bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of laparoscopic Toupet and laparoscopic Nissen fundoplications in neurologically normal children
Authors: Miyano Go , Yamoto Masaya , Miyake Hiromu , Kaneshiro Masakatsu , Morita Keiichi , Nouso Hiroshi , Koyama Mariko , Okawada Manabu , Doi Takashi , Koga Hiroyuki , Lane Geoffrey J , Fukumoto Koji , Yamataka Atsuyuki , Urushihara Naoto 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIntroductionWe compared laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (LTF) and laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) in neurologically normal children.MethodsForty neurologically normal children who were followed up for more than 3 years after LTF (n = 22) or LNF (n = 18) were reviewed retrospectively. LTF and LNF were performed between 2006 and 2012.ResultsThere were no significant differences in gender (LTF, 15 male and 7 female patients; LNF:, 12 male and 6 female patients), mean age at surgery (LTF vs LNF: 2.5 vs 2.3 years), mean weight at surgery (LTF vs LNF: 9.6 vs 8.9 kg), preoperative symptoms, preoperative pH monitoring (pH <4) (LTF vs LNF: 26.7% vs 21.8%), mean operative time (LTF vs LNF: 117 vs 126 min), postoperative recommencement of enteral feeding (LTF vs LNF: 3.7 vs 3.8 days), or duration of hospitalization (LTF vs LNF: 5.5 vs 6.3 days). Intraoperative complications were esophageal trauma (LTF; n = 1; 4.5%) and liver trauma (LNF; n = 1; 5.6%) (P = 0.70). Post‐LTF complications were wrap stenosis (n = 1; 4.5%), and post‐LNF complications were wrap stenosis (n = 1; 5.5%) and gastric outlet obstruction (n = 1; 5.5%) (P = 0.43); all were managed conservatively. No case required conversion to open repair. There was no recurrence after LTF, but there were three cases (16.7%) after LNF (P = 0.08). Reoperation was performed at 4, 11, and 13 months, respectively.ConclusionDespite LTF and LNF appearing to be equally effective, three LNF cases required reoperation.
Livestock exclusion alters plant species composition in fen meadows
Authors: Merriam Kyle E. , Markwith Scott H. , Coppoletta Michelle 
Published: September 2017

AbstractQuestionsOur study evaluated how species composition and plant traits that indicate functioning condition in fens responded to grazing cessation over time in an arid ecosystem of the western US. The specific questions addressed were: (i) how does livestock exclusion influence species composition in fens; (ii) is grazing cessation associated with shifts in species functional traits that indicate fen condition; and (iii) what is the pattern of response to livestock exclusion over time?LocationPlumas National Forest, California, US.MethodsWe studied paired fenced and unfenced study sites in two fens to examine the effects of livestock exclusion. Parallel transects were established at each site, and plant species and ground cover were repeatedly surveyed, once prior to and multiple times following treatment, using 0.01 m2 frequency frames. We used NMDS to analyse species composition, RLQ and fourth‐corner analysis to evaluate species functional traits and environmental variables, and linear mixed effects models to examine differences in responses between fenced and unfenced study sites over time.ResultsAfter fencing, we observed unexpected shifts in species composition and plant functional traits. Grazed sites were associated with peat‐forming obligate wetland, moss and sedge species, while fenced sites were characterized by non‐peat‐forming facultative upland, and upland forb, grass and early seral species. Species composition also varied between sites and sample years.ConclusionsWe found that livestock exclusion strongly affects plant species composition in fens, including promoting species with functional traits that indicate a loss of functioning condition, such as ruderal and upland species. Possible explanations for these observed shifts include: (1) biomass accumulation in the absence of herbivory, (2) competitive exclusion in fenced sites, (3) succession, (4) the abiotic conditions of our study sites, particularly hydrology and nutrient status, and (5) interactions among these factors. We conclude that degradation of fen wetlands caused by livestock grazing in the arid western US may not be reversed by excluding livestock alone.
