bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rural–Urban Differences in the Effect of Follow‐Up Care on Postdischarge Outcomes
Authors: Toth Matthew , Holmes Mark , Van Houtven Courtney , Toles Mark , Weinberger Morris , Silberman Pam 
Published: August 2016

ObjectiveTo assess rural–urban differences in quality of postdischarge care among Medicare beneficiaries, controlling for selection bias of postdischarge services.Data SourcesThe Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS), Cost and Use Files from 2000 to 2010, the Area Resource File, Provider of Services File, and the Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care.Study DesignRetrospective analysis of 30‐ and 60‐day hospital readmission, emergency department (ED) use, and mortality using two‐stage residual inclusion; receipt of 14‐day follow‐up care was the main independent variable.Data Extraction MethodWe defined index admission from the MCBS as any admission without a previous admission within 60 days.Principal FindingsNoninstrumental variables estimation was the preferred estimation strategy. Fourteen‐day follow‐up care reduced the risk of readmission, ED use, and mortality. There were no rural– urban differences in the effect of 14‐day follow‐up care on readmission and mortality. Rural beneficiaries experienced a greater effect of 14‐day follow‐up care on reducing 30‐day ED use compared to urban beneficiaries.ConclusionsFollow‐up care reduces 30‐ and 60‐day readmission, ED use, and mortality. Rural and urban Medicare beneficiaries experience similar beneficial effects of follow‐up care on the outcomes. Policies that improve follow‐up care in rural settings may be beneficial.
Beyond Taphonomy: Exploring Craniometric Variation Among Anatomical Material
Authors: Hefner Joseph T. , Spatola Brian F. , Passalacqua Nicholas V. , Gocha Timothy P. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAnatomical crania are occasionally encountered in forensic anthropology laboratories when that material is mistaken for forensically significant human remains. Using craniometric analyses and statistical measures of sample homogeneity, we determine whether anatomical material can be described as a single, homogenous group or as a diverse mix of populations. Twenty‐one interlandmark distances were collected from 85 anatomical preparations. Distance measures were calculated between all pairs using a pooled within‐sample variance/covariance matrix and then subjected to a Defrise‐Gussenhoven test between each paired distance to test whether each pair was drawn randomly from the same population. In the Defrise‐Gussenhoven analysis, twenty‐two percent (n = 66) of the 300 pairwise combinations were significant at the 0.05 level or below. The level of homogeneity suggests a majority of that material originated from the subcontinent of India or West Asia. Therefore, anatomical material can be viewed as a moderately homogenous group, but with a shared taphonomic history.
Too hot to handle? Balancing increased trapability with capture mortality in hot weather pitfall trapping
Authors: Read John L. , Kearney Michael R. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractTrapping at air temperatures close to, or exceeding, critical thermal maxima is important for comprehensive sampling of vertebrate assemblages and collection of sufficient data for impact assessment. However, pitfall trapping on hot days also potentially exposes trapped animals to stress or death through overheating or desiccation. We investigate causes of mortality from 14 305 captures over a 22‐year pitfall trap study in arid South Australia and compared mortality rates with maximum temperatures, solar radiation and rainfall. Overall mortality rate was 3.2% with chewing by rodents and handling accidents the most influential cause of death recorded. The highest mortality rates were experienced by the tiny skink, Lerista labialis, which was difficult to detect in traps each day and hence problematic to assess the effect of weather variables on capture mortality. For all other abundant species, high maximum temperature was only a significant explanatory variable for increased death rates of the house mouse Mus domesticus, and increased solar radiation was positively related to capture mortality for the house mouse, the frog Neobatrachus sudelli and the small skink Ctenotus schomburgkii. However, capture rates for these taxa and eight other common species would have been significantly lower if trapping did not occur on days of 40 °C or more. We conclude that trapping in hot weather is both desirable and justifiable and suggest techniques for further reducing mortality rates in pitfall studies.
Measuring glycated haemoglobin in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: How useful is it?
