bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laboratory evaluation of predation rates of two native natural enemies on the exotic pest Bagrada hilaris
Authors: Grasswitz T. R. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractLaboratory studies were conducted to determine the consumption rates of two native predators found attacking the exotic invasive stink bug Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister) (Hempitera: Pentatomidae) in field plots in New Mexico, USA. Individual field‐collected adults of the spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris (Say) (Hempitera: Pentatomidae) and the soft‐winged flower beetle, Collops vittatus (Say) (Coleoptera: Melyridae), were provided daily with fixed numbers of different life stages of B. hilaris under controlled conditions. Consumption rates were recorded daily for ten consecutive days for a total of 20 adult P. maculiventris and 20 adult C. vittatus per prey life stage. For P. maculiventris, predation rates were obtained in relation to adult, third and fifth instar prey, and for C. vittatus for first, second and third instar prey. On average, predation on third and fifth instar B. hilaris nymphs by P. maculiventris was 0.6 ± 0.1 and 0.9 ± 0.1 per day respectively. Predation rates on adults were slightly higher (1.3 ± 0.1 per day), with female prey being consumed at a significantly higher rate than male prey when three mating pairs of B. hilaris were provided per day (0.8 ± 0.1 females per day vs. 0.5 ± 0.1 males per day). Collops vittatus adults provisioned daily with 20 first instar B. hilaris nymphs killed a mean total of 4.7 ± 0.4 and 9.3 ± 0.6 prey each day (for male and female beetles respectively), with only approximately half that number of prey being fully consumed. Partial consumption of prey by this species was also observed with second and third instar nymphs, but to a lesser degree. Female beetles consumed significantly more prey than did male beetles when fed first and third instar B. hilaris, but not when given second instar prey.
Hepatic flare after telbivudine withdrawal and efficacy of postpartum antiviral therapy for pregnancies with chronic hepatitis B virus
Authors: Liu Jinfeng , Wang Jing , Jin Dongfang , Qi Caijing , Yan TaoTao , Cao Furong , Jin Li , Tian Zhen , Guo Dandan , Yuan Ningxia , Feng Weihong , Zhang Shulin , Zhao Yingren , Chen Tianyan 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackground and AimThe efficacy of telbivudine for breaking vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus has been well established. Data on the risk of postpartum flare after telbivudine withdrawal and efficacy of extended antiviral therapy after delivery are limited.MethodsChronic hepatitis B virus‐infected women who received telbivudine beginning at week 24 or 28 of gestation were enrolled and then followed up to 52 weeks postpartum. Virological and biochemical parameters were assessed.ResultsOf the 241 women who finished 52 weeks of follow‐up, 33.6% had elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) during pregnancy. Telbivudine administration resulted in ALT normalization in 85.2% before delivery. Compared with women having a normal ALT level throughout pregnancy, those with elevated ALT had a significantly higher rate of ALT flare after telbivudine withdrawal (25.0%vs11.9%;χ2 = 4.273,P = 0.039). Multivariate analysis indicated that only ALT elevation during pregnancy correlated with postpartum flare after telbivudine withdrawal. Those women with elevated ALT during pregnancy continued antiviral treatment to 52 weeks postpartum and had a significantly higher HBeAg seroconversion rate (P = 0.001) and a notable decrease in HBsAg titers (P = 0.001).ConclusionIt is safe for the majority of women to withdraw telbivudine after delivery, whereas exciting serological response encourages extended antiviral therapy for mother with ALT elevation during pregnancy.
