bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Least speciose among the most speciose: Natural history correlates of monospecific and bispecific genera of Rodentia and Soricomorpha
Authors: AMORI Giovanni , BISSATTINI Alessandra Maria , GIPPOLITI Spartaco , VIGNOLI Leonardo , MAIORANO Luigi , LUISELLI Luca 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMonospecific and bispecific genera are of special concern as they represent unique phylogenetic/evolutionary trajectories within larger clades. In addition, as phylogenetically older taxa are supposed to be exposed to higher rarity and extinction risk, monospecific and bispecific genera may be intrinsically more prone to extinction risks than multispecies genera, although extinction risks also depend on the ecological and biological strategy of the species. Here, the distribution across biogeographical zones and the levels of threat to 2 speciose orders of mammals (monospecific and bispecific genera of Rodentia and Soricomorpha) are investigated in order to highlight major patterns at the worldwide scale. In Rodentia, 39.7% of the genera (n = 490) were monospecific and 17.9% were bispecific. In Soricomorpha, 44.4% of the total genera (n = 45) were monospecific and 15% were bispecific. There was a positive correlation between the number of monospecific genera and the total number of genera per family. Peaks of monospecific and bispecific genera richness were observed in Neotropical, Oriental and Afrotropical regions in rodents and in the Palearctic region in soricomorphs. Range size was significantly uneven across biogeographic region in rodents (with larger ranges in Nearctic and Oriental regions and smaller ranges in the Australian region), but there was no difference across biogeographic regions in terms of range size in soricomorphs. Most of the monospecific and bispecific genera occurred in forest habitat in both taxa. The frequency distribution of the monospecific and bispecific genera across IUCN categories did not differ significantly from the expected pattern using the total rodent genera and the multispecies genera.
Hot, Salty Water: A Confluence of Issues in Managing Stormwater Runoff for Urban Streams
Authors: Cockerill Kristan , Anderson William P. , Harris F. Claire , Straka Kelli 
Published: May 2017

AbstractResearch increasingly highlights cause and effect relationships between urbanization and stream conditions are complex and highly variable across physical and biological regions. Research also demonstrates stormwater runoff is a key causal agent in altering stream conditions in urban settings. More specifically, thermal pollution and high salt levels are two consequences of urbanization and subsequent runoff. This study describes a demonstration model populated with data from a high gradient headwaters stream. The model was designed to explain surface water‐groundwater dynamics related to salinity and thermal pollution. Modeled scenarios show long‐term additive impacts from salt application and suggest reducing flow rates, as stormwater management practices are typically designed to do, have the potential to greatly reduce salt concentrations and simultaneously reduce thermal pollution. This demonstration model offers planners and managers reason to be confident that stormwater management efforts can have positive impacts.
Does adenomatous polyposis coli gene promoter 1A methylation increase non‐small cell lung cancer risk? A meta‐analysis
Authors: Hu Baoli , Zhang Hangfeng , Wei Haitao , Wang Zuopei , Zhang Feng , Wang Xiaolong , Li Li 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundThe promoter region of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene is hypermethylated in several types of cancers, including non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The prevalence of methylation in the promoter region of this gene in tumor tissues and autologous controls has not been consistent in previous studies. We evaluated the frequency of APC gene promoter 1A methylation between tumor tissues and autologous controls in NSCLC patients by meta‐analysis.MethodsOpen published studies of APC gene promoter 1A methylation between tumor tissues and autologous samples in NSCLC patients were identified using a systematic search. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of APC gene promoter 1A methylation in lung cancer tissues versus autologous controls were calculated. Fourteen studies, involving a total of 1345 patients and 2182 samples, were finally included.ResultsThe pooled proportion of APC promoter 1A methylation was 0.62 (95% CI 0.52–072) and 0.34 (95% CI 0.21–0.50) in cancer tissues and autologous controls, respectively. The APC gene promoter 1A methylation rate in cancer tissues was much higher than in autologous controls, with a pooled OR of 3.66 (95% CI 2.12–6.33). A strong and significant correlation of APC gene promoter 1A methylation between tumor tissues and autologous controls was detected (correlation coefficient rpearson = 0.77;
P
= 0.0013).ConclusionThe proportion of APC promoter 1A methylation in lung cancer tissues was higher than in autologous controls, indicating that promoter 1A methylation of the APC gene may play an important role in NSCLC carcinogenesis.
