bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Liver transplantation in the critically ill: a multicenter Canadian retrospective cohort study
Authors: Karvellas Constantine J , Lescot Thomas , Goldberg Peter , Sharpe Michael D , Ronco Juan J , Renner Eberhard L , Vahidy Hina , Poonja Zafrina , Chaudhury Prosanto , Kneteman Norman M , Selzner Markus , Cook Earl F , Bagshaw Sean M ,   the Canadian Liver Failure Study Group
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Critically ill cirrhosis patients awaiting liver transplantation (LT) often receive prioritization for organ allocation. Identification of patients most likely to benefit is essential. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score can predict 90-day mortality in critically ill recipients of LT and whether it can predict receipt of LT among critically ill cirrhosis listed awaiting LT.

Methods
We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study consisting of two datasets: (a) all critically-ill cirrhosis patients requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission before LT at five transplant centers in Canada from 2000 through 2009 (one site, 1990 through 2009), and (b) critically ill cirrhosis patients receiving LT from ICU (n = 115) and those listed but not receiving LT before death (n = 106) from two centers where complete data were available.

Results
In the first dataset, 198 critically ill cirrhosis patients receiving LT (mean (SD) age 53 (10) years, 66% male, median (IQR) model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) 34 (26-39)) were included. Mean (SD) SOFA scores at ICU admission, at 48 hours, and at LT were 12.5 (4), 13.0 (5), and 14.0 (4). Survival at 90 days was 84% (n = 166). In multivariable analysis, only older age was independently associated with reduced 90-day survival (odds ratio (OR), 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.14; P = 0.013). SOFA score did not predict 90-day mortality at any time. In the second dataset, 47.9% (n = 106) of cirrhosis patients listed for LT died in the ICU waiting for LT. In multivariable analysis, higher SOFA at 48 hours after admission was independently associated with lower probability of receiving LT (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.82 to 0.97; P = 0.006). When including serum lactate and SOFA at 48 hours in the final model, elevated lactate (at 48 hours) was also significantly associated with lower likelihood of receiving LT (0.32; 0.17 to 0.61; P = 0.001).

Conclusions
SOFA appears poor at predicting 90-day survival in critically ill cirrhosis patients after LT, but higher SOFA score and elevated lactate 48 hours after ICU admission are associated with a lower probability receiving LT. Older critically ill cirrhosis patients (older than 60) receiving LT have worse 90-day survival and should be considered for LT with caution.
Fairness, Efficiency, and Flexibility in Organ Allocation for Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Bertsimas Dimitris , Farias Vivek F. , Trichakis Nikolaos 
Published: February 2013

We propose a scalable, data-driven method for designing national policies for the allocation of deceased donor kidneys to patients on a waiting list in a fair and efficient way. We focus on policies that have the same form as the one currently used in the United States. In particular, we consider policies that are based on a point system that ranks patients according to some priority criteria, e.g., waiting time, medical urgency, etc., or a combination thereof. Rather than making specific assumptions about fairness principles or priority criteria, our method offers the designer the flexibility to select his desired criteria and fairness constraints from a broad class of allowable constraints. The method then designs a point system that is based on the selected priority criteria and approximately maximizes medical efficiency—i.e., life-year gains from transplant—while simultaneously enforcing selected fairness constraints. Among the several case studies we present employing our method, one case study designs a point system that has the same form, uses the same criteria, and satisfies the same fairness constraints as the point system that was recently proposed by U.S. policy makers. In addition, the point system we design delivers an 8% increase in extra life-year gains. We evaluate the performance of all policies under consideration using the same statistical and simulation tools and data as the U.S. policy makers use. Other case studies perform a sensitivity analysis (for instance, demonstrating that the increase in extra life-year gains by relaxing certain fairness constraints can be as high as 30%) and also pursue the design of policies targeted specifically at remedying criticisms leveled at the recent point system proposed by U.S. policy makers.
The Utility of Carotid Ultrasonography in Identifying Severe Coronary Artery Disease in Asymptomatic Type 2 Diabetic Patients Without History of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Irie Yoko , Katakami Naoto , Kaneto Hideaki , Nishio Mayu , Kasami Ryuichi , Sakamoto Ken’ya , Umayahara Yutaka , Sumitsuji Satoru , Ueda Yasunori , Kosugi Keisuke , Shimomura Iichiro 
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVE
Although many studies have shown that carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is associated with coronary artery disease (CAD), it remains inconclusive whether assessment of carotid IMT is useful as a screening test for asymptomatic but severe CAD in diabetic patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A total of 333 asymptomatic type 2 diabetic patients without history of CAD underwent exercise electrocardiogram or myocardial perfusion scintigraphy for detection of silent myocardial ischemia, and those whose test results were positive were subjected to coronary computed tomography angiography or coronary angiography. The ability of carotid IMT to identify severe CAD corresponding to treatment with revascularization was examined by receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses.

