bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Pitfalls and Politics of Holistic Justice
Authors: Friedman Rebekka , Jillions Andrew 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThis article critically assesses the concept of the complementarity of means, a concept that underpins the ‘holistic justice’ turn in postconflict policy making. Our concern is with how global transitional justice strategies are being informed by a compelling but vague ideal of institutional cooperation. Drawing on research into Sierra Leone's ‘two tracks’ of transitional justice, we argue that political interaction between the two mechanisms and a contentious, ad hoc learning process between the Special Court for Sierra Leone and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission were crucial to the way the complementarity of means has come to underpin the holistic justice agenda. We caution that by treating the complementarity of means as a mechanical outcome of the mere existence of separate transitional justice mechanisms, global policy makers have drawn the wrong empirical lessons from Sierra Leone. Political engagement played a central role in constructing a pragmatic partnership between the competing institutions, and in accounting for some of the long‐term and unintended consequences of transitional justice. We argue that if a complementarity of means is to be effectively realized global policy makers need to embrace – rather than deny – the politics of holistic justice.
Local habitat management and landscape‐scale restoration influence small‐mammal communities in grasslands
Authors: Mérő T. O. , Bocz R. , Polyák L. , Horváth G. , Lengyel S. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractEcosystem/habitat restoration has become a major goal of international biodiversity policy. However, restorations are often limited in space or time, and we know little on whether and how restoration and management affect vertebrates. Here we assessed the local and landscape‐scale effects of habitat restoration and management on small‐mammal communities in theEgyek–Pusztakócs marsh system (HortobágyNationalPark,Hungary), site of the largest active restoration of grasslands on former croplands inEurope. We live‐trapped mice, voles and shrews in spring and autumn in 2 years (four sampling periods) at two sites in six habitat types: croplands, grasslands restored 3–6 years earlier and natural grasslands. Data on 421 individuals of 12 species showed that restored grasslands were similar to croplands and natural grasslands in species richness, abundance and composition. At the local scale, management influenced abundance because there were more small mammals in unmanaged and early‐mown grasslands with taller vegetation than in late‐mown or grazed grasslands with lower vegetation, or in ploughed croplands. Elevation was also important because sites at higher elevation provided refuges during spring floods or summer droughts. At the landscape scale, the proportion of restored and natural grasslands positively affected the abundance of small mammals, whereas the proportion of linear habitats (roads, canals) had a negative effect on abundance. Our results show that management is more important than restorationper seat the local scale, which is expected for habitat generalists such as small mammals in contrast to specialists such as plant‐feeding invertebrates. However, restoration provides landscape‐scale benefits by increasing the area of grasslands that can serve as refuges for small mammals in unfavourable periods. We thus conclude that a mosaic of restored and appropriately managed grasslands with tall vegetation will provide the best chances for the persistence of small‐mammal communities in dynamic landscapes.
Reflection impulsivity in binge drinking: behavioural and volumetric correlates
Authors: Banca Paula , Lange Iris , Worbe Yulia , Howell Nicholas A. , Irvine Michael , Harrison Neil A. , Moutoussis Michael , Voon Valerie 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe degree to which an individual accumulates evidence prior to making a decision, also known as reflection impulsivity, can be affected in psychiatric disorders. Here, we study decisional impulsivity in binge drinkers, a group at elevated risk for developing alcohol use disorders, comparing two tasks assessing reflection impulsivity and a delay discounting task, hypothesizing impairments in both subtypes of impulsivity. We also assess volumetric correlates of reflection impulsivity focusing on regions previously implicated in functional magnetic resonance imaging studies. Sixty binge drinkers and healthy volunteers were tested using two different information‐gathering paradigms: the beads task and the Information Sampling Task (IST). The beads task was analysed using a behavioural approach and a Bayesian model of decision making. Delay discounting was assessed using the Monetary Choice Questionnaire. Regression analyses of primary outcomes were conducted with voxel‐based morphometry analyses. Binge drinkers sought less evidence prior to decision in the beads task compared with healthy volunteers in both the behavioural and computational modelling analysis. There were no group differences in the IST or delay discounting task. Greater impulsivity as indexed by lower evidence accumulation in the beads task was associated with smaller dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and inferior parietal volumes. In contrast, greater impulsivity as indexed by lower evidence accumulation in the IST was associated with greater dorsal cingulate and precuneus volumes. Binge drinking is characterized by impaired reflection impulsivity suggesting a deficit in deciding on the basis of future outcomes that are more difficult to represent. These findings emphasize the role of possible therapeutic interventions targeting decision‐making deficits.
