bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical and safety outcomes of laparoscopic nephrectomy with renal autotransplantation for the loin pain‐hematuria syndrome: a 14‐year longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Zubair Adeel S , Cheungpasitporn Wisit , Erickson Stephen B , Prieto Mikel 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study is to assess clinical and safety outcomes after laparoscopic nephrectomy with autotransplantation for loin pain‐hematuria syndrome (LPHS).MethodsWe conducted telephone interviews using structured questionnaires and retrospectively reviewed data on all patients who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy with autotransplantation for LPHS between January 2000 and May 2014.ResultsA total of 24 laparoscopic nephrectomies with renal autotransplantation of 21 patients with LPHS were reviewed. Eighty‐three per cent were female with a mean age of 31 years. Postoperatively, graft loss resulting in subsequent nephrectomy occurred in two patients; However, no patients died (median follow‐up = 22 months, range 5 to 78 months) or required dialysis (median follow‐up = 10 months, range 0.2 to 178 months). There was no significant difference in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) before and after surgery (100 ± 22 vs. 97 ± 23 mL/min/1.73 m2; P = 0.37). Among 14 patients (16 autotransplantation) with telephone follow‐up, 14 (88%) resulted in pain relief and no operation resulted in worsening pain. All procedures resulted in immediate pain relief; pain recurrence was reported after two procedures. However, those patients had pain‐free period up to 36 months. The quality of life was better after 15 (94%) autotransplantation with higher employment rate (44% vs. 69%; P = 0.04). Two patients with graft loss reported better pain control and quality of life.ConclusionsRenal autotransplantation is a possible treatment option for LPHS refractory to conservative medical treatment. It can offer pain relief and better quality of life. Despite postoperative risk, it seems to be safe for survival and renal outcomes.
Bremsstrahlung enhancement in electron probe microanalysis for homogeneous samples using Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: PETACCIA M. , SEGUI S. , CASTELLANO G. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryFluorescence enhancement in samples irradiated in a scanning electron microscope or an electron microprobe should be appropriately assessed in order not to distort quantitative analyses. Several models have been proposed to take into account this effect and current quantification routines are based on them, many of which have been developed under the assumption that bremsstrahlung fluorescence correction is negligible when compared to characteristic enhancement; however, no concluding arguments have been provided in order to support this assumption. As detectors are unable to discriminate primary from secondary characteristic X‐rays, Monte Carlo simulation of radiation transport becomes a determinant tool in the study of this fluorescence enhancement. In this work, bremsstrahlung fluorescence enhancement in electron probe microanalysis has been studied by using the interaction forcing routine offered by penelope 2008 as a variance reduction alternative. The developed software allowed us to show that bremsstrahlung and characteristic fluorescence corrections are in fact comparable in the studied cases. As an extra result, the interaction forcing approach appears as a most efficient method, not only in the computation of the continuum enhancement but also for the assessment of the characteristic fluorescence correction.
Resection vs. ablation for alpha‐fetoprotein positive hepatocellular carcinoma within the Milan criteria: a propensity score analysis
Authors: He Wei , Li Binkui , Zheng Yun , Zou Ruhai , Shen Jingxian , Cheng Donghui , Tao Qiang , Liu Wenwu , Li Qijiong , Chen Guihua , Yuan Yunfei 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackground & AimsThe lack of histopathological confirmation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis for patients receiving ablation may result in misdiagnosis of benign liver nodule as HCC occasionally, contributing to false treatment efficacy. This underestimated issue is one reason why the ablation efficacy remains undetermined compared with hepatic resection. Our aim is to compare the efficacy of ablation and resection for HCC within the Milan criteria after excluding the impact of misdiagnosis.MethodsAlpha‐fetoprotein > 200 ng/ml was introduced as an inclusion criterion to improve diagnosis accuracy. A total of 435 (resection, 310; ablation, 125) HCC patients within the Milan criteria and without portal hypertension were enrolled. Propensity score matching analysis identified 259 (resection, 150; ablation, 109) patients to compare treatment efficacy.ResultsBefore matching, the survival of resection group were superior to ablation group with 5‐year overall survival (OS) rate of 77.6% vs. 53.8% (P < 0.001), respectively, and 5‐year recurrence–free survival (RFS) rate of 57.2% vs. 29.1% (P < 0.001) respectively. After matching, the baseline was well‐balanced between the two groups. The 5‐year OS rates were 71.5% vs. 51.3% (P < 0.001), and 5‐year RFS rates were 56.1% vs. 25.6% (P < 0.001) for the resection and ablation groups respectively. Cox regression analysis identified ablation as an independent predictor for mortality and tumour recurrence (HR: 2.123 and 2.308, respectively; both P < 0.01).ConclusionsHepatic resection provides better OS and RFS than ablation for alpha‐fetoprotein positive HCC patients within the Milan criteria and without portal hypertension.
