bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is there genetic connectivity among the critically endangered White‐winged Flufftail (Sarothrura ayresi) populations from South Africa and Ethiopia?
Authors: Dalton Desire L. , Smit‐Robinson Hanneline A. , Vermaak Elaine , Jarvis Erin , Kotze Antoinette 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe White‐winged Flufftail (Sarothrura ayresi) is known to occur in the highland marshes of Ethiopia, as well as almost 4000 km in South Africa. The White‐winged Flufftail is listed globally as Critically Endangered. In South Africa the population is estimated to be <50 birds. These birds are severely threatened by habitat destruction. Thus far, no genetic studies have been conducted on S. ayresi to confirm genetic connectivity between the South African and Ethiopian populations. In this study, analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear markers was conducted for White‐winged Flufftail samples from South African and Ethiopian birds, as well as Red‐chested Flufftail (Sarothrura rufa) for species comparison. Analyses of the DNA regions identified three variations between the two populations, supporting the hypothesis that these two populations are not different species or subspecies but are rather one migrating population with different seasonal occupied ranges. However, these results do not exclude the possibility of additional breeding and nonbreeding sites. Low genetic diversity in the populations of White‐winged Flufftails was observed, which needs to be further elucidated with fast evolving co‐dominant markers such as microsatellites, as this low diversity may ultimately contribute to the extinction of the species.
Faunistic data and biogeography of terrestrial isopods from Tunisian wetlands
Authors: Khemaissia Hajer , Jelassi Raja , Souty‐Grosset Catherine , Nasri‐Ammar Karima 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn Tunisia, while wetlands are considered as remarkable habitats for their faunal and floral diversity, few studies on the biogeography and the diversity of terrestrial isopods were performed. To fill this gap, we carried out a field study in the supralittoral zone of 146 Tunisian wetlands belonging to eight types (lagoon, river, lake, sebkha, dam, hill reservoir, beach and chott) and to five bioclimatic zones (humid, subhumid, semi‐arid, arid and Saharan). Field work was carried out in spring 2010. Terrestrial isopods were collected in the morning by hand search each time with the same sampling effort. During the study, 22 species of terrestrial isopods belonging to nine families were collected. Porcellio variabilis, Porcellio laevis, Chaetophiloscia elongata and Armadillidium pelagicum are the most common species identified. From the northern to the southern regions, a gradual decrease in species richness has been shown. The identified species belonged to different biogeographical categories: Mediterranean, Mediterranean‐Atlantic, North Africa with circum‐Sicilian islands, semi‐arid and Saharan species. Some of these species are endemic to Tunisia (Porcellio dominici) or to North Africa (Armadillidium sulcatum, Armadillidium tunisiense, Porcellio marginenotatus and P. variabilis). Terrestrial isopod species differ according to wetland type and bioclimatic zone.
Patterns of anaphylaxis after diagnostic workup: A follow‐up study of 226 patients with suspected anaphylaxis
Authors: Oropeza A. Ruiz , Bindslev‐Jensen C. , Broesby‐Olsen S. , Kristensen T. , Møller M. B. , Vestergaard H. , Kjaer H. F. , Halken S. , Lassen A. , Mortz C. G. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundMost published studies on anaphylaxis are retrospective or register based. Data on subsequent diagnostic workup are sparse. We aimed to characterize patients seen with suspected anaphylaxis at the emergency care setting (ECS), after subsequent diagnostic workup at our Allergy Center (AC).MethodsProspective study including patients from the ECS, Odense University Hospital, during May 2013‐April 2014. Possible anaphylaxis cases were daily identified based on a broad search profile including history and symptoms in patient records, diagnostic codes and pharmacological treatments. At the AC, all patients were evaluated according to international guidelines.ResultsAmong 226 patients with suspected anaphylaxis, the diagnosis was confirmed in 124 (54.9%) after diagnostic workup; 118 of the 124 fulfilled WAO/EAACI criteria of anaphylaxis at the ECS, while six were found among 46 patients with clinical suspicion but not fulfilling the WAO/EAACI criteria at the ECS. The estimated incidence rate of anaphylaxis was 26 cases per 100 000 person‐years and the one‐year period prevalence was 0.04%. The most common elicitor was drugs (41.1%) followed by venom (27.4%) and food (20.6%). In 13 patients (10.5%), no elicitor could be identified. Mastocytosis was diagnosed in 7.7% of adult patients and was significantly associated with severe anaphylaxis. Atopic diseases were significantly associated only with food‐induced anaphylaxis. Cofactors were present in 58.1% and were significantly associated with severe anaphylaxis.ConclusionA broad search profile in the ECS and subsequent diagnostic workup is important for identification and classification of patients with anaphylaxis. Evaluation of comorbidities and cofactors is important.
