bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preoperative risk factors for haemodynamic instability during pheochromocytoma surgery in Chinese patients
Authors: Jiang Minchun , Ding Huanyu , Liang Ying , Tang Juying , Lin Ying , Xiang Kexu , Guo Ying , Zhang Shaoling 
Published: January 2018

SummaryObjectivePheochromocytoma surgery carries a high risk of haemodynamic instability (HI). However, there are few studies investigating the risk factors for HI for pheochromocytoma surgery in a Chinese population. Therefore, our objective was to identify preoperative risk factors for HI during surgery in a Chinese population with pheochromocytoma.Patients and methodsIn this retrospective study, 134 patients undergoing surgery for pheochromocytoma at a single university‐affiliated hospital between November 2002 and July 2017 were enrolled. Demographics, comorbidities, preoperative medical preparation, operation details and perioperative haemodynamics of these patients were retrospectively collected and analysed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the preoperative risk factors for intraoperative HI.Results32.8% (44/134) patients suffered from intraoperative HI. According to the result of multivariate analysis, tumour diameter >50 mm (odds ratio [OR] 2.526; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.163–5.485; P = .019), diabetes/prediabetes (OR 2.251; 95% CI 1.039–4.876; P = .040) and preoperative systolic blood pressure fluctuation >50 mm Hg (OR 3.163; 95% CI 1.051–9.522, P = .041) were independent predictors for intraoperative HI. The observed incidence of HI was 8.9%, 42.6%, 47.8% and 60% when zero, one, two or three risk factors were present, respectively.ConclusionsHI is common among Chinese patients undergoing surgery for pheochromocytoma. Our study identified three predictive factors for intraoperative HI: a large tumour diameter, diabetes/prediabetes and a great preoperative systolic blood pressure fluctuation. Furthermore, patients are more likely to suffer from HI when they have more predictive risk factors. Identification of these risk factors can help to improve perioperative management.
Dark butterflies camouflaged from predation in dark tropical forest understories
Authors: CHENG WENDA , XING SHUANG , CHEN YI , LIN RONG , BONEBRAKE TIMOTHY C. , NAKAMURA AKIHIRO 
Published: January 2018

