bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Renal morphology assessed by ultrasound in relation to central haemodynamics and body fat
Authors: Wykretowicz Mateusz , Katulska Katarzyna , Krauze Tomasz , Milewska Agata , Przymuszala Dagmara , Piskorski Jaroslaw , Stajgis Marek , Wysocki Henryk 
Published: December 2012

Summary

There is a correlation between renal function and the morphological characteristics of the kidney. However, little is known about the association between renal morphology and other important predictors of the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as central haemodynamics or body fat. Thus, in the present study we investigated correlations between renal morphology, body fat and central haemodynamics.

Renal morphology and intra‐abdominal and subcutaneous fat were assessed by ultrasound, whereas central haemodynamics were evaluated by pulse wave analysis, in 93 healthy, non‐obese subjects (mean (±SEM) age 52 ± 1 years; 43 men, 50 women).

Significant correlations were found for indices of body fat (waist : hip ratio, body mass index and intra‐abdominal fat) and renal morphology (kidney length, width and volume). Significant inverse correlations were found between central augmentation pressure (cAP) and kidney length (r = −0.33; P = 0.0009), width (r = −0.24; P = 0.01) and volume (r = −0.27; P = 0.007). In addition, significant negative correlations were found between the central augmentation index (cAIx) and kidney length (r = −0.36; P = 0.0003), width (r = −0.29; P = 0.003) and volume (r = −0.33; P = 0.0008). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed independent associations between kidney length and both cAP and cAIx.

In conclusion, common morphometric characteristics of the kidney, as assessed by ultrasound, are associated with measures of body fat and descriptors of central haemodynamics. The relationships demonstrated in the present study indicate that these associations may be a biologically plausible phenomenon.
External Adjustment Sensitivity Analysis for Unmeasured Confounding: An Application to Coronary Stent Outcomes, Pennsylvania 2004–2008
Authors: Huesch Marco D. 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundAssessing the real‐world comparative effectiveness of common interventions is challenged by unmeasured confounding.ObjectiveTo determine whether the mortality benefit shown for drug‐eluting stents (DES) over bare metal stents (BMS) in observational studies persists after controls for/tests for confounding.Data Sources/Study SettingRetrospective observational study involving 38,019 patients, 65 years or older admitted for an index percutaneous coronary intervention receiving DES or BMS in Pennsylvania in 2004–2005 followed up for death through 3 years.Study DesignAnalysis was at the patient level. Mortality was analyzed with Cox proportional hazards models allowing for stratification by disease severity or DES use propensity, accounting for clustering of patients. Instrumental variables analysis used lagged physician stent usage to proxy for the focal stent type decision. A method originating in work by Cornfield and others in 1954 and popularized by Greenland in 1996 was used to assess robustness to confounding.Principal FindingsDES was associated with a significantly lower adjusted risk of death at 3 years in Cox and in instrumented analyses. An implausibly strong hypothetical unobserved confounder would be required to fully explain these results.ConclusionsConfounding by indication can bias observational studies. No strong evidence of such selection biases was found in the reduced risk of death among elderly patients receiving DES instead of BMS in a Pennsylvanian state‐wide population.
The Relationship between Older Americans Act Title III State Expenditures and Prevalence of Low‐Care Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Thomas Kali S. , Mor Vincent 
Published: December 2012

ObjectiveTo test the relationship between older Americans Act (OAA) program expenditures and the prevalence of low‐care residents in nursing homes (NHs).Data Sources and CollectionTwo secondary data sources: State Program Reports (state expenditure data) and NH facility‐level data downloaded from LTCfocUS.org for 16,030 US NHs (2000–2009).Study DesignUsing a two‐way fixed effects model, we examined the relationship between state spending on OAA services and the percentage of low‐care residents in NHs, controlling for facility characteristics, market characteristics, and secular trends.Principal FindingsResults indicate that increased spending on home‐delivered meals was associated with fewer residents in NHs with low‐care needs.ConclusionsStates that have invested in their community‐based service networks, particularly home‐delivered meal programs, have proportionally fewer low‐care NH residents.
Statement on Matching Language to the Type of Evidence Used in Describing Outcomes Data
Authors:   Editors of the HEART Group Journals
Published: December 2012