Shrub expansion alters forest structure but has little impact on native mammal occurrence
Authors: Hradsky Bronwyn A. , Loschiavo John , Hradsky Marney , Di Stefano Julian 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe expansion (or encroachment) of shrubs in forests and woodlands is generally considered a serious threat to biodiversity. The effects of shrub expansion on forest fauna, however, are poorly understood and likely to depend on the availability of key resources in shrub‐encroached forest. Coranderrk Bushland, like many conservation reserves in south‐eastern Australia, is considered threatened by the spread of an indigenous shrub. We investigated the associations between cover of Yarra burgan (Kunzea leptospermoides (Myrtaceae)), vegetation structure and the occurrence of terrestrial native mammals within the reserve, basing our predictions on prior knowledge of burgan growth habits and fauna habitat preferences. We quantified burgan cover and other potentially important habitat attributes using structure surveys, and used motion‐sensing cameras to detect terrestrial mammals. Dense burgan cover was associated with less grass, a sparser understorey, and more cryptogams, dead trees and coarse woody debris. However, there was no evidence that these changes negatively affected native mammals: burgan cover had little influence on the occurrence of any species except swamp wallabies (Wallabia bicolor), which occurred in all areas of the reserve but shifted from sites with high burgan cover during the day to sites with low cover at night. Our findings contrast with those from grassland shrub‐expansion studies, where fauna generally show strong responses to shrub cover. The effects of shrub expansion on forest fauna may be mitigated by the greater pre‐existing structural diversity in forests or the longer time required for structural changes to be fully realized. The large quantities of dead wood in areas with high shrub cover may also provide compensatory resources for small mammals, while the proximity to un‐encroached areas may enable large herbivores to move between dense shelter and forage. Shrub‐encroached forests clearly provide resources for some native fauna, and management strategies need to consider the potential impacts of shrub removal on these taxa.
The predictive ability of non‐invasive haemodynamic parameters for hypotension during caesarean section: a prospective observational study
Authors: Yokose M. , Mihara T. , Sugawara Y. , Goto T. 
Published: February 2015

SummarySpinal anaesthesia for caesarean section induces hypotension, which may cause severe adverse effects. Our goal was to determine whether hypotension could be predicted by pulse oximetry parameters, such as the perfusion index and pleth variability index, heart rate, ratio of low‐frequency to high‐frequency components of heart rate variability, and entropy of heart rate variability, measured before the induction of anaesthesia. The predictive value of these parameters for detecting hypotension was assessed using logistic regression and the grey zone approach in 81 parturients. Logistic regression revealed heart rate to be the only independent predictor (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.01–1.13; p = 0.032). The grey zone for heart rate was in the range of 71–89 bpm, and 60.5% of parturients were in the grey zone. Pre‐anaesthetic heart rate, but not other parameters derived from pulse oximetry or heart rate variability, may be a prognostic factor for hypotension associated with spinal anaesthesia.
Using a modified Seldinger technique is an effective way of placing femoral venous catheters in critically ill infants
Authors: Athikarisamy Sam E. , Veldman Alex , Malhotra Atul , Wong Flora 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimFemoral venous catheters (FVCs) provide multilumen access in critically ill infants with difficult venous access. This study reports our experiences of using a modified Seldinger technique to insert FVCs in our neonatal unit.MethodsThis was a retrospective case series of 34 infants who had FVCs inserted using the modified Seldinger technique during a 4‐year period.ResultsThe median (range) post‐natal age and weight at the time of insertion were 66 days (1–314) and 3080 g (865–8000). The FVC remained in situ for a median duration of 21 days (1–63). There were nine infants who died while the FVC remained in situ. The FVCs were removed from four infants due to complications. In three cases, they became dislodged, and in one case, the line became blocked. In 16 infants, the FVC was removed when it was no longer required and one infant was transferred out of the unit with the FVC in situ. Transient venous congestion of the distal limb occurred in four infants. In one infant, the FVC was accidently placed in the femoral artery and removed without complications.ConclusionsFemoral venous catheter insertion using a modified Seldinger technique appeared to provide alternate and immediate central venous access in critically ill infants.