Clinical utility of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided biliary drainage as a rescue of re‐intervention procedure for high‐grade hilar stricture
Authors: Ogura Takeshi , Onda Saori , Takagi Wataru , Sano Tatsushi , Okuda Atsushi , Masuda Daisuke , Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Miyano Akira , Kitano Masayuki , Takeuchi Toshihisa , Fukunishi Shinya , Higuchi Kazuhide 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackground and AimRe‐intervention after stent placement for malignant hepatic hilum obstruction (HBO) is challenging. endoscopic ultrasound‐guided biliary drainage (EUS‐BD) has been developed as an alternative method for failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). In this retrospective study, the clinical utility of EUS‐BD as a rescue drainage technique for HBO patients who failed re‐intervention under ERCP guidance was evaluated.MethodsBetween April 2012 and August 2015, patients with HBO were enrolled. Patients' characteristics, kinds of metallic stents, configuration of stent placement, overall survival, stent patency, and results of re‐intervention were reviewed, along with the re‐intervention technical success rate.ResultsThe biliary stricture type was Bismuth type IV in 59% (23/39) and types IIIa and b in 20.5% (8/39) each. Biliary metallic stent placement was bilateral in 38.5% (15/39), and unilateral in 61.5% (24/39). Primary stent dysfunction was observed in 71.8% (28/39) of cases. Planned re‐intervention under ERCP guidance was attempted in 26 patients. The technical success rate was 62% (16/26). For the 10 patients who failed re‐intervention under ERCP guidance, EUS‐BD was planned. The technical success rate was 100% (10/10). The procedure time was 25.8 min. Adverse events were not seen in any patients. Stent patency after re‐intervention was not significantly different between ERCP (165 days) guidance and EUS‐BD (152 days) guidance (P = 0.463)ConclusionsIn conclusion, EUS‐BD as a re‐intervention method for metallic stent obstruction was safe and feasible. If ERCP was failed, EUS‐BD may be one of option as re‐intervention method for high‐grade hilar stricture.
Plasma renin concentration represents an independent risk factor for mortality and is associated with liver dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Paternostro Rafael , Reiberger Thomas , Mandorfer Mattias , Schwarzer Remy , Schwabl Philipp , Bota Simona , Ferlitsch Monika , Trauner Michael , Peck‐Radosavljevic Markus , Ferlitsch Arnulf 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackground and AimPlasma renin concentration (PRC) is increased in patients with cirrhosis. The aims of this study were to evaluate the relation of PRC to (i) portal hypertension, (ii) degree of liver dysfunction, and (iii) survival.MethodsPlasma renin concentration (range 2.8–39.9 μU/mL) was measured after 30 min in supine position. Also, hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), Child–Pugh (CPS), model for end‐stage liver disease scores and transient elastography values (TE, Fibroscan) were evaluated at this time. Mortality was recorded during follow‐up.ResultsOne hundred fifty cirrhotic patients (age 55 ± 11 years; 73% male; CPS A 41.3%/B 41.3%/C 17.3%) were included. Mean HVPG was 16.6 ± 6.5 mmHg. Median PRC according to CPS was A 15.45 μU/mL (95%CI 1.56–261.5), B 37.3 μU/mL (95%CI 4.29–1317.65), and C 175.3 μU/mL (95%CI 5.3–5684; P < 0.001). In patients with clinical significant portal hypertension (HVPG ≥ 10 mmHg, n = 123) median PRC was 31.2 μU/mL (95%CI 2.76–1345.4), in those without was 13.7 μU/mL (95%CI 2.7–428.2; P = 0.009). Significantly higher TE values (33.2 [13–75] vs 59.65 kPa [14.5–75]; P = 0.014) were found in patients with elevated PRC.Median follow up was 711 days (95%CI 24–1152). Twenty‐two (36.1%) of the 61 patients with elevated PRC and 11 of the 89 (12.4%) with normal PRC died (P = 0.001). Median PRC was significantly higher in patients that died (83.6 μU/mL [3.39–4451.9] vs 21.5 μU/mL [2.6–1197.9]; P = 0.001). Elevated PRC (P = 0.005; HR 3.36; 95%CI 1.46–7.85), hepatocellular carcinoma (P < 0.001; HR 10.68; 95%CI 3.64–31.3), CPS B (P = 0.013; HR 3.69; 95%CI 1.31–10.4) and CPS C (P = 0.008; HR 5.36; 95%CI 1.54–18.62) emerged as independent risk factors for mortality.ConclusionsIn cirrhotic patients PRC correlates with the severity of portal hypertension and liver dysfunction. Moreover, elevated PRC represents an independent risk factor for mortality.
Heat Waves, Drugs with Anticholinergic Effects, and Outcomes in Older Hospitalized Adults
Authors: Mangoni Arduino A. , Kim Susan , Hakendorf Paul , Mayner Lidia , Woodman Richard J. 
