house dust mite in the airways of mice
Authors: Utsch L. , Logiantara A. , van Ree R. , van Rijt L. S. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryBackgroundFood allergy has been associated with an increased risk for the development of allergic asthma. Asthma is a risk factor for the development of an anaphylactic response to food allergens. An immunological interplay between sensitization to different allergens in different compartments of the body might be involved.ObjectiveTo evaluate the immunological interplay between intragastrical peanut (PE) sensitization and respiratory sensitization to house dust mite (HDM) allergens.MethodsBALB/c mice were intragastrically sensitized to peanut or sham‐sensitized and challenged systemically to PE. Between sensitization and challenge, mice were intranasally exposed to HDM extract or PBS, as a control. The response to HDM (eosinophil recruitment, cytokine response, HDM‐specific immunoglobulins and airway hyper‐reactivity) and to PE (cytokine response, mast cells in gut, mMCP‐1 in serum and body temperature) was assessed.ResultsA preceding PE sensitization increased HDM‐induced production of IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13 and IFNγ in lung‐draining lymph nodes and total IgE levels in HDM‐sensitized mice. However, recruitment of inflammatory cells to the airways or airway hyper‐reactivity was not aggravated in PE/HDM double‐sensitized mice. Alternatively, HDM‐induced airway inflammation did not significantly affect the immune response or the anaphylactic response to a systemic challenge with peanut.Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceOur data show that a preceding peanut sensitization boosted IgE‐ and HDM‐specific Th2 response in the airways in mice. It contributes to the understanding of the underlying immunological mechanism of polysensitization which often occurs in allergic individuals over time.
Dust mite allergen, glutathione S‐transferase, induces T cell immunoglobulin mucin domain‐4 in dendritic cells to facilitate initiation of airway allergy
Authors: Mo L.‐H. , Yang L.‐T. , Zeng L. , Xu L.‐Z. , Zhang H.‐P. , Li L.‐J. , Liu J.‐Q. , Xiao X.‐J. , Zheng P.‐Y. , Liu Z.‐G. , Yang P.‐C. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryBackgroundAllergens from dust mites play a critical role in the pathogenesis of airway allergy. The mechanism by which dust mite allergens induce allergic diseases is not fully understood yet.ObjectiveThis study tests a hypothesis that the eighth subtypes of Dermatophagoides farina allergen (Derf8) play an important role in the induction of airway allergy.MethodsThe protein of Derf8 was synthesized via molecular cloning approach. Dendritic cells (DC) were stimulated with Derf8 in the culture, and then, the expression of T cell immunoglobulin mucin domain 4 (TIM4) in dendritic cells (DC) was analysed. The role of Derf8 in the induction of airway allergy was evaluated with a mouse model.ResultsExposure to Derf8 markedly induced the TIM4 expression in DCs by modulating the chromatin at the TIM4 promoter locus. Derf8 played a critical role in the expansion of the T helper 2 response in the mouse airway via inducing DCs to produce TIM4. Administration with Derf8‐depleted dust mite extracts (DME) inhibited the allergic inflammation and induced regulatory T cells in mice with airway allergy.ConclusionDerf8 plays an important role in the initiation of dust mite allergy. Vaccination with Derf8‐deficient DME is more efficient to inhibit the dust mite allergic inflammation than using wild DME.
Hydroa vacciniforme and hydroa vacciniforme‐like T‐cell lymphoma: an uncommon event for transformation
Authors: Chen Chien‐Chin , Chang Kung‐Chao , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Lee Julia Yu‐Yun 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundHydroa vacciniforme (HV) is associated with Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) infection and a risk of transformation to lymphoma.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed six HV cases for EBV association and transformation to HV‐like T‐cell lymphoma. Clinicopathologic features were reviewed and cases were assessed for EBV‐encoded RNA (EBER) by in situ hybridization, double staining with immunohistochemistry and EBER and for T‐cell clonality.ResultsThe male‐to‐female ratio was 5:1, with a median age at diagnosis of 18.5 years. All patients initially had recurrent vesicles, necrotic ulcers or scars on sun‐exposed areas. Symptoms were present before diagnosis between 2 weeks to 10 years. The mean follow‐up time was 106.3 months. Four patients (67%) were EBV‐positive. All four EBV‐positive and one EBV‐negative patients had relapsing clinical course. Double staining proved EBV infection in T‐cells. Moreover, one EBV‐positive patient developed HV‐like T‐cell lymphoma with hemophagocytosis after 209 months of recurrent papulovesicular eruptions and eventually died. T‐cell clonality was successfully performed in four HV patients and all showed polyclonal results; the transformed HV‐like T‐cell lymphoma was monoclonal.ConclusionsIn EBV endemic areas, HV is frequently (67%) associated with EBV infection, but transformation to HV‐like T‐cell lymphoma seems to be uncommon (17%) and bear a dismal outcome.
830. NERINE LATICOMA SUBSP. HUTTONIAE
Authors: Duncan Graham 
Published: August 2016

SummaryThe South African geophyte Nerine laticoma (Ker Gawl.) T. Durand & Schinz subsp. huttoniae (Schönland) Traub from the Eastern Cape is described and reinstated at subspecific level, accompanied by details of its history, taxonomy, life cycle, distribution and habitat.
Monitoring and characterization of DC electrical penetration graph waveforms of tea green leafhopper, Empoasca onukii, on tea plants
Authors: Yorozuya Hiroshi 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe tea green leafhopper, Empoasca onukii (Homoptera: Cicadellidae), is a serious pest of “Yabukita”, the most popular tea cultivar in Japan. This study investigated its stylet‐probing behavior with a direct current (DC) electrical penetration graph (EPG) system. The EPG signals were classified into four distinct waveforms according to amplitude, frequency, voltage level and electrical origin. The waveforms were then characterized by fast Fourier transformation. The waveforms were correlated with distinct feeding behaviors: Np, non‐probing, when stylets were not inserted; Eo1, putative pathway and channel‐cutting phase, when stylets were inserted but not ingesting sap; Eo2, putative phloem phase, when the leafhoppers were probably ingesting from phloem; and Eo3, putative non‐phloem phase, when the leafhoppers were probably ingesting from mesophyll. Mean durations of waveforms showed that E. onukii likely ingested plant fluid mainly from phloem and partly from mesophyll. The description of DC EPG waveforms associated with feeding behaviors of this serious pest constitutes a fundamental step toward the understanding of the resistance mechanisms of the host plants against herbivorous insects.
Bounded Rationality in Principal-Agent Relationships
Authors: Erlei Mathias , Schenk-Mathes Heike 
Published: August 2016

AbstractWe conducted six treatments of a standard moral hazard experiment with hidden action. The behavior in all treatments and periods was inconsistent with established agency theory. In the early periods, behavior differed significantly between treatments. This difference largely vanished in the final periods. We used logit agent quantal response equilibrium (LAQRE) as a device to grasp boundedly rational behavior and found the following: (1) LAQRE predictions are much closer to subjects’ behavior in the laboratory; (2) LAQRE probabilities and experimental behavior show remarkably similar patterns; and (3) including social preferences in LAQRE does not better explain the experimental data; (4) LAQRE cannot explain the contract offers of some players who seem to choose some focal contract parameters.