Authors: Wong Vincent W. , Chong Shanley , Mediratta Sahil , Jalaludin Bin 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundGlycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is an important tool for assessing glycaemic status in patients with diabetes, but its usefulness in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), is unclear.AimsThe aim of this study is to evaluate whether HbA1c in women with GDM is valuable in predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes.Materials and methodsA retrospective review of women with GDM who had HbA1c measured at diagnosis of GDM (GHb‐diag) and at 36 weeks gestation (GHb‐36 weeks) was conducted. The association between HbA1c and various pregnancy outcomes was assessedResultsAmong 1244 women with GDM in our cohort, both GHb‐diag and GHb‐36 weeks were independent predictors for large‐for‐gestation (LGA) babies (OR 1.06, P = 0.005 and OR 1.06, P = 0.002, respectively) and neonatal hypoglycaemia (OR 1.10, P < 0.001 and OR 1.09, P < 0.001, respectively). Women with HbA1c ≥ 5.4% (35 mmol/mol) at diagnosis had significantly greater risk for LGA (15.3% vs 8.2%, P < 0.001) and neonatal hypoglycaemia (42.2% vs 23.6%, P < 0.001) than those below this cut‐off. The difference between GHb‐diag and GHb‐36 weeks was small and improvement in HbA1c by 36 weeks was not associated with better pregnancy outcomes.ConclusionWe showed that measurement of HbA1c, either at the time of diagnosis of GDM or toward the end of pregnancy, were both associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Women with elevated HbA1c (>5.4% or 35 mmol/mol) at diagnosis of GDM should be monitored closely during pregnancy. However, there is not enough evidence to suggest that repeating HbA1c toward the end of pregnancy will provide additional information in predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Perspectives on Promoting Hospital Primary Vaginal Birth: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kennedy Holly P. , Doig Eleanor , Tillman Stephanie , Strauss Amanda , Williams Beth , Pettker Christian , Illuzzi Jessica 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundOne in three women will deliver by cesarean, a procedure that can be life saving, but which also carries short‐ and long‐term risks. There is growing interest in preventing primary cesarean deliveries, while optimizing the health of the mother and infant. The primary aim of this study was to use participatory action strategies and ethnographic interview data collected from diverse stakeholders in birth (caregivers, women, policymakers) about facilitators and barriers to the achievement of primary vaginal birth in first‐time mothers in hospital settings. The secondary aim was to use the findings to identify strategies to promote primary vaginal birth and future areas of research.MethodsIndividual and small group interviews were conducted with caregivers and policymakers (N = 79) and first‐time mothers (N = 24) at a northeastern hospital. All interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Atlas.ti.ResultsFour broad themes were identified: 1) preparation for childbirth, 2) early labor management, 3) caregiver knowledge and practice style, and 4) birth environment (physical, cultural/emotional). The first two were closely linked from caregivers' perspectives. If the woman was not prepared for childbirth, it was perceived she would be more likely to present to the hospital in early labor. Once there, it was hard to prevent admission and interventions. A woman's knowledge and confidence were perceived as powerful mediators for vaginal birth.ConclusionCaregivers and first‐time mothers identified early labor management and childbirth preparation as important factors to promote primary vaginal birth in hospital settings. Both deserve further inquiry as potential strategies to decrease rising cesarean delivery rates.
Depressed‐type submucosal invasive colorectal cancer in a patient with Lynch syndrome diagnosed using short‐interval colonoscopy
Authors: Inoki Kazuya , Nakajima Takeshi , Sekine Shigeki , Sugano Kokichi , Tsukamoto Shunsuke , Yamada Masayoshi , Mutoh Michihiro , Sakamoto Taku , Matsuda Takahisa , Sekiguchi Masau , Ushiama Mineko , Yoshida Teruhiko , Sakamoto Hiromi , Kanemitsu Yukihide , Saito Yutaka 
Published: August 2016

Although regular colonoscopy surveillance is recommended for patients with Lynch syndrome (LS) who underwent partial colectomy, the appropriate interval has not been determined. We report a case of colorectal cancer (CRC) detected by short‐interval surveillance colonoscopy (SC) in a patient with LS having a past history of partial colectomy. A 65‐year‐old man underwent sigmoidectomy for advanced CRC. His family history revealed that his two younger brothers had CRC in their twenties and thirties, respectively, and the patient met with the criteria in the Revised Bethesda Guidelines. After confirming the loss of MSH2 protein expression in the primary tumor, subsequent genetic testing showed germline mutation with a large deletion of exon 7–14 in the MSH2 gene, indicating a diagnosis of LS. After the diagnosis of LS, the patient underwent annual SC. Three years after the initial surgery, superficial submucosal invasive cancer was detected. Subsequently, SC after a 6‐month interval revealed a deep submucosal invasive cancer (7 mm in diameter). Although additional surgery was recommended, considering his comorbidities, regular SC rather than colectomy was selected. Even shorter‐interval SC carried out within a year is not sufficient to detect endoscopically resectable tumors in some high‐risk LS cases.
