bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Yield and income effects of rice varieties with tolerance of multiple abiotic stresses: the case of green super rice (GSR) and flooding in the Philippines
Authors: Yorobe Jose M. , Ali Jauhar , Pede Valerien O. , Rejesus Roderick M. , Velarde Orlee. P. , Wang Huaiyu 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWith the increasing frequency of extreme climatic events, the new challenge is to develop rice varieties that are tolerant of drought, water submergence, and salinity. There are now new high‐yielding green super rice (GSR) cultivars developed at the International Rice Research Institute with increased tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses. But a clear understanding of the economic benefits of these varieties under farmers’ production environments is not yet fully understood. In this article, we assess the yield and income effects of GSR rice varieties using a two‐year panel data from one province. We use matched samples from a propensity score matching method and a fixed‐effects model within a difference‐in‐difference (DID) framework to estimate the yield effects. The income effects were evaluated using the parameter estimates from the yield/production function model. The results of the ordinary least squares and DID fixed‐effects regressions reveal significant and positive effects of GSR varieties on yield. The most important finding is that the benefits from these varieties are strongly felt when there is flooding. This evidence was not as robust when matched samples were used. However, it is clear that the yield benefits from GSR varieties could improve rice food security and help alleviate poverty in the country.
Hinchey I and II diverticular abscesses: long‐term outcome of conservative treatment
Authors: Buchwald Pamela , Dixon Liane , Wakeman Christopher J. , Eglinton Tim W. , Frizelle Frank A. 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundThe management of diverticular disease and its complications are an increasing burden to the health system. The natural history of conservatively managed diverticular abscesses (Hinchey I and II) is poorly described and it remains open to debate whether subsequent sigmoid resection is indicated after conservative management. This observational study compares outcomes of patients treated with conservative management (antibiotics +/− percutaneous drainage) and surgery.MethodsAll patients admitted at Christchurch Hospital with diverticulitis between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2009 were recorded in a database. A retrospective analysis of patients with an abscess due to complicated diverticulitis was undertaken. Initial management, recurrence and subsequent surgery were recorded. The patients were followed until 1 January 2014.ResultsOf 1044 patients with diverticulitis, 107 with diverticular abscess were included in this analysis. The median age was 66 ± 16 and 60 were male. All patients had sigmoid diverticulitis and were diagnosed with a computed tomography. The median abscess size was 4.2 ± 2.1 cm. During median follow‐up of 110 months, the overall recurrence rate was 20% (21/107). Recurrence varied according to initial treatment; namely antibiotics (30%), percutaneous drainage plus antibiotics (27%) and surgery (5%) (P = 0.004). The median time to recurrence was 4 ± 11.7 months, and most recurrences were treated conservatively; four patients underwent delayed surgery.ConclusionRecurrence after diverticular abscess is higher after initial conservative treatment (antibiotics +/− percutaneous drainage) compared with surgery, however, patients with recurrent disease can be treated conservatively with similar good outcomes and few patients required further surgery.
High risks of maternal and perinatal complications in singletons born after oocyte donation
Authors: Nejdet Sarah , Bergh Christina , Källén Karin , Wennerholm Ulla‐Britt , Thurin‐Kjellberg Ann 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIntroductionPrevious studies have shown an increased risk of obstetric complications in pregnancies after oocyte donation (OD). The present study includes all singletons born after OD over 10 years in Sweden.Material and methodsThis was a retrospective population‐based cohort study. Data from all Swedish in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics between 2003 and 2012 were collected. Data were cross‐linked with the Swedish Medical Birth Registry. The study included 388 OD singletons, 26 696 IVF/ICSI singletons and 999 804 spontaneously conceived (SC) singletons. An adjusted odds ratio (aOR) was calculated with adjustment for relevant confounders.ResultsSingleton OD pregnancies had a significantly increased risk of preeclampsia compared with IVF (aOR 3.05; 95% CI 2.23–4.16) and SC (aOR 2.84; 95% CI 2.10–3.84), and increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage (>1000 mL) compared with IVF (aOR 2.66; 95% CI 2.04–3.49) and SC (aOR 2.87; 95% CI 2.20–3.71), a higher risk of preterm birth (<37 weeks) compared with IVF (aOR 1.79; 95% CI 1.30–2.46) and SC (aOR 1.58; 95% CI 1.15–2.16) and a higher risk of low birthweight (<2500 g) compared with IVF (aOR 1.67; 95% CI 1.15–2.42) and SC (aOR 1.46; 95% CI 1.01–2.11). The rate of large‐for‐gestational age was significantly increased in singletons born after OD with frozen cycles than with fresh cycles (odds ratio 5.29, 95% CI 1.30–21.54).ConclusionsSingleton pregnancies conceived after OD are associated with increased maternal and perinatal risks compared with IVF/ICSI pregnancies using the woman's own oocytes and with SC.
