bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Economic considerations related to choice of intraocular lens (IOL) and posterior capsule opacification frequency – a comparison of three different IOLs
Authors: Cullin Felix , Busch Tobias , Lundström Mats 
Published: January 2013

Abstract.Purpose: To evaluate the posterior capsule opacification (PCO) rates in three different modern standard intraocular lenses (IOL) and analyse the related cost.Methods: Retrospective study of medical records from 1527 patients who underwent uneventful cataract surgery by phacoemulsification with posterior chamber implantation of either AcrySof SN60 (n = 375), Akreos Adapt (n = 350) or Tecnis Acryl IOL (n = 801). All surgeries were performed by the same surgeon using the same surgical technique and equipment. Primary end‐point was neodymium:yttrium‐aluminium‐garnet (Nd:YAG) capsulotomy for visual impairment secondary to PCO. Cost of IOL material and Nd:YAG capsulotomy for PCO was then evaluated and compared between the IOLs.Results: Mean follow‐up was 41.5 months, and the only statistically significant variable of developing PCO was IOL type and individual follow‐up time. Nd:YAG capsulotomy was performed in 7.47% in the AcrySof group, 17.71% in the Akreos group and 3.75% in the Tecnis group. Average cost for Nd:YAG capsulotomy per surgery was €18.75 in the AcrySof SN60 group, €44.25 in the Akreos Adapt group and €9.25 in the Tecnis Acryl group. The combined cost of cataract surgery and PCO treatment was €9.81 higher in for the Akreos Adapt group than the other two combined.Conclusions: This retrospective study shows that the risk of PCO and Nd:YAG capsulotomy is significantly higher in hydrophilic Akreos IOL compared with both AcrySof and Tecnis hydrophobic IOLs. The increased risk of PCO in the hydrophilic IOL is related to higher total average costs for cataract surgery.
Pain in thalassaemia: the effects of age on pain frequency and severity
Authors: Haines Dru , Martin Marie , Carson Susan , Oliveros Olivia , Green Sage , Coates Thomas , Eile Jennifer , Schilling Leann , Dinu Bogan , Mendoza Tito , Gerstenberger Eric , Trachtenberg Felicia , Vichinsky Elliott ,   for The Thalassemia Clinical Research Network
Published: January 2013

SummaryPain is not a symptom generally associated with thalassaemia. However, providers have noted increasing patient reports of pain, creating an impetus for this prospective, observational assessment of pain in thalassaemia patients. The primary study goals were to assess pain prevalence, severity, location, and potential risk factors. This was a multicentre, prospective study of thalassaemia patients receiving care at 12 Thalassaemia Clinical Research Network sites. Pain was assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory. Two hundred and fifty‐two thalassaemia patients ranging in age from 12 to 71 years (mean 28·8) were enrolled. Sixty‐four per cent reported experiencing pain during the last 4 weeks, 22% of whom reported pain on a daily basis. Ordinal regression analysis of pain ratings demonstrated significant (P < 0·001) correlation of increased age with increased pain, irrespective of diagnosis, transfusion status, gender, bone density, chelator type or iron overload. Eighty‐one per cent reported having pain for 1 year or longer and 31% reported pain for five or more years. Pain is a major cause of morbidity and an unrecognized problem for patients with thalassaemia. Age is the strongest predictor of frequency and severity. Little else is known about the aetiology and predictors of this pain syndrome.
Anna's story of life in prison
Authors: Boodle Anna , Ellem Kathy , Chenoweth Lesley 
Published: January 2013

Accessible summaryThis is the story ofAnnaBoodle. Anna told her story toKathyEllem about her time in prisons inQueensland,Australia.Anna has an intellectual disability. Living in prison was very hard for her.Anna has survived prison and now has a good life in the community.Anna wants to tell other people they can survive prison and have a good life.SummaryPeople with an intellectual disability in prison can be at increased risk of victimisation, segregation and isolation (Mullen). Prison systems usually have very few resources to cater to this group's particular needs, and many people may re‐enter the community with little or no rehabilitation, poor social connections, poor mental health and little chance in finding employment and living a crime‐free life (Baldryet al.). Gathering the lived expertise of ex‐prisoners with an intellectual disability can help others to better understand these experiences. This article is aboutAnnaBoodle's story of imprisonment inQueensland,Australia. Anna participated in a largerPhDstudy on the life stories of ex‐prisoners with an intellectual disability. It is apparent from her story, and the other stories in the study, that there is a need for more humane responses to people with an intellectual disability who offend. Anna's story is a tale of hope to others that a good life is possible after imprisonment.