1. Morphological characteristics, especially coloration, are related to thermoregulation and camouflage, both of which are crucial for species survival and fitness. In cool environments such as the understorey of closed rainforests, darker organisms have thermal advantages and may be able to absorb heat more efficiently. However, such habitats are also suitable for darker organisms with respect to camouflage, making it difficult to elucidate whether the association of dark‐coloured organisms with shady environments is a consequence of thermal stress or predation pressure, or both.2. In this study, butterfly communities were surveyed and artificial butterflies (mealworms attached to plastic sheeting to mimic adult butterflies) used to test whether differences in wing luminance are related to predation rates within open and closed habitats in monsoonal tropical forests of southwestern China.3. Using artificial butterflies, significantly lower predation rates were found for dark‐coloured artificial butterflies within closed habitats, whereas such relationships were not found within open habitats. It was found that actual butterfly communities were also significantly darker in closed than in open habitats.4. These results demonstrate that darker colours may have the effect of reducing predation rates in shady environments and that different habitat types can have contrasting effects on luminance and therefore predation risk.
Effects of long‐term irrigation on soil phosphorus under temperate grazed pasture
Authors: Boitt G. , Tian J. , Black A. , Wakelin S. A. , Condron L. M. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThe effect of 62 years of different irrigation regimes on the amounts, forms and distribution of phosphorus (P) in the soil profile to 100 cm under grazed pasture was determined. Irrigation treatments included nil irrigation (base average rainfall of 740 mm year−1; control), together with flood irrigation applied when gravimetric moisture (GM) in the topsoil decreased below 10 or 20% (i.e. rainfall +260 mm year−1of supplemental irrigation [irrigation10%GM] and rainfall +770 mm year−1[irrigation20%GM], respectively). Phosphorus fertilizer in the form of single superphosphate was applied annually at the rate of 23 kg P ha−1to all treatments. Total soil profile P was smallest under the large rate of irrigation (5054 kg P ha−1) compared with the small rate (5908 kg P ha−1) and the control (6423 kg P ha−1), which was attributed mainly to changes in inorganic P. These data indicated that markedly more P was removed, transferred or lost under irrigation. Substantial increases in pasture production and animal grazing capacity occurred in response to irrigation, which in turn resulted in increased removal and transfer of P in animal products, animal excreta (stock camp transfer and irrigation outwash) and by leaching. Thus, combined annual removal of P in animal products, internal dung transfer and loss in irrigation outwash were directly related to irrigation frequency and increased from 8 to 18.6 kg P ha−1for the irrigation10%GMand irrigation20%GMtreatments, respectively.HighlightsExamined effect of 62 years of irrigation on phosphorus in the soil profile to 100 cm.Phosphorus fertilizer was applied annually at the same rate to all treatments.Total soil profile P decreased with irrigation and was smallest under the large rate of irrigation.P removal and transfer or loss increased with irrigation frequency.
The dark side of Lepidoptera: Colour lightness of geometrid moths decreases with increasing latitude
Authors: Heidrich Lea , Friess Nicolas , Fiedler Konrad , Brändle Martin , Hausmann Axel , Brandl Roland , Zeuss Dirk 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimThe observed decrease in insect colour lightness with increasing latitude has been explained in earlier macroecological studies by the increased solar absorption of dark coloration, which allows extended periods of activity. However, melanin‐based dark coloration also protects against pathogens and ultraviolet radiation, which select for dark coloration at low latitudes where these selection pressures intensify. In nocturnal insects, the relative importance of these protective functions of dark coloration is expected to surpass thermoregulatory functions, as nocturnal species cannot benefit from extended periods of activity during the daytime. Hence, we expected that diurnal and nocturnal insects show contrasting geographical patterns of colour lightness. We tested these predictions using geometrid moths, which comprise both diurnal and nocturnal species.LocationWestern Palearctic.Time periodContemporary.Major taxa studiedGeometridae (Lepidoptera).MethodsWe used digital image analysis to assess the colour lightness of 637 species, compiled their distribution across 3,777 grid cells of 50 km × 50 km and calculated the assemblage‐based average colour lightness. We used multiple regressions, autoregressive error models and randomizations to test for relationships between colour lightness and environmental variables associated with the thermal environment, putative pathogen pressure and ultraviolet radiation.ResultsWe found a clear decrease in colour lightness of assemblages of both diurnal and nocturnal moth species with increasing latitude. In every model, solar radiation was the most important predictor of colour lightness; that is, colour lightness consistently increased with increasing solar radiation.Main conclusionsThese results indicate that the thermal environment is the most influential climatic driver of insect colour lightness—independent of thermoregulatory strategy and nocturnal or diurnal activity. This challenges the view that extended periods of activity are the main selection pressure for geographical variation in insect colour lightness. Consequently, the relationship between insect colour lightness and the thermal environment might be more general than previously thought.
A phase diagram of Ba1‐xCaxTiO3 (x = 0‐0.30) piezoceramics by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Shu Chang , Reed Daniel , Button Tim W. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPiezoelectric ceramics are widely used in sensors, actuators, and ultrasonic transducers due to their ability to achieve efficient conversion between electric and mechanical energy. There is a current drive toward lead‐free material systems capable of achieving comparable piezoelectric performance to environmentally hazardous, but commonly used, lead‐based materials such as lead zirconate titanate. This work constructs an accurate phase diagram for barium calcium titanate (Ba1‐xCaxTiO3 or BCTO). The substitution of Ca2+ on the Ba‐site of BCTO is of much interest due to electric property improvements compared to BaTiO3. In this work, Ba1‐xCaxTiO3 (x = 0‐0.30) samples have been made by solid‐state methods and, following initial characterization by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), evaluation of changes in the Raman spectra has allowed accurate determination of the phase transition temperatures and the construction of a phase diagram.
The long‐QT syndrome and exercise practice: The never‐ending debate
Authors: Mascia Giuseppe , Arbelo Elena , Solimene Francesco , Giaccardi Marzia , Brugada Ramon , Brugada Josep 
Published: January 2018

