bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Causal stability ranking
Authors: Stekhoven Daniel J. , Moraes Izabel , Sveinbjörnsson Gardar , Hennig Lars , Maathuis Marloes H. , Bühlmann Peter 
Published: September 2012

AbstractGenotypic causes of a phenotypic trait are typically determined via randomized controlled intervention experiments. Such experiments are often prohibitive with respect to durations and costs, and informative prioritization of experiments is desirable. We therefore consider predicting stable rankings of genes (covariates), according to their total causal effects on a phenotype (response), from observational data. Since causal effects are generally non-identifiable from observational data only, we use a method that can infer lower bounds for the total causal effect under some assumptions. We validated our method, which we call Causal Stability Ranking (CStaR), in two situations. First, we performed knock-out experiments with Arabidopsis thaliana according to a predicted ranking based on observational gene expression data, using flowering time as phenotype of interest. Besides several known regulators of flowering time, we found almost half of the tested top ranking mutants to have a significantly changed flowering time. Second, we compared CStaR to established regression-based methods on a gene expression dataset of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We found that CStaR outperforms these established methods. Our method allows for efficient design and prioritization of future intervention experiments, and due to its generality it can be used for a broad spectrum of applications.Availability: The full table of ranked genes, all raw data and an example R script for CStaR are available from the Bioinformatics website.Contact: stekhoven@stat.math.ethz.chSupplementary Information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Stimulant and non‐stimulant attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder drug use: total population study of trends and discontinuation patterns 2006–2009
Authors: Zetterqvist J. , Asherson P. , Halldner L. , Långström N. , Larsson H. 
Published: September 2012

Zetterqvist J, Asherson P, Halldner L, Långström N, Larsson H. Stimulant and non‐stimulant attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder drug use: total population study of trends and discontinuation patterns 2006–2009.Objective:  To explore the prevalence and discontinuation of dispensed medications for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drugs from 2006 to 2009.Method:  A total population cohort of all individuals aged 6–45 years, alive and registered as residents in Sweden during any calendar year from 2006 to 2009 (N = 5 149 791) included 41 700 patients dispensed with an ADHD drug (methylphenidate, atomoxetine, amphetamine, or dexamphetamine). The dispensing prevalence was calculated for each year, stratified on sex and age. A longitudinal analysis was also performed to compare the rates of treatment discontinuation across the strata.Results:  The dispensing prevalence increased from 2.93 per 1000 in 2006 to 6.98 in 2009 (PR = 2.38, 95% CI = 2.34–2.43). The prevalence ratio (PR) was 3.40 for adults, 22–45 years old; 2.41 for adolescents, 15–21 years old; and 1.90 for children aged 6–14. The increase was also greater in women than in men (PR = 2.92 vs. 2.19). Patients aged 15–21 were the most likely to discontinue treatment; after 3 years and 11 months, 27% of those patients were still under treatment.Conclusion:  From 2006 to 2009, the number of prescriptions dispensed for ADHD drugs increased substantially. The rate of treatment discontinuation in the age interval 15–21 is higher than expected considering the persistence rates of the disorder.
Neurodevelopmental outcome at 6 years of age after intrauterine laser therapy for twin‐twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Graeve Pauline , Banek Corinna , Stegmann‐Woessner Gaby , Maschke Cornelia , Hecher Kurt , Bartmann Peter 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis study was undertaken to evaluate neurodevelopmental outcome of children at 6 years of age after intrauterine laser therapy for Twin‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).This is part of a longitudinal study in children after intrauterine laser therapy for TTTS; 190 of 254 (74.8%) children, previously investigated at a median age of 2 years 10 months, were re‐evaluated at 6 years 5 months (range 4 years 11 months –10 years 4 months). Sixty‐four patients were not examined due to loss of contact. The median gestational age at birth was 34 + 3 weeks. The study included a physical/neurological examination, a standardized neurodevelopmental test (Kaufman‐ABC) and/or results from the national screening programme for children as well as questionnaires. Patients were grouped in three outcome categories: group I: normal examination and test result; group II: minor neurological deficiencies and normal test results; group III: major neurological deficiencies and/or test results below minus two standard deviations.The following results were obtained at 6 years 5 months (for comparison, results of the same patients at 2 years 10 months in brackets). Group I: 79.5% (84.2%); group II: 11.6% (8.9%); group III: 8.9% (6.8%). Twenty‐one (11%) patients had a worse and 8 (4.2%) an improved classification at 6 years 5 months as compared to 2 years 10 months. Overall, the results with 6 years did not significantly differ from the results with 2 years.Neurodevelopmental outcome at 6 years 5 months was not statistically, significantly different from outcome at 2 years 10 months.
Self‐treating hypoglycaemia: a longitudinal qualitative investigation of the experiences and views of people with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Lawton J. , Rankin D. , Cooke D. D. , Elliott J. , Amiel S. , Heller S. ,   for the UK NIHR DAFNE Study Group
Published: September 2012