School connectedness and the primary to secondary school transition for young people with autism spectrum conditions
Authors: Hebron Judith S. 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundYoung people with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) face many educational challenges, particularly in terms of academic achievement, social inclusion, and mental health. School connectedness is linked to many positive outcomes and may be of particular salience at the primary–secondary school transition, when young people with ASC are expected to cope in new and unfamiliar settings.AimsThis study explores for the first time school connectedness across the primary to secondary school transition for young people with ASC.SampleTwenty‐eight students with ASC (23 male, five female) and a comparison group of 21 students with no additional needs (16 male, five female) participated.MethodsA longitudinal design was used to measure school connectedness across transition at four time‐points from the end of primary school, into the first and second years of secondary school. Students completed the Psychological Sense of School Membership (Goodenow, 1993, Psychology in the Schools, 30, 79) questionnaire at each time‐point, with responses analysed statistically.ResultsStudents with ASC reported positive levels of school connectedness across transition, although their scores remained lower than those of their typically developing peers. The gap between the two groups narrowed significantly during the first year of secondary school, with students in the ASC group reporting improving levels of school connectedness, although there were non‐significant signs of a decline for both groups in the second year.ConclusionsTransition can be a positive experience for students with ASC. However, their consistently lower levels of school connectedness compared to those of their peers highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and support during secondary education.
The impact of lymph node dissection and positive lymph nodes on cancer‐specific mortality in contemporary pT2‐3 non‐metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with radical nephrectomy
Authors: Marchioni Michele , Bandini Marco , Pompe Raisa S. , Martel Tristan , Tian Zhe , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Kapoor Anil , Cindolo Luca , Briganti Alberto , Schips Luigi , Capitanio Umberto , Karakiewicz Pierre I. 
Published: September 2017

ObjectiveTo assess the effect of lymph node dissection (LND), number of removed nodes (NRN), and number of positive nodes (NPN), on cancer‐specific mortality (CSM) in contemporary vs historical patients with pT2–3NanyM0 renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treated with radical nephrectomy (RN).Patients and MethodsWithin the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (2001–2013), we identified patients with non‐metastatic pT2–3Nany RCC who underwent RN with or without LND. Kaplan–Meier analyses and multivariable Cox regression models with propensity score weighting for inverse probability of treatment were used.ResultsOf 25 357 patients, 24.8% underwent LND (2001–2007: 3 167 patients vs 2008–2013: 3 133 patients). The median NRN was 3 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1‐7). Positive nodes were identified in 17.1%: 9.3% of pT2 and 21.6% of pT3 patients, who underwent LND. The median NPN was 2 (IQR: 1‐3). In multivariable models, LND did not decrease CSM (hazard ratio [HR] 1.29; P < 0.001). LND extent, defined as NRN, did not decrease CSM (HR 0.94; P = 0.3). Finally, multivariable models testing the effect of NPN showed increased CSM in pT3 but not in pT2 patients (HR 1.29 and 1.58, P = 0.02 and P = 0.1, respectively). NRN exerted a protective effect on CSM in patients with positive nodes (HR 0.98; P = 0.007).ConclusionIn contemporary and historical patients LND or its extent do not protect from CSM. However, the NPN increases the rate of CSM in pT3 patients. Consequently, LND and its extent appear to have little if any therapeutic value in pT2–3NanyM0 patients, besides its prognostic impact. High‐risk non‐metastatic patients may represent a target population for a multi‐institutional prospective trial.