Maternal psychological distress and visitation to the neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Greene Michelle M. , Rossman Beverly , Patra Kousiki , Kratovil Amanda , Khan Samah , Meier Paula P. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimTo examine associations between maternal neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) visitation rates, maternal psychological distress (‘distress’) and preterm infant outcome post‐NICU discharge in a contemporary cohort of very low birthweight (VLBW) infants.MethodsThis was a prospective study of 69 mothers and their VLBW infants. Distress was assessed 1‐month postbirth, 2 weeks prior to NICU discharge and after NICU discharge at 4‐month corrected age (CA). Maternal NICU visitation rates were calculated for the first 2 weeks and 1‐month postbirth as well as for the entire NICU hospitalization. Regression analyses adjusted for the impact of (i) maternal and infant characteristics and distress on maternal visitation rates and (ii) the impact of visitation on long‐term maternal distress and rates of infant clinic attendance and rehospitalization.ResultsGreater number of children in the home, maternal exposure to a greater number of potentially traumatic events prior to childbirth and lower maternal anxiety consistently predicted lower visitation rate. Lower maternal visitation rate predicted higher maternal depression scores at infants' 4‐month CA visit. Maternal NICU visitation rate did not predict post‐NICU discharge infant clinic attendance or rehospitalization.ConclusionDistress is an important predictor of visitation. In turn, visitation is associated with long‐term maternal distress.
Systematic review with network meta‐analysis: the comparative effectiveness and safety of interventions in patients with overt hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Zhu G.‐Q. , Shi K.‐Q. , Huang S. , Wang L.‐R. , Lin Y.‐Q. , Huang G.‐Q. , Chen Y.‐P. , Braddock M. , Zheng M.‐H. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryBackgroundInterventional treatment for overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE), includes non‐absorbable disaccharides, neomycin, rifaximin, L‐ornithine‐L‐aspartate and branched chain amino acids (BCAA). However, the optimum regimen remains inconclusive.AimTo compare interventions in terms of patients’ adverse events and major clinical outcomes.MethodsLiterature search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library studies published up to July 31 2014. RCTs of above interventions in OHE patients were included. Network meta‐analysis combined direct and indirect evidence to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and mean difference (MD) between treatments and the probabilities of ranking for treatment based on clinical outcomes.ResultsTwenty eligible RCTs were included. When compared with observation, only L‐ornithine‐L‐aspartate (OR 3.71, P < 0.001) and BCAA (OR 3.37, P < 0.001) improved clinical efficacy significantly. However, when L‐ornithine‐L‐aspartate was compared with BCAA, non‐absorbable disaccharides and neomycin, there was a trend suggesting that L‐ornithine‐L‐aspartate may be the most effective intervention with respect to clinical improvement (OR 1.10), rifaximin (OR 1.31), non‐absorbable disaccharides (OR 2.75), neomycin (OR 2.22). In addition, L‐ornithine‐L‐aspartate (MD −20.18, 95% CI −40.12 to −0.27) provided a significant reduction in blood ammonia concentration compared with observation. Neomycin appeared to be associated with more adverse events in comparison with non‐absorbable disaccharides (OR 10.15), rifaximin (OR 17.31), L‐ornithine‐L‐aspartate (OR 3.16) or BCAA (OR 7.69).ConclusionsL‐ornithine‐L‐aspartate treatment may show a trend in superiority for clinical efficacy among standard interventions for OHE. Rifaximin shows the greatest reduction in blood ammonia concentration, and treatment with neomycin demonstrates a higher probability in causing adverse effects among the five compared interventions.
