bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shark conservation and management policy: a review and primer for non‐specialists
Authors: Shiffman D. S. , Hammerschlag N. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThere is increasing concern for the conservation of sharks among scientists, environmental conservation advocates, and the interested public, but misunderstanding among policy non‐specialists about which conservation and management policies are available, and which might work best for certain situations, persists. Here we present a review of fisheries management and conservation literature relating to sharks. Policies are broadly divided into target‐based policies that aim for sustainable fisheries exploitation (e.g. fisheries quotas) and limit‐based policies that aim to prevent all fisheries exploitation of entire taxa (e.g. marine reserves). A list of the pros and cons of each policy is included, as is a decision tree to aid in selection of the most appropriate policy. Our goal is that this paper will allow policy non‐specialists, including scientists without policy training, environmental activists, and concerned citizens, to make informed decisions when advocating for shark conservation.
Inhibiting subthalamic nucleus decreases cocaine demand and relapse: therapeutic potential
Authors: Bentzley Brandon S. , Aston‐Jones Gary 
Published: March 2016

AbstractPreclinical evidence indicates that inactivation of subthalamic nucleus (STN) may be effective for treating cocaine addiction, and therapies that target STN, e.g. deep brain stimulation, are available indicating that this may have clinical promise. Here, we assessed the therapeutic potential of STN inactivation using a translationally relevant economic approach that quantitatively describes drug‐taking behavior, and tested these results with drug‐seeking tasks. Economic demand for cocaine was assessed in rats (n = 11) using a within‐session threshold procedure in which cocaine price (responses/mg cocaine) was sequentially increased throughout the session. Cocaine demand was assessed in this manner immediately after bilateral microinfusions into STN of either vehicle (artificial cerebrospinal fluid) or the GABAA receptor agonist muscimol. A separate group of animals (n = 8) was tested for changes in cocaine seeking either during extinction or in response to cocaine‐associated cues. Muscimol‐induced inhibition of STN significantly attenuated cocaine consumption at high prices, drug seeking during extinction and cued reinstatement of cocaine seeking. In contrast, STN inhibition did not reduce cocaine consumption at low prices or locomotor activity. Thus, STN inactivation reduced economic demand for cocaine and multiple measures of drug seeking during extinction. In view of the association between economic demand and addiction severity in both rat and human, these results indicate that STN inactivation has substantial clinical potential for treatment of cocaine addiction.
Sex differences in impulsive and compulsive behaviors: a focus on drug addiction
Authors: Fattore Liana , Melis Miriam 
Published: March 2016

AbstractSex differences in inhibition and self‐regulation at a behavioral level have been widely described. From an evolutionary point of view, the different selection pressures placed on male and female hominids led them to differ in their behavioral strategies that allowed our species to survive during natural selection processes. These differences reflect changes in neural and structural plasticity that might be the core of sex differences, and of the susceptibility towards one psychiatric condition rather than another. The goal of the present review is to summarize current evidence for such a dichotomy in impulsive and compulsive behavior with a focus on drug addiction. Sex‐dependent differences in drug abuse and dependence will be examined in the context of pathophysiological regulation of impulse and motivation by neuromodulators (i.e. gonadal hormones) and neurotransmitters (i.e. dopamine). Advances in the understanding of the sex differences in the capability to control impulses and motivational states is key for the determination of efficacious biologically based intervention and prevention strategies for several neuropsychiatric disorders where loss of impulse control and compulsivity are the core symptoms.