Published: May 2016

ObjectivesTo determine whether heat waves (HWs) affect exposure to drugs with anticholinergic effects (DACEs) on admission and the effect of such on length of stay (LOS) and in‐hospital mortality in older adults.DesignRetrospective.SettingMetropolitan teaching hospital.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 65 and older with at least one chronic condition (n = 307) admitted to a medical ward during five consecutive HWs (≥5 consecutive days of a maximum temperature of ≥35 °C or ≥3 consecutive days of a maximum temperature of ≥40 °C) recorded between 2007 and 2009. Individuals admitted before or after each HW, matched for HW period, age, and day of the week admitted, served as controls (n = 1,114).MeasurementsData on clinical and demographic characteristics, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), total medication and DACE exposure on admission (any DACE, number of DACEs, or Anticholinergic Risk Scale (ARS) score), LOS, and in‐hospital mortality were collected using electronic medical data.ResultsNo significant differences in total medications, DACE exposure, CCI, number of daily admissions, LOS, or in‐hospital mortality were observed between the HW and control groups. DACE exposure (ARS) predicted longer LOS during non‐HW (β = 0.70, standard error (SE) = 0.27, P = .01) but not HW (β = 0.02, SE = 0.46, P = .96) periods. ARS did not predict mortality during non‐HW (odds ratio (OR) = 1.02, SE = 0.12, P = .87) or HW (OR = 1.21, SE = 0.23, P = .31) periods.ConclusionThe effect of DACE exposure on LOS, but not mortality, is different between HW and non‐HW periods in older hospitalized adults. This should be considered when assessing the effect of DACEs in pharmacoepidemiological studies.
Psychometric evaluation of the McCloskey/Mueller Satisfaction Scale
Authors: Lee Seung Eun , Dahinten Susan V. , MacPhee Maura 
Published: May 2016

AimThe aim of the study was to evaluate and refine the eight‐factor structure of the 31 item McCloskey/Mueller Satisfaction Scale, which is one of the most widely used scales for measuring job satisfaction among nurses. However, this scale was developed in 1990 for the American nursing context and its psychometric validity and utility for use with non‐American nurse populations have been questioned by various researchers.BackgroundThe eight‐factor, 31‐item McCloskey/Mueller Satisfaction Scale is one of the most widely used scales for measuring job satisfaction among nurses. However, this scale was developed in 1990 for the American nursing context, and its psychometric validity and utility for use with non‐American nurse populations have been questioned by various researchers.MethodsData from a sample of 1007 Canadian nurses who were working in hospital and community settings were analyzed by using an exploratory factor analysis with varimax rotation.ResultsThe original factor structure of the McCloskey/Mueller Satisfaction Scale was unable to be replicated. The best‐fitting model that was obtained was a five‐factor model with 25 items. The Cronbach's alphas for the new McCloskey/Mueller Satisfaction Scale subscales ranged from 0.71 to 0.87, which indicated stronger internal consistency than the original subscales (α = 0.52–0.84).ConclusionThe reliability and structural validity of the revised 25 item instrument suggest that it is a potentially sound tool for measuring nurses’ job satisfaction. As a result of its sound dimensionality, it could be particularly useful when investigating individual and work factors that impact nurse job satisfaction or when evaluating the outcomes of organizational interventions that are aimed at increasing job satisfaction.
Distress in long‐term head and neck cancer carers: a qualitative study of carers' perspectives
Authors: Balfe Myles , Maguire Rebecca , Hanly Paul , Butow Phyllis , O'Sullivan Eleanor , Timmons Aileen , Gooberman‐Hill Rachael , Sharp Linda 
Published: May 2016

Aims and objectivesTo identify and describe the triggers of emotional distress among long‐term caregivers (more than 1 year postdiagnosis) of people with head and neck cancer.BackgroundLimited research has been conducted on the factors that cause head and neck cancer caregivers to become distressed.DesignQualitative cross‐sectional.MethodsIn‐depth semi‐structured interviews. Interviews were conducted via telephone. The study setting was the Republic of Ireland.ResultsInterviews were conducted with 31 long‐term caregivers (mean time since diagnosis 5·7 years, SD 2·9 years). Head and neck cancer caregivers experienced significant distress. Six key triggers of emotional distress were identified: understandings and fears of illness, lifestyle restrictions and competing demands, facial disfigurement, financial problems, comorbid health problems and witnessing suffering. Cutting across all of these individual causes of distress was a strong feeling of loss caused by head and neck cancer.ConclusionsSome head and neck cancer caregivers became considerably distressed by their caring role. Although distress appears to decline with time for many caregivers, some continue to be distressed for years following the patient's diagnosis. It would be useful for future research to explicitly investigate caregivers' experiences of loss.Relevance to clinical practiceHealth professionals may be able to reduce distress in this group if they can help caregivers to access resources that can be used to buffer financial problems. Health professionals may also be able to reduce distress if they can work with caregivers to help them to obtain something of personal value or significance from their experience of loss and suffering.