ATAD3 proteins: brokers of a mitochondria–endoplasmic reticulum connection in mammalian cells
Authors: Baudier Jacques 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTIn yeast, a sequence of physical and genetic interactions termed the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)–mitochondria organizing network (ERMIONE) controls mitochondria–ER interactions and mitochondrial biogenesis. Several functions that characterize ERMIONE complexes are conserved in mammalian cells, suggesting that a similar tethering complex must exist in metazoans. Recent studies have identified a new family of nuclear‐encoded ATPases associated with diverse cellular activities (AAA+‐ATPase) mitochondrial membrane proteins specific to multicellular eukaryotes, called the ATPase family AAA domain‐containing protein 3 (ATAD3) proteins (ATAD3A and ATAD3B). These proteins are crucial for normal mitochondrial–ER interactions and lie at the heart of processes underlying mitochondrial biogenesis. ATAD3A orthologues have been studied in flies, worms, and mammals, highlighting the widespread importance of this gene during embryonic development and in adulthood. ATAD3A is a downstream effector of target of rapamycin (TOR) signalling in Drosophila and exhibits typical features of proteins from the ERMIONE‐like complex in metazoans. In humans, mutations in the ATAD3A gene represent a new link between altered mitochondrial–ER interaction and recognizable neurological syndromes. The primate‐specific ATAD3B protein is a biomarker of pluripotent embryonic stem cells. Through negative regulation of ATAD3A function, ATAD3B supports mitochondrial stemness properties.
Consequences of population change for local abundance and site occupancy of wintering waterbirds
Authors: Méndez Verónica , Gill Jennifer A. , Alves José A. , Burton Niall H. K. , Davies Richard G. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimPopulation size changes can lead to changes in local abundance and/or site occupancy, depending on the processes influencing site use by individuals. Here, we quantify such changes for wintering waterbirds and assess their implications for widely used conservation strategies in which sites that support in excess of a given proportion of a population are prioritized for protection.LocationBritain.MethodsWe use long‐term survey data to quantify changes in population size and distribution for 19 waterbird species across Britain.ResultsPopulation changes in these species have varied greatly (from declines of ~25% to increases of >1,600%) over 26 years, and we show that change in local abundance was the predominant consequence of these changes, while colonization of new sites mainly occurred in response to large population increases. For most species, changes in abundance and occupancy were spatially dependent over relatively short distances, consistent with (but not conclusive of) density‐dependent spillover. Levels of occupancy among species were negatively associated with proportions of sites, and populations within sites, exceeding the 1% of total population threshold for site protection. For species increasing in overall population size, the occurrence of small incipient populations at new sites resulted in declines in the number of sites supporting >1% of the total population and the proportion of the population supported by these sites.Main conclusionsFluctuations in waterbird population size are more likely to result in changes in local abundance than distribution. Consequences of population change for site protection when abundance thresholds are used for site designation depend on shifts in the evenness of distribution of abundances across sites, and whether occupancy is increasing or decreasing. Range‐expanding species have an increased likelihood of losing some sites, and populations within sites, exceeding the 1% of total population threshold for site protection.
Noninvasive assessment of left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure by deceleration time of early diastolic mitral annular velocity in patients with heart failure
Authors: Takemoto Kazushi , Hirata Kumiko , Hozumi Takeshi , Tanimoto Takashi , Orii Makoto , Shiono Yasutsugu , Matsuo Yoshiki , Ino Yasushi , Kitabata Hironori , Kubo Takashi , Tanaka Atsushi , Akasaka Takashi 
Published: September 2017

ObjectiveTo examine the diagnostic ability of the deceleration time of early mitral annular velocity (e'DT) as determined by tissue Doppler velocity image, a method for assessing LV filling pressure.BackgroundsEstimation of LV filling pressure by Doppler echocardiography requires a combination of various parameters. Therefore, there remains a need for a simple index in LV filling pressure estimation. The eʹ is known to be reduced and delayed with increased LV filling pressure during development of heart failure. Thus, we hypothesized that e'DT would be shortened as LV filling pressure is increased.MethodsSimultaneous LV end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP) measurement and Doppler echocardiography were performed in 94 patients who were admitted to our hospital for heart failure. Exclusion criteria were atrial fibrillation, mitral valve surgery, and acute coronary syndrome.ResultsThe e'DT in 31 patients with LVEDP >16 mm Hg (68±13 ms) was significantly shorter than that in 63 patients with LVEDP ≤16 mm Hg (103±27 ms). Both e'DT and early transmitral flow velocity (E)/eʹ were significantly correlated with LVEDP. In 30 patients with 10–14 E/eʹ, significance of correlation in e'DT was remained, while E/eʹ was not. The area under the ROC curve for prediction of LVEDP >16 mm Hg for e′DT was greater than that for E/e′ (0.91 vs 0.74, P=.046).ConclusionThe e'DT is useful to assess LV filling pressure, especially in 10–14 E/eʹ. This simple tissue Doppler index may be a potential parameter for easily distinguishing between mild and severe heart failures.