Radiotherapy for brainstem gliomas in children and adults: A single‐institution experience and literature review
Authors: Yoshida Kenji , Sulaiman Nor Shazrina , Miyawaki Daisuke , Ejima Yasuo , Nishimura Hideki , Ishihara Takeaki , Matsuo Yoshiro , Nishikawa Ryo , Sasayama Takashi , Hayakawa Akira , Kohmura Eiji , Sasaki Ryohei 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimTo evaluate the treatment results of radiotherapy (RT) in children and adults with brainstem gliomas (BSGs) and review the previous literature.MethodsThirty patients (14 children, 16 adults) with BSG treated using RT were retrospectively evaluated. The median ages of the children and adults were 8 years (range: 2–16 years) and 49 years (range: 19–75 years), respectively. A histological diagnosis was obtained in 11 patients. The median total radiation dose was 56 Gy (range: 50–70 Gy) with a single fraction size of 1.8–2.0 Gy. Temozolomide was administered concurrently with RT in 14 patients.ResultsTumor progression after RT occurred in 26 patients (14 children and 12 adults). Four adults survived without tumor progression. The median survival times for children and adults were 8.5 and 39 months, respectively. The 1‐, 2‐ and 3‐year overall survival rates for children/adults were 29%/75%, 14%/68% and 0%/53%, respectively (P = 0.001), and the 1‐, 2‐ and 3‐year progression‐free survival rates for children/adults were 14%/69%, 0%/49% and 0%/35%, respectively (P < 0.001). Grade 3 or higher acute and late toxicities did not occur.ConclusionIn this study, the prognosis of children with BSGs was considerably poorer than that of adults, and our results are consistent with those of previous studies. Efforts should be made to improve the survival outcomes of patients with BSGs, especially children.
The reduction of temporal optic nerve head microcirculation in autosomal dominant optic atrophy
Authors: Inoue Maki , Himori Noriko , Kunikata Hiroshi , Takeshita Takayuki , Aizawa Naoko , Shiga Yukihiro , Omodaka Kazuko , Nishiguchi Koji M , Takahashi Hidetoshi , Nakazawa Toru 
Published: March 2016

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the optic nerve head (ONH) microcirculation in autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA) patients.MethodsThis study comprised 22 eyes of 12 ADOA patients, diagnosed according to clinical findings including family history and the presence of mutations in the OPA1 gene. Twenty‐four normal eyes of 24 age‐matched subjects, with either the right or left eye randomly selected for use, served as controls. Circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (cpRNFLT) and mean blur rate (MBR) in the ONH were determined with optical coherence tomography (OCT) and laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG), respectively. For each ONH quadrant (superior, temporal, inferior and nasal), the MBR and cpRNFLT ratio was also calculated by dividing tissue MBR in that quadrant by tissue MBR in the entire ONH and by dividing cpRNFLT in that quadrant by cpRNFLT in the entire ONH respectively.ResultsMean blur rate (MBR) in all quadrants was significantly lower in the ADOA patients than in the controls (p < 0.001 in each). The MBR ratio was significantly lower in the ADOA patients only in the temporal quadrant (p < 0.001). Similarly, cpRNFLT was lower in the ADOA patients in all quadrants (p < 0.001 in each), and the cpRNFLT ratio was lower in the temporal quadrant (p < 0.001).ConclusionReduced blood flow in the temporal optic disc in ADOA patients is associated with reduced temporal cpRNFLT, suggesting that both are caused by damage to the papillomacular bundle. The anatomical characteristics of the papillomacular bundle may make it especially susceptible to mitochondrial dysfunction‐induced damage, which occurs in ADOA.
Interferon‐gamma release assays can effectively screen migrants for the tuberculosis infection, but urgent, active cases need clinical recognition
Authors: Nejat Sahar , Bennet Rutger 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimIncreasing numbers of migrants to Sweden are screened for tuberculosis (TB), and a rational approach to screening is required. We evaluated positive tuberculin skin tests (TSTs) and interferon‐gamma release assays (IGRAs) on paediatric migrants in relation to the TB incidence in the corresponding foreign‐born populations in Stockholm.MethodsThis study examined the characteristics of migrants under the age of 18 who were referred to a paediatric TB clinic at Karolinska University Hospital from 2008 to 2014 by primary care centres in Stockholm County.ResultsWe saw 943 TST‐positive children with a median age of 14 years at the TB clinic and performed IGRAs on 557. IGRA positivity ranged from 64% in migrants from Somalia to 20% in those from the former Soviet Union and eastern Europe, with an estimated population level prevalence of 18.8% and 4.2%, respectively. These were significantly correlated to TB incidence in foreign‐born Stockholm children. We diagnosed active TB in 20 screened migrants, and advanced, symptomatic TB was diagnosed in 10 recently arrived migrants without screening.ConclusionIGRAs showed higher specificity than TST in identifying tuberculosis. TB screening should focus on migrants from high‐incidence countries, but this may be inadequate to detect advanced TB cases.