Diabet. Med. 30, 209–215 (2013)AbstractAims  Despite improvements in insulin therapy, hypoglycaemia remains an inevitable part of life for many people with Type 1 diabetes. Little attention has been paid to how individuals self‐treat hypoglycaemia and their likes and dislikes of clinically recommended treatments. We explored participants’ experiences of self‐treating hypoglycaemia after attending a structured education programme for people with Type 1 diabetes. Our aims were: to identify treatments that are acceptable to people with Type 1 diabetes; and to provide recommendations for promoting self‐treatment in line with clinical guidelines.Methods  Thirty adults with Type 1 diabetes were recruited from the Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating (DAFNE) programme in the UK. Study participants were interviewed post‐course and 6 and 12 months later, enabling their experiences to be explored over time.Results  Study participants described a poor knowledge of how to self‐treat hypoglycaemia correctly pre‐course. Post‐course, individuals often struggled to adhere to clinically recommended guidelines because of: panic, disorientation, hunger sensations and consequent difficulties ingesting fixed quantities of fast‐acting carbohydrate; use of sweets to manage hypoglycaemia; reversion to habituated practices when cognitive impairment as a result of hypoglycaemia supervened; difficulties ingesting dextrose tablets; and other people’s anxieties about under‐treatment.Conclusions  Historical experiences of hypoglycaemia and habituated practices can influence present self‐treatment approaches. Professionals need to be aware of the range of difficulties individuals may experience restricting themselves to fixed quantities of fast‐acting carbohydrate to manage hypoglycaemia. There may be merit in developing a more acceptable range of treatments tailored to people’s own preferences, circumstances and needs.
Ocean eddies, predator pits and bluefin tuna: implications of an inferred ‘low risk–limited payoff’ reproductive scheme of a (former) archetypical top predator
Authors: Bakun Andrew 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe conventional view of the reproductive ecology of bluefin tunas (Thunnus thynnus, Thunnus orientalis, Thunnus maccoyii) leads to a conceptual paradox. Simple arithmetic yields an expectation for wide variation in annual reproductive success. However, the historical record does not support this prediction. A conclusion would seem to be that a much stronger than usual density dependence must be acting. It is here argued that this strong density dependence may likely occur within small strongly convergent segments of energetically forced ocean eddy structures. Success of the implied ecological scenario requires spawning schools of sufficient size to generate sufficiently copious reproductive product to circumvent resident predator pits, while exerting sufficient predatory loss on resident predators to facilitate this circumvention. This in turn implies existence of a dangerous ‘precipice’ in the form of self‐enhancing feedback loop, lurking unperceived beyond the range of historical experience, and a need for a particular degree of precaution in managing the exploitation of this iconic species.
Expression of efflux pump gene lde in ciprofloxacin‐resistant foodborne isolates of Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Jiang Xiaobing , Zhou Lijun , Gao Dongwei , Wang Yuxiao , Wang Dapeng , Zhang Zhigang , Chen Miaorui , Su Yongyu , Li Lin , Yan He , Shi Lei 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTThe expression of efflux pump gene lde in ciprofloxacin resistant (CipR) and susceptible strains of Listeria monocytogenes collected from retail food samples was investigated. For two CipR strains, the MICs of ciprofloxacin decreased four‐ to eightfold in the presence of reserpine; however, no significant alterations were observed with naturally sensitive isolates. Overexpression of the lde gene induced by ciprofloxacin was observed in two resistant isolates. The present findings indicate that expression of lde and the MICs of ciprofloxacin are well correlated with the presence and absence of reserpine, suggesting that Lde might be involved in ciprofloxacin resistance of L. monocytogenes.
Tramadol and hypoglycaemia: comparison with other step 2 analgesic drugs
Authors: Bourne Cindy , Gouraud Aurore , Daveluy Amélie , Grandvuillemin Aurélie , Auriche Pascal , Descotes Jacques , Vial Thierry ,   French Association of Regional Pharmacovigilance Centres
Published: September 2012