RESULTS
Among the 333 subjects, 17 were treated with revascularization. A multiple logistic regression analysis showed that maximum IMT was an independent predictor of severe CAD even after adjustment for conventional risk factors. ROC curve analyses revealed that the addition of maximum IMT to conventional risk factors significantly improved the prediction ability for severe CAD (from area under the curve, 0.67 to 0.79; P = 0.039). The greatest sensitivity and specificity were obtained when the cut-off value of maximum IMT was set at 2.45 mm (pretest probability, 5%; posttest probability, 11%; sensitivity, 71%). When we applied age-specific cut-off values, the sensitivity of screening further increased in both the nonelderly (pretest probability, 6%; posttest probability, 10%; sensitivity, 100%) and the elderly subjects (pretest probability, 5%; posttest probability, 15%; sensitivity, 100%).

CONCLUSIONS
Our study suggests that carotid maximum IMT is useful for screening asymptomatic type 2 diabetic patients with severe CAD equivalent to revascularization.
Chemometric analysis of antioxidant properties of herbal products containing Ginkgo biloba extract
Authors: Ronowicz Joanna , Kupcewicz Bogumiła , Budzisz Elżbieta 
Published: February 2013

AbstractGinkgo biloba extract is a popular ingredient in pharmaceutical formulations. The level of bioactive compounds determines final antioxidant activity of an extract and its therapeutic efficiency. The aim of the project was to assess phytopharmaceuticals containing Ginkgo extracts in terms of their chemical characteristic and antioxidant activity using selected chemometric methods. The aim of the study was also to investigate whether the antioxidant activity of phytopharmaceuticals can be successfully predicted based on their chromatograms. Total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of methanolic Ginkgo extracts were determined using a spectrophotometric technique. Comparative chemometric analysis of investigated pharmaceutical formulations was carried out using hierarchical and non-hierarchical segmentation algorithms. Samples of herbal drug products were clearly separated from samples of dietary supplements. A tree regression method was used to predict the antioxidant activity of pharmaceuticals based on the chromatographic description. The correlations between the predicted (by regression model) and experimental values of IC50 for training and testing subset were 0.960 and 0.949, respectively. The chemometric techniques, combined with instrumental analysis, could improve and simplify the quality control methods of herbal products. The antioxidant activity, predicted on the basis of chromatograms, may be one of measures of final product quality.
Thermostable mutant variants of Bacillus sp. 406 α-amylase generated by site-directed mutagenesis
Authors: Kachan Alexandr , Evtushenkov Anatoliy 
Published: February 2013