Farming for survival and rice for investment: The intersection of Japanese aid and Cambodian development
Authors: Horita Akiko 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis paper illustrates conflicting priorities in Japan's aid policy to Cambodia and how those policies appear in the implementation of the aid. Japan's aid is driven by a strategic policy to integrate Cambodia into the regional economy while the same aid focuses on assisting small‐scale farmers in that country. On the Cambodian side, the government has employed a market‐oriented approach of development in the context of local patron/client mode of governance, in which, the agricultural policy has also become oriented towards large‐scale investment and export. By looking at the case of Japan's technical cooperation in Cambodia's rice sector, this paper examines how the conflicts within Japan's aid policy are internalised in the Cambodian context and appear as conflicts between Japanese and Cambodian approaches to agricultural development.
Impact of strategies to reduce polypharmacy on clinically relevant endpoints: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Johansson Tim , Abuzahra Muna E. , Keller Sophie , Mann Eva , Faller Barbara , Sommerauer Christina , Höck Jennifer , Löffler Christin , Köchling Anna , Schuler Jochen , Flamm Maria , Sönnichsen Andreas 
Published: April 2016

AimThe aim of the present study was to explore the impact of strategies to reduce polypharmacy on mortality, hospitalization and change in number of drugs.MethodsSystematic review and meta‐analysis: a systematic literature search targeting patients ≥65 years with polypharmacy (≥4 drugs), focusing on patient‐relevant outcome measures, was conducted. We included controlled studies aiming to reduce polypharmacy. Two reviewers independently assessed studies for eligibility, extracted data and evaluated study quality.ResultsTwenty‐five studies, including 10 980 participants, were included, comprising 21 randomized controlled trials and four nonrandomized controlled trials. The majority of the included studies aimed at improving quality or the appropriateness of prescribing by eliminating inappropriate and non‐evidence‐based drugs. These strategies to reduce polypharmacy had no effect on all‐cause mortality (odds ratio 1.02; 95% confidence interval 0.84, 1.23). Only single studies found improvements, in terms of reducing the number of hospital admissions, in favour of the intervention group. At baseline, patients were taking, on average, 7.4 drugs in both the intervention and the control groups. At follow‐up, the weighted mean number of drugs was reduced (−0.2) in the intervention group but increased (+0.2) in controls.ConclusionsThere is no convincing evidence that the strategies assessed in the present review are effective in reducing polypharmacy or have an impact on clinically relevant endpoints. Interventions are complex; it is still unclear how best to organize and implement them to achieve a reduction in inappropriate polypharmacy. There is therefore a need to develop more effective strategies to reduce inappropriate polypharmacy and to test them in large, pragmatic randomized controlled trials on effectiveness and feasibility.