AimsThe risk of hypoglycaemia with tramadol (TRM) is not well described. Our aim was to analyze spontaneous reports of hypoglycaemia registered in the French Pharmacovigilance database and to compare these data with two other step‐2 analgesic drugs.MethodsCases of hypoglycaemia associated with TRM, dextropropoxyphene (DXP) and codeine (COD) recorded between 1997 and November 2010 in the French pharmacovigilance database were compared.ResultsSeventy‐two cases of hypoglycaemia associated with DXP and 43 with TRM were retained for evaluation (the single case reported with COD was not further considered). Most patients were elderly people with no significant difference in age between DXP‐ and TRM‐treated patients (71.2 ± 21 vs. 69.4 ± 22.5 years). Hypoglycaemia occurred after a median of 4 and 5 days with DXP and TRM treatment, respectively. The mean lowest serum glucose concentration was 2.1 ± 0.9 mmol l−1 in the DXP group compared with 2.5 ± 1 mmol l−1 in the TRM group (P = 0.072). At least, one risk factor of hypoglycaemia was found in most patients, with no significant difference between groups (58.3% in the DXP group and 58.1% in the TRM group). In particular, 31.9% patients from the DXP group had diabetes compared with 41.8 % from the TRM group (P = 0.28) and 18% of DXP patients had renal insufficiency compared with 16.3% of TRM patients (P = 0.8).ConclusionsOur study confirms that TRM is associated with the occurrence of hypoglycaemia in elderly or predisposed patients, with characteristics similar to those previously reported with DXP.
Biophysical patterns in benthic assemblage composition across contrasting continental margins off New Zealand
Authors: Compton Tanya J. , Bowden David A. , Roland Pitcher C. , Hewitt Judi E. , Ellis Nick 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimTo examine whether benthic assemblages are more diverse in a region of high topographic and oceanographic complexity by comparing benthic invertebrate assemblages across continental margins with contrasting environments.LocationChallenger Plateau and Chatham Rise, to the west and east of New Zealand, respectively.MethodsBenthic faunal data were sourced from extensive seabed surveys in 2007, when both margins were sampled with an epibenthic sled and a towed video system. Three methods were used to investigate benthic assemblages in relation to environmental variables: one based on individual species distribution models (SDMs) using boosted regression trees analysis (BRT), and two community‐based modelling methods using generalized dissimilarity modelling (GDM) and gradient forest analysis (GF), respectively. Each method was used to model and predict the turnover in assemblages with respect to environment – the ‘biophysical patterns’ – across the study region.ResultsAcross Chatham Rise, a complex oceanographic environment arising from steep gradients in productivity and temperature at the Subtropical Front produced a high diversity of assemblages associated with the sub‐Antarctic water mass, the Subtropical Front, steep‐sloping regions and fast tidal currents. In contrast, Challenger Plateau lies entirely beneath a single (subtropical) water mass, and assemblage diversity was lower, with a distinctive assemblage on the plateau itself and a deep‐water assemblage similar to the northern deep‐water assemblage of Chatham Rise. Across both regions, assemblage turnover was fastest in cold waters, at shallow depths and in deep mixed layers.Main conclusionsBenthic assemblages were more varied on Chatham Rise than on Challenger Plateau, supporting the hypothesis that environmentally heterogeneous margins have higher assemblage diversity. Differing assemblages on the northern and southern flanks of Chatham Rise suggest a biogeographical boundary for benthic taxa across the Subtropical Front. These results demonstrate that oceanographically and topographically complex margins have a diverse assemblage structure that should be considered in planning for the sustainable management of diversity.
Smoking cessation and serious mental illness: a service evaluation of a drop‐in stop smoking clinic on an acute in‐patient unit
Authors: Robson Debbie , Cole Fiona , Jalasi Sally , Boojharut Bhimla , Smith Sharon , Thompson Sibi , Jones Martin , Haddad Mark 
Published: September 2012