AbstractSeveral mutations are known to increase the thermostability of α-amylase of B. licheniformis and other α-amylases. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to introduce similar mutations into the sequence of the α-amylase gene from mesophilic Bacillus sp. 406. The influence of the mutations on thermostability of the enzyme was studied. It was shown that the Gly211Val and Asn192Phe substitutions increased the half-inactivation temperature (Tm) of the enzyme from 51.94±0.45 to 55.51±0.59 and 58.84±0.68°C respectively, in comparison to the wild-type enzyme. The deletion of Arg178-Gly179 (dRG) resulted in an increase of Tm of the α-amylase to 71.7±1.73°C. The stabilising effect of mutations was additive. When combined they increase the Tm of the wild-type amylase by more than 26°C. Thermostability rates of the triple mutant are close to the values which are typical for industrial heat-stable α-amylases, and its ability to degrade starch at 75°C was considerably increased. The present research confirmed that the Gly211Val, Asn192Phe and dRG mutations could play a significant role in thermostabilization of both mesophilic and thermophilic α-amylases.
The influence of tactile feedback on hand movement accuracy
Authors: Polechoński Jacek , Olex-Zarychta Dorota 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThis study aimed at measuring the reaction of the hand when tactile feedback was impaired in upper extremity motor performance in order to empirically evaluate how precision was affected during visually controlled hand and arm movement.Methods26 right-handed young male adults were tested with the use of a line tracking task by means of Schuhfried’s Vienna Test System. Tactile feedback during line tracking task was impaired by the use of different gloves: a chirurgical latex glove, a rubber glove and a thick work glove made of soft animal leather.ResultsThe results found a strong relationship between hand movement accuracy and the degree of tactile impairment; no significant relationship was found between tactile impairment and movement speed. Limiting tactile feedback was found to influence motor task accuracy during local wrist movements (using only the carpal and palm joints), while tasks that allowed global movement (both wrist and forearm) were found to have accuracy influenced only when tactile feedback was highly impaired (line tracking with the thick leather glove).ConclusionsThe results have indicated that the role of tactile feedback on accuracy during visually-guided precision movement is far greater than previously reported.
Self-efficacy, self-esteem and body image as psychological determinants of 15-year-old adolescents’ physical activity levels
Authors: Kołoło Hanna , Guszkowska Monika , Mazur Joanna , Dzielska Anna 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe aim of the study was to analyze which psychological factors can determine the physical activity levels of 15-year-old adolescents. The psychological factors examined were self-efficacy, physical self-esteem (body weight and body appearance) and body image. A multifactorial perspective based on a socioecological approach as well as Bandura’s social learning theory was used to clarify the relationships between the determinants and physical activity levels.MethodsThe study participants were 2277 15-year-old adolescents (1086 boys and 1191 girls). Selected questions and scales from HBS C’s international standard questionnaire were used, including the Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity index, the self perception of body weight and body appearance question, the General Self-Efficacy Scale and the Body Image Subscale.ResultsIt was found that over half of the Polish 15-year-old population featured an insufficient level of physical activity. Self-efficacy, body image and physical self-esteem of both body mass and body image were significant predictors of physical activity. The role of these predictors was found to be differentiated by gender.ConclusionsThe physical activity levels of 15-year-old adolescents can be predicted by use of psychological variables.
Personal development of participants in special olympics unified sports teams
Authors: Wilski Maciej , Nadolska Anna , Dowling Sandra , McConkey Roy , Hassan David 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThis study aims to identify the impact of the Special Olympics’ Unified Sports program on the personal development of its participants.MethodsA qualitative method was used, which included gathering data by interviewing individual athletes and unified teams, by collecting individual personal histories and by use of connection charts from five European countries that participate in the Unified Sports program. A total of 221 data samples were recorded.ResultsAthletes reported improvements in their abilities on the field as well as increased fitness and technical ability. They emphasized the importance of team-work and trust between athletes. Improvements in confidence, self-esteem and communication skills were also reported by athletes. Partners also reported a positive change in attitude towards people with intellectual disabilities. Friendships were a central and vital aspect of taking part in the teams. Friendships developed between athletes and partners. Athletes reported increased access to community “places” such as sports facilities and social venues.ConclusionsUnified Sports is an exciting initiative that holds much promise in transforming the life experiences of young athletes with intellectual disabilities. The impact of the Unified Sports program on the personal development of participants applies to all areas of human functioning – physical, mental and social. Our evaluation suggests that its concepts and modes of operations transcend national boundaries and cultures at least within a European context.