Early intervention leads to long‐term developmental improvements in very preterm infants, especially infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Van Hus JWP , Jeukens‐Visser M , Koldewijn K , Holman R , Kok JH , Nollet F , Van Wassenaer‐Leemhuis AG 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimVarious early intervention programmes have been developed in response to the high rate of neurodevelopmental problems in very preterm infants. We investigated longitudinal effects of the Infant Behavioral Assessment and Intervention Program on cognitive and motor development of very preterm infants at the corrected ages of six months to five and a half years.MethodsThis randomised controlled trial divided 176 infants with a gestational age <32 weeks or birthweight <1500 g into intervention (n = 86) and control (n = 90) groups. Cognitive development and motor development were assessed with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development at the CAs of six, 12 and 24 months and at five and a half years with the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children.ResultsWe found significant longitudinal intervention effects (0.4 SD, p = 0.006) on motor development, but no significant impact on cognitive development (p = 0.063). Infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia showed significant longitudinal intervention effects for cognitive (0.7 SD; p = 0.019) and motor (0.9 SD; p = 0.026) outcomes. Maternal education had little effect on intervention effects over time.ConclusionThe Infant Behavioral Assessment and Intervention Program led to long‐term developmental improvements in the intervention group, especially in infants with BPD.
Overexpression of vascular adhesion protein‐1 is associated with poor prognosis of astrocytomas
Authors: Kostoro Joanna , Chang Shu‐Jyuan , Clark Lai Yen‐Chang , Wu Chun‐Chieh , Chai Chee‐Yin , Kwan Aij‐Lie 
Published: March 2016

Vascular adhesion protein‐1 (VAP‐1) is one of the endothelial adhesion molecules that is believed to play a role in tumor progression and metastasis, supporting cancer cell extravasation. Very few studies have been performed on analyzing the contribution of VAP‐1 in brain tumor. Astrocytomas are the most common type of brain tumors, which are classified by World Health Organization (WHO) into four grades according to the degree of malignancy. This study was designed to investigate VAP‐1 expression level in different astrocytoma grades and its correlation with clinicopathological features as well as prognosis of astrocytoma patients. Eighty‐seven patients with different grades of astrocytoma (WHO Grade I–Grade IV) were enrolled in this study. The expression of VAP‐1 was assayed by immunohistochemistry. The correlation between VAP‐1 expression and clinicopathological features was evaluated by Chi‐square test, and overall survival was analyzed by Kaplan–Meier method. Cox regression analysis was applied to analyze the independent influence of each parameter on overall survival. The expression level of VAP‐1 was significantly higher in diffuse astrocytoma than those of pilocytic astrocytoma (p < 0.0001). In the subgroup analysis, upregulated VAP‐1 expression was frequently found in older age patients (≥50 years). The VAP‐1 expression was found to be significantly correlated with the overall survival (p = 0.0002). There was a statistical correlation between VAP‐1high tumors in diffuse astrocytoma and VAP‐1low tumors in pilocytic astrocytoma (p < 0.0001). Multivariate Cox analysis indicated VAP‐1 was an independent predictive marker for poorer prognosis (p = 0.0036). Therefore, VAP‐1 could be a promising prognostic biomarker in astrocytoma.
Validation of a classification protocol: meeting the prospect requirement and ensuring distinctiveness when assigning forest development phases
Authors: Zenner Eric K. , Peck JeriLynn E. , Hobi Martina L. , Commarmot Brigitte 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimsEvaluation and modification of a classification protocol for delineating development phases of the beech forest life cycle (Tabaku, Struktur von Buchen‐Urwäldern in Albanien im Vergleich mit deutschen Buchen‐Naturwaldreservaten und‐Wirtschaftswäldern, 2000).LocationThe Uholka‐Shyrokyi Luh primeval beech forest, Carpathian Biosphere Reserve in the Ukrainian Carpathian Mountains.MethodsThe classification protocol was evaluated by examining the requirements for each type based on the literature and empirically assessing the suitability of the typology resulting from applying it to non‐overlapping 156.25 m2 grid cells superimposed on a 10‐ha stem‐mapped old‐growth European beech stand. Modifications were proposed and the modified protocol applied to the 10‐ha old‐growth stand and evaluated using permutation tests to assess the distinctiveness of primary attributes among types in the resulting typology.ResultsWe found a consistent bias in the classification protocol resulting from a failure of the prospect requirement: the compound classification rule rendered it virtually impossible for grid cells to be assigned to the Late Optimum phase. The proposed modified protocol alleviates this problem and was found to result in distinct types with statistically significantly different mean values for many primary attributes.ConclusionsInterpretations of a purported ‘signature texture’ for old‐growth beech forests dependent on the absence of the Late Optimum phase when using the original classification protocol require reconsideration. The proposed modified protocol would be less susceptible to this bias, but caution is still advised, given the inherent constraints of the classification protocol at small scales.
