bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Review of the current situation for Solanum elaeagnifolium in the Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Uludag A. , Gbehounou G. , Kashefi J. , Bouhache M. , Bon M.‐C. , Bell C. , Lagopodi A. L. 
Published: March 2016

Silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium, Cav.) is one of the important invasive plant species in Mediterranean Basin countries. Over the last 60 years, this plant has gone from a few accidental introductions to near monospecific populations in many areas of the Mediterranean Basin (in particular Greece and Morocco). Recent findings from Lebanon show that the invasion is ongoing. Solanum elaeagnifolium has a negative impact on crops, causing up to 75% yield loss, as well as an indirect impact by harbouring plant pests and diseases. Solanum elaeagnifolium is toxic to livestock and has a negative affect on the quality of life for humans. Losses of potential resource or revenue caused by its invasion include: decreased forage quality on grazing lands; decreased cropping land and amenity values of public space; increased water loss; increased water conveyancing costs; and increased forest restoration costs. Available control techniques need to be strengthened to reduce the impact of S. elaeagnifolium and prevent its spread. More attention needs to be devoted to biological control, which could provide regional management of this invasive alien plant. Sustainable management of S. elaeagnifolium will require coordination, education and support across the affected countries. Governments must have the means to detect, manage and control S. elaeagnifolium.
Scent detection dogs for the Asian longhorn beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis
Authors: Hoyer‐Tomiczek U. , Sauseng G. , Hoch G. 
Published: March 2016

Surveillance for the Asian longhorn beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis, currently depends on visual inspection. As one complementary method, dogs have been trained and employed for the detection of A. glabripennis since 2009. In this study, two sets of experiments in double‐blind trials were carried out to quantify the sensitivity of the dog detection method using 10 dogs in the first set and 14 dogs in the second. All experiments used the same basic set‐up of 2 positive and 6 negative samples presented in random order. In the first series, A. glabripennis scent material (frass, a living larva or infested wood plus a living larva) was placed in hollow building blocks invisible to dogs and handlers. The experiments had an overall sensitivity of 85–93% (correct positives of all positives) and specificity of 79–94% (correct negatives of all negatives). The second series tested more realistic but also standardized situations: A. glabripennis frass and wood shavings were hidden in ground vegetation at the base of young poplar trees in a plantation, in tubes at a height of 1.8 m on these poplar trees and in crevices on old trees in an orchard at a height of about 1.8 m, respectively. These experiments had an overall sensitivity of 75–88% and a specificity of 85–96%.
Evaluation of Miscanthus sinensis biomass quality as feedstock for conversion into different bioenergy products
Authors: van der Weijde Tim , Kiesel Andreas , Iqbal Yasir , Muylle Hilde , Dolstra Oene , Visser Richard G. F. , Lewandowski Iris , Trindade Luisa M. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractMiscanthus is a promising fiber crop with high potential for sustainable biomass production for a biobased economy. The effect of biomass composition on the processing efficiency of miscanthus biomass for different biorefinery value chains was evaluated, including combustion, anaerobic digestion and enzymatic saccharification for the production of bioethanol. Biomass quality and composition was analyzed in detail using stem and leaf fractions of summer (July) and winter (March) harvested biomass of eight compositionally diverse Miscanthus sinensis genotypes. Genotype performance in tests for enzymatic saccharification, anaerobic digestion and combustion differed extensively. The variation between the best and the worst performing genotype was 18% for biogas yield (ml g−1 dm) and 42% for saccharification efficiency (glucose release as %dm). The ash content of the best performing genotype was 62% lower than that of the genotype with the highest ash content and showed a considerably high ash melting temperature during combustion. Variation between genotypes in biomass quality for the different thermochemical bioconversion processes was shown to be strongly correlated to differences in biomass composition. The most important traits that contributed favorably to biogas yields and saccharification efficiency were a high content of trans‐ferulic acid, a high ratio of para‐coumaric acid to lignin and a low lignin content. Additionally, a high content of hemicellulosic polysaccharides positively affected saccharification efficiency. Low contents of ash and inorganic elements positively affect biomass quality for combustion and low potassium and chloride contents contributed to a higher ash melting temperature. These results demonstrate the potential for optimizing and exploiting M. sinensis as a multipurpose lignocellulosic feedstock, particularly for bioenergy applications.
Efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of a new high‐purity factor X concentrate in subjects with hereditary factor X deficiency
Authors: Austin S. K. , Kavakli K. , Norton M. , Peyvandi F. , Shapiro A. ,   the FX Investigators Group
Published: March 2016

IntroductionHereditary factor X (FX) deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder affecting 1:500 000 to 1:1 000 000 of individuals. Until recently, no specific replacement factor concentrate was available.AimThe aim of this study was to assess safety and efficacy of a new, high‐purity plasma‐derived FX concentrate (pdFX) in subjects with hereditary FX deficiency.MethodsSubjects aged ≥12 years with moderate or severe FX deficiency (plasma FX activity <5 IU dL−1) received 25 IU kg−1 pdFX as on‐demand treatment or short‐term prophylaxis for 6 months to 2 years. Subjects assessed pdFX efficacy for each bleed; at end‐of‐study, investigators assessed overall pdFX efficacy. Blood samples for pharmacokinetic analysis were obtained at baseline and ≥6 months. Safety was assessed by adverse events (AEs), inhibitor development and changes in laboratory parameters.ResultsSixteen enrolled subjects (six aged 12–17 years; 10 aged 18–58 years) received a total of 468 pdFX infusions. In the 187 analysed bleeds, pdFX efficacy was categorized as excellent, good, poor or unassessable in 90.9%, 7.5%, 1.1% and 0.5% of bleeds respectively; 83% of bleeds were treated with one infusion. For pdFX, mean (median; interquartile range) incremental recovery and half‐life were 2.00 (2.12; 1.79–2.37) IU dL−1 per IU kg−1 and 29.4 (28.6; 25.8–33.1) h respectively. No serious AEs possibly related to pdFX or evidence of FX inhibitors were observed, and no hypersensitivity reactions or clinically significant trends were detected in laboratory parameters.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that a dose of 25 IU kg−1 pdFX is safe and efficacious for on‐demand treatment and short‐term prophylaxis in subjects with moderate or severe hereditary FX deficiency.
Gait analysis in children with haemophilia: first Italian experience at the Turin Haemophilia Centre
Authors: Forneris E. , Andreacchio A. , Pollio B. , Mannucci C. , Franchini M. , Mengoli C. , Pagliarino M. , Messina M. 
Published: March 2016

AimTo investigate the functional status in haemophilia patients referred to an Italian paediatric haemophilia centre using gait analysis, verifying any differences between mild, moderate or severe haemophilia at a functional level.MethodsForty‐two patients (age 4–18) presenting to the Turin Paediatric Haemophilia Centre who could walk independently were included. Therapy included prophylaxis (n = 21), on‐demand (n = 17) or immune tolerance induction + inhibitor (n = 4). Patients performed a test of gait analysis. Temporal, spatial and kinematic parameters were calculated for patient subgroups by disease severity and background treatment, and compared with normal values.ResultsModerate (35.7%) or severe (64.3%) haemophilia patients showed obvious variations from normal across a variety of temporal and spatial gait analysis parameters, including step speed and length, double support, swing phase, load asymmetry, stance phase, swing phase and speed. Kinematic parameters were characterized by frequent foot external rotation with deficient plantar flexion during the stance phase, retropelvic tilt, impaired power generation distally and reduced ground reaction forces. Both Gait Deviation Index and Gait Profile Score values for severe haemophilia patients indicated abnormal gait parameters, which were worst in patients with a history of past or current use of inhibitors and those receiving on‐demand therapy.ConclusionFunctional evaluation identified changes in gait pattern in patients with severe and moderate haemophilia, compared with normal values. Gait analysis may be a useful tool to facilitate early diagnosis of joint damage, prevent haemophilic arthropathy, design a personalized rehabilitative treatment and monitor functional status over time.