Deadwood stocks increase with selective logging and large tree frequency in Gabon
Authors: Carlson Ben S. , Koerner Sally E. , Medjibe Vincent P. , White Lee J. T. , Poulsen John R. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractDeadwood is a major component of aboveground biomass (AGB) in tropical forests and is important as habitat and for nutrient cycling and carbon storage. With deforestation and degradation taking place throughout the tropics, improved understanding of the magnitude and spatial variation in deadwood is vital for the development of regional and global carbon budgets. However, this potentially important carbon pool is poorly quantified in Afrotropical forests and the regional drivers of deadwood stocks are unknown. In the first large‐scale study of deadwood in Central Africa, we quantified stocks in 47 forest sites across Gabon and evaluated the effects of disturbance (logging), forest structure variables (live AGB, wood density, abundance of large trees), and abiotic variables (temperature, precipitation, seasonality). Average deadwood stocks (measured as necromass, the biomass of deadwood) were 65 Mg ha−1 or 23% of live AGB. Deadwood stocks varied spatially with disturbance and forest structure, but not abiotic variables. Deadwood stocks increased significantly with logging (+38 Mg ha−1) and the abundance of large trees (+2.4 Mg ha−1 for every tree >60 cm dbh). Gabon holds 0.74 Pg C, or 21% of total aboveground carbon in deadwood, a threefold increase over previous estimates. Importantly, deadwood densities in Gabon are comparable to those in the Neotropics and respond similarly to logging, but represent a lower proportion of live AGB (median of 18% in Gabon compared to 26% in the Neotropics). In forest carbon accounting, necromass is often assumed to be a constant proportion (9%) of biomass, but in humid tropical forests this ratio varies from 2% in undisturbed forest to 300% in logged forest. Because logging significantly increases the deadwood carbon pool, estimates of tropical forest carbon should at a minimum use different ratios for logged (mean of 30%) and unlogged forests (mean of 18%).
Cytoplasmic expression of β‐catenin is an independent predictor of progression of conventional renal cell carcinoma: a simple immunostaining score
Authors: Kovacs Gyula , Billfeldt Nina Kaerger , Farkas Nelli , Dergez Timea , Javorhazy Andras , Banyai Daniel , Pusztai Csaba , Szanto Arpad 
Published: August 2016

AimsThe aims of this study were to investigate the potential of β‐catenin as a biomarker for predicting cancer‐specific survival, and to find a reproducible mode of evaluation of immunohistochemistry.Methods and resultsβ‐Catenin expression was analysed by immunohistochemistry in a cohort of 488 patients with conventional renal cell carcinoma (RCC) operated on between 2000 and 2010. The association between β‐catenin expression and cancer‐specific survival was assessed with univariate and multivariate Cox regression models in relation to conventional clinical pathological prognostic factors, and by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis with the log rank test. The univariate Cox regression model revealed an association of cytoplasmic β‐catenin positivity and pathological variables with cancer‐specific death. The multivariate Cox regression model analysis of tumours without metastatic disease at the first presentation identified the T‐classification (P < 0.001) and cytoplasmic β‐catenin positivity as risk factors for postoperative tumour progression. Specifically, cytoplasmic β‐catenin expression was an independent factor indicating an unfavourable prognosis, with a four‐fold higher risk of cancer‐specific death (relative risk 4.017; 95% confidence interval 2.489–6.482; P < 0.001). The median survival time for patients with tumours showing cytoplasmic accumulation of β‐catenin was 48 months, whereas the overall survival time was 166 months.ConclusionsCytoplasmic β‐catenin expression is an independent prognostic factor for conventional RCC, and may help to identify patients with a high risk of cancer‐specific death and to direct optimized active surveillance or adjuvant therapy.