Changes in patient quality of life during oral immunotherapy for food allergy
Authors: Rigbi N. Epstein , Goldberg M. R. , Levy M. B. , Nachshon L. , Golobov K. , Elizur A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundQuality of life (QOL) is impaired in patients with food allergy and improves following oral immunotherapy (OIT). However, the treatment itself is prolonged and demanding. We examined changes in patient QOL during OIT for food allergy.MethodsThe FAQLQ‐PF was administered to children aged 4‐12 years undergoing OIT for milk, peanut, or egg allergy, at the beginning and after 4 months of treatment. Patients were categorized as improved, unchanged, or diminished FAQLQ‐PF (>0.5 point decrease, a change of ≤0.5 points, or >0.5 increase, respectively) and compared. Food‐allergic patients not undergoing OIT served as controls.ResultsThe Food Anxiety, Social and Dietary Limitation, and total FAQLQ‐PF scores improved significantly during the study period (P=.001, P=.018, and P=.01, respectively) in treated but not in control patients, while the Emotional Impact did not. The change in the FAQLQ‐PF was independent of the maximal tolerated dose at baseline or following four months of treatment, the pace of dose increase, or the number or severity of reactions experienced. The total FAQLQ‐PF score was inversely associated with the score at baseline on multivariate analysis (regression coefficient=−0.56, P<.001). That was driven primarily by improvement in QOL scores in patients with high score (worse QOL) at baseline. Some patients with low FAQLQ‐PF score (better QOL) at baseline deteriorated.ConclusionsQOL of patients with food allergy improves in some but deteriorates in others during OIT. Patients with impaired QOL at baseline improve significantly despite the treatment burden. Some patients with better QOL at baseline might deteriorate during OIT.
RETRACTED: Effect of magnesium on arrhythmia incidence in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Alireza , Towfighi Farshad , Jafari Naser 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundCardiac arrhythmia after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is a common complication of cardiac surgery. The effect of serum magnesium, hypomagnesaemia treatment and prophylactic administration of magnesium in the development and prevention of arrhythmias is controversial and there are many different ideas. This study evaluates the therapeutic effects of magnesium in cardiac arrhythmia after CABG surgery.MethodsThe clinical trial enrolled 250 patients who underwent CABG. Based on the initial serum levels of magnesium, patients were divided into two groups: hypomagnesium and normomagnesium. Based on bioethics committee requirements, patients in the hypo‐magnesium group received magnesium treatments until they attained normal magnesium blood levels. Both groups underwent CABG with normal blood levels of magnesium. After surgery, each group was randomly divided into two subgroups: one subgroup received a bolus dose of magnesium sulphate (30 mg/kg in 5 min) and the other subgroup received a placebo. Subgroups were under observation in the intensive care unit for 3 days and arrhythmias were recorded. Data from all four subgroups were analysed statistically and interpreted.ResultsThe results of this study showed that the occurrence of arrhythmia was not significantly different among subgroups (P > 0.05). There was no significant relationship between blood levels of magnesium and arrhythmia during the 3 days post‐surgery (P > 0.05).ConclusionThe results of this study showed that magnesium sulphate administration did not significantly improve the incidence of arrhythmias in hypo‐ and normo‐magnesium patients after CABG. There was no significant correlation between post‐operative serum levels of magnesium and arrhythmia during 3 days.