Assessment of subclinical right ventricular systolic dysfunction in coal miners using myocardial isovolumic acceleration
Authors: Ozcan Abacıoglu Ozge , Kaplan Mehmet , Abacıoglu Serkan , Quisi Ala 
Published: September 2017

ObjectiveSeveral studies have been conducted regarding the effects of coal mining on the respiratory system. However, there is a lack of data concerning potential effects of coal mining on the cardiovascular system. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential subclinical right and left ventricular dysfunction in coal miners.MethodsThis single‐center, prospective study included a total of 102 patients. Patient and control groups consisted of 54 coal miners and 48 healthy men, respectively. All patients underwent 12‐lead electrocardiography, transthoracic echocardiography, and pulmonary function test.ResultsAs compared to control group, coal miners had significantly higher right ventricular myocardial performance index (RVMPI) (0.41 ± 0.03 vs 0.37 ± 0.02, P < .001), lower right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC) (33.55% ± 6.70% vs 37.04 ± 9.26 P < .05), lower tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (1.54 ± 0.17 vs 1.73 ± 0.25, P < .001), lower myocardial isovolumic acceleration (IVA) (2.13 ± 0.16 vs 2.56 ± 0.36 P < .001) and decreased aortic distensibility (AD) (4.14 ± 2.18 vs 6.63 ± 3.91 P < .001). All of the echocardiographic parameters were positively correlated with exposure time to coal mine dust, except IVA.ConclusionEchocardiographic parameters of both right and left ventricular dysfunction, including RVMPI, RVFAC, TAPSE, IVA, and AD, are impaired in coal miners.
The impact of left ventricular deformation and dyssynchrony on improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction following radiofrequency catheter ablation in Wolff‐Parkinson‐White syndrome: A comprehensive study by speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Nagai Tomoo , Hamabe Akira , Arakawa Junko , Tabata Hirotsugu , Nishioka Toshihiko 
Published: September 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate left ventricular (LV) deformation and LV dyssynchrony in patients with Wolff‐Parkinson‐White (WPW) syndrome and to identify the factors that affect the efficacy of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA).MethodsThirty patients (26 men, mean age 40 ± 12 years) with WPW syndrome were prospectively recruited for this study. They underwent 2‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography with speckle tracking analysis before RFCA and again within 48 hours after RFCA. Control group consisted of 15 age and sex‐matched healthy volunteers.ResultsThe patients had significantly lower LV ejection fraction (LVEF), global longitudinal strain (Sl), and global circumferential strain (Sc) compared with healthy controls (64% ± 8% vs 68% ± 5%, P = .049; −17.6% ± 3.2% vs −19.9% ± 3.3%, P = .037, −15.2% ± 2.5% vs −19.4% ± 2.5%, P < .0001, respectively). Patients had a significantly higher dyssynchrony index relative to healthy controls (58.4 ± 49.0 ms vs 36.4 ± 31.1 ms, P = .031). After RFCA, there was a significant increase in LVEF and global Sc (68% ± 8% vs 64% ± 8%, P = .005; −17.3% ± 2.0% vs −15.2% ± 2.5%, P < .0001, respectively), along with a significant decrease in the dyssynchrony index (36.9 ± 36.3 ms vs 58.4 ± ms, P < .001) relative to the baseline values. Logistic regression revealed that the baseline dyssynchrony index was a predictor of LVEF improvement after RFCA (odds ratio: 1.060, P = .038).ConclusionIn WPW syndrome, impaired LV circumferential deformation can be restored by RFCA with concomitant improvement in LV dyssynchrony and LVEF.