COOPERATIVE GAME THEORY APPLIED TO IEAS: A COMPARISON OF SOLUTION CONCEPTS
Authors: Rogna Marco 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThis paper aims at providing a critical overview of the main solution concepts adopted by the cooperative game theoretical approach in analysing the constitution of an international environmental agreement (IEA). The first part is mainly descriptive and focuses on the basic features of the ‘global warming game’ characterizing the differences of the cooperative and non‐cooperative approaches to deal with this theme. It then presents the most adopted cooperative solution concepts critically analysing their ratio. Furthermore, two alternative solutions, the Rawlsian Nucleolus and a ‘revisited’ Nash Bargaining solution are proposed, both based on the concept of Minimum Feasible Core. The second part is dedicated to a numerical exercise based on a standard emissions game in order to compare the mentioned concepts with particular focus on their redistributive properties and on their capability to minimize the potential losses caused by free riding. The Rawlsian Nucleolus is, among the considered solutions, the one with the highest redistributive properties, outperforming, on this regard, the Chander and Tulkens solution that still tends to prioritize polluted countries. The ability of avoiding losses from free riding is shown to be strongly correlated with the redistributive properties of solution concepts till the point that their ranking perfectly coincides.
Polymorphism Detection by Microsatellite Markers in a Magnaporthe oryzae Population From Different Geographical Areas of Brazil
Authors: Gonçalves Fábio José , Corsi de Filippi Marta Cristina , Silva Lobo Valácia Lemes , Araújo Leila Garcês , Silva Gisele Barata , Coelho Alexandre Siqueira Guedes , Prabhu Anne Sitarama 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThis study aimed to examine Brazilian M. oryzae populations using 18 microsatellites. Fifty cultivars were sown in plastic trays for the pathotyping of 847 isolates. The DNA of 494 isolates was extracted and purified using the modified Doyle and Doyle method, the genetic structure was determined by the software Structure, and the actual number was selected from the prediction method based on the K values. Nei's genetic distance among the subpopulations was determined with the aid of the program Genetix, and the amova was performed with the program Arlequin. Out of 847 inoculated monosporic isolates, 528 infected their respective cultivars; of the 528 isolates pathotyped, there was a prevalence of group IA and pathotype IF‐1, which was the most frequent pathotype in the rice production areas of Brazil. The Bayesian clustering analysis indicated that 19 was the optimal value of K; this value was the lowest standard deviation and log (ln K) closest to zero, which predicted the 494 isolates of M. oryzae that were selected for molecular studies to be grouped into 19 subpopulations. The AMOVA detected a 37.13% variability within the 19 subpopulations and 62.87% variability among the subpopulations. The polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0 to 0.756. Thirty three rare alleles were found distributed among 15 out of 19 subpopulations. The Margalef index ranged from 38.69 to 79.21 for all 18 analysed locus. The results indicated that the identification of different blast resistance genes must consider the composition of each subpopulation and that the identification is most effective when performed within a subpopulation and then between subpopulations.
Effects of liver transplantation on endocrine function: a systematic review
Authors: Gariani Karim , Toso Christian , Philippe Jacques , Orci Lorenzo A. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPatients with chronic liver disease (CLD) often experience secondary endocrine dysfunction. Therefore, because the liver plays a major role in endocrine function, liver transplantation (LT) may also be beneficial for the restoration of hormonal regulation. This systematic review collects and interprets the available literature on the effect ofLTon endocrine and sexual function in adult patients. A systematic review was conducted by searching Pubmed (including Medline) andEMBASEfor studies published from database inception until November 2015. We collected all relevant studies that discussed changes in hormonal and sexual function afterLT. Studies were included if they assessed the effect ofLTon sexual function or one of the following components of the hormone/endocrine axis: the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal axis, growth hormone (GH), insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) or thyroid function. The results are reported according to the Meta‐analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. Twenty‐one studies with a total of 1274 patients were included. The results collected from the included studies suggested thatLTimproves the hormonal perturbation associated withCLDby restoring physiological levels of circulatingGH,IGF‐1, testosterone, estradiol, prolactin, follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Thyroid function was not affected byLT, and sexual function was partially improved afterLT. This systematic review suggests thatLTis associated with an improvement in endocrine and sexual function in patients withCLD. This information should encourage clinicians who treatCLDpatients to identify endocrine disturbances in this population, inform their patients of the effects ofLTand assess post‐transplantation improvements.
