bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends and outcomes in right vs. left living donor nephrectomy: an analysis of the OPTN/UNOS database of donor and recipient outcomes – should we be doing more right‐sided nephrectomies?
Authors: Khalil Ali , Mujtaba Muhammad A. , Taber Tim E. , Yaqub Muhammad S. , Goggins William , Powelson John , Sundaram Chandru , Sharfuddin Asif A. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundDiscussion continues about right vs. left donor nephrectomy (LDN). Left side is preferred due to longer renal vein while right side has been associated with renal vein thrombosis and shorter vessels.MethodsA retrospective analysis of UNOS database for adult living donor transplants between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2009.ResultsWe identified 58 599 living donor transplants, of which 86.1% were LDN. There were no significant differences between the recipients or donors demographics. There were higher rates of delayed graft function in right donor nephrectomy (RDN) recipients with a hazard risk of 1.38 (95% CI 1.24–1.53; p < 0.0001). Primary failure rates were similar. In the RDN group, graft thrombosis as cause of graft failure was statistically higher with a hazard ratio of 1.48 (95% CI 1.18–1.86, p = 0.0004), and graft survival was significantly inferior (p = 0.006 log‐rank test). For living donors outcomes, the conversion from laparoscopic to open was higher in the RDN group with an odds ratio of 2.02 (95% CI 1.61–2.52; p < 0.00001). There was no significant difference in vascular complications or re‐operation required due to bleeding. Re‐operations and re‐admissions were higher in the LDN group.ConclusionThere are statistical differences between left and right kidney donor nephrectomies on recipient outcomes, but the difference is extremely small. The choice and laterality should be based on center and surgeon preference and experience.
Feasibility of whole‐body vibration as an early inpatient rehabilitation tool after lung transplantation – a pilot study
Authors: Brunner Stefan , Brunner Dorothee , Winter Hauke , Kneidinger Nikolaus 
Published: November 2015

AbstractObjectiveOptimal rehabilitation programs are essential in the early phase after lung transplantation (LTx). Whole‐body vibration (WBV) may be a novel approach in rehabilitation that has not yet been investigated in these patients.Patients and methodsTen patients in the early postoperative phase after LTx after discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU) were included in the study. WBV training was performed until transfer to a rehabilitation center. Six‐minute walk distance (6‐MWD), pulmonary function, maximal workload, and quality of life (SF‐36) were assessed at the beginning and after completion of the training program.ResultsPatients revealed a significant improvement of the 6‐MWD, the vital capacity (VC), the maximal workload, and in quality of life. Peak cough flow (PCF), forced expiratory volume (FEV1), and parts of the quality of life questionnaire showed no significant changes. No adverse events occurred in these patients.ConclusionWBV in lung transplant recipients after discharge from ICU is safe and feasible. WBV may effectively support rehabilitation programs improving pulmonary function and quality of life.
Reasons for, and outcomes of patients who were referred for a ventricular assist device but were declined: the recent era forgotten ones
Authors: Johnson Alexis K. , McCandless Sean P. , Alharethi Rami , Caine William T. , Budge Deborah , Wright G. Andrew , Rauf Asad , Miller Andrew , Stoker Sandi , Smith Hildegard , Afshar Kia , Reid Bruce B. , Rasmusson Brad Y. , Kfoury Abdallah G. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundVentricular assist devices (VADs) have a proven survival benefit in select patients with advanced heart failure, yet many patients considered for implantation are declined for various reasons. The outcome of these patients is obscure owing to their exclusion from recent VAD studies. We aim to compare the outcomes of patients who received a VAD to those who did not.MethodsFor this study, the Artificial Heart Program's database at Intermountain Medical Center was queried from 2006 to 2012 for patients referred for a VAD. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed with log‐rank test determining significance.ResultsOf 232 patients included, 118 patients received a VAD and 114 patients did not. The prevailing reason for VAD decline in eligible and willing patients was due to pre‐existing illness (39%). Mortality was higher in non‐VAD vs. VAD patients (58.8% vs. 35.6%, p < 0.001) with a median time‐to‐death of 67 (IQR:12–314) and 301 (IQR:136–694) d, respectively (p = 0.007).ConclusionsIn the current era of non‐pulsatile VADs, mortality of patients who are considered but not implanted remains high. Additionally, mortality of these patients occurred much sooner. Educational efforts ensuring timely referral for VAD therapy are important to maximize the number of patients who may benefit.