The Hematocrit Affects the Volume of Plasma Treated With Coupled Plasma Filtration and Adsorption With Predilution
Authors: Finazzi Stefano , Garbero Elena , Trussardi Giampietro , Bertolini Guido 
Published: May 2017

AbstractCoupled plasma filtration and adsorption (CPFA) is an extracorporeal blood purification technique proposed for the treatment of septic‐shock. By removing pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory mediators from plasma, CPFA is supposed to have a therapeutic effect on the abnormal inflammatory response seen in this condition. Recently, blood predilution with citrate solution has been adopted to prevent clotting in the CPFA circuit—one of the main problems of the technique. Taking into account the patient's hematocrit, we worked out a formula for the volume of plasma effectively treated by CPFA after predilution. Neglecting this effect, as is commonly done, introduces significant distortions in the estimation of the volume, possibly causing under‐treatment. The distortion is stronger when the hematocrit and the predilution fraction are large and weaker when both values shrink. By correctly indicating the daily dose of plasma adsorption received by patients, this formula is essential for assessing the therapeutic efficacy of CPFA and, subsequently, establishing its optimal doses.
Effect of probiotic supplementation and genotype on growth performance, carcass traits, hematological parameters and immunity of growing rabbits under hot environmental conditions
Authors: Fathi Moataz , Abdelsalam Magdy , Al‐Homidan Ibrahim , Ebeid Tarek , El‐Zarei Mohamed , Abou‐Emera Osama 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe effect of dietary inclusion of probiotics and genetic groups on rabbit performance under hot environmental conditions was studied. A total of 80 rabbits aged 8 weeks were distributed into a completely randomized design in a 4 × 3 factorial arrangement, including four genetic groups and three concentrations of dietary probiotic (0, 200 and 400 g/t feed). The utilized probiotic contained 4 × 109 colony‐forming units/g of Bacillus subtilis. Jabali local breed (J), imported Spanish V‐line (V) and their crossbreds (¼J¾V and ¾J¼V) were included in the current study. Final weight and body weight gain were not significantly affected by dietary probiotic levels or genetic group. The feed conversion ratio was better for purebreds than that of crossbreds. A significant improvement in percentage of dressed carcass, mid and hind parts was recorded for rabbits fed a diet containing 400 g probiotic/t feed compared with those fed a basal diet or low probiotic level. Probiotic supplementation had a significant decrease in serum cholesterol. Rabbits given 400 g probiotic/t feed had higher hemoglobin, red blood cells and platelets. Adding 400 g probiotic/t feed to rabbit's diet significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved cell‐mediated immunity compared to the other treatments 48 h post‐injection.
Morphology and ontogenetic changes in otoliths of the mesopelagic fishes Ceratoscopelus maderensis (Myctophidae), Vinciguerria attenuata and V. poweriae (Phosichthyidae) from the Strait of Messina (Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Jawad Laith A. , Sabatino Giuseppe , Ibáñez Ana L. , Andaloro Franco , Battaglia Pietro 
Published: May 2017

AbstractFish otoliths morphology is an important aid in taxonomic, phylogenetic, palaeoichthyological and dietary studies. This study compares the morphology of the otoliths of the myctophid species, Ceratoscopelus maderensis, and two phosichthyid species, Vinciguerria attenuata and V. poweriae, collected from the Strait of Messina in the central Mediterranean Sea to identify the most appropriate taxonomical characters that separate these species. Ontogenetic changes in the otoliths of the studied fishes are evident. The sagitta of the juvenile C. maderensis is the most similar to the adult otoliths, while otoliths of the juvenile V. poweriae are the least similar to the adult otoliths. A discussion on possible geographical variations in otolith's morphology is provided by comparing our results with sagitta's images of C. maderensis, V. attenuata and V. poweriae in other studies.
Association between the zinc finger protein 804A (ZNF804A) gene and the risk of schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder across diagnostic boundaries
Authors: Baek Ji Hyun , Ha Kyooseob , Kim Yongkang , Yang So Yung , Cho Eun‐Young , Choi Yujin , Ryu Seunghyong , Lee Yu‐Sang , Park Taesung , Hong Kyung Sue 
Published: May 2017

ObjectivesIn this study, we aimed to determine the role of genetic variations within the zinc finger protein 804A (ZNF804A) gene, a candidate for a psychosis risk‐conferring gene, in the development of schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BP) in the Korean population.MethodsA total of 921 patients with SZ, bipolar I (BP‐I) and II (BP‐II) disorder, and 502 control subjects participated in the study. Twenty‐one tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the genomic region of ZNF804A and seven reference SNPs based on previous reports were genotyped. We applied logistic regression analyses under additive, dominant and recessive models.ResultsFifteen of the 28 SNPs showed a nominally significant association with at least one diagnostic group. However, none of these associations remained significant after false discovery rate (FDR) correction. As the trend of association was observed mostly in SZ and BP‐I with similar patterns, we performed a post hoc analysis for the combined SZ and BP‐I group. Five SNPs (rs2369595, rs6755404, rs10931156, rs12476147 and rs1366842) showed a significant association with an FDR‐corrected P of <.05.ConclusionsThis study supports a possible role of ZNF804A in the common susceptibility of major psychoses, and identified additional candidate variants of the gene in the Korean population.