Reworked nannofossils from the Lower Miocene deposits in the Magura Nappe (Outer Western Carpathians, Poland)
Authors: Oszczypko-Clowes Marta 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Studies, based on calcareous nannofossils, proved that the level of reworked microfossils had so far been underestimated. More recently detailed quantitative studies of calcareous nannoplankton of the Magura, Malcov, Zawada and Kremna formations from the Magura Nappe in Poland documented a degree of nannofossil recycling among those formations. In the Late Eocene-Early Oligocene pelagic Leluchów Marl Member of the Malcov Formation the level of redeposition is very low (0-3.80 %), however, in the flysch deposits of the Malcov Formation reworking increased to 31.4 %. Late Oligocene through Early Miocene “molasse” type deposits of the Zawada and Kremna formations contain 43.7-69.0 % of reworked nannofossils. Quantitative analyses of the reworked assemblages confirmed the domination of Paleogene nannofossil species over Cretaceous ones. The most abundant, reworked assemblages belong to the Early- Middle Eocene age.
Chronological implications of the paleomagnetic record of the Late Cenozoic volcanic activity along the Moravia-Silesia border (NE Bohemian Massif)
Authors: Cajz Vladimír , Schnabl Petr , Pécskay Zoltan , Skácelová Zuzana , Venhodová Daniela , Šlechta Stanislav , Čížková Kristýna 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
This paper presents the results of a paleomagnetic study carried out on Plio-Pleistocene Cenozoic basalts from the NE part of the Bohemian Massif. Paleomagnetic data were supplemented by 27 newly obtained K/Ar age determinations. Lavas and volcaniclastics from 6 volcanoes were sampled. The declination and inclination values of paleomagnetic vectors vary in the ranges of 130 to 174 and -85 to -68° for reversed polarity (Pleistocene); or 345 to 350° and around 62° for normal polarity (Pliocene). Volcanological evaluation and compilation of older geophysical data from field survey served as the basis for the interpretation of these results. The Pleistocene volcanic stage consists of two volcanic phases, fairly closely spaced in time. Four volcanoes constitute the Bruntál Volcanic Field; two others are located 20 km to the E and 65 km to the NW, respectively. The volcanoes are defined as monogenetic ones, producing scoria cones and lavas. Exceptionally, the largest volcano shows a possibility of remobilization during the youngest volcanic phase, suggested by paleomagnetic properties. The oldest one (4.3-3.3 Ma), Břidličná Volcano, was simultaneously active with the Lutynia Volcano (Poland) which produced the Zálesí lava relic (normal polarity). Three other volcanoes of the volcanic field are younger and reversely polarized. The Velký Roudný Volcano was active during the Gelasian (2.6-2.1 Ma) and possibly could have been reactivated during the youngest (Calabrian, 1.8-1.1 Ma) phase which gave birth to the Venušina sopka and Uhlířský vrch volcanoes. The reliability of all available K-Ar data was evaluated using a multidisciplinary approach.
Tectonothermal history of the basement rocks within the NW Dinarides: new40 Ar/39 Ar ages and synthesis
Authors: Sibila Borojević Šoštarić , Franz Neubauer , Robert Handler , Ladislav A. Palinkaš 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Very low-grade and low-grade metamorphosed basement rocks from distinct inliers of the Africa-derived northwestern Dinarides (Medvednica Mts and Paleozoic Sana-Una Unit, respectively) have been studied with the multigrain step-heating 40Ar/39Ar technique in order to compare and reveal their tectonothermal history. 40Ar/39Ar ages from detrital white mica of the very low-grade basement rocks of the Paleozoic Sana-Una Unit gave a Variscan age of ~335 Ma. The new age is in agreement with 40Ar/39Ar ages from the very low-grade basement exposed at Petrova and Trgovska Gora of the NW Dinarides. Within low-grade metamorphic basement rocks from the Medvednica Mts, we found no Variscan ages. White mica from phyllitic basement rocks of the Medvednica Mts gives predominantly early Alpine ages ranging between 135 and 122 Ma and younger Alpine ages of ~80 Ma. The early Alpine ages of 135 and 122 Ma are interpreted as the date to the onset of ductile nappe stacking predating the formation of Gosau-type collapse basins. The late early Alpine event of ~80 Ma can be traced in the entire Cretaceous-aged orogen of the Circum- Pannonian Region and is synchronous with subsidence of the Gosau-type basins and opening and closure of the neighbouring Sava-Vardar Zone.
Selective mineral composition, functional test morphology and paleoecology of the agglutinated foraminiferal genus Colominella Popescu, 1998 in the Mediterranean Pliocene (Liguria, Italy)
Authors: Nicoletta Mancin , Elena Basso , Camilla Pirini , MICHAEL A. Kaminski 
Published: February 2013