Complications and quality of life in elderly patients with several comorbidities undergoing cutaneous ureterostomy with single stoma or ileal conduit after radical cystectomy
Authors: Longo Nicola , Imbimbo Ciro , Fusco Ferdinando , Ficarra Vincenzo , Mangiapia Francesco , Di Lorenzo Giuseppe , Creta Massimiliano , Imperatore Vittorio , Mirone Vincenzo 
Published: March 2016

ObjectivesTo compare peri‐operative outcomes and quality of life (QoL) in a series of elderly patients with high comorbidity status who underwent single stoma cutaneous ureterostomy (CU) or ileal conduit (IC) after radical cystectomy (RC).Patients and MethodsThe clinical records of patients aged >75 years with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score >2 who underwent RC at a single institution between March 2009 and March 2014 were retrospectively analysed. After RC, all patients included in the study received an IC urinary diversion or a CU with single stoma urinary diversion. Preoperative clinical characteristics as well as intra‐ and postoperative outcomes were evaluated and compared between the two groups. In addition, the Bladder Cancer Index (BCI) was used to assess QoL.ResultsA total of 70 patients were included in the final comparative analyses. Of these, 35 underwent IC diversion and 35 CU single stoma diversion. The two groups were similar with regard to age, gender, ASA score, type of indication and pathological features. Operating times (P < 0.001), estimated blood loss (P < 0.001), need for intensive care unit stay (P = 0.01), time to drain removal (P < 0.001) and length of hospital stay (P < 0.001) were significantly higher in patients undergoing IC diversion. The number of patients with intra‐ (P = 0.04) and early postoperative (P = 0.02) complications was also significantly higher among those undergoing IC diversion. Interestingly, the mean BCI scores were overlapping in the two groups.ConclusionsThe present results show that CU with a single stoma can represent a valid alternative to IC in elderly patients with relevant comorbidities, reducing peri‐operative complications without a significant impairment of QoL.
The safety of robot‐assisted cystectomy in patients with previous history of pelvic irradiation
Authors: Al Hussein Al Awamlh Bashir , Nguyen Daniel P. , Otto Brandon , O'Malley Padraic , Khan Farehin , Brooks Savanah , Scherr Douglas S. 
Published: March 2016

ObjectiveTo determine the safety of robot‐assisted cystectomy (RAC) in patients with an irradiated pelvis, by comparing perioperative complication outcomes after RAC in patients with and without a history of pelvic irradiation.Patients and MethodsIn all, 252 consecutive patients underwent RAC at a tertiary referral centre from 2002 to 2013. Of all patients, 46 (18%) had a history of pelvic irradiation. Complications occurring at ≤30 days and ≤90 days of RAC were graded using the modified Clavien–Dindo classification system and additionally categorised by organ system. Baseline variables and outcomes of irradiated and non‐irradiated patients were compared using descriptive statistics. Multivariable logistic regression models were generated to test the effect of previous pelvic irradiation on complications.ResultsThe indications for RAC in patients with a history of pelvic irradiation were: bladder cancer (30 patients, 65%), prostate cancer (two, 4%), fistulae (five, 11%), and intractable symptoms from radiation cystitis (nine, 20%). In all, 25 (54%) irradiated and 112 (54%) non‐irradiated patients had complications at ≤90 days (P > 0.9), of which 11 (24%) and 43 (21%) respectively had major complications (P = 0.7). One (2%) patient with and two (1%) patients without a history of irradiation died from surgical complications (P = 0.5). Infectious, bleeding, and gastrointestinal complications were the most common events in both groups. In multivariable analyses, a history of pelvic irradiation was not associated with a higher risk of complications.ConclusionRAC performed by an experienced surgeon is a reasonable option in selected patients with a history of pelvic irradiation, as complication rates do not significantly differ compared with non‐irradiated patients.