Effect of contrast injection into the biliary tract during intraoperative cholangiogram on postoperative liver function tests
Authors: Wewelwala Chandika , Cashin Paul , Blamey Stephen , Gribbin John , Low Liang , Croagh Daniel 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIntroductionPostoperative abnormal liver function tests (LFT) following laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) could present a substantial clinical dilemma due to suspicion of missed choledocholithiasis or more serious complications such as bile duct injury. We noted that LFT were more likely to be abnormal when an intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) had been performed. This study aims to examine if contrast injection into the biliary tract during IOC is associated with deranged LFT.MethodsData on all LC performed in a tertiary referral hospital network over a period of 30 months were collected retrospectively, and two groups were identified depending on successful performance of an IOC. Identical inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to both groups to identify eligible patients. Alkaline phosphatase, gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine transaminase (ALT), and bilirubin levels were recorded, and the mean difference between preoperative and postoperative values was analyzed.ResultsThere were 177 eligible patients: 147 patients in the LC with IOC test group (IOC group) and 30 patients in the LC without IOC control group (NO IOC group). Demographics and preoperative mean LFT were not significantly different between groups. In the IOC group, the mean ALT difference (43 ± 57, P =< 0.001) and GGT difference (34 ± 66, P =< 0.001) were significantly higher than in the NO IOC group (ALT [19 ± 25], GGT [7 ± 20]). The mean alkaline phosphatase difference (IOC [9 ± 47], NO IOC [−2 ± 14], P = 0.214) and mean bilirubin difference (IOC [−2 ± 9], NO IOC [−1 ± 8], P = 0.911) were not significantly different.ConclusionThe performance of an IOC is associated with elevated GGT and ALT but does not affect alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin concentrations.
Evaluating restoration potential of transferred topsoil
Authors: Fowler William M. , Fontaine Joseph B. , Enright Neal J. , Veber Willa P. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractQuestionsTranslocation of topsoil and its seed bank for ecological restoration is increasingly popular. How representative is the soil seed bank of the extant vegetation at the source site? What influence does the transfer process have on germinant density, species and plant functional type composition? Does smoke and heat treatment of transferred topsoil enhance germination and potential for restoration success?LocationBanksia woodland of the Swan Coastal Plain, Western Australia.MethodsTo assess the efficacy of topsoil transfer for return of native plant species, we measured topsoil seed bank characterisitcsin situproir to vegetation clearing, and immediately after transfer of the topsoil to an adjacent, degraded mediterranean‐type woodland in southwest Australia. Glasshouse germination of topsoil samples from 24 pre‐ and 24 post‐transfer plots was used to quantify the effects of transfer and soil depth on germinant density, species richness, plant functional types and seed bank similarity toin situvegetation. Application of germination cues (heat + smoke) was used to explore the impact of topsoil transfer on seed germination and emergence.ResultsTopsoil transfer significantly reduced germinant densities (pre‐transfer 1692–4239 germinants·m−2, post‐transfer 795–1016 germinants·m−2;t = 6.7,P < 0.001) and shifted community structure (MRPP:A = 0.13,P < 0.001), including a reduction of woody species density by 81%. For the majority of functional types, heat and smoke failed to stimulate additional germination post‐transfer, suggesting soil transfer simulated the effect of fire‐related germination cues.ConclusionAlthough topsoil transfer translocated many viable native seeds, potential restoration success was hindered by reduced germinant densities. This was mostly attributable to a dilution effect associated with mixing of transferred topsoil, so that many seeds were buried too deep to emerge. However, total reductions were greater than expected based on dilution alone, suggesting some seed mortality during the transfer process. Transfer shifted composition towards dominance by annual species, suggesting the need for topsoil transfer to be supplemented by other restoration techniques.