SummaryThere are many different types of studies that can be conducted to provide evidence for clinical and outcomes research, including but not limited to retrospective observational analyses, case–control studies, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Each of these analyses has strengths and limitations, but most importantly, they all result in different types of conclusions about an intervention.
Diet and feeding habits of the small catfish,Clarias liocephalusin wetlands ofWesternUganda
Authors: Yatuha Jane , Kang'ombe Jeremiah , Chapman Lauren 
Published: December 2012

AbstractClarias liocephalusis an air‐breathing catfish inhabiting wetland and river systems in East Africa. This catfish is in high demand for sale as live bait in the Nile perch fishery of Lake Victoria and equally important in the diet of local communities in the lake basin. Wetland loss and increasing fishing pressure potentially threaten the persistence ofC. liocephalus; however, little information exists on the ecology of this species to permit evaluation of current threats. This study quantified dietary characteristics ofC. liocephalusfrom heavy and lightly fished wetlands in Western Uganda using numeric, gravimetric and volumetric indices on 492 stomach samples collected over one year.Clarias liocephaluswas significantly smaller in three heavily fished sites, relative to the one in‐park site, likely a reflection of a size‐selective fishery. Across sites,C. liocephaluswas a generalist feeder whose diet was dominated by aquatic dipteran larvae and plant material. The broad niche givesC. liocephalusan ecological advantage to forage effectively on a wide selection of prey. The significant presence of plant material shows that the species may utilize plant protein, an important consideration of diet requirements should the species be selected for aquaculture.
Trauma system development
Authors: Lendrum R. A. , Lockey D. J. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryThe word ‘trauma’ describes the disease entity resulting from physical injury. Trauma is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and deaths due to injury look set to increase. As early as the 1970s, it became evident that centralisation of resources and expertise could reduce the mortality rate from serious injury and that organisation of trauma care delivery into formal systems could improve outcome further. Internationally, trauma systems have evolved in various forms, with widespread reports of mortality and functional outcome benefits when major trauma management is delivered in this way. The management of major trauma in England is currently undergoing significant change. The London Trauma System began operating in April 2010 and others throughout England became operational this year. Similar systems exist internationally and continue to be developed. Anaesthetists have been and continue to be involved with all levels of trauma care delivery, from the provision of pre‐hospital trauma and retrieval teams, through to chronic pain management and rehabilitation of patients back into society. This review examines the international development of major trauma care delivery and the components of a modern trauma system.
Medical emergencies: atrial fibrillation and myocardial infarction
Authors: Somasundaram K. , Ball J. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryIn this, the first of two article on medical emergencies, we discuss the definitions, epidemiology, pathophysiology, acute and chronic management of atrial fibrillation and acute myocardial necrosis in the peri‐operative and intensive care settings.
The principles and conduct of anaesthesia for emergency surgery
Authors: Gray L. D. , Morris C. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryIn this second article we examine the principles underlying delivery of the components of anaesthesia. Topics considered include anaesthetic technique, management of the airway and lung ventilation, induction and maintenance of anaesthesia, patient monitoring including the place of cardiac output devices. We summarise recent research on the management of shock and sepsis syndromes including goal directed therapy and examine some controversies around intravenous fluid therapy. Finally, we discuss intra‐operative awareness and challenges during emergence including peri‐operative cognitive dysfunction.
Randomised clinical trial: symptoms of the irritable bowel syndrome are improved by a psycho‐education group intervention
Authors: Labus J. , Gupta A. , Gill H. K. , Posserud I. , Mayer M. , Raeen H. , Bolus R. , Simren M. , Naliboff B. D. , Mayer E. A. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryBackgroundEvidence supports the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural approaches in improving the symptoms of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Duration, cost and resistance of many patients towards a psychological therapy have limited their acceptance.AimTo evaluate the effectiveness of a psycho‐educational intervention on IBS symptoms.MethodsSixty‐nine IBS patients (72% female) were randomised to an intervention or a wait‐list control group. The IBS class consisted of education on a biological mind body disease model emphasising self‐efficacy and practical relaxation techniques.ResultsPatients in the intervention showed significant improvement on GI symptom severity, visceral sensitivity, depression and QoL postintervention and most of these gains were maintained at 3‐month follow‐up (Hedge's g = −0.46–0.77). Moderated mediation analyses indicated change in anxiety, visceral sensitivity, QoL and catastrophising due to the intervention had moderate mediation effects (Hedge's g = −0.38 to −0.60) on improvements in GI symptom severity for patients entering the trial with low to average QoL. Also, change in GI symptom severity due to the intervention had moderate mediation effects on improvements in QoL especially in patients with low to average levels of QoL at baseline. Moderated mediation analyses indicated mediation was less effective for patients entering the intervention with high QoL.ConclusionsA brief psycho‐educational group intervention is efficacious in changing cognitions and fears about the symptoms of the irritable bowel syndrome, and these changes are associated with clinically meaningful improvement in symptoms and quality of life. The intervention seems particularly tailored to patients with low to moderate quality of life baseline levels.
Effects of coumestrol administration to maternal mice during pregnancy and lactation on immunoblogulin A‐secreting cells in mammary glands
Authors: Wang Mengdong , Sugimoto Miki , Ikeda Shuntaro , Kume Shinichi 
Published: December 2012