AbstractToday, understanding the true risk of adverse events in long‐QT syndrome (LQTS) populations may be extremely complex and potentially dependent on many factors such as the affected gene, mutation location, degree of QTc prolongation, age, sex, and other yet unknown factors. In this context, risk stratification by genotype in LQTS patients has been extremely difficult, also during exercise practice, especially due to the lack of studies that would lead to a better understanding of the natural history of each mutation and its impact upon athletes. The creation of individualized guidelines for sport participation is a goal yet to be achieved not only due to the complexity of genotype effect on the phenotype in this patient population, but also due to penetrance in genotype‐positive patients. This article summarizes current knowledge and raises questions concerning the difficult relationship between exercise practice and LQTS.
Effects of aging, gender, and hypogonadism on mandibular bone density
Authors: Armada Luciana , de Castro Brasil Sabrina , Armada‐Dias Luci , Bezerra Juciléia , Pereira Rosa M. R. , Takayama Lilian , Moreira Morais dos Santos Rachel , Gonçalves Lucio S. , Nascimento‐Saba Celly C. A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to evaluate how aging, sex, and hypogonadism influence mandibular bone density with and without the benefits of hormone treatment.MethodsThree‐month old Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three experimental groups, with eights animals per group: controls, castrated (orchiectomized [ORX], ovariectomized [OVX]) and castrated with hormonal treatment (ORX + testosterone, OVX + estradiol benzoate). Females were previously evaluated by vaginal cytology. The corporal mass was verified weekly, and after three experimental periods (90, 120, and 150 days), the animals were killed. Blood was collected, and bones underwent densitometric and biomechanical analyses.ResultsAfter castration, the male rats demonstrated low gain in body weight compared to females (P < .05). Male and female castrated animals presented serum concentrations of sex steroid hormones lower than the control group (P < .05). Bone mineral density and biomechanical properties of the L4 vertebrae and femur were reduced earlier in females than in males (P < .05). However, mandibles were affected only in the male rats at the most chronic experimental period.ConclusionHypogonadism promotes alterations in the mandible over chronic periods, especially in males, and these alterations could be minimized by hormone treatment.
Validated multi‐step approach for in vivo recording and analysis of optogenetically evoked glutamate in the mouse globus pallidus
Authors: Viereckel Thomas , Konradsson‐Geuken Åsa , Wallén‐Mackenzie Åsa 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPrecise quantification of extracellular glutamate concentrations upon neuronal activation is crucial for the understanding of brain function and neurological disorders. While optogenetics is an outstanding method for the correlation between distinct neurons and their role in circuitry and behavior, the electrochemically inactive nature of glutamate has proven challenging for recording upon optogenetic stimulations. This difficulty is due to the necessity for using enzyme‐coated microelectrodes and the risk for light‐induced artifacts. In this study, we establish a method for the combination of in vivo optogenetic stimulation with selective measurement of glutamate concentrations using enzyme‐coated multielectrode arrays and amperometry. The glutamatergic subthalamic nucleus (STN), which is the main electrode target site in deep brain stimulation treatment of advanced Parkinson′s disease, has recently proven opotogenetically targetable in Pitx2‐Cre‐transgenic mice and was here used as model system. Upon stereotactic injection of viral Channelrhodopsin2‐eYFP constructs into the STN, amperometric recordings were performed at a range of optogenetic stimulation frequencies in the globus pallidus, the main STN target area, in anesthetized mice. Accurate quantification was enabled through a multi‐step analysis approach based on self‐referencing microelectrodes and repetition of the experimental protocol at two holding potentials, which allowed for the identification, isolation and removal of photoelectric and photoelectrochemical artifacts. This study advances the field of in vivo glutamate detection with combined optogenetics and amperometric recordings by providing a validated analysis framework for application in a wide variety of glutamate‐based approaches in neuroscience.
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Evaluating fundamentals of care: The development of a unit‐level quality measurement and improvement programme
Authors: Parr Jenny M , Bell Jeanette , Koziol‐McLain Jane 
Published: January 2018