Impact of prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) on opioid utilization among Medicare beneficiaries in 10 US States
Authors: Moyo Patience , Simoni‐Wastila Linda , Griffin Beth Ann , Onukwugha Eberechukwu , Harrington Donna , Alexander G. Caleb , Palumbo Francis 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackground and aimsPrescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) are a principal strategy used in the United States to address prescription drug abuse. We (1) compared opioid use pre‐ and post‐PDMP implementation and (2) estimated differences of PDMP impact by reason for Medicare eligibility and plan type.DesignAnalysis of opioid prescription claims in US states that implemented PDMPs relative to non‐PDMP states during 2007–12.SettingFlorida, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Vermont, Georgia, Wisconsin, Maryland, New Hampshire and Arkansas, USA.ParticipantsA total of 310 105 disabled and older adult Medicare enrolees.MeasurementsPrimary outcomes were monthly total opioid volume, mean daily morphine milligram equivalent (MME) dose per prescription and number of opioid prescriptions dispensed. The key predictors were PDMP status and time. Tests for moderation examined PDMP impact by Medicare eligibility (disability versus age) and drug plan [privately provided Medicare Advantage (MAPD) versus fee‐for‐service (PDP)].FindingsOverall, PDMP implementation was associated with reduced opioid volume [−2.36 kg/month, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −3.44, −1.28] and no changes in mean MMEs or opioid prescriptions 12 months after implementation compared with non‐PDMP states. We found evidence of strong moderation effects. In PDMP states, estimated monthly opioid volumes decreased 1.67 kg (95% CI = −2.38, −0.96) and 0.75 kg (95% CI = −1.32, −0.18) among disabled and older adults, respectively, and 1.2 kg, regardless of plan type. MME reductions were 3.73 mg/prescription (95% CI = −6.22, −1.24) in disabled and 3.02 mg/prescription (95% CI = −3.86, −2.18) in MAPD beneficiaries, but there were no changes in older adults and PDP beneficiaries. Dispensed prescriptions increased 259/month (95% CI = 39, 479) among the disabled and decreased 610/month (95% CI = −953, −257) among MAPD beneficiaries.ConclusionsPrescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) are associated with reductions in opioid use, measured by volume, among disabled and older adult Medicare beneficiaries in the United States compared with states that do not have PDMPs. PDMP impact on daily doses and daily prescriptions varied by reason for eligibility and plan type. These findings cannot be generalized beyond the 10 US states studied.
Varenicline versus nicotine patch with brief advice for smokers with substance use disorders with or without depression: effects on smoking, substance use and depressive symptoms
Authors: Rohsenow Damaris J. , Tidey Jennifer W. , Martin Rosemarie A. , Colby Suzanne M. , Swift Robert M. , Leggio Lorenzo , Monti Peter M. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimsVarenicline was compared with transdermal nicotine (NRT) for smokers with current substance use disorders (SUD) for effects on 3‐month smoking abstinence (primary outcome) and, secondarily, on 3‐ and 6 month abstinence while adjusting for medication adherence, and on additional smoking and substance use outcomes. Moderation by major depressive disorder history (MDD) and adherence were investigated.DesignDouble‐blind double‐placebo‐controlled randomized design, stratifying by MDD, gender and nicotine dependence, with 3 and 6 months follow‐up.SettingUniversity offices in Rhode Island, USA.ParticipantsAdult smokers (n = 137), in SUD treatment, substance abstinent <12 months (n = 77 varenicline, 60 NRT).Intervention and comparatorTwelve weeks of varenicline (2 mg/day, after 1‐week dose run‐up) or NRT (21 mg/day decreasing to 7 mg/day).MeasurementsPrimary: point‐prevalence smoking abstinence (7‐day, confirmed) at 3 months. Secondary: point‐prevalence abstinence at 6 months, quantity and frequency of smoking and substance use at 3 and 6 months, and within‐treatment abstinence, medication adherence and depressive symptoms. Smoking outcome analyses were repeated controlling for adherence and investigating adherence as a moderator.FindingsEffects on 3‐month abstinence were P < 0.065 without a covariate (Bayes factor 3.35, supporting the effect strongly) and differed significantly when controlling for baseline smoking [varenicline: 13%, NRT: 3%; odds ratio (OR) = 4.