False Prolongation of Prothrombin Time in the Presence of a High Blood Concentration of Daptomycin
Authors: Yamada Tomoyuki , Kato Ryuji , Oda Kazutaka , Tanaka Hidema , Suzuki Kaoru , Ijiri Yoshio , Ikemoto Toshiyuki , Nishihara Masami , Hayashi Tetsuya , Tanaka Kazuhiko , Tamai Hiroshi , Ukimura Akira , Katsumata Takahiro 
Published: April 2016

AbstractProthrombin time (PT) can reportedly be falsely prolonged by the antimicrobial drug daptomycin (DAP), and concomitant use of phosphatidylglycerol (PG). Although high doses of DAP (>6 mg/kg/day) are recommended for severe infection and result in a high blood concentration, the extent to which high blood concentrations of DAP interfere with PT, in the presence or absence of PG, has yet to be determined when using the HemosIL RecombiPlasTin 2G (Werfen Japan, Tokyo, Japan). We examined the effects of high doses of DAP on PT using this reagent. DAP (0–500 mg/L) was added to normal plasma and plasma with an already prolonged PT in the presence or absence of liposomal amphotericin B (L‐AMB, 5–50 mg/L) or COATSOME EL‐01 empty cationic liposomes (CS, 25–250 mg/L). Furthermore, we undertook a Monte Carlo simulation to calculate the probability of achieving DAP concentrations >100, >200 and >500 mg/L 0–48 hr after administering 6–12 mg/kg of DAP. Apparent PT increased with increasing DAP concentration, but neither L‐AMB nor CS appeared to further elevate PT when co‐administered with DAP. The probability of achieving DAP concentrations >100 and >200 mg/L increased with DAP dose. Higher doses of DAP than the approved dose caused false prolongation of PT. PT should be monitored carefully in patients taking high doses of DAP; ideally, PT should be measured at the trough blood concentration of DAP. Concomitant use of L‐AMB and CS did not generally further elevate PT when co‐administered with DAP.
Iron Supplements and Magnesium Peroxide: An Example of a Hazardous Combination in Self‐Medication
Authors: Vrolijk Misha F. , Opperhuizen Antoon , Jansen Eugène H. J. M. , Bast Aalt , Haenen Guido R. M. M. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe use of self‐medication, which includes dietary supplements and over‐the‐counter drugs, is still on the rise, while safety issues are not well addressed yet. This especially holds for combinations. For example, iron supplements and magnesium peroxide both produce adverse effects via the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This prompted us to investigate the effect of the combination of three different iron supplements with magnesium peroxide on ROS formation. Hydroxyl radical formation by the three iron supplements either combined with magnesium peroxide or alone was determined by performing a deoxyribose assay. Free iron content of iron supplements was determined using ferrozine assay. To determine hydrogen peroxide formation by magnesium peroxide, a ferrous thiocyanate assay was performed. Finally, electron spin resonance spectroscopy (ESR) was performed to confirm the formation of hydroxyl radicals. Our results show that magnesium peroxide induces the formation of hydrogen peroxide. All three iron supplements induced the formation of the extremely reactive hydroxyl radical, although the amount of radicals formed by the different supplements differed. It was shown that combining iron supplements with magnesium peroxide increases radical formation. The formation of hydroxyl radicals after the combination was confirmed with ESR. All three iron supplements contained labile iron and induced the formation of hydroxyl radicals. Additionally, magnesium peroxide in water yields hydrogen peroxide, which is converted into hydroxyl radicals by iron. Hence, iron supplements and magnesium peroxide is a hazardous combination and exemplifies that more attention should be given to combinations of products used in self‐medication.
Accounting for Interactions and Complex Inter-Subject Dependency in Estimating Treatment Effect in Cluster-Randomized Trials with Missing Outcomes
Authors: Prague Melanie , Wang Rui , Stephens Alisa , Tchetgen Tchetgen Eric , DeGruttola Victor 
Published: April 2016

Summary
Semi-parametric methods are often used for the estimation of intervention effects on correlated outcomes in cluster-randomized trials (CRTs). When outcomes are missing at random (MAR), Inverse Probability Weighted (IPW) methods incorporating baseline covariates can be used to deal with informative missingness. Also, augmented generalized estimating equations (AUG) correct for imbalance in baseline covariates but need to be extended for MAR outcomes. However, in the presence of interactions between treatment and baseline covariates, neither method alone produces consistent estimates for the marginal treatment effect if the model for interaction is not correctly specified. We propose an AUG–IPW estimator that weights by the inverse of the probability of being a complete case and allows different outcome models in each intervention arm. This estimator is doubly robust (DR); it gives correct estimates whether the missing data process or the outcome model is correctly specified. We consider the problem of covariate interference which arises when the outcome of an individual may depend on covariates of other individuals. When interfering covariates are not modeled, the DR property prevents bias as long as covariate interference is not present simultaneously for the outcome and the missingness. An R package is developed implementing the proposed method. An extensive simulation study and an application to a CRT of HIV risk reduction-intervention in South Africa illustrate the method.