Aims and objectives.  To evaluate the effect of a stop smoking clinic on the quit rates of patients admitted to an acute in‐patient unit.Background.  The relationship between poor physical health and severe mental illness is well established. High rates of smoking appear to play an important causal role in the excess morbidity and mortality in this population. Stop smoking interventions for the general population are clinically effective and cost‐effective. There is a small but promising evidence base for effective interventions to help people with a mental illness who wish to stop smoking but these have mostly been tested with community patients rather than acute in‐patients.Methods.  A service evaluation of a drop‐in stop smoking clinic on an acute mental health in‐patient unit was conducted. Patients’ smoking status was measured at baseline and four weeks after their quit date using patient self‐report and an expired breath carbon monoxide reading.Results.  Over a six‐month evaluation period, 46 patients set a quit date and 13 (28·3%) were abstinent at the four‐week follow‐up stage, verified by a carbon monoxide reading (χ2 = 33, df = 1, sig p < 0·0001).Conclusions.  This small‐scale evaluation has shown a drop‐in stop smoking intervention to be feasible, acceptable and associated with positive outcomes; further research with larger, more representative samples is required.Relevance to clinical practice.  Enforcing smoke‐free legislation is a contentious issue on mental health in‐patient units, and there is a paucity of research to guide nursing practice in this area. An admission period in a smoke‐free environment provides a crucial opportunity to offer smoking cessation treatment. With appropriate resources, expertise and support, it appears possible to apply smoking cessation interventions that are successful within the general population to mental health patients during an acute admission.
Are serum and urine neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin predictive of renal graft function in short term?
Authors: Rahimzadeh Nahid , Otukesh Hasan , Hoseini Rozita , Sorkhi Hadi , Otukesh Morvarid , Hoseini Sara , Torkzaban Mina 
Published: September 2012

Rahimzadeh N, Otukesh H, Hoseini R, Sorkhi H, Otukesh M, Hoseini S, Torkzaban M. Are serum and urine NGAL predictive of renal graft function in short term?Abstract:  NGAL is a member of the lipocalin protein family that has diverse function but similar structure. The functions of NGAL are not clear, but it appears to be expressed in stress conditions and in tissues undergoing involution. Varied studies have shown increased levels of plasma or urinary NGAL in diverse renal damages. The aim of this study was the serial measurement of serum and urinary NGAL within the first week after renal transplantation in children to predict immediate and short‐term graft function. A total of 27 patients were assessed. These patients were classified into those with rapid reduction in serum creatinine (more than 50% reduction in serum creatinine in the first day after transplantation) and patients with slow reduction in serum creatinine (<50% reduction in serum creatinine). We also assessed the absolute reduction in serum creatinine before and after transplantation. Serum and urinary NGAL on the first day post‐transplantation were higher in recipients with slow reduction in serum creatinine (urinary NGAL at the first day: 197 ± 153 [s.e.m.] vs. 22.54 ± 8.5 [s.e.m.], p = 0.04; serum NGAL at the first day: 199 vs. 69.8, p = 0.003). The cutoff point of serum NGAL at the first day after transplantation for prediction of slow creatinine reduction was 174 ng/mL with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 95.5%. However, we did not find association between the absolute reduction in serum creatinine before and after transplantation with the amount of serum and urinary NGAL post‐transplant. Additionally, we did not find any effect of high serum and urine NGAL concentration on the graft function at the first year post‐transplant. Although it is supposed that high serum and urine NGAL may predict ischemia of graft in early phases; however, it appears that this mild ischemic injury to graft without DGF or SGF cannot affect the graft function in short‐term period. Further studies are needed using larger transplant recipients in pediatric age group. It is also needed to determine the effects of mild ischemic injuries on the graft function in long‐term period in future studies.
Extrahepatic portal vein aneurysm after liver transplantation in a child: Case report
Authors: Molinares Beatriz , Álvarez Sergio , García Vanessa , Sepúlveda Maria Elsy , Yepes Nora Luz , Peláez Sebastián 
Published: September 2012