Low normal free T4 confers decreased high‐density lipoprotein antioxidative functionality in the context of hyperglycaemia
Authors: Triolo Michela , de Boer Jan Freark , Annema Wijtske , Kwakernaak Arjan J. , Tietge Uwe J. F. , Dullaart Robin P. F. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryObjectivesLow normal thyroid function may promote the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease by thus far poorly defined mechanisms. We tested the impact of thyroid function on HDL antioxidative capacity, a metric of its antiatherogenic functionality, in euthyroid subjects with varying degrees of glucose tolerance.Design and SubjectsSeventy subjects with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), 37 subjects with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and 31 subjects with normal fasting glucose (NFG) (revised NCEP‐ATPIII criteria) participated in a cross‐sectional study.MeasurementsHDL antioxidative capacity (standardized for HDL cholesterol) was measured as the percentage inhibition of low‐density lipoprotein oxidation in vitro.ResultsTSH, free T4 and HDL antioxidative capacity were not different among NFG, IFG and T2DM subjects (P > 0·25 for each). HDL antioxidative capacity was correlated positively with free T4 (r = 0·320, P = 0·007), and negatively with plasma glucose (r = −0·394, P < 0·001) in T2DM only. Taking account of age and sex, the relationship of HDL antioxidative functionality with free T4 was modified by glucose tolerance status (P = 0·040 and P = 0·008 for interactions of IFG and T2DM with free T4 respectively). Prevailing plasma glucose also interacted positively with free T4 on HDL antioxidative capacity (P = 0·054).ConclusionsIn the context of chronic hyperglycaemia, low free T4 within the euthyroid range confers diminished HDL antioxidative capacity, a pathophysiologically relevant metric of HDL functionality.
KCNT1 mutations in ADNFLE and MMPSI: a new driver in the etiology and pathophysiology of early‐onset epileptic syndromes
Authors: Aminkeng F 
Published: January 2013

Missense mutations in the sodium‐gated potassium channel gene KCNT1 cause severe autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsyHeron et al. (2012)Nature Genetics 44(11): 1188–1190.De novo gain‐of‐function KCNT1 channel mutations cause malignant migrating partial seizures of infancyBarcia et al. (2012)Nature Genetics 44(11): 1255–1259.
The vulnerability of Amazon freshwater ecosystems
Authors: Castello Leandro , McGrath David G. , Hess Laura L. , Coe Michael T. , Lefebvre Paul A. , Petry Paulo , Macedo Marcia N. , Renó Vivian F. , Arantes Caroline C. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe hydrological connectivity of freshwater ecosystems in the Amazon basin makes them highly sensitive to a broad range of anthropogenic activities occurring in aquatic and terrestrial systems at local and distant locations. Amazon freshwater ecosystems are suffering escalating impacts caused by expansions in deforestation, pollution, construction of dams and waterways, and overharvesting of animal and plant species. The natural functions of these ecosystems are changing, and their capacity to provide historically important goods and services is declining. Existing management policies—including national water resources legislation, community‐based natural resource management schemes, and the protected area network that now epitomizes the Amazon conservation paradigm—cannot adequately curb most impacts. Such management strategies are intended to conserve terrestrial ecosystems, have design and implementation deficiencies, or fail to account for the hydrologic connectivity of freshwater ecosystems. There is an urgent need to shift the Amazon conservation paradigm, broadening its current forest‐centric focus to encompass the freshwater ecosystems that are vital components of the basin. This is possible by developing a river catchment‐based conservation framework for the whole basin that protects both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
Rhinovirus and other respiratory viruses exert different effects on lung allograft function that are not mediated through acute rejection