Understanding the null‐to‐small association between increased macroeconomic growth and reducing child undernutrition in India: role of development expenditures and poverty alleviation
Authors: Joe William , Rajaram Ramaprasad , Subramanian S. V. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractEmpirical evidence suggests that macroeconomic growth in India is not correlated with any substantial reductions in the prevalence of child undernutrition over time. This study investigates the two commonly hypothesized pathways through which macroeconomic growth is expected to reduce child undernutrition: (1) an increase in public developmental expenditure and (2) a reduction in aggregate income‐poverty levels. For the anthropometric data on children, we draw on the data from two cross‐sectional waves of National Family Health Survey conducted in 1992–1993 and 2005–2006, while the data for per capita net state domestic product and per capita public spending on developmental expenditure and headcount ratio of poverty were obtained from the Reserve Bank of India and the Government of India expert committee reports. We find that between 1992–1993 and 2005–2006, state‐level macroeconomic growth was not associated with any substantial increases in public development expenditure or substantial reductions in poverty at the aggregate level. Furthermore, the association between changes in public development expenditure or aggregate poverty and changes in undernutrition was small. In summary, it appears that the inability of macroeconomic growth to translate into reductions in child undernutrition in India is likely a consequence of the macroeconomic growth not translating into substantial investments in development expenditure that could matter for children's nutritional status and neither did it substantially improve incomes of the poor, a group where undernutrition is also the highest. The findings here build a case to advocate a ‘support‐led’ strategy for reducing undernutrition rather than simply relying on a ‘growth‐mediated’ strategy.
Key messages

Increases in macroeconomic growth have not been accompanied by substantial increases in public developmental spending or reduction in aggregate poverty headcount ratio in India.
Association between increases in public development expenditure or poverty headcount ratios and changes in child undernutrition, in particular, child stunting, is small to null.
Reducing the burden of undernutrition in India cannot be accomplished solely relying on a growth‐mediated strategy, and a concerted support‐led strategy is required.
Can water, sanitation and hygiene help eliminate stunting? Current evidence and policy implications
Authors: Cumming Oliver , Cairncross Sandy 
Published: May 2016

AbstractStunting is a complex and enduring challenge with far‐reaching consequences for those affected and society as a whole. To accelerate progress in eliminating stunting, broader efforts are needed that reach beyond the nutrition sector to tackle the underlying determinants of undernutrition. There is growing interest in how water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions might support strategies to reduce stunting in high‐burden settings, such as South Asia and sub‐Saharan Africa. This review article considers two broad questions: (1) can WASH interventions make a significant contribution to reducing the global prevalence of childhood stunting, and (2) how can WASH interventions be delivered to optimize their effect on stunting and accelerate progress? The evidence reviewed suggests that poor WASH conditions have a significant detrimental effect on child growth and development resulting from sustained exposure to enteric pathogens but also due to wider social and economic mechanisms. Realizing the potential of WASH to reduce stunting requires a redoubling of efforts to achieve universal access to these services as envisaged under the Sustainable Development Goals. It may also require new or modified WASH strategies that go beyond the scope of traditional interventions to specifically address exposure pathways in the first 2 years of life when the process of stunting is concentrated.
Drivers of nutritional change in four South Asian countries: a dynamic observational analysis
Authors: Headey Derek , Hoddinott John , Park Seollee 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThis paper quantifies the factors explaining long‐term improvements in child height for age z‐scores in Bangladesh (1996/1997–2011), India (1992/1993–2005/2006), Nepal (1997–2011) and Pakistan (1991–2013). We apply the same statistical techniques to data from a common data source from which we have extracted a set of common explanatory variables that capture ‘nutrition‐sensitive’ factors. Three are particularly important in explaining height for age z‐score changes over these timeframes: improvements in material well‐being; increases in female education; and improvements in sanitation. These factors have comparable associations across all four countries.
A Condition‐Based Deterioration Model for the Stochastic Dependency of Corrosion Rate and Crack Propagation in Corroded Concrete Structures
Authors: El Hajj Boutros , Schoefs Franck , Castanier Bruno , Yeung Thomas 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPhysics‐based models are intensively studied in mechanical and civil engineering but their constant increase in complexity makes them harder to use in a maintenance context, especially when degradation model can/should be updated from new inspection data. On the other hand, Markovian cumulative damage approaches such as Gamma processes seem promising; however, they suffer from lack of acceptability by the civil engineering community due to poor physics considerations. In this article, we want to promote an approach for modeling the degradation of structures and infrastructures for maintenance purposes which can be seen as an intermediate approach between physical models and probabilistic models. A new statistical, data‐driven state‐dependent model is proposed. The construction of the degradation model will be discussed within an application to the cracking of concrete due to chloride‐induced corrosion. Numerical experiments will later be conducted to identify preliminary properties of the model in terms of statistical inferences. An estimation algorithm is proposed to estimate the parameters of the model in cases where databases suffer from irregularities.