Influence of CMC‐ and guar gum‐based silver nanoparticle coatings combined with low temperature on major aroma volatile components and the sensory quality of kinnow (Citrus reticulata)
Authors: Shah Syed Wasim Ahmad , Qaisar Muhammad , Jahangir Muhammad , Abbasi Kashif Sarfraz , Khan Sami Ullah , Ali Naushad , Liaquat Muhammad 
Published: August 2016

SummaryAroma profile and organoleptic quality of CMC‐ and guar gum‐based silver nanoparticle‐coated kinnow (Citrus reticulata cv. Blanco) was evaluated for 120 days at 4 °C and 10 °C, 85–95% relative humidity. Loss in three major aroma‐active volatile compounds (limonene, linalool and γ‐terpinene) was determined after every 15 days by GC‐MS. Sensory quality of coated and uncoated fruit stored at 10 °C was declined during storage. Twenty five volatile aroma compounds were identified in fresh kinnow juice. Guar gum‐Ag coatings and 4 °C storage has significantly reduced losses of limonene, linalool and γ‐terpinene contents from 91 to 23%, 99 to 10% and 97 to 29% respectively as compared to uncoated fruit stored at 10 °C. Study suggests that CMC‐ and guar gum‐based silver nanoparticle‐coated kinnow stored at 4 °C has preserved the fruit aroma and sensory quality for 120 days.
Solid‐phase extraction and spectrophotometric determination of Allura Red (E129) in foodstuff, soft drink, syrup and energy drink samples: a comparison study
Authors: Bişgin Abdullah Taner , Sürme Yavuz , Uçan Mustafa , Narin İbrahim 
Published: August 2016

SummaryAmberlite XAD‐7 and XAD‐8 resins were used as adsorbents for preconcentration and determination of Allura Red (AR) food dye in aqueous medium. The effects of pH, sample volume, sample and eluent flow rates on the extraction of AR were optimised. The determination of dye was performed at 506.0 nm using spectrophotometry. Interference effects of matrix ions and some dyes were also investigated under optimised conditions. The methods permitted low detection limits which were 1.2 and 0.6 μg L−1 for XAD‐7 and XAD‐8, respectively. Adsorption behaviours were investigated by adsorption isotherms and zero charge pH experiments. Validations of the method were performed by determination of AR contents in some foodstuffs. AR contents of liquid samples were found between 58 and 440 μg mL−1. AR concentrations of solid samples were between 416 and 432 μg g−1. The XAD‐7 and XAD‐8 resins presented a fast and reliable potential to determine AR dye in real samples.
Disrupted‐in‐schizophrenia‐1 as a broader link of glutamatergic transmission to schizophrenia impacts cerebral neurochemistry via the production of the ‘gliotransmitter’ d‐serine, a NMDA receptor coagonist
Authors: Wu Shengzhou , Barger Steven W. 
Published: August 2016

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This Editorial highlights a study by Xia and coworkers in the current issue of the Journal of Neurochemistry, in which the authors reveal a possible mechanistic link between DISC1 (disrupted‐in‐schizophrenia‐1), a genetic risk factor for schizophrenia, and N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) that is also linked with schizophrenia. The authors show that perturbed communication between DISC1 and NMDARs represents a hidden perpetrator for abnormal dendritic and synaptic maturation.Read the highlighted article ‘DISC1, astrocytes and neuronal maturation: a possible mechanistic link with implications for mental disorders’ on page 518.
Long‐Term Outcomes and Complications of Intracardiac Echocardiography‐Assisted Patent Foramen Ovale Closure in 1,000 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Rigatelli Gianluca , Pedon Luigi , Zecchel Roberto , Dell'Avvocata Fabio , Carrozza Antonio , Zennaro Marco , Mazza Alberto , Zuin Marco , Russo Monia , Zanchetta Mario 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundsLong‐term fate of patients submitted to patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure is still unclear. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF), aortic or atrial free wall erosion, device thrombosis (DT), new onset or worsening of mitral valve regurgitation (MVR), and recurrent cerebral ischemic events in the long‐term follow up after intracardiac echocardiography (ICE)—aided PFO closure in a large population.MethodsWe reviewed the medical and instrumental data of 1,000 consecutive patients (mean age 47.3 ± 17.1 years, females) prospectively enrolled in 2 centres over a 13 years period (February 1999–February 2012) for R‐to‐L shunt ICE‐aided catheter‐based closure using different devices.ResultsImmediate success was 99.8%. Implanted devices were Amplatzer PFO Occluder in 463 patients (46.3%), Amplatzer ASD Cribriform Occluder in 420 patients (42.0%), Premere Occlusion System in 95 patients (9.5%), and Biostar Occluder in 22 patients (2.2%). On a mean follow‐up of 12.3 ± 0.6 years (minimum 4‐ maximum 17 years), permanent AF occurred in 0.5%, DT was apparent in 0.5%, new onset or worsening of MVR was observed in 0.2%, whereas recurrent cerebral ischemic events were 0.8%. Occlusion rate was 93.8%. No aortic or atrial free wall erosion has been observed.ConclusionICE‐aided closure of PFO using different devices, appeared very safe and effective on very long‐term follow up with low incidence of erosion, DT, recurrent ischemic events, MVR new onset or worsening, and permanent AF.