Authors: Sayah David M. , Koff Jonathan L. , Leard Lorriana E. , Hays Steven R. , Golden Jeffrey A. , Singer Jonathan P. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundCommunity acquired respiratory virus (CARV) infections in lung transplant recipients (LTR) have been associated with adverse outcomes, including acute rejection (AR) and decline in allograft function, in some but not in all studies.MethodsSpirometry and transbronchial biopsy results of LTR diagnosed with CARV infection over a two‐yr period were extracted from clinical records. Primary outcomes, studied at 1–2.5 months postinfection, were as follows: (i) incidence of biopsy‐proven AR (grade >A0) and (ii) allograft function, defined by forced expiratory volume in one s (FEV1). A reference group of biopsies (n = 526) collected during the study period established the baseline incidence of AR. Rhinovirus (RV) and non‐rhinovirus (non‐RV) infections were analyzed as subgroups.ResultsEighty‐seven cases of CARV infection were identified in 59 subjects. Incidences of AR were similar in the post‐CARV and reference groups and did not differ significantly after RV vs. non‐RV infection. Allograft function declined significantly after non‐RV infection, but not after RV infection.ConclusionsIn LTR, CARV infections other than RV are associated with allograft dysfunction at 1–2.5 months after infection. However, CARVs do not appear associated with AR at this time point. The impact of specific CARVs on lung allografts, including the development of chronic allograft rejection, merits further study.
The different etiology of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) in Korea and prognostic factors in patients undergoing liver transplantation for FHF
Authors: Kim Tae‐Seok , Joh Jae‐Won , Moon Hyunghwan , Lee Sanghoon , Song Sang Hyun , Shin Milljae , Kim Jong Man , Kwon Choon Hyuck David , Kim Sung‐Joo , Lee Suk‐Koo 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe prognosis of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) depends on the etiology and reversibility. In this study, we identified the etiological difference of FHF in Korea and analyzed the prognostic factors after liver transplantation (LT) for FHF.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 42 patients with FHF who underwent LT from April 1999 to April 2011 at Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. The patients were categorized into two groups according to the short‐term result of LT, and perioperative profiles were compared to identify the short‐term poor prognostic factors.ResultsUnlike Western countries, there was no paracetamol‐related FHF but herbal/folk medicines were the most frequent causes of FHF (26.2%). HAV‐related FHF increased significantly and comprised the main portion of FHF with Herbal/folk medicines after 2005. Encephalopathy grade, onset time, pre‐transplantation need of renal replacement, and ventilator treatment were significantly different between groups in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, pre‐transplantation renal replacement treatment and hepatic encephalopathy grade IV were the independent prognostic factors after LT.ConclusionsThe etiologies of FHF in Korea were different compared with Western reports. The requirement of renal replacement treatment and hepatic encephalopathy grade IV were identified as independent poor prognostic factors after LT for FHF in this study.
Impact of locoregional therapy and alpha‐fetoprotein on outcomes in transplantation for liver cancer: a UNOS Region 6 pooled analysis
Authors: Wong Linda L. , Naugler Willscott E. , Schwartz Jonathan , Scott David L. , Bhattacharya Renuka , Reyes Jorge , Orloff Susan L. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractLiver transplantation (LT) provides optimal long‐term disease‐free survival for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). High pre‐LT alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) has been associated with HCC recurrence, but it is unclear whether a drop in AFP or locoregional therapy impacts survival/recurrence after LT. LT‐recipients transplanted for HCC in three centers (UNOS Region 6) were reviewed (2006–2009) for demographics, tumor characteristics, locoregional therapy, AFP, recurrence, and survival. Among 211 LT recipients (mean age 56.4 yr, 83% male, mean MELD 12.2), 94% met Milan criteria and 61% received locoregional therapy. Mean disease‐free survival (DFS) was 1549.7 d, and 84% are currently alive. Factors affecting DFS included recurrence (RR, 0.074; 95% CI, 0.038–0.14), normal peak AFP (29.6, 95% CI, 2.96–296.3), peak AFP >400 (RR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.03–0.73) and AFP at LT >400 (RR, 15.5; 95% CI, 2.4–100.5). Twenty‐one patients had recurrence and were more likely beyond Milan criteria (5/23(21%) vs. 8/220 (4%), p = 0.0038), with peak AFP >400 and AFP at LT >400 (p = 0.001). Locoregional therapy did not affect mean DFS (1458.0 vs. 1603.8 d, p = 0.05) or recurrence (12.5% vs. 6%). Predictors of recurrence were similar to previous studies, including high AFP and tumor outside Milan criteria. While locoregional therapy itself did not affect DFS/recurrence, a decrease in AFP pre‐transplant appears to positively influence outcomes in those who received locoregional therapy.