Osteology of the prickleback genus Xiphister (Cottiformes: Zoarcoidei: Stichaeidae)
Authors: Clardy Todd R. , Hilton Eric J. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe two members of the genus Xiphister, Xiphister atropurpureus and Xiphister mucosus, are inter‐ and subtidal marine fishes from the west coast of North America, ranging from southern Alaska to southern California. Although both species were described over 150 years ago and portions of their anatomy have been described in several studies, a detailed description of their anatomy and morphology is lacking. In this article, we describe and illustrate the skeletal anatomy of the genus, clarifying aspects of the skull roof and neurocranium, jaws, suspensorium, opercular series, vertebral column, dorsal and anal fins, trunk lateral‐line canals and pectoral girdle. We describe for the first time the elements of the hyoid and gill arches and scales. The genus is one of several within Stichaeidae with multiple, complexly branching trunk lateral lines, a feature that is found in only fifteen families of teleostean fishes. The development of the lateral‐line canals and scales in Xiphister is discussed. Data reported herein will establish a foundation for the further anatomical and systematic studies of Stichaeidae and Zoarcoidei generally.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of oral topotecan in patients with advanced solid tumours and impaired renal function
Authors: Devriese Lot A. , Witteveen Petronella (Els). O. , Mergui‐Roelvink Marja , Smith Deborah A. , Lewis Lionel D. , Mendelson David S. , Bang Yung‐Jue , Chung Hyun Choel , Dar Mohammed M. , Huitema Alwin D. R. , Beijnen Jos H. , Voest Emile E. , Schellens Jan H. M. 
Published: February 2015

AimsThe aim of the study was to determine the effect of renal impairment and prior platinum‐based chemotherapy on the toxicity and pharmacokinetics of oral topotecan and to identify recommended doses for patients with renal impairment or prior platinum‐based (PB) chemotherapy.MethodsA multicentre phase I toxicity and pharmacokinetic study of oral topotecan was conducted in patients with advanced solid tumours. Patients were grouped by normal renal function with limited or prior PB chemotherapy or impaired renal function (mild [creatinine clearance (CLcr) = 50–79 ml min−1], moderate [CLcr = 30–49 ml min−1], severe [CLcr <30 ml min−1]).ResultsFifty‐nine patients were evaluable. Topotecan lactone and total topotecan area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) was significantly increased in patients with moderate and severe renal impairment (109% and 174%, respectively, topotecan lactone and 148% and 298%, respectively, total topotecan). Asian patients (23 in total) had higher AUCs than non‐Asian patients with the same degree of renal impairment. Thirteen dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs) were observed, which were mostly haematological. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was 2.3 mg m−2 day−1, given on days 1 to 5 in a 21 day cycle, for patients with prior PB chemotherapy or mild renal impairment, and 1.2 mg m−2 day−1 for patients with moderate renal impairment (suggested dose 1.9 mg m−2 day−1 for non‐Asians). Due to incomplete enrolment of patients with severe renal impairment, the MTD was determined as ≥ 0.6 mg m−2 day−1 in this cohort.ConclusionsOral topotecan dose adjustments are not required in patients with prior PB chemotherapy or mildly impaired renal function, but reduced doses are required for patients with moderate or severe renal impairment.
Population pharmacokinetics of levamisole in children with steroid‐sensitive nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Kreeftmeijer‐Vegter A. R. , Dorlo T. P. C. , Gruppen M. P. , de Boer A. , de Vries P. J. 
Published: February 2015

AimThe aim was to investigate the population pharmacokinetics of levamisole in children with steroid‐sensitive nephrotic syndrome.MethodsNon‐linear mixed effects modelling was performed on samples collected during a randomized controlled trial. Samples were collected from children who were receiving 2.5 mg kg–1 levamisole (or placebo) orally once every other day. One hundred and thirty‐six plasma samples were collected from 38 children from India and Europe and included in the analysis. A one compartment model described the data well.ResultsThe apparent clearance rate (CL/F) and distribution volume (V/F) were 44 l h–1 70 kg–1 and 236 l 70 kg–1, respectively; estimated interindividual variability was 32–42%. In addition to allometric scaling of CL/F and V/F to body weight, we identified a significant proportional effect of age on CL/F (–10.1% per year). The pharmacokinetics parameters were not affected by gender, tablet strength or study centre. The median (interquartile range) maximum plasma concentration of levamisole was 438.3 (316.5–621.8) ng ml–1, and the median area under the concentration–time curve was 2847 (2267–3761) ng ml–1 h. Median tmax and t½ values were 1.65 (1.32–2.0) h and 2.60 (2.06–3.65) h, respectively.ConclusionsHere, we present the first pharmacokinetic data regarding levamisole in children with steroid‐sensitive nephrotic syndrome. The pharmacokinetic profile of levamisole in children was similar to findings reported in adults, although the elimination rate was slightly higher in children.