Combination of prostate imaging reporting and data system (PI‐RADS) score and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) density predicts biopsy outcome in prostate biopsy naïve patients
Authors: Washino Satoshi , Okochi Tomohisa , Saito Kimitoshi , Konishi Tsuzumi , Hirai Masaru , Kobayashi Yutaka , Miyagawa Tomoaki 
Published: March 2016

ObjectiveTo assess the value of the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS) scoring system, for prostate multi‐parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) to detect prostate cancer, and classical parameters, such as prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level, prostate volume and PSA density, for predicting biopsy outcome in biopsy naïve patients who have suspected prostate cancer.Patients and methodsPatients who underwent mpMRI at our hospital, and who had their first prostate biopsy between July 2010 and April 2014, were analysed retrospectively. The prostate biopsies were taken transperineally under transrectal ultrasonography guidance. In all, 14 cores were biopsied as a systematic biopsy in all patients. Two cognitive fusion‐targeted biopsy cores were added for each lesion in patients who had suspicious or equivocal lesions on mpMRI. The PI‐RADS scoring system version 2.0 (PI‐RADS v2) was used to describe the MRI findings. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine significant predictors of prostate cancer and clinically significant prostate cancer.ResultsIn all, 288 patients were analysed. The median patient age, PSA level, prostate volume and PSA density were 69 years, 7.5 ng/mL, 28.7 mL, and 0.26 ng/mL/mL, respectively. The biopsy results were benign, clinically insignificant, and clinically significant prostate cancer in 129 (45%), 18 (6%) and 141 (49%) patients, respectively. The multivariate analysis revealed that PI‐RADS v2 score and PSA density were independent predictors for prostate cancer and clinically significant prostate cancer. When PI‐RADS v2 score and PSA density were combined, a PI‐RADS v2 score of ≥4 and PSA density ≥0.15 ng/mL/mL, or PI‐RADS v2 score of 3 and PSA density of ≥0.30 ng/mL/mL, was associated with the highest clinically significant prostate cancer detection rates (76–97%) on the first biopsy. Of the patients in this group with negative biopsy results, 22% were subsequently diagnosed as prostate cancer. In contrast, a PI‐RADS v2 score of ≤3 and PSA density of <0.15 ng/mL/mL yielded no clinically significant prostate cancer and no additional detection of prostate cancer on further biopsies.ConclusionsA combination of PI‐RADS v2 score and PSA density can help in the decision‐making process before prostate biopsy and in the follow‐up strategy in biopsy naïve patients. Patients with a PI‐RADS v2 score of ≤3 and PSA density of <0.15 ng/mL/mL may avoid unnecessary biopsies.
MODELLING THE TRANSITION TOWARDS THE RENMINBI'S FULL CONVERTIBILITY: IMPLICATIONS FOR CHINA'S GROWTH
Authors: Bonatti Luigi , Fracasso Andrea 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTThere is a widespread consensus that China needs to rebalance its export‐driven growth paradigm towards a more consumption‐based one and that such process is to be accompanied by the transition towards the renminbi's full convertibility. However, the Chinese authorities have so far acted with great caution because this transition cannot but accelerate the slowdown of China's growth which will likely occur because of other structural factors. We address these issues by means of a two‐country two‐stage (before and after the renminbi's full convertibility) model, which reproduces some qualitative features of China's growth pattern and its relationship with the United States. We analyse the extent to which altering the Chinese exchange rate regime, as well as other policies affecting sensitive social and economic issues, may impact on the short‐, medium‐ and long‐term evolution of the Chinese economy. The paper shows that by lifting the controls on the capital account and letting the currency float, the Chinese authorities will renounce those policy instruments for controlling the allocation of the national resources and the dynamics of China's economy.