The relationship of socio‐demographic factors and satisfaction with social support at five and 10 yr after heart transplantation
Authors: White‐Williams Connie , Grady Kathleen L. , Naftel David C. , Myers Susan , Wang Edward , Rybarczyk Bruce 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundDespite the fact that social support has been found to be important to cardiovascular health, there is a paucity of information regarding the relationship between social support and outcomes long term after heart transplantation (HT). The purposes of this study were to examine demographic and psychosocial characteristics and their relationship to social support after HT and to identify whether socio‐demographic variables are predictors of satisfaction with social support post‐HT.MethodsData were collected from 555 HT patients (pts) (78% men, 88% white, mean age = 53.8 yr at time of transplant) at four US medical centers using the following instruments: Social Support Index, QOL Index, HT Stressor Scale, Jalowiec Coping Scale, Sickness Impact Profile, Cardiac Depression Scale, and medical records review. Statistical analyses included t‐tests, correlations, and linear and multivariate regression.ResultsThere were no associations between education and ethnicity and perception of social support at five and 10 yr after HT. Married and older pts reported higher satisfaction with social support after HT. Being married and having higher education were predictors of better overall satisfaction with social support at 10 yr post‐heart transplantation.ConclusionsKnowledge of relationships between socio‐demographic factors and social support may assist clinicians to address social support needs and resources long term after HT.
Attitudes of Islamic religious officials toward organ transplant and donation
Authors: Uskun Ersin , Ozturk Mustafa 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe decision to donate organs is an essential step in the process prior to transplantation. Religious leaders play an important role in decision‐making in Islamic countries. The aim of this study is to reveal the attitudes of Islamic religious officials toward organ donation and transplantation.MethodsThe study group for this cross‐sectional research consisted of 165 religious people. A questionnaire was provided to the study group, asking about socio‐demographic features, behaviors, and attitudes toward organ donation.ResultsMost of the religious leaders who responded (71.5%) believe that donation is appropriate according to Islamic beliefs. Only 51.5% of those surveyed indicated a willingness to donate, however. Only three of the officials had donor cards. More than half (57.6%) declared that people had asked them for advice and opinions on organ donation. Among the religious officials, 32.7% said that they do not have enough knowledge about organ donation.ConclusionThe findings indicate that consultation with a religious leader on organ donation is an important source of information for the community, providing an opportunity to improve the current organ donation rates. This study indicates that education, especially directed toward religious leaders, to improve organ and tissue donation and transplantation would help to improve those rates.
Fine‐scale population genetic structure in a wide‐ranging carnivore, the leopard (Panthera pardus fusca)in centralIndia
Authors: Dutta Trishna , Sharma Sandeep , Maldonado Jesús E. , Wood Thomas C. , Panwar H. S. , Seidensticker John 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimHabitat loss and fragmentation can influence the genetic structure of biological populations. Large terrestrial predators can often avoid genetic subdivision due to fragmentation because they have high rates of dispersal‐mediated gene flow. Leopards (Panthera pardus) are found in a variety of habitats and are the most widely distributed of the large and middle‐sized felids. We investigated the genetic diversity and population substructure of leopards (P.p fusca) in a fragmented meta‐population comprised of four populations from five protected areas and inter‐connecting corridors spread over an area of 45,000 km2in central India.LocationKanha,Pench,Satpura andMelghatTigerReserves, and interconnecting corridors in theSatpura‐MaikalLandscape ofCentralIndia.MethodsWe collected faecal samples and used genetic methods to identify individuals, estimate the genetic variation and evaluate the patterns of genetic substructuring within this meta‐population of leopards.ResultsWe identified 217 individual leopards using a panel of seven microsatellite loci. Leopards showed high levels of genetic diversity in all sampled populations. Spatial and non‐spatialBayesian analysis revealed at least two admixed genetic populations with indications of ongoing genetic subdivision. Genetic differentiation between populations was not explained by geographic distance. We identified nine individuals as migrants, most of which were assigned to reserves connected by corridors.Main conclusionsOur study demonstrates that the leopard, an adaptable and vagile species, can become genetically differentiated with increased habitat fragmentation. Contrary to our hypothesis of panmixia, our results indicate that although leopards in this landscape are admixed, there is genetic substructuring at both the landscape and the fine‐scale level. We conclude that this is due to habitat fragmentation and corridors are of immense value in maintaining genetic connectivity in this landscape.