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00, 23.13, P < 0.05]. The threefold difference at 6 months was not significant. Medication effect on abstinence across time was significant (P < 0.05) covarying adherence and baseline smoking (OR = 6.40, 95% CI = 1.00, 40.93). Medication differences in 3‐month abstinence occurred among participants with ≥ 77% adherence (P < 0.02). No significant medication effects on heavy drinking, drug use or depressive symptoms were found.ConclusionsVarenicline appears to improve the chances of achieving at least 3 months of smoking abstinence in smokers with substance use disorders trying to stop, compared with transdermal nicotine patches, the effect being independent of history of depressive disorder.
Isolation of subtelomeric sequences of porcine chromosomes for translocation screening reveals errors in the pig genome assembly
Authors: O'Connor R. E. , Fonseka G. , Frodsham R. , Archibald A. L. , Lawrie M. , Walling G. A. , Griffin D. K. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryBalanced chromosomal aberrations have been shown to affect fertility in most species studied, often leading to hypoprolificacy (reduced litter size) in domestic animals such as pigs. With an increasing emphasis in modern food production on the use of a small population of high quality males for artificial insemination, the potential economic and environmental costs of hypoprolific boars, bulls, rams etc. are considerable. There is therefore a need for novel tools to facilitate rapid, cost‐effective chromosome translocation screening. This has previously been achieved by standard karyotype analysis; however, this approach relies on a significant level of expertise and is limited in its ability to identify subtle, cryptic translocations. To address this problem, we developed a novel device and protocol for translocation screening using subtelomeric probes and fluorescence in situ hybridisation. Probes were designed using BACs (bacterial artificial chromosomes) from the subtelomeric region of the short (p‐arm) and long (q‐arm) of each porcine chromosome. They were directly labelled with FITC or Texas Red (p‐arm and q‐arm respectively) prior to application of a ‘Multiprobe’ device, thereby enabling simultaneous detection of each individual porcine chromosome on a single slide. Initial experiments designed to isolate BACs in subtelomeric regions led to the discovery of a series of incorrectly mapped regions in the porcine genome assembly (from a total of 82 BACs, only 45 BACs mapped correctly). Our work therefore highlights the importance of accurate physical mapping of newly sequenced genomes. The system herein described allows for robust and comprehensive analysis of the porcine karyotype, an adjunct to classical cytogenetics that provides a valuable tool to expedite efficient, cost effective food production.
Intermittent preexcitation indicates “a low‐risk” accessory pathway: Time for a paradigm shift?
Authors: Jastrzębski Marek , Kukla Piotr , Pitak Maciej , Rudziński Andrzej , Baranchuk Adrian , Czarnecka Danuta 
Published: May 2017

We report three patients with intermittent loss of the preexcitation pattern in the ECG that had undergone an electrophysiological study. Despite apparently poorly conducting accessory pathway (AP), in each case a fast anterograde conduction, either during spontaneous atrial fibrillation or during incremental atrial pacing (on isoproterenol) was documented; shortest preexcited RR intervals of 200–240 ms were observed. We review the literature and conclude that intermittent preexcitation observed on resting 12‐lead ECG lacks sufficient specificity for the diagnosis of an AP with long refractory period and cannot be considered a substitute for electrophysiological study in patients with this electrocardiographical phenomenon.