Central nervous system involvement in AIDS‐related lymphomas
Authors: Barta Stefan K. , Joshi Jitesh , Mounier Nicolas , Xue Xiaonan , Wang Dan , Ribera Josep‐Maria , Navarro Jose‐Tomas , Hoffmann Christian , Dunleavy Kieron , Little Richard F. , Wilson Wyndham H. , Spina Michele , Galicier Lionel , Noy Ariela , Sparano Joseph A. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryCentral nervous system (CNS) involvement is reportedly more common in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)‐related lymphomas (ARL). We describe factors and outcomes associated with CNS involvement at baseline (CNSB) and relapse (CNSR) in 886 patients with newly diagnosed ARL. Of 886 patients, 800 received either intrathecal (IT) therapy for CNSB or IT prophylaxis. CNSB was found in 13%. CNSB was not associated with reduced overall survival (OS). There was no difference in the prevalence of CNSB between the pre‐combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and cART eras. 5·3% of patients experienced CNSR at a median of 4·2 months after diagnosis (12% if CNSB; 4% if not). Median OS after CNSR was 1·6 months. On multivariate analysis, only CNSB [hazard ratio (HR) 3·68, P = 0·005] and complete response to initial therapy (HR 0·14, P < 0·0001) were significantly associated with CNSR. When restricted to patients without CNSB, IT CNS prophylaxis with 3 vs. 1 agent did not significantly impact the risk of CNSR. Despite IT CNS prophylaxis, 5% of patients experienced CNSR. Our data confirms that CNSR in ARL occurs early and has a poor outcome. Complete response to initial therapy was associated with a reduced frequency of CNSR. Although CNSB conferred an increased risk for CNSR, it did not impact OS.
Improvement of medical care in a cohort of newborns with sickle‐cell disease in North Paris: impact of national guidelines
Authors: Couque Nathalie , Girard Delphine , Ducrocq Rolande , Boizeau Priscilla , Haouari Zinedine , Missud Florence , Holvoet Laurent , Ithier Ghislaine , Belloy Marie , Odièvre Marie‐Héléne , Benemou Michel , Benhaim Patricia , Retali Brigitte , Bensaid Philippe , Monier Brigitte , Brousse Valentine , Amira Roger , Orzechowski Christine , Lesprit Emmanuelle , Mangyanda Laurent , Garrec Nathalie , Elion Jacques , Alberti Corinne , Baruchel André , Benkerrou Malika 
Published: April 2016

SummaryWe conducted a retrospective study on newborns with sickle‐cell disease (SCD), born 1995–2009, followed in a multicentre hospital‐based network. We assessed patient outcomes, medical care and compliance with the national guidelines published in December 2005. Data from 1033 patients (742 SS/Sβ°‐thalassaemia) with 6776 patient‐years of follow‐up were analysed (mean age 7·1 ± 3·9 years). SCD‐related deaths (n = 13) occurred only in SS‐genotype patients at a median age of 23·1 months, mainly due to acute anaemia (n = 5, including 2 acute splenic sequestrations) and infection (n = 3). Treatment non‐compliance was associated with a 10‐fold higher risk of SCD‐related death (P = 0·01). Therapeutic intensification was provided for all stroke patients (n = 12), almost all patients with abnormal transcranial Doppler (TCD) (n = 76) or with >1 acute chest syndrome/lifetime (n = 64) and/or ≥3 severe vaso‐occlusive crises/year (n = 100). Only 2/3 of patients with baseline haemoglobin <70 g/l received intensification, mainly for other severity criteria. Overall, hydroxycarbamide was under‐prescribed, given to 2/3 of severe vaso‐occlusive patients and 1/3 of severely anaemic patients. Nevertheless, introduction of the on‐line guidelines was concomitant with an improvement in medical care in the 2006–2009 cohort with a trend towards increased survival at 5 years, from 98·3% to 99·2%, significantly increased TCD coverage (P = 0·004) and earlier initiation of intensification of therapy (P ≤ 0·01).