Neuromotor development in children. Part 3: motor performance in 3‐ to 5‐year‐olds
Authors: KAKEBEEKE TANJA H , CAFLISCH JON , CHAOUCH AZIZ , ROUSSON VALENTIN , LARGO REMO H , JENNI OSKAR G 
Published: January 2013

Aim  The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to provide normative data (ordinal scores and timed performances) for gross and fine motor tasks in typically developing children between 3 and 5 years of age using the Zurich Neuromotor Assessment (ZNA).Method  Typically developing children (n=101; 48 males, 53 females) between 3 and 5 years of age were enrolled from day‐care centres in the greater Zurich area and tested using a modified version of the ZNA; the tests were recorded digitally on video. Intraobserver reliability was assessed on the videos of 20 children by one examiner. Interobserver reliability was assessed by two examiners. Test–retest reliability was performed on an additional 20 children. The modelling approach summarized the data with a linear age effect and an additive term for sex, while incorporating informative missing data in the normative values. Normative data for adaptive motor tasks, pure motor tasks, and static and dynamic balance were calculated with centile curves (for timed performance) and expected ordinal scores (for ordinal scales).Results  Interobserver, intraobserver, and test–retest reliability of tasks were moderate to good. Nearly all tasks showed significant age effects, whereas sex was significant only for stringing beads and hopping on one leg.Interpretation  These results indicate that timed performance and ordinal scales of neuromotor tasks can be reliably measured in preschool children and are characterized by developmental change and high interindividual variability.
Distributed biochar and bioenergy coproduction: a regionally specific case study of environmental benefits and economic impacts
Authors: Field John L. , Keske Catherine M. H. , Birch Greta L. , DeFoort Morgan W. , Cotrufo M. Francesca 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBiochar has been advocated as a method of sequestering carbon while simultaneously improving crop yields and agro‐ecosystem sustainability. It can be produced from a wide variety of biomass feedstocks using different thermochemical conversion technologies with or without the recovery of energy coproducts, resulting in chars of differing quality and a range of overall system greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation outcomes. This analysis expands on previous sustainability studies by proposing a mechanistic life cycle GHG and economic operating cost assessment model for the coproduction of biochar and bioenergy from biomass residue feedstocks, with a case study for north‐central Colorado presented. Production is modeled as a continuous function of temperature for slow pyrolysis, fast pyrolysis, and gasification systems. Biochar environmental benefits (C sequestration, N2O suppression, crop yield improvements) are predicted in terms of expected liming value and recalcitrance. System‐level net GHG mitigation is computed, and net returns are estimated that reflect the variable economic costs of production, the agronomic value of biochar based on agricultural limestone or fertilizer displacement, and the value of GHG mitigation, with results compared to the alternate use of char for energy production. Case study results indicate that slow pyrolysis systems can mitigate up to 1.4 Mg CO2eq/Mg feedstock consumed, provided a favorable feedstock is utilized, production air pollutant emissions are mitigated, and energy coproducts are recovered. The model suggests that while financial returns are generally greater when char is consumed for energy (biocoal) than when used as a soil amendment (biochar), chars produced through high‐temperature conversion processes will have greater GHG‐mitigation value as biochar. The biochar scenario reaches economic parity at carbon prices as low as $50/Mg CO2eq for optimal scenarios, despite conservative modeling assumptions. This model is a step toward spatially explicit assessment and optimization of biochar system design across different feedstocks, conversion technologies, and agricultural soils.