Aims and objectivesThe project aimed to develop a unit‐level quality measurement and improvement programme using evidence‐based fundamentals of care.BackgroundFeedback from patients, families, whānau, staff and audit data in 2014 indicated variability in the delivery of fundamental aspects of care such as monitoring, nutrition, pain management and environmental cleanliness at a New Zealand District Health Board.DesignA general inductive approach was used to explore the fundamentals of care and design a measurement and improvement programme, the Patient and Whānau Centred Care Standards (PWCCS), focused on fundamental care.MethodsFive phases were used to explore the evidence, and design and test a measurement and improvement framework.ResultsNine identified fundamental elements of care were used to define expected standards of care and develop and test a measurement and improvement framework. Four six‐monthly peer reviews have been undertaken since June 2015. Charge Nurse Managers used results to identify quality improvements. Significant improvement was demonstrated overall, in six of the 27 units, in seven of the nine standards and three of the four measures. In all, 89% (n = 24) of units improved their overall result.ConclusionThe PWCCS measurement and improvement framework make visible nursing fundamentals of care in line with continuous quality improvement to increase quality of care.Relevance to clinical practiceDelivering fundamentals of care is described by nurses as getting ?back to basics'. Patient and family feedback supports the centrality of fundamentals of care to their hospital experience. Implementing a unit‐level fundamentals of care quality measurement and improvement programme clarifies expected standards of care, highlights the contribution of fundamentals of care to quality and provides a mechanism for ongoing improvements.
Outcomes of standardised approach to metabolic bone disease of prematurity
Authors: Chin Lit Kim , Doan John , Teoh Yvonne SL , Stewart Alice , Forrest Peter , Simm Peter J 
Published: January 2018

AimTo assess the current protocol of metabolic bone disease (MBD) at three Monash Health neonatal units (Melbourne, Australia).MethodsRetrospective audit of 171 infants born at <32 weeks' gestation over 18 months. Mean gestational age was 28.6 ± 2.1 weeks, and birthweight was 1190 ± 374 g. Risk factors of MBD include intra‐uterine growth retardation (n = 33, 19.3%), maternal pre‐eclampsia (n = 17, 9.9%), necrotising enterocolitis (n = 9, 5.4%) and medications like methylxanthines (94.2%; mean 54.8 days), diuretics (38.6%; mean 49.2 days) and glucocorticoids (5.3%; mean 35 days).ResultsIn total, 84.8% infants had an initial MBD screen (mean age 36.3 days), with 45% having repeated monitoring (mean age 71.9 days), and 14.2% had initial alkaline phosphatase levels >500 U/L, decreasing to 10.1% on follow‐up. All infants received additional vitamin D supplementation of 400 IU/day, phosphate of 25.1% (n = 43) and calcium of 19.9% (n = 34). Fractures were identified from clinical documentation in 2.9% (n = 5) of infants. Stratifying into phosphate‐treated and untreated groups revealed significant differences (P < 0.001) for gestational age and birthweight: 26.7 ± 1.7 weeks/918 ± 272 g for treated versus 29.2 ± 1.9 weeks/1283 ± 359 g for untreated. In the phosphate‐treated group, improvement was seen in mean alkaline phosphatase (pre‐treatment 467 ± 204 U/L and post‐treatment 342 ± 221 U/L, P < 0.01) and mean phosphate levels (1.8 ± 0.4 vs. 2.2 ± 1.0 mmol/L, P < 0.01). Linear growth difference between phosphate‐treated (n = 10) and untreated groups (n = 24) was insignificant at >6 months of age (P = 0.13), although this may reflect limited data.ConclusionAdequate first‐line supplementation with vitamin D and phosphate appeared to improve biochemical markers of MBD, but given the observational nature of this study, further longitudinal/prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.
Vertical transmission of hepatitis C: Testing and health‐care engagement
Authors: Reid Sharon , Day Carolyn A , Bowen David G , Minnis Jeannie , Ludlow Joanne , Jacobs Sue , Gordon Adrienne , Haber Paul S 
Published: January 2018