Treatment of cytomegalovirus infection and disease pre‐ and post‐quantitative nucleic acid test standardization: does use of a more sensitive assay lead to longer treatment duration?
Authors: Dioverti M. Veronica , Lahr Brian , Razonable Raymund R. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractQuantitative cytomegalovirus (CMV) nucleic acid testing (NAT) has been standardized using the World Health Organization (WHO) international calibration standard. A new FDA‐approved WHO‐calibrated assay (CA) was found to be more sensitive than a laboratory‐developed test (LDT). We hypothesized that monitoring therapeutic response using a more sensitive assay may lead to longer antiviral therapy in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients with CMV infection. We reviewed transplant patients with CMV disease retrospectively, and divided them into two groups: those diagnosed and managed based on LDT and those managed using WHO‐CA. Compared to patients monitored by LDT, the time to reach an undetectable viral load was significantly longer in the group monitored by the WHO‐CA. However, a trend toward shorter duration of antiviral treatment was observed (median, 34 vs. 41 d; p = 0.058), with earlier discontinuation of induction antiviral therapy upon reaching undetectable viral load using WHO‐CA (11 vs. 18 d; p = 002). We concluded that despite using a more sensitive CMV NAT, the total duration of antiviral treatment was not significantly prolonged in transplant patients with CMV infection and disease. Relapse rates did not differ between the two groups.
Peak oxygen uptake and self‐reported physical health are strong predictors of long‐term survival after heart transplantation
Authors: Yardley Marianne , Havik Odd E. , Grov Ingelin , Relbo Anne , Gullestad Lars , Nytrøen Kari 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundPeak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) is known as the gold standard measure of cardiopulmonary fitness. We therefore hypothesized that measures of physical health would predict long‐term survival in heart transplant recipients (HTx).MethodsThis retrospective study investigated survival in two HTx populations; the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) cohort comprised 178 HTx patients who completed a VO2peak test during their annual follow‐up (1990–2003), and the SF‐36 cohort comprised 133 patients who completed a quality of life questionnaire, SF‐36v1 (1998–2000).ResultsMean (SD) age in the CPET cohort was 52 (12) yr and 54 (11) yr in the SF‐36 cohort. Mean observation time was, respectively, 11 and 10 yr. Mean (SD) VO2peak was 19.6 (5.3) mL/kg/min, and median (IR) physical function (PF) score was 90 (30). VO2peak and PF scores were both significant predictors in univariate Cox regression. Multiple Cox regression analyses adjusted for other potential predictors showed that VO2peak, age, and cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) were the most important predictors in the CPET cohort, whereas age, PF score, smoking, and CAV were the most important predictors in the SF‐36 cohort. In Kaplan–Meier analysis, VO2peak and PF scores above the median value were related to significant longer survival time.ConclusionPeak oxygen uptake and self‐reported physical health are strong predictors for long‐term survival in HTx recipients. VO2peak is a crucial measurement and should be more frequently used after HTx.
A Japanese case of lymphocytic esophagitis
Authors: Maejima Ryuhei , Uno Kaname , Iijima Katsunori , Fujishima Fumiyoshi , Noguchi Tetsuya , Ara Nobuyuki , Asano Naoki , Koike Tomoyuki , Imatani Akira , Shimosegawa Tooru 
Published: November 2015

We report the case of a 68‐year‐old Japanese man diagnosed with lymphocytic esophagitis (LE), a rare disease associated with refractory dysphagia. He has had severe dysphagia and heartburn since 2007. Findings of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) carried out by a local physician in 2010 showed pale mucosa with white exudate and lateral furrows in the esophagus. He was referred to Tohoku University Hospital in 2012, because the symptoms did not improve, despite regular use of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). At that time, EGD revealed the coexistence of a slight stricture in the upper esophagus, the histopathological findings of which included a predominantly peri‐papillary distribution of abundant, infiltrating CD3+/CD4+/CD8+/CD20− lymphocytes without any granulocytes (CD4+ : CD8+ = 3.3:1). These were consistent with a diagnostic criteria of LE. Thereafter, severe dysphagia with food impaction occurred twice a month, despite the long‐term use of a PPI, and EGD showed worsened strictures, where endoscopic ultrasonography findings showed marked circumferential thickness of the mucosal and submucosal layers. Then, one session of endoscopic balloon dilatation dramatically improved the dysphagia. Accordingly, LE should be considered an important differential diagnosis of refractory dysphagia based on the characteristic features of endoscopic and pathological findings.