How we manage immune thrombocytopenia in the elderly
Authors: Mahévas Matthieu , Michel Marc , Godeau Bertrand 
Published: April 2016

SummaryWith prolonged life expectancy, immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is frequent in elderly people. In this setting, ITP diagnosis is challenging because of the concern about an underlying myelodysplastic syndrome. Studies of older adults are lacking, and recommendations for treatment are based mainly on expert opinion. The therapeutic strategy differs from that for younger patients and must take into account the greater risk of bleeding and thrombosis, presence of comorbidities, possible impaired cognitive performance or poor life expectancy and concomitant medications, such as anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy. Steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy remain the first‐line treatments in elderly patients, but prolonged treatment with steroids should be avoided and IVIg treatment may lead to renal failure. Splenectomy is less effective than in young patients and risk of thrombosis is increased. Severe co‐morbidities can also contraindicate surgery. Therefore, other second‐line treatments are frequently preferred. Danazol and dapsone can be an option for the less severe ITP form. Rituximab is a good option except in patients with a history of infection or with hypogammaglobulinaemia. Thrombopoietin agonists are attractive, especially for patients with severe comorbidities or with limited life expectancy but the risk of thrombosis is a concern.
Increased iron stores prolong the QT interval – a general population study including 20 261 individuals and meta‐analysis of thalassaemia major
Authors: Henriksen Lise Fischer , Petri Anne‐Sofie , Hasselbalch Hans Carl , Kanters Jørgen Kim , Ellervik Christina 
Published: April 2016

The prolongation of cardiac repolarization (QT interval) has been investigated in studies of patients with secondary iron overload. However, no previous population‐based study examining the effect of increased iron stores on QT interval prolongation has previously been undertaken. We tested the hypothesis that increased iron stores and haemochromatosis genotype (genetically increased iron stores) are associated with prolongation of the QT interval. We included 20 261 individuals from the Danish General Suburban Population Study and examined differences in QT interval according to ferritin concentration, transferrin saturation, iron concentration, transferrin concentration and haemochromatosis genotype (C282Y/C282Y). Furthermore, we performed a meta‐analysis of case‐control studies on thalassaemia major patients and QT interval. Age‐ and C‐reactive protein‐adjusted mean corrected QT (QTc) intervals for ferritin concentration ≥99% vs. ≥25–<50% percentile were 418·9 ms vs. 412·7 ms in men (P < 0·001) and 422·4 ms vs. 419·1 ms in women (P = 0·78). Corresponding values for transferrin saturation were 417·6 ms vs. 412·6 ms in men (P = 0·02) and 421·5 ms vs. 419·4 ms in women (P = 0·86). The associations were not explained by inflammation and haemochromatosis genotype was not associated with QT interval length. In conclusion, increased iron stores, independent of haemochromatosis genotype and inflammation, are associated with prolongation of the QTc interval in men. This is a novel finding. In addition, the meta‐analysis showed prolonged QT interval in thalassaemia major patients compared to healthy controls.
Common Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease and Brain Microhemorrhages on Cerebral Aβ Pathology in SHRSP
Authors: Pirici Daniel , Stanaszek Luiza , Garz Cornelia , Niklass Solveig , Heinze Hans‐Jochen , Kalinski Thomas , Attems Johannes , Schreiber Stefanie 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWhile chronic kidney disease seems to be an independent risk factor for cognitive decline, its impact on cerebral amyloid‐β (Aβ) depositions, one hallmark of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) pathology, has not been investigated.Utilizing 80 male nontransgenic spontaneously hypertensive stroke prone rats (SHRSP) at various ages (12 to 44 weeks), tubulointerstitial renal damage, prevalence of cerebral microhemorrhages and Aβ accumulations were quantified. Using age‐adjusted general linear models we investigated the main and interaction effects of renal damage and cerebral microhemorrhages on cerebral Aβ load. In addition, using post mortem human brain tissue of 16 stroke patients we examined the co‐localization of perivascular Aβ deposits and small vessel wall damage.Statistical models revealed an age‐independent main effect of tubulointerstitial kidney damage on brain Aβ accumulations, which was reinforced by the consecutive presence of cerebral microhemorrhages. Moreover, cerebral microhemorrhages independently predicted brain Aβ burden in SHRSP. In up to 69% of all human cases perivascular Aβ deposits were detected in the direct vicinity of small vessel wall damage.Our results support the associations between vascular pathology and Aβ deposition, and demonstrate a relationship between chronic kidney disease and cerebral Aβ pathology. Hence, our data suggest that prevention of chronic renal damage may reduce cerebral Aβ pathology.