AimTo investigate hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing patterns and engagement with health care for women positive for HCV antibodies (anti‐HCV) in pregnancy and their children through pregnancy and the first 2 years of the child's life.MethodsAt a large inner‐city Australian hospital from 2010 to 2012, anti‐HCV positive pregnant women were recruited into a cohort study from pregnancy to 2 years post‐delivery. Maternal and child data were collected by questionnaire and medical record extraction.ResultsDuring the study 29 women participants delivered 31 children. HCV RNA was detected in 64% (18/28) of pregnancies, with injecting drug use, the most likely route of maternal infection. Relatively high maternal health‐care engagement during pregnancy reduced after delivery. There was evidence of ongoing illicit drug use in the majority of women. Of the children, 58% (18/31) had some HCV testing confirmed but complete testing was confirmed for only 10% (3/31). Largely, testing was incomplete or unknown. No vertical transmission was identified. Forty‐two percent (13/31) of children were placed in out‐of‐home‐care.ConclusionsPotentially, there is a high risk of inadequate or incomplete HCV testing of vulnerable children. Ongoing maternal drug use, poor maternal health‐care engagement and placement in out‐of‐home‐care may increase the risk. Complete testing of all children at risk of vertically acquired HCV needs to be ensured.
Prevalence, patient and consultation characteristics of enuresis in Australian paediatric practice
Authors: De Sukanya , Teixeira‐Pinto Armando , Sewell Jillian R , Caldwell Patrina HY 
Published: January 2018

AimTo describe the prevalence and consultation characteristics of enuresis in Australian paediatric practice and assess for changes over a period of 5 years.MethodsData collected prospectively by paediatricians (outpatient settings) in 2008 and 2013, as part of the Children Attending Paediatricians Study. Consultations on children aged 5 years or over were included. Consultations in each cohort (2008 and 2013) categorised as either listing or not listing enuresis. Characteristics of the ‘enuresis’ versus ‘non‐enuresis’ subgroup in each cohort were compared as were the enuresis subgroups 2008 versus 2013.ResultsOf 4175 and 4181 consultations in 2008 and 2013, enuresis was reported in 178 (4.3% – 2008) and 193 (4.6% – 2013). Constipation and encopresis were more prevalent in the enuresis versus non‐enuresis subgroups (46 (25.8%) vs. 136 (3.4%) for constipation and 25 (14%) vs. 65 (1.6%) for encopresis in 2008; 52 (26.9%) vs. 160 (4%) for constipation and 25 (13%) vs. 78 (2%) for encopresis in 2013, both P < 0.001). The enuresis subgroup had more referrals to multidisciplinary teams (19 (10.7%) vs. 148 (3.7%) – 2008 and 21 (10.9%) vs. 163 (4.1%) – 2013, both P < 0.001) and allied health professionals (29 (16.3%) vs. 230 (5.8%) – 2008; 27 (14%) vs. 178 (4.5%) – 2013, both P < 0.001).ConclusionThe overall frequency of presentation of children for management of enuresis was low. Prevalence/Consultation characteristics of enuresis were comparable over 5 years. Constipation and encopresis were significantly more prevalent in the enuresis subgroups.
Adaptation to high zinc depends on distinct mechanisms in metallicolous populations of Arabidopsis halleri
Authors: Schvartzman M. Sol , Corso Massimiliano , Fataftah Nazeer , Scheepers Maxime , Nouet Cécile , Bosman Bernard , Carnol Monique , Motte Patrick , Verbruggen Nathalie , Hanikenne Marc 
Published: January 2018

Summary

Zinc (Zn) hyperaccumulation and hypertolerance are highly variable traits in Arabidopsis halleri. Metallicolous populations have evolved from nearby nonmetallicolous populations in multiple independent adaptation events. To determine whether these events resulted in similar or divergent adaptive strategies to high soil Zn concentrations, we compared two A. halleri metallicolous populations from distant genetic units in Europe (Poland (PL22) and Italy (I16)).

The ionomic (Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP‐AES)) and transcriptomic (RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq)) responses to growth at 5 and 150 μM Zn were analyzed in root and shoot tissues to examine the contribution of the geographic origin and treatment to variation among populations. These analyses were enabled by the generation of a reference A. halleri transcriptome assembly.

The genetic unit accounted for the largest variation in the gene expression profile, whereas the two populations had contrasting Zn accumulation phenotypes and shared little common response to the Zn treatment. The PL22 population displayed an iron deficiency response at high Zn in roots and shoots, which may account for higher Zn accumulation. By contrast, I16, originating from a highly Zn‐contaminated soil, strongly responded to control conditions.

Our data suggest that distinct mechanisms support adaptation to high Zn in soils among A. halleri metallicolous populations.