A scent shield to survive: identification of the repellent compounds secreted by the male offspring of the cuckoo bumblebee Bombus vestalis
Authors: Lhomme Patrick , Ayasse Manfred , Valterová Irena , Lecocq Thomas , Rasmont Pierre 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIn social insects, the high cost of parental investment has promoted the evolution of traits that reduce or avoid care for unrelated offspring. They have evolved a sophisticated recognition system which enables them to reject foreign individuals, and therefore prevent their nest's exploitation by parasites and predators. Nonetheless, many social parasites are able to overcome social insect recognition and parasitize their parental care behaviour by laying their eggs in host nests. Although several studies have already been conducted on the strategies used by social parasites to successfully invade host nests, the strategy used by its offspring to evade host rejection is still poorly understood. In bumblebees, previous investigations indicated that male offspring of Bombus vestalis (Geoffroy) (Hymeno‐ptera: Apidae), the specific obligate social parasite of Bombus terrestris (L.), may use allomones to evade host worker attacks. Following these studies, we performed electrophysiological studies and behavioural experiments to identify the potential repellents. Six compounds elicited electroantennographic responses in host worker antennae. The corresponding mixture of synthetic volatiles as well as pure tetradecyl acetate, and to a lesser extent pure (Z)‐11‐hexadecenyl acetate, showed a repellent effect on starved host workers in a feeding bioassay. We hypothesize that tetradecyl acetate has a key function in the repellent effect of the secretions of B. vestalis male offspring towards B. terrestris host workers.
Material affects attack rates on dummy caterpillars in tropical forest where arthropod predators dominate: an experiment using clay and dough dummies with green colourants on various plant species
Authors: Sam Katerina , Remmel Triinu , Molleman Freerk 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPredation can be one of the key factors that determine abundance in insect herbivore communities, and drive evolution of body size, and anti‐predator traits, including crypsis. Population dynamics and selection pressures will depend on the identity of dominant predators in the system, and these may vary substantially among habitats. Arthropods emerge as chief predators on caterpillars in the understorey of non‐montane tropical forest, whereas birds dominate elsewhere. In a tropical forest in Uganda, Africa, we evaluated marks on dummy caterpillars that differed in size, material (clay vs. dough), colourant, and plant species on which dummy caterpillars were exposed. We included live caterpillars to estimate the extent to which studies using artificial caterpillars reflect actual levels of predation. Ants and wasps were the most important damagers of dummy caterpillars, whereas bug and beetle damage was very rare, and no bird or small mammal damage was observed. Daily attack rates did not differ significantly from apparent mortality of live caterpillars (daily mortality = 12.1%), but dummy caterpillars made from dough were attacked more frequently (daily attack rate = 18.4%) than those from clay (daily attack rate = 6.9%). Caterpillars of different colour and size, and caterpillars exposed on different plant species had the same chances to be predated. This is in contrast to results from temperate area studies where birds dominate and are not affected by dummy caterpillar material, but prefer larger caterpillars. Our results are consistent with dominant predators on tropical forest caterpillars being invertebrates that are more chemically than visually oriented, so that: (1) material used for dummy caterpillars is important, (2) background matching is relatively unimportant, and (3) being large may have less of a cost. These patterns in predation might facilitate polyphagy and evolution of large body size in tropical Lepidoptera.