Psychiatric and physical comorbidities and their impact on the course of bipolar disorder: A prospective, naturalistic 4‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Amann Benedikt L , Radua Joaquim , Wunsch Christian , König Barbara , Simhandl Christian 
Published: May 2017

ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to increase the available evidence on how physical and psychiatric comorbidities influence the long‐term outcome in bipolar I and II disorder.MethodsWe examined the prevalence of comorbid physical (metabolic, cardiovascular, thyroid, and neurological) diseases and psychiatric (neurotic, stress‐related, somatoform, and personality) disorders and their impact on the risk of relapse in bipolar disorder. A total of 284 consecutively admitted patients with ICD‐10 bipolar I (n=161) and II (n=123) disorder were followed up naturalistically over a period of 4 years.ResultsGlobally, 22.0% patients had metabolic, 18.8% cardiovascular, 18.8% thyroid, and 7.6% neurological diseases; 15.5% had neurotic, stress‐related, and somatoform disorders; 12.0% had personality disorders; and 52.9% had nicotine dependence. We did not find any effect of comorbid metabolic, cardiovascular or neurological diseases or psychiatric disorders on the relapse risk. However, the presence of thyroid diseases, and especially hypothyroidism, was associated with an increased risk of manic relapse in bipolar disorder I (thyroid disease: hazard ratio [HR]=2.7; P=.003; hypothyroidism: HR=3.7;, P<.001). Among patients with hypothyroidism, higher blood levels of baseline thyroid‐stimulating hormone (bTSH) were also associated with an increased risk of manic relapse (HR=1.07 per milli‐international units per liter; P=.011), whereas blood levels of free triiodothyronine (fT3) or free thyroxine (fT4) were not found to have an influence.ConclusionsOur data underline the negative long‐term impact of thyroid diseases, and especially hypothyroidism with high blood levels of bTSH, on bipolar disorder with more manic episodes, and the importance of its detection and treatment.
Blood donors' perceptions, motivators and deterrents in Sub‐Saharan Africa – a scoping review of evidence
Authors: Asamoah‐Akuoko Lucy , Hassall Oliver W. , Bates Imelda , Ullum Henrik 
Published: May 2017

SummaryAchieving an adequate blood supply in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) through donor mobilization and retention is crucial. Factors that motivate or deter blood donors vary according to beliefs and social norms. Understanding the factors that influence blood donation behaviour in SSA is vital to developing effective strategies to address blood donor motivation and retention. This review of 35 studies from 16 SSA countries collates available evidence concerning the perceptions, motivators and deterrents that influence blood donors in SSA. The review revealed a common understanding that blood and blood donation save lives. The main deterrent to blood donation was fear due to lack of knowledge and discouraging spiritual, religious and cultural perceptions of blood donation. The main motivators for blood donation were altruism, donating blood for family and incentives. The findings support the need for targeted, culturally sensitive education, recruitment and retention strategies to improve the blood supply in SSA.
Perioperative adverse events in patients on continued anticoagulation undergoing photoselective vaporisation of the prostate with the 180‐W Greenlight lithium triborate laser
Authors: Knapp Georgia L. , Chalasani Venu , Woo Henry H. 