Genetic and morphological evidence of a geographically widespread hybrid zone between two crocodile species,Crocodylus acutusandCrocodylus moreletii
Authors: Pacheco‐Sierra Gualberto , Gompert Zachariah , Domínguez‐Laso Jerónimo , Vázquez‐Domínguez Ella 
Published: May 2016

AbstractHybrid zones represent natural laboratories to study gene flow, divergence and the nature of species boundaries between closely related taxa. We evaluated the level and extent of hybridization betweenCrocodylus moreletiiandCrocodylus acutususing genetic and morphological data on 300 crocodiles from 65 localities. To our knowledge, this is the first genetic study that includes the entire historic range and sympatric zone of the two species. Contrary to expectations, Bayesian admixture proportions and maximum‐likelihood estimates of hybrid indexes revealed that most sampled crocodiles were admixed and that the hybrid zone is geographically extensive, extending well beyond their historical region of sympatry. We identified a few geographically isolated, nonadmixed populations of both parental species. Hybrids do not appear to be F1s or recent backcrosses, but rather are more likely later‐generation hybrids, suggesting that hybridization has been going on for several to many generations and is mostly the result of natural processes.Crocodylus moreletiiis not the sister species ofC. acutus, suggesting that the hybrid zone formed from secondary contact rather than primary divergence. Nonadmixed individuals from the two species were distinguishable based on morphological characters, whereas hybrids had a complex mosaic of morphological characters that hinders identification in the wild. Very few nonadmixedC. acutusandC. moreletiipopulations exist in the wild. Consequently, the last nonadmixedC. moreletiipopulations have become critically endangered. Indeed, not only the parental species but also the naturally occurring hybrids should be considered for their potential conservation value.
Kudiezi Injection® Alleviates Blood–Brain Barrier Disruption After Ischemia‐Reperfusion in Rats
Authors: Chen Fu‐Qin , Li Quan , Pan Chun‐Shui , Liu Yu‐Ying , Yan Li , Sun Kai , Mao Xiao‐Wei , Mu Hong‐Na , Wang Ming‐Xia , Wang Chuan‐She , Fan Jing‐Yu , Cui Yuan‐Chen , Zhang Yun‐Pei , Yang Jia‐Yi , Bai Wen , Han Jing‐Yan 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectiveThis study was designed to examine the effect of KDZ, on the BBB disruption in rat underwent MCAO and reperfusion.MethodsMale Sprague–Dawley rats (260–280 g) were subjected to 60 minutes MCAO followed by reperfusion. KDZ (4 mL/kg) was administrated before ischemia. The Evans blue extravasation, albumin leakage, brain water content, TJ proteins, caveolin‐1, p‐caveolin‐1, Src, and p‐Src were evaluated. Neurological scores, cerebral infarction, and CBF were assessed. The binding affinity of KDZ to Src was examined.ResultsI/R evoked a range of insults including Evans blue extravasation, albumin leakage, brain water content increase, CBF decrease, cerebral infarction, and neurological deficits, all of which were attenuated by KDZ. Meanwhile, KDZ inhibited TJ proteins down‐expression, expression of caveolin‐1, phosphorylation of caveolin‐1 and Src after I/R. In addition, SPR revealed binding of KDZ to Src with high affinity.ConclusionsKDZ protects BBB from disruption and improves cerebral outcomes following I/R via preventing the degradation of TJ proteins, caveolin‐1 expression, and inhibiting p‐caveolin‐1 and p‐Src, which were most likely attributable to the ability of its main ingredients to bind to Src and inhibit its phosphorylation.