Molinares B, Álvarez S, García V, Sepúlveda ME, Yepes NL, Peláez S. Extrahepatic portal vein aneurysm after liver transplantation in a child: Case report.Abstract:  Portal vein aneurysms are very rare and represent <3% of all venous aneurysms. They can be congenital or acquired. Most patients do not have liver disease at diagnosis. Although uncommon, portal vein aneurysm has been described after liver transplant. We report the case of a six‐yr‐old girl who presented with an aneurysm of the extrahepatic portal vein after segmental liver transplantation. Because the patient was asymptomatic and owing to its extrahepatic location, this aneurysm has been successfully followed by clinical exam and imaging for four yr.
Haemodynamic optimisation in lower limb arterial surgery: room for improvement?
Authors: BISGAARD J. , GILSAA T. , RØNHOLM E. , TOFT P. 
Published: September 2012

BackgroundGoal‐directed therapy has been proposed to improve outcome in high‐risk surgery patients. The aim of this study was to investigate whether individualised goal‐directed therapy targeting stroke volume and oxygen delivery could reduce the number of patients with post‐operative complications and shorten hospital length of stay after open elective lower limb arterial surgery.MethodsForty patients scheduled for open elective lower limb arterial surgery were prospectively randomised. The LiDCO™plus system was used for haemodynamic monitoring. In the intervention group, stroke volume index was optimised by administering 250 ml aliquots of colloid intraoperatively and during the first 6 h post‐operatively. Following surgery, fluid optimisation was supplemented with dobutamine, if necessary, targeting an oxygen delivery index level ≥ 600 ml/min/m2 in the intervention group. Central haemodynamic data were blinded in control patients. Patients were followed up after 30 days.ResultsIn the intervention group, stroke volume index, and cardiac index were higher throughout the treatment period (45 ± 10 vs. 41 ± 10 ml/m2, P < 0.001, and 3.19 ± 0.73 vs. 2.77 ± 0.76 l/min/m2, P < 0.001, respectively) as well as post‐operative oxygen delivery index (527 ± 120 vs. 431 ± 130 ml/min/m2, P < 0.001). In the same group, 5/20 patients had one or more complications vs. 11/20 in the control group (P = 0.05). After adjusting for pre‐operative and intraoperative differences, the odds ratio for ≥ 1 complications was 0.18 (0.04–0.85) in the intervention group (P = 0.03). The median length of hospital stay did not differ between groups.ConclusionPerioperative individualised goal‐directed therapy may reduce post‐operative complications in open elective lower limb arterial surgery.
Naloxone infusion and post‐hysterectomy morphine consumption: a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: MOVAFEGH A. , SHOEIBI G. , ANSARI M. , SADEGHI M. , AZIMARAGHI O. , AGHAJANI Y. 
Published: September 2012

BackgroundThe evidence that an infusion of a low dose of naloxone reduces post‐operative pain and opioid analgesic consumption is somewhat conflicting. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of an ultra‐low dose of naloxone on patient‐controlled morphine analgesia.MethodsNinety patients, 35–55 years old, scheduled for total abdominal hysterectomy, were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, double‐blind and placebo‐controlled study. Post‐operatively, they received either saline (n = 45) or naloxone (n = 45) for 24 h. A standard general anesthesia was administered in both groups. In the recovery room, patients received morphine by a patient‐controlled analgesia device. An ultra‐low dose of naloxone was infused intravenously at 0.25 μg/kg/h for 24 h in the intervention group. Saline was infused in the control group. Following the surgery, morphine consumption, numeric rating score for pain intensity, nausea and vomiting, pruritus, and requests for antiemetic were recorded at baseline, 30 min, 1, 4, 8,16, 20, and 24 h following their discharge from recovery.ResultsNaloxone reduced morphine consumption over the first 24 post‐operative hours significantly compared with the controls (saline) {19.5 [standard deviation (SD) 3.4] mg vs. 27.5 [SD 5.9] mg; P < 0.001}. The incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting was significantly reduced in the naloxone group. The incidence of pruritus and the pain scores at rest and activity were not significantly different.ConclusionFollowing hysterectomy, an ultra‐low dose of naloxone infusion proved to reduce morphine consumption as well as the incidence and severity of opioid‐induced nausea and vomiting.