Phase I clinical trial of cell division associated 1 (CDCA1) peptide vaccination for castration resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Obara Wataru , Sato Fuminori , Takeda Kazuyoshi , Kato Renpei , Kato Yoichiro , Kanehira Mitsugu , Takata Ryo , Mimata Hiromitsu , Sugai Tamotsu , Nakamura Yusuke , Fujioka Tomoaki 
Published: May 2017

Cell division associated 1 (CDCA1) was screened as an oncogene that is overexpressed on several cancers, including prostate cancer. A highly immunogenic HLA‐A*2402‐restricted epitope peptide corresponding to part of the CDCA1 protein was also identified. A phase I clinical trial was conducted for patients with castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) using a CDCA1 peptide vaccination. Twelve patients having HLA‐A*2402 with CRPC after failure of docetaxel chemotherapy were enrolled. They received subcutaneous administration of the CDCA1 peptide as an emulsion with Montanide ISA51VG once a week in a dose‐escalation manner (doses of 1.0 or 3.0 mg/body, six patients received each dose). The primary endpoint was safety, and the secondary endpoints were the immunological and clinical responses. Vaccination with CDCA1 peptide was well tolerated without any serious adverse events. Peptide‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses using ELISPOT assay and dextramer assay were observed in three patients receiving the 1.0 mg dose and five patients receiving the 3.0 mg dose. The median overall survival time was 11.0 months and specific CTL reacting to CDCA1 peptide were recognized in long‐surviving patients. CDCA1‐derived peptide vaccine treatment was tolerable and might effectively induce peptide‐specific CTLs for CRPC patients. This novel peptide vaccine therapy for CRPC appears promising. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01225471).
Study protocol evaluating the use of bowel stimulation before loop ileostomy closure to reduce postoperative ileus: a multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Garfinkle R. , Trabulsi N. , Morin N. , Phang T. , Liberman S. , Feldman L. , Fried G. , Boutros M. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimPostoperative ileus is the most commonly observed morbidity following ileostomy closure. Studies have demonstrated that the defunctionalized bowel of a loop ileostomy undergoes a series of functional and structural changes, such as atrophy of the intestinal villi and muscular layers, which may contribute to ileus. A single‐centre study in Spain demonstrated that preoperative bowel stimulation via the distal limb of the loop ileostomy decreased postoperative ileus, length of stay and time to gastrointestinal function.MethodA multicentre randomized controlled trial involving patients from Canadian institutions was designed to evaluate the effect of preoperative bowel stimulation before ileostomy closure on postoperative ileus. Stimulation will include canalizing the distal limb of the ileostomy loop with an 18Fr Foley catheter and infusing it with a solution of 500 ml of normal saline mixed with 30 g of a thickening agent (Nestle© Thicken‐Up©). This will be performed 10 times over the 3 weeks before ileostomy closure in an outpatient clinic setting by a trained Enterostomal Therapy nurse. Surgeons and the treating surgical team will be blinded to their patient's group allocation. Data regarding patient demographics, and operative and postoperative variables, will be collected prospectively. Primary outcome will be postoperative ileus, defined as an intolerance to oral food in the absence of clinical or radiological signs of obstruction, that either requires nasogastric tube insertion or is associated with two of the following on or after post‐operative day 3: nausea/vomiting; abdominal distension; and the absence of flatus. Secondary outcomes will include length of stay, time to tolerating a regular diet, time to first passage of flatus or stool and overall morbidity. A cost analysis will be performed to compare the costs of conventional care with conventional care plus preoperative stimulation.DiscussionThis manuscript discusses the potential benefits of preoperative bowel stimulation in improving postoperative outcomes and outlines our protocol for the first multicenter study to evaluate preoperative bowel stimulation before ileostomy closure. The results of this study could have considerable implications for the care of patients undergoing ileostomy closure.