Published: May 2017

ObjectivesTo compare perioperative factors and adverse events (AEs) in men undergoing photoselective vaporisation of the prostate (PVP) with or without continued anticoagulation therapy.Patients and MethodsRetrospective review of a PVP database of men treated with the 180‐W lithium triborate (LBO) laser from 2010 to 2016. Of 373 men, 59 underwent PVP with continued anticoagulant therapy, which was defined as treatment with heparin, warfarin, clopidogrel, dipyridamol or new oral anticoagulant drugs. Perioperative factors and AEs occurring within 90 days of surgery were analysed.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in the overall incidence of perioperative AEs between those receiving and not receiving anticoagulation therapy (30.5% vs 19.9%, P = 0.07). However, there was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of high‐grade Clavien–Dindo events in men who continued anticoagulation during PVP (P = 0.01). No men required blood transfusion. There was no difference in operative times and energy utilisation between the groups. In all, 53 of the 59 men in the anticoagulation group had a high‐grade American Society of Anesthesiologists score, compared to 27 of the 272 men in the control group. The anticoagulation group were also significantly older. The anticoagulation group had a significantly longer length of hospital stay and duration of catheterisation compared to the controls.ConclusionsWhile continued anticoagulation therapy is not associated with an overall increase in perioperative AEs, it is associated with an increased rate of high‐grade Clavien–Dindo events. The findings of this study suggest that there should be caution in extrapolating results about the safety profile of earlier generation lasers to the current 180‐W LBO laser for patients on anticoagulation.
Hospital volume and perioperative outcomes for radical cystectomy: a population study
Authors: Udovicich Cristian , Perera Marlon , Huq Molla , Wong Lih‐Ming , Lenaghan Daniel 
Published: May 2017

ObjectivesTo evaluate the association between hospital volume and perioperative outcomes of radical cystectomy (RC) using state population data for a contemporary Australian cohort.Patients and MethodsPatients undergoing RC for urothelial malignancy in the state of Victoria, Australia between July 2003 and June 2014 were identified using the Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset (VAED). Hospitals were divided into tertiles according to their caseload per year. Hospitals performing <4 RCs/year were defined as low‐volume hospitals (LVH), 4–10 RCs/year as medium‐volume hospitals (MVH), and >10 RCs/year as high‐volume hospitals (HVH). Perioperative outcomes derived included: in‐hospital mortality (IHM), prolonged length of stay (LOS; >14 days), prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) admission (>24 h), and requirement for blood transfusion. The relationship between hospital volume and perioperative outcomes was assessed using logistic regression.ResultsDuring the 11‐year study period, 803 patients underwent RC for bladder cancer. The overall IHM rate was 2.2% (LVH 3.7%, MVH 2.5%, HVH 0.9%). Other outcomes observed were prolonged LOS (45%), prolonged ICU admission (31%) and requirement for blood transfusion (56%). On multivariate analysis, LVH was found to be associated with increased IHM (odds ratio [OR] 5.74, P = 0.04) and prolonged ICU admission (OR 11.58, P < 0.001) when compared to HVH. There was a lower rate of prolonged LOS for LVH (OR 0.60, P = 0.01). No significant relationship was identified for LVH and blood transfusion.ConclusionPerioperative outcomes in Victoria are comparable to international standards. Our results add further population study evidence to the volume–outcome relationship in RC. There was a significant association between LVH and both IHM and prolonged ICU admission. This subgroup of patients would appear to benefit from transfer of care to a HVH. The role of centralisation of RC in Australia should be further considered.
Citation indices for social media articles in urology
Authors: Calopedos Ross J. S. , Garcia Cindy , Rashid Prem , Murphy Declan G. , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Woo Henry H. 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of publications on urological participation in social media (SoMe) by virtue of citations in the urological and non‐urological literature.Materials and MethodsOn 15 March 2016, a PubMed search was undertaken using the names of the major SoMe platforms in current use and associated with the field of urology. The search term ‘urolog*’ was used to specifically capture articles that could be associated with ‘urology’, ‘urologist’ or ‘urological’. Exclusion criteria for analysis included non‐English language articles, articles published for the first time online in any form after 1 March 2015, articles irrelevant to the topic of SoMe, and letters of correspondence. Included articles were then searched in Google Scholar and citations analysed to determine if citations were from the urological literature or non‐urological literature. Citations from non‐urological journals were considered to be as such even if authored by urologists and on the subject of urology and SoMe.ResultsPrior to exclusions as defined in the methods, our PubMed search yielded 232 articles of which 17 were non‐English language and 66 had been published after 1 March 2015. Allowing for 12 months after the most recent articles were published, we found that the mean number of total citations in any journal was 20.8. There were more citations in journals not specific to urology, with 8.3 citations in urological journals, compared to 12.6 citations in non‐urological journals.ConclusionUrological SoMe journal articles are highly cited, particularly in the non‐urological literature. It is likely that the magnitude of citations has positively contributed to the impact factors of the almost all journals publishing these manuscripts.