Regression of fibrosis and portal hypertension in HCV‐associated cirrhosis and sustained virologic response after interferon‐free antiviral therapy
Authors: Knop V. , Hoppe D. , Welzel T. , Vermehren J. , Herrmann E. , Vermehren A. , Friedrich‐Rust M. , Sarrazin C. , Zeuzem S. , Welker M.‐W. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryIt is still controversial, whether and to what amount cirrhosis and portal hypertension are reversible in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐associated cirrhosis and sustained virologic response (SVR) after interferon‐free antiviral therapy. In this study, we prospectively evaluated dynamics of liver and spleen stiffness in HCV‐infected patients with advanced liver disease and SVR after interferon‐free treatment. A total of 54 patients with HCV‐associated cirrhosis and SVR were included. Liver and spleen stiffness was measured at therapy baseline (BL), end of treatment (EOT) and 24 weeks after EOT (FU24) by transient liver elastography (L‐TE) as well as by acoustic radiation force impulse of the liver (L‐ARFI) and spleen (S‐ARFI), as well as biochemical, virologic and clinical data. Improvement of liver and spleen stiffness was found in 44 of 50 (88%), 31 of 54 (57%) and 25 of 54 (46%) of patients assessed by L‐TE, L‐ARFI and S‐ARFI between baseline and FU24. Liver stiffness assessed by L‐TE improved between BL [median (range), 32.5 (9.1–75) kPa] and EOT [median (range), 21.3 (6.7–73.5) kPa; (P<.0001)], and between BL and FU24 [median (range), 21.2 (5.4–70) kPa; (P<.0001)]. Liver stiffness assessed by L‐ARFI improved between BL [median (range), 2.7 (1.2–4.1) m/s] and FU24 [median (range), 2.4 (1.2–3.9) m/s; P=.002), while spleen stiffness remained unchanged. Our data suggest that improvement of liver stiffness may be rather due to reduced necroinflammation and may be due to a less extent to regression of cirrhosis, as dynamics of liver stiffness improvement was more pronounced between BL and EOT than BL and FU24.
The dynamics of hummingbird dominance and foraging strategies during the winter season in a highland community in Western Mexico
Authors: Rodríguez‐Flores C. I. , Arizmendi Arriaga M. C. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractCoexistence between ecologically similar species can promote competition for resources. Hummingbirds (Aves: Trochilidae) are nectarivorous birds that usually coexist in sympatry, and visit flowers using different foraging behaviors and levels of aggressiveness as a strategy to diminish resource competition. Here, we describe the dynamics in territorial and dominance behaviors in a hummingbird community inhabiting a highland during winter in Western Mexico. We explored in natural conditions how foraging strategies and dominance status of the hummingbirds was influenced by community species composition, sex, age and size of the individuals, floral abundance, and nectar resource availability. The community studied was composed of 11 species (four residents, three altitudinal migrants, three latitudinal migrants), and all possible combinations of dominance and territoriality were found. Differences in the dominance status and foraging behavior were related to the species, sex, age and body size of the individuals, as well as the number of flowers in the patches, and the abundance of the migratory species over time. The aggressive and territorial species preferred the places with more flowers, and started the majority of the interactions attacking even birds that did not visited the flowers. The subordinate non‐territorial hummingbirds visited floral patches of different sizes, did not start aggressive interactions and when they were involved in one, this occurred during their visits to the territorial hummingbird's flowers. Hummingbird dominance changed during the winter and at the end of the season, when the latitudinal migrant species left our study site, the resident species were more abundant, dominant and territorial. Dominance status and foraging behavior, together with floral preferences and the spatial distribution of nectar resources, acted as mechanisms organizing this hummingbird community.