Tipping the (Im)balance: Capital inflows, financial market structure, and banking crises
Authors: Copelovitch Mark , Singer David A. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAn emerging consensus among scholars and policy‐makers identifies foreign capital inflows as one of the primary determinants of banking crises in developed countries. We challenge this view by arguing that external imbalances are destabilizing only when banks face substantial competition from securities markets in the process of financial intermediation. We assemble a dataset of banking crises covering the advanced industrialized countries from 1976 to 2011 and find evidence of a conditional relationship between capital inflows, a well‐developed securities market, and the incidence of banking crises. We further explore the impact of capital inflows on banks’ actual risk taking as indicated by their capital adequacy levels and measures of insolvency risk. Our results demonstrate that prudential capital cushions tend to decline with the combination of capital inflows and prominent securities markets. We highlight the political decisions—often made during the early days of a country's financial development—that determine the relative prominence of banks vs. non‐bank financial institutions and conclude with policy recommendations.
Species richness effects on grassland recovery from drought depend on community productivity in a multisite experiment
Authors: Kreyling Juergen , Dengler Jürgen , Walter Julia , Velev Nikolay , Ugurlu Emin , Sopotlieva Desislava , Ransijn Johannes , Picon‐Cochard Catherine , Nijs Ivan , Hernandez Pauline , Güler Behlül , von Gillhaussen Philipp , De Boeck Hans J. , Bloor Juliette M.G. , Berwaers Sigi , Beierkuhnlein Carl , Arfin Khan Mohammed A.S. , Apostolova Iva , Altan Yasin , Zeiter Michaela , Wellstein Camilla , Sternberg Marcelo , Stampfli Andreas , Campetella Giandiego , Bartha Sándor , Bahn Michael , Jentsch Anke 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBiodiversity can buffer ecosystem functioning against extreme climatic events, but few experiments have explicitly tested this. Here, we present the first multisite biodiversity × drought manipulation experiment to examine drought resistance and recovery at five temperate and Mediterranean grassland sites. Aboveground biomass production declined by 30% due to experimental drought (standardised local extremity by rainfall exclusion for 72–98 consecutive days). Species richness did not affect resistance but promoted recovery. Recovery was only positively affected by species richness in low‐productive communities, with most diverse communities even showing overcompensation. This positive diversity effect could be linked to asynchrony of species responses. Our results suggest that a more context‐dependent view considering the nature of the climatic disturbance as well as the productivity of the studied system will help identify under which circumstances biodiversity promotes drought resistance or recovery. Stability of biomass production can generally be expected to decrease with biodiversity loss and climate change.
Native and invasive taxa on the Pacific coast of South America: Impacts on aquaculture, traceability and biodiversity of blue mussels (Mytilus spp.)
Authors: Larraín Maria A. , Zbawicka Malgorzata , Araneda Cristian , Gardner Jonathan P. A. , Wenne Roman 
Published: September 2017

AbstractGaining new knowledge of the native distributions of species (phylogeography) is more and more difficult in a world affected by anthropogenic disturbance, in particular by species translocations. Increasingly, molecular markers are required to support decisions about the taxonomy of native vs. introduced species, and the existence of their hybrids, to answer phylogeographic questions. In many fields, including aquaculture, traceability and food security, taxonomic and phylogeographic knowledge is key to the successful management and conservation of biodiversity. The Pacific coast of Chile is one of the last regions without a clear and agreed understanding of the taxonomy and systematics of smooth‐shelled blue mussels of the genus Mytilus. A panel of 49 bi‐allelic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was genotyped in 338 Mytilus individuals collected from nine Chilean and five reference populations. All analyses confirmed the hypothesis that the native Chilean blue mussel is genetically distinct from the reference species M. edulis, M. galloprovincialis and M. trossulus. These results support the hypothesis of a unique evolutionary history of the native Chilean blue mussel on the Pacific coast of South America. It is therefore concluded that the native blue mussel from Chile should be recognized as M. chilensis Hupé 1854. We confirmed a recent Mediterranean origin of introduced M. galloprovincialis on the coast of Chile. This knowledge advances the understanding of global phylogeography of blue mussels and their bioinvasions and harmonizes taxonomy in the context of aquaculture production, seafood traceability, labelling and trade.