Transcriptional reprogramming underpins enhanced plant growth promotion by the biocontrol fungus Trichoderma hamatum GD12 during antagonistic interactions with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in soil
Authors: Shaw Sophie , Le Cocq Kate , Paszkiewicz Konrad , Moore Karen , Winsbury Rebecca , de Torres Zabala Marta , Studholme David J. , Salmon Deborah , Thornton Christopher R. , Grant Murray R. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryThe free‐living soil fungus Trichoderma hamatum strain GD12 is notable amongst Trichoderma strains in both controlling plant diseases and stimulating plant growth, a property enhanced during its antagonistic interactions with pathogens in soil. These attributes, alongside its markedly expanded genome and proteome compared with other biocontrol and plant growth‐promoting Trichoderma strains, imply a rich potential for sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides and fertilizers for the control of plant disease and for increasing yields. The purpose of this study was to investigate the transcriptional responses of GD12 underpinning its biocontrol and plant growth promotion capabilities during antagonistic interactions with the pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in soil. Using an extensive mRNA‐seq study capturing different time points during the pathogen–antagonist interaction in soil, we show that dynamic and biphasic signatures in the GD12 transcriptome underpin its biocontrol and plant (lettuce) growth‐promoting activities. Functional predictions of differentially expressed genes demonstrate the enrichment of transcripts encoding proteins involved in transportation and oxidation–reduction reactions during both processes and an over‐representation of siderophores. We identify a biphasic response during biocontrol characterized by a significant induction of transcripts encoding small‐secreted cysteine‐rich proteins, secondary metabolite‐producing gene clusters and genes unique to GD12. These data support the hypothesis that Sclerotinia biocontrol is mediated by the synthesis and secretion of antifungal compounds and that GD12's unique reservoir of uncharacterized genes is actively recruited during the effective biological control of a plurivorous plant pathogen.
Mysterious unilateral midfacial destruction – a diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Hong B. , Adcock SD 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe describe a case of progressive, significant, bony destruction of right midface over approximately 27 months from an unknown aetiology. A 58‐year‐old male patient originally presented with a white lesion in the upper right buccal sulcus, which a biopsy confirmed to be a benign hyperplastic inflammatory lesion. However, 16 months later, the patient returned with signs and symptoms suspicious of a malignant aetiology. A series of computed tomography scans over 27‐month period revealed progression of extensive permeative right midfacial bony destruction now with intracranial involvement. Contrary to the clinical and radiological findings, the histology results could not confirm malignancy and have been inconclusive on various occasions. We describe the clinical journey to date of this patient and discuss differential diagnoses: actinomycosis osteomyelitis; avascular necrosis of infective cause, such as mucormycosis; verrucous carcinoma; and Gorham's disease (massive osteolysis). We highlight the importance of a collaborative, multicentre, multidisciplinary approach to explore the results of investigations that conflict with the clinical picture of a complex case like this.
The effect of continuous wound infusion of ropivacaine on postoperative pain after median sternotomy and mediastinal drain in children
Authors: Mattila Ilkka , Pätilä Tommi , Rautiainen Paula , Korpela Reijo , Nikander Satu , Puntila Juha , Salminen Jukka , Suominen Pertti K. , Tynkkynen Paula , Hiller Arja 
Published: May 2016

SummaryBackgroundPostoperative pain after median sternotomy is usually treated with i.v. opioids. We hypothesized that continuous wound infusion of ropivacaine decreases postoperative morphine consumption and improves analgesia in children who undergo cardiac surgery.MethodsThis randomized, double‐blind study comprised 49 children aged 1–9 years who underwent atrial septal defect (ASD) closure. Patients received continuous local anesthetic wound infiltration either with 0.2% ropivacaine, 0.3–0.4 mg·kg−1·h−1 (Group R) or with saline (Group C). Rescue morphine consumption, Objective Pain Scale (OPS), time to mobilization, time to enteral food intake, and time to discharge were recorded.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences in morphine consumption at 24, 48, and 72 h postsurgery between R and C groups. There was a weak evidence for a difference in the time to the first morphine administration after tracheal extubation to be longer for Group R than Group C (186.2 vs 81.0 min; 95% CI (−236.5, 26.2), P = 0.114). The incidence of nausea and vomiting were comparable between the groups. No signs or symptoms of local anesthetic toxicity were registered.ConclusionsContrary to our hypothesis, continuous ropivacaine wound infusion did not reduce morphine consumption, pain score values, or nausea and vomiting in children who underwent ASD closure with median sternotomy and mediastinal drain.