Fine‐scale variation in natural nitrogen isotope ratios of ants
Authors: Cronin Adam L. , Donnerhack Oliver , Seidel Felix , Yamanaka Toshiro 
Published: November 2015

AbstractStable isotopes provide a powerful means of elucidating the trophic ecology of organisms. Analyses of variation in the ratio of nitrogen isotopes (δ15N) can provide insights into the trophic position of species with broad diets and the ability to occupy multiple positions in food webs, such as ants. The most powerful studies compare subjects across various spatial scales, but to do so, local variation in δ15N baselines must be taken into account. To date, a wide variety of baseline calibration methods have been employed, leading some authors to suggest that a standard approach is needed, and that the reality of environmental variation necessitates that this should be at fine scales. In this study, we examine the fine‐scale variation in δ15N value of colonies of the ant Formica kozlovi Dlussky (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Formicini) along a sloped transect in Mongolia, and compare these with values for associated soils in an effort to shed further light on this issue. We find variation in ant δ15N to the order of one trophic level (ca. 3‰), over a distance of only 1 km. Ant δ15N was highly correlated with soil δ15N, and variation in mineral soil δ15N explained ca. 81% of the variation in ant δ15N. This study underlines the importance of local‐scale baseline corrections for isotopic studies, particularly in environments where baseline variation might be expected. It further suggests that δ15N of mineral soils may provide a suitable baseline for ecological studies of terrestrial arthropods.
Artificial selection, pre‐release diet, and gut symbiont inoculation effects on sterile male longevity for area‐wide fruit‐fly management
Authors: Rull Juan , Lasa Rodrigo , Rodriguez Christian , Ortega Rafael , Velazquez Olinda Elisabeth , Aluja Martín 
Published: November 2015

AbstractLongevity is an important life‐history trait for successful and cost‐effective application of the sterile insect technique. Furthermore, it has been shown that females of some species – e.g., Anastrepha ludens (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae) – preferentially copulate with ‘old’, sexually experienced males, rather than younger and inexperienced males. Long‐lived sterile males may therefore have greater opportunity to find and mate with wild females than short‐lived males, and be more effective in inducing sterility into wild populations. We explored the feasibility of increasing sterile male lifespan through selection of long‐lived strains and provision of pre‐release diets with added protein, and inoculated with bacterial symbionts recovered from cultures of the gut of wild Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart). Artificial selection for long‐lived A. ludens resulted in a sharp drop of fecundity levels for F1 females. Nevertheless, the cross of long‐lived males with laboratory females produced a female F1 progeny with fecundity levels comparable to those of females in the established colony. However, the male progeny of long‐lived males*laboratory females did not survive in higher proportions than laboratory males. Provision of sugar to A. obliqua adults resulted in increased survival in comparison to adults provided only with water, whereas the addition of protein to sugar‐only diets had no additional effect on longevity. Non‐irradiated males lived longer than irradiated males, and supplying a generic probiotic diet produced no noticeable effect in restoring irradiated male longevity of A. obliqua. We discuss the need to evaluate the time to reach sexual maturity and survival under stress for long‐lived strains, and the inclusion of low amounts of protein and specific beneficial bacteria in pre‐release diets to increase sterile male performance and longevity in the field.
Effects of diapause on post‐diapause reproductive investment in the moth Ostrinia scapulalis
Authors: Win Aye T. , Ishikawa Yukio 
Published: November 2015

AbstractDiapause is a strategy used by many insect species to survive adverse environmental conditions. However, diapause incurs costs that may have adverse effects on post‐diapause development and reproduction. We herein investigated the effects of diapause on the post‐diapause reproductive investment of males and females in a multivoltine moth, the adzuki bean borer, Ostrinia scapulalis (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). We found that (1) post‐diapause males and females were smaller and had lower mating success than non‐diapause individuals, (2) post‐diapause females had lower fecundity and shorter longevity than non‐diapause females, (3) post‐diapause males transferred similar numbers of eupyrene and apyrene sperm as non‐diapause males, (4) the fecundity and longevity of non‐diapause females mated with post‐diapause males and those mated with non‐diapause males were not significantly different, and (5) no significant relationship was found between diapause duration (short and long) and post‐diapause reproductive investments in both males and females. These results suggest that post‐diapause males did not reduce reproductive investment in spite of the cost of diapause, and the significant decline in reproductive output in post‐diapause females was due to their reduced body weight and longevity, which appeared to be direct consequences of the cost of diapause.