AbstractSpecimens ofColominella(agglutinated Foraminifera) from a Pliocene Mediterranean succession were analysed through a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX) to document their test microstructure.Colominelladevelops a complex large test with a mostly biserial chamber arrangement, but with the internal chamber lumens partitioned by vertical and horizontal plates that form a labyrinthine structure of alcoves. This internal partition occurs from the first chambers but is completely masked from the outside by the thick wall. The test-wall microstructure is characterized by canaliculi (parapores) that are externally covered by a pavement of agglutinated grains. The mineralogical characterization of the agglutinated grains and the secreted cement shows that the grains are strongly selected as regards to size, arrangement and composition, with the coarse grains placed close to the outer wall. Moreover, these coarse grains, forming a pavement, are made of monocrystalline quartz, whereas the inner part of the skeleton is mostly composed of dolomite. The carbonate cement is less abundant and appears as cloudy light grey areas among the detrital grains. These shell features can be interpreted as functional adaptations to perform kleptoplastidy and/or to house functional photosymbionts, probably induced by stable environmental conditions as in warm shallow waters characterized by low nutrient flux.
Decreased activity and accelerated apoptosis of neutrophils in the presence of natural polyphenols
Authors: Jančinová Viera , Perečko Tomáš , Harmatha Juraj , Nosáľ Radomír , Drábiková Katarína 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Prolonged or excessive formation and liberation of cytotoxic substances from neutrophils intensifies inflammation and the risk of tissue damage. From this perspective, administration of substances which are able to reduce activity of neutrophils and to enhance apoptosis of these cells may improve the therapy of pathological states connected with persistent inflammation. In this short review, neutrophil oxidative burst and apoptosis are presented as potential targets for pharmacological intervention. Effects of natural polyphenols (resveratrol, pterostilbene, pinosylvin, piceatannol, curcumin, N-feruloylserotonin) are summarised, considering the ability of these compounds to affect inflammation and particularly neutrophil activity. The intended neutrophil inhibition is introduced as a part of a new strategy for pharmacological modulation of chronic inflammatory processes, focused on supporting innate antiinflammatory mechanisms and enhancing resolution of inflammation.
Commonly used earthquake source models
Authors: Liu Wenlong , Liu Yucheng 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Several important earthquake source models that have been extensively used in seismological research and earthquake prediction are presented and discussed. A new fault source model is used to explain the earthquake focal mechanism solution and tectonic stress field, which play a crucial role in earthquake initiation and preparation. The elastodynamic-dislocation theory is demonstrated which provides the theoretical background of most earthquake source models. Important earthquake source models reviewed here include the double-force-couple point-source model, the circular-shear dislocation model, the finite moving-source model, the Brune model, and the spherical explosive source model.