Lower C‐reactive protein and better hemodialysis survival are associated with regular exercise activity: Longitudinal outcomes from the ACTIVE‐ADIPOSE special study
Authors: Kutner Nancy G. , Zhang Rebecca , Huang Yijian , Kaysen George A. , Park Jeanie 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIntroduction Cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies in the general population have shown that a physically active lifestyle may have anti‐inflammatory properties, but evidence from studies conducted with maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients is limited. Methods A multicenter prospective cohort of 755 HD participants aged 20–92 was evaluated in a USRDS special study 2009–2013. Kilocalories/week (kcal/week) of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) was estimated from the Minnesota Leisure Time Activity questionnaire. Predialysis serum samples were obtained concurrent with LTPA report date. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) examined association of participants’ LTPA and log‐normalized CRP across 24 months. Cox proportional hazards models investigated LTPA and survival over a median follow‐up of 718 days. Findings Baseline median CRP concentration was lower for participants with 500+ kcal/week LTPA vs. those with <500 kcal/week LTPA (3.4 mg/L vs. 4.6 mg/L; P = 0.03). Participants who reported lower LTPA (<500 kcal/week) at both baseline and 12 months had a borderline significant increase in CRP concentration (within‐group change 4.8 [1.9–10.4] to 5.8 [1.6–15.7]; P = 0.08). Lower LTPA was associated with higher log CRP over 24 months in adjusted GEE analyses (β coefficient = 0.16 [95% CI 0.02–0.31]; P = 0.03). 67/364 (18%) and 43/391 (11%) deaths occurred, respectively, among participants reporting <500 vs. 500+ kcal/week LTPA [adjusted mortality hazard ratio 1.63 (CI, 1.07, 2.47)]. Discussion The data suggest that increased estimated levels of LTPA, a physical activity/exercise opportunity widely applicable to HD patients, may be associated with lower CRP concentration as well as better survival outcome.
Patent Foramen Ovale and Migraine: Closing the Debate—A Review
Authors: Tariq Nauman , Tepper Stewart J. , Kriegler Jennifer S. 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundA link between patent foramen ovale (PFO) and migraine as well as the utility of closure of PFO and its effect on migraine have been subjects of debate. The present review is an effort to gather the available evidence on this topic and formulate recommendations.MethodsA systematic search of electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library) was performed. A separate search in associated reference lists of identified studies was done. Observational studies and clinical trials published in English using the International Headache Society criteria for diagnosis of migraine were included in the analysis. The search was performed in 3 categories: prevalence of migraine in patients with PFO, prevalence of PFO in migraine patients, and effect of PFO closure and its effect on migraine. The quality of evidence and strength of recommendations during review of these studies was analyzed.ResultsAbout 14 observational studies with 2602 subjects who had PFO were identified. Migraine prevalence ranged from 16% to 64%. Another 20 studies reported 2444 patients with migraine; the prevalence of PFO ranged from 15% to 90%. About 20 observational studies (1194 patients) that examined the effect of PFO closure on migraine were identified. Resolution of migraine was reported in 10% to 83% of patients, improvement in 14% to 83%, no change in 1% to 54%, and worsening in 4% to 8%. The overall quality of these observational studies was poor. Finally, 3 randomized clinical trials included a total of 238 patients who underwent PFO closure compared with 234 patients in the control groups. All 3 trials failed to meet their primary end points defined as migraine resolution and greater than 50% reduction in migraine days at 1 year. In 2 of the clinical trials, there was some benefit noted in a small subset of migraine patients with aura, but the numbers were too small to extrapolate the findings to the general migraine population.ConclusionsThere is no good quality evidence to support a link between migraine and PFO. Closure of PFO for migraine prevention does not significantly reduce the intensity and severity of migraine. We do not recommend the routine use of this procedure in current practice.