Communication interference in sympatrically occurring moth species
Authors: Juárez M.L. , Ruiz M.J. , Fernández P.C. , Goane L. , Villagrán M.E. , Arce O.E.A. , Armiñana A. , Páez Jerez P.G. , de la Vega M.H. , Vera M.T. , Groot A.T. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIn moth species, females emit a species‐specific sex pheromone that is perceived over long distance by conspecific males. The species‐specificity in the chemical communication channel is achieved by a combination of unique components in specific ratios and sometimes also by interspecific behavioural antagonists to deter sympatrically occurring heterospecific males. In this study, we determined possible antagonistic effects in Helicoverpa gelotopoeon Dyar (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) males to the major sex pheromone component of sympatrically occurring heliothine moths, Z11‐16:Ald, as well as to the sex pheromone of the sympatrically occurring Heliothis virescens (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) (Z11‐16:Ald and Z9‐14:Ald). We also explored whether other co‐occurring species are attracted to these pheromone blends. Our field experiments showed that the addition of Z11‐16:Ald alone or in combination with Z9‐14:Ald inhibited trap catches of H. gelotopoeon males and that this inhibition depended on the concentration of these compounds. In addition, other moth species were attracted to the blends. Together, our results confirm the antagonistic effect of heterospecific sex pheromone compounds of H. virescens to H. gelotopoeon.
Effect of host‐plant and infection with ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ on honeydew chemical composition of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri
Authors: Hijaz Faraj , Lu ZhanJun , Killiny Nabil 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), transmits the citrus greening pathogen ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (CLas) by feeding on citrus phloem sap. Because phloem sap is rich in sugars but low in amino acids, ACP sucks large quantities and excretes most of it as honeydew. We studied the chemical composition of ACP honeydew on various host plants. Honeydew samples were analyzed with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Fourteen sugars, 13 amino acids, and six organic acids were detected in the honeydew of ACP. Sugars composed about 95% of the total compounds. Sucrose and trehalose were the predominant sugars, composing about 58 and 23% of the total sugars, respectively. Proline, asparagine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid were the most abundant amino acids in ACP honeydew. The host plant and its infection with CLas had some effect on the honeydew composition. Glucose, chiro‐inositol, myo‐inositol, inositol, maltose, and turanose were lower in honeydew collected from CLas‐infected citrus compared to that collected from non‐infected trees. In CLas‐infected citrus (pineapple sweet orange, Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) and Bergera koenigii (L.) Spreng. [curry leaf tree (both Rutaceae)] honeydews, valine, alanine, serine, glutamine, glycine, and the organic acids were lower than in honeydew from healthy citrus. Mannose, galactose, inositol, mannitol, an unknown disaccharide, and proline were higher in the honeydew collected from B. koenigii than in honeydew collected from healthy citrus (pineapple sweet orange), whereas fructose, chiro‐inositol, myo‐inositol, trehalose, and lactic acid were lower. The findings of this study help us understand the metabolism and the nutrient needs of ACP that transmits CLas, the pathogen of huanglongbing in citrus.
Using optimality models to improve the efficacy of parasitoids in biological control programmes
Authors: Wajnberg Eric , Roitberg Bernard D. , Boivin Guy 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBiological control of insect pests relies on the ability of natural enemies to limit pest populations. The behaviours expressed by natural enemies against their prey or hosts are modulated by a number of factors and a better understanding of these factors is key to obtaining more efficacious pest control. We propose here that optimality models based upon a behavioural ecology approach can provide a framework that should enable optimisation of biological control practices. We limit our discussion to parasitoid natural enemies and review the factors known to influence the behaviour of these insects. The most important areas that have been studied extensively in the behavioural ecology of insect parasitoids are addressed here: (1) residence time in a host patch, (2) clutch size, (3) sex ratio, (4) host and patch marking, and (5) diet choice. We discuss the implications of the incorporation of these optimality models into efficacious biological control practices and suggest areas where a better knowledge of the behavioural ecology of these insects could improve the efficacy of parasitoid‐based pest control.