High MELD score does not adversely affect outcome of living donor liver transplantation: Experience in 1000 recipients
Authors: Yadav Sanjay K. , Saraf Neeraj , Saigal Sanjiv , Choudhary Narendra S. , Goja Sanjay , Rastogi Amit , Bhangui Prashant , Soin Arvinder S. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn countries where deceased organ donation is scarce, there is a big gap between demand and supply of organs and living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) plays an important role in meeting this unmet need. This study was conducted to analyze the effect of pretransplant Model for End‐stage Liver Disease (MELD) score on outcomes following LDLT.The outcome of 1000 patients who underwent LDLT from July 2010 to March 2015 was analyzed retrospectively. Patients were grouped into low MELD<25 and high MELD ≥25 score to compare short‐term outcomes. Cumulative overall survival rates were calculated using Kaplan‐Meier methods.A total of 849 recipients were in low MELD group (Mean MELD=16.90±9.2) and 151 were in high MELD group (Mean MELD=28.77±7.2). No significant difference in etiology of CLD was observed between groups except for a higher prevalence of hepatitis C virus (29.6% vs 19.9%, P=.01) in low MELD patients. No significant difference was observed in 1‐year survival (88.5% vs 84.1%, P=.12) between the groups. The multivariate analysis showed that pretransplant MELD score does not predict survival of recipients.Pretransplant high MELD score does not adversely affect outcomes after LDLT. In view of shortage of deceased organs, LDLT can be a good option in high MELD recipients.
Geophysical Investigation of Fresh‐Saline Water Interface: A Case Study from South Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Hasan Muhammad , Shang Yanjun , Akhter Gulraiz , Khan Majid 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe importance of the study of fresh‐saline water incursion cannot be over‐emphasized. Borehole techniques have been widely used, but they are quite expensive, intrusive, and time consuming. The electrical resistivity method has proved very successful in groundwater assessment. This advanced technique uses the calculation of Dar‐Zarrouk (D‐Z) parameters, namely longitudinal unit conductance, transverse unit resistance, and longitudinal resistivity has been employed by using 50 vertical electrical sounding points to assess the groundwater and delineate the fresh‐saline water interface over 1045 km2 area of Khanewal in Southern Punjab of Pakistan. The x‐y plots and maps of D‐Z parameters were produced to establish a decipherable vision for the occurrence and distribution of different water‐bearing formations of fresh‐saline water aquifers through a complicated situation of intermixing of different resistivity ranges for fresh‐saline water bodies. This technique is useful to reduce the ambiguity produced by the process of equivalence and suppression which cause intermixing in differentiating fresh, brackish, and saline aquifers during interpretation. The fresh‐saline water interface is correlated very well with the previous studies of water quality analysis carried out in Khanewal area. The results suggest that the D‐Z parameters are useful for demarcating different aquifer zones. The behavior and pattern of D‐Z parameters with respect to occurrence and distribution of different water‐bearing formations were effectively identified and delineated in the study area.
Identification of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory and antioxidant peptides in a whey protein concentrate hydrolysate produced at semi‐pilot scale
Authors: O'Keeffe Martina B. , Conesa Celia , FitzGerald Richard J. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryAntioxidant and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides were identified in a 5 kDa ultrafiltration permeate of a whey protein hydrolysate generated at semi‐pilot scale. Further laboratory scale ultrafiltration of this 5 kDa permeate resulted in a 0.65 kDa permeate with antioxidant, (1.11 ± 0.074 μmol TE per mg dry weight, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, ORAC) and ACE inhibitory (ACE IC50 0.215 ± 0.043 mg mL−1) activities. Semi‐preparative (SP) reverse phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) of the 0.65 kDa permeate resulted in a fraction (SP_F3) with a 4.4‐fold increase in ORAC activity (4.83 ± 0.45 μmol TE mg dry weight) and a 1.3‐fold increase in ACE inhibitory activity (84.35 ± 1.36% inhibition when assayed at 0.28 mg mL−1). Peptides within SP_F3 were identified using UPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS. Met‐Pro‐Ile had the highest ORAC activity (205.75 ± 12.08 μmol TE per mmol peptide) while Met‐Ala‐Ala and Val‐Ala‐Gly‐Thr had the highest ACE inhibitory activities (IC50:515.50 ± 1.11 and 610.30 ± 2.41 μm, respectively).