Effectiveness of various interventions on maintenance of gingival health during 1 year – a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Van Leeuwen MPC , Rosema NAM , Versteeg PA , Slot DE , Hennequin‐Hoenderdos NL , Van der Weijden GA 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundRinsing with the combined use of an oxygenating‐agent (OA) and chlorhexidine (CHX) in addition to mechanical oral hygiene could improve and/or maintain good gingival health over a long period.MethodsThis study had an examiner‐blinded, randomized, six‐group parallel design consisting of two‐phases: a 3‐week treatment phase and a subsequent 12‐month experimental phase. A total of 267 subjects in good general health (≥18 years), without periodontitis, with at least five teeth per quadrant, and with moderate to advanced gingivitis were enrolled. A 3‐week treatment phase was initiated to improve gingival health. Subjects were assigned to one of the six groups: two basic oral hygiene groups (Control I & II), one professional oral hygiene instruction group (OHI), one professional prophylaxis group (PP), an OA&CHX rinse group and a group receiving a combination of all regimens (COMBI group), being OHI + PP + OA&CHX. Dental plaque, gingival bleeding and staining assessments were performed at the start of the treatment phase, at baseline and at 4, 7, 10, and 12 months.ResultsThere was a significant reduction in dental plaque‐scores for the OA&CHX and COMBI‐group (0.51 [SD = 0.37], 0.38 [SD = 0.33] respectively) and a significant reduction in gingivitis scores for the OA&CHX and COMBI group (6.9% [SD = 14.0], 13.4% [SD = 13.4] respectively) from the start of the treatment phase to baseline. No clinically relevant changes were observed for the other four groups. After baseline, bleeding and plaque‐scores increased back to a non‐significant level between groups, and this level remained throughout the study.ConclusionOA&CHX and COMBI‐group showed a clinically relevant improvement after the treatment phase in terms of dental plaque and gingival bleeding levels. At the 4‐month clinical assessment, there was no longer a significant difference between groups.
Use of transient elastography in patients with HIV–HCV coinfection: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Njei Basile , McCarty Thomas R. , Luk Jeffrey , Ewelukwa Oforbuike , Ditah Ivo , Lim Joseph K. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackground and AimPatients with HIV‐hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection progress towards liver fibrosis and cirrhosis more rapidly compared with HCV mono‐infected individuals. This necessitates an accurate assessment of liver stiffness with transient elastography to guide treatment.MethodsSearches of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases were performed through January 2016 to assess the diagnostic accuracy of transient elastography for liver stiffness in the HIV–HCV population. Included studies were analyzed according to the Cochrane DTA Working Group methodology. Bivariate and hierarchical models were used to compute pooled sensitivity and specificity. Positive and negative likelihood ratios were also determined. A Fagan nomogram was constructed. Meta‐regression analysis was performed with assessment of publication bias using Deeks' funnel plot asymmetry testing.ResultsA total of six studies (n = 756) met the inclusion criteria. The diagnostic accuracy of elastography for the diagnosis of moderate (≥F2) fibrosis was 88% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85–0.90). The pooled sensitivity and specificity of moderate fibrosis was 97% (95% CI, 0.82–0.91) and 64% (95% CI, 0.45–0.79), respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of elastography for the assessment of cirrhosis was 94% (95% CI, 0.91–0.95). The pooled sensitivity and specificity for cirrhosis was 90% (95% CI, 0.74–0.97) and 87% (95% CI, 0.80–0.92), respectively. Meta‐regression analysis demonstrated that CD4 cell count did not impact diagnostic accuracy of elastography.ConclusionsTransient elastography is a noninvasive imaging modality with excellent ability to assess for cirrhosis in patients with HIV–HCV coinfection.