Long‐term effects of vegetational restoration on soil microbial communities on the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Xiao Lie , Liu Guo‐bin , Zhang Jiao‐yang , Xue Sha 
Published: May 2016

AbstractSoil microbial communities are important indicators for evaluating the effectiveness of vegetational restoration. The ability of soil microbial communities to recover under six types of restoration was examined using Biolog, phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA), and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Soil samples were collected from eroded loessial soils that had been restored for 30 years on the Loess Plateau with natural grass, black locust, korshinsk peashrub, Chinese pine, and mixed forest of Chinese pine‐indigo and black locust‐indigo. Part of sloped farmland that had not been restored represented pre‐restoration conditions. An 80‐year‐old forest of Chinese arborvitae represented the end point of restoration. Soils that were originally farmed but have been under restoration treatments for the past 30 years had significantly higher average well‐color development, total PLFAs, bacterial PLFAs, fungal PLFAs, and Shannon indices of catabolic diversity, structural diversity, and bacterial phylogenetic diversity. These indicators, though, were lower than those for the native forest. Principal component analysis significantly separated the sloped farmland, Chinese arborvitae, and the six types of restoration. Redundancy analysis indicated that pH, total organic carbon, total nitrogen, available nitrogen, and available phosphorus were the most important environment factors in affecting soil functional diversity, and C/N ratio and available nutrients were the main properties in determining microbial community structure. Vegetational restoration substantially increased microbial biomass and microbial physiological activity, and shifted microbial community structure, but the community structures and compositions did not recover to the status of the natural forest during the early stage (<30 years) of vegetational restoration.
Restoring big sagebrush after controlling encroaching western juniper with fire: aspect and subspecies effects
Authors: Davies Kirk W. , Bates Jon D. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe need for restoration of shrubs is increasingly recognized around the world. In the western United States, restoration of mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt. ssp. vaseyana [Rydb.] Beetle) after controlling encroaching conifers is a priority to improve sagebrush‐associated wildlife habitat. Conifers can be cost effectively removed with prescribed burning when sagebrush is codominant; however, burning removes sagebrush and natural recovery may be slow. We evaluated seeding mountain and Wyoming big sagebrush (A. tridentata Nutt. ssp. wyomingensis Beetle & Young) on north and south aspects after western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis ssp. occidentalis Hook) control with prescribed burning. We included seeding Wyoming big sagebrush, a more drought tolerant subspecies of big sagebrush, because it might grow better than mountain big sagebrush on hot, dry south slopes, during drought, or after juniper encroachment. Seeding mountain big sagebrush increased sagebrush cover and density compared to unseeded controls. In mountain big sagebrush‐seeded plots, sagebrush cover was 19 times greater on north compared to south aspects in the fourth year after seeding. At this time, sagebrush cover was also greater on mountain compared to Wyoming big sagebrush‐seeded plots. Natural recovery (i.e. unseeded) of sagebrush was occurring on north aspects with sagebrush cover averaging 3% 4 years after fire. Sagebrush was not detected on unseeded south aspects at the end of the study. These results suggest that postfire sagebrush recovery, with and without seeding, will be variable across the landscape based on topography. This study suggests seeding sagebrush after controlling junipers with burning may accelerate sagebrush recovery.
The time course of endogenous erythropoietin, IL‐6, and TNFα in response to acute hypoxic exposures
Authors: Turner G. , Gibson O. R. , Watt P. W. , Pringle J. S. M. , Richardson A. J. , Maxwell N. S. 
Published: May 2016

Erythropoietin (EPO) rapidly decreases on return to sea level (SL) after chronic altitude exposure. Acute hypoxia may provide an additional stimulus to prevent the decline in EPO. Proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) have been shown to inhibit EPO production. Optimal normobaric hypoxic exposure has not been established; therefore, investigation of methods eliciting the greatest response in EPO to limit physiological stress is required. Eight men (age 27 ± 4 years, body mass 77.5 ± 9.0 kg, height 179 ± 6 cm) performed four passive exposures to different normobaric hypoxic severities [FiO2: 0.209 (SL), FiO2: ~0.135 (3600 m), FiO2: ~0.125 (4200 m) and FiO2: ~0.115 (4800 m)] in a hypoxic chamber for 2 h. Venous blood was drawn pre‐exposure and then at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h to determine EPO concentration ([EPO]), IL‐6, and TNFα. During 4200 and 4800 m, [EPO] increased from 5.9 ± 1.5 to 8.1 ± 1.5 mU/mL (P = 0.009) and 6.0 ± 1.4 to 8.9 ± 2.0 mU/mL (P = 0.037), respectively, with [EPO] increase peaking at 4 h (2 h post‐exposure). There were no differences in IL‐6 or TNFα during or post‐exposure. Increased [EPO] was found 2 h post hypoxic exposure as result of 2 h of normobaric hypoxia ≥4200 m. There was no dose–response relationship in [EPO] between simulated hypoxia severities.