Estimation of Waste Battery Generation and Analysis of the Waste Battery Recycling System in China
Authors: Song Xiaoxu , Hu Shanying , Chen Dingjiang , Zhu Bing 
Published: March 2016

SummaryChina produces and consumes a large amount of batteries annually, which leads to many waste batteries needing to be recycled. The collection and recycling system of primary, alkaline secondary, and lithium‐ion secondary batteries in China is particularly poor, and waste battery recycling enterprises generally sustain economic losses if they solely use waste batteries as raw materials. Increasing the profits of waste battery recycling systems is a key problem that needs to be considered. This article quantitatively analyzes waste battery generation in China by using annual sales data and probable lifetime distribution of various batteries. The results show that the rapid growth of battery usage has led to an increased generation of waste batteries and the percentage of different types of waste batteries is changing over time. In 2013, the total quantity of all waste batteries in the medium lifetime scenario reached 570 kilotons, of which primary, alkaline secondary, and lithium‐ion secondary waste batteries accounted for approximately 36%, 28%, and 35%, respectively. Based on a real‐world case study of a typical domestic waste battery recycling enterprise in China, material flow analysis and cost‐benefit analysis were conducted to study the development of the recycling process of comingled waste batteries. Through scenario analysis, we conclude that increasing the use of waste batteries as raw materials and the recycling of other materials that are less valuable reduces the profits of the waste battery recycling enterprise. Higher profits can be achieved by adding the production of high value‐added downstream products and government support. At the same time, the essential role of the government in developing a waste battery recycling system was identified. Finally, relevant suggestions are made for improvements in both the government and enterprise sectors.
Behavioural interventions for sleep problems in people with an intellectual disability: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of single case and group studies
Authors: Priday L. J. , Byrne C. , Totsika V. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundBehavioural interventions are frequently used to address sleep problems in people with intellectual disabilities (ID). The current study aimed to systematically review evidence on the efficacy of behavioural interventions for children and adults with ID and sleep problems.MethodElectronic and hand searches identified seven studies for inclusion (N = 169). Standardised mean difference effect sizes (d) were calculated for group studies (N = 4). Non‐overlap effect sizes (Tau‐U) were calculated for single case experimental design studies (SCEDs;N = 3).ResultsA large effect size (weightedd = 0.923, confidence interval: 0.705 to 1.151) across group studies indicated large improvements in sleep problems following behavioural intervention. Effect size across SCEDs (weighted Tau‐U: 0.528, confidence interval: 0.351 to 0.705) indicated a 53% improvement compared with baseline. Sleep initiation and sleep maintenance problems showed significant improvements post‐intervention. Follow‐up effects were less consistent across study designs and suggested that some sleep problems maintain gains better than others.ConclusionMeta‐analytic evidence from group and SCEDs can provide complementary information about efficacy. Findings propose that behavioural interventions are a promising evidence‐based practice for improving sleep problems in people with ID.
Methamphetamine compromises gap junctional communication in astrocytes and neurons
Authors: Castellano Paul , Nwagbo Chisom , Martinez Luis R. , Eugenin Eliseo A. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractMethamphetamine (meth) is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that results in psychological and physical dependency. The long‐term effects of meth within the CNS include neuronal plasticity changes, blood–brain barrier compromise, inflammation, electrical dysfunction, neuronal/glial toxicity, and an increased risk to infectious diseases including HIV. Most of the reported meth effects in the CNS are related to dysregulation of chemical synapses by altering the release and uptake of neurotransmitters, especially dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. However, little is known about the effects of meth on connexin (Cx) containing channels, such as gap junctions (GJ) and hemichannels (HC). We examined the effects of meth on Cx expression, function, and its role in NeuroAIDS. We found that meth altered Cx expression and localization, decreased GJ communication between neurons and astrocytes, and induced the opening of Cx43/Cx36 HC. Furthermore, we found that these changes in GJ and HC induced by meth treatment were mediated by activation of dopamine receptors, suggesting that dysregulation of dopamine signaling induced by meth is essential for GJ and HC compromise. Meth‐induced changes in GJ and HC contributed to amplified CNS toxicity by dysregulating glutamate metabolism and increasing the susceptibility of neurons and astrocytes to bystander apoptosis induced by HIV. Together, our results indicate that connexin containing channels, GJ and HC, are essential in the pathogenesis of meth and increase the sensitivity of the CNS to HIV CNS disease.
imageMethamphetamine (meth) is an extremely addictive central nervous system stimulant. Meth reduced gap junctional (GJ) communication by inducing internalization of connexin‐43 (Cx43) in astrocytes and reducing expression of Cx36 in neurons by a mechanism involving activation of dopamine receptors (see cartoon). Meth‐induced changes in Cx containing channels increased extracellular levels of glutamate and resulted in higher sensitivity of neurons and astrocytes to apoptosis in response to HIV infection.