AbstractMortality and morbidity of neonates continue to be major problems in humans and animals, and immunoblogulin A (IgA) provides protection against microbial antigens at mucosal surfaces. The present study was conducted to clarify the effects of coumestrol administration to maternal mice during pregnancy and lactation on IgA antibody‐secreting cells (ASC) in mammary glands in lactating mice. From 6.5 to 16.5 days post coitus and 1 to 13 days post partum (dpp), maternal mice were administered coumestrol at 200 μg/kg body weight/day. Coumestrol administration increased the number of IgA ASC and the messenger RNA expression of IgA C‐region and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 in mammary glands of maternal mice at 14 dpp, but coumestrol administration had no effect on the number of IgA ASC in the ileum. Coumestrol administration increased serum IgA concentration in maternal mice at 14 dpp, but IgA concentrations in serum, stomach contents, intestine and feces of neonatal mice were not affected by treatment. These results imply that coumestrol administration to maternal mice during pregnancy and lactation is effective in increasing the numbers of IgA ASC in mammary glands during lactation owing to the activated messenger RNA expressions of IgA C‐region and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 in mammary gland.
Advances in predicting acute GVHD
Authors: Harris Andrew C. , Ferrara James L. M. , Levine John E. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryAcute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) is a leading cause of non‐relapse mortality following allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation. Attempts to improve treatment response in clinically‐established GVHD have not improved overall survival, often due to the increased risk of infectious complications. Alternative approaches to decrease GVHD‐related morbidity and mortality have focused on the ability to predict GVHD prior to clinical manifestation in an effort to provide an opportunity to abort GVHD development, and to gain new insights into GVHD pathophysiology. This review outlines the research efforts to date that have identified clinical and laboratory‐based factors that are predictive of acute GVHD and describes future directions in developing algorithms that will improve the ability to predict the development of clinically relevant GVHD.
Source‐to‐sink analysis of ancient sedimentary systems using a subsurface case study from the Møre‐Trøndelag area of southern Norway: Part 2 – sediment dispersal and forcing mechanisms
Authors: Sømme Tor O. , Jackson Christopher A‐L. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe composition, volume and stratigraphic organisation of submarine fan systems deposited along continental margins are expected to reflect the landscape from which the sediment was derived. During the Late Cretaceous, the Møre‐Trøndelag margin, Norwegian North Sea was dominated by the deposition of deep‐marine fines; the emplacement of 11 sand‐rich submarine fan systems occurred only during a c. 3 Myr period in the Turonian‐Coniacian. The systems were fed by sediment that was routed through submarine canyons incised into the basin margin; the canyons are underlain by angular unconformities and are interpreted to have resulted from tectonically induced changes in slope physiography and erosion by gravity flows. The areal extent of the onshore drainage catchments that supplied sediment to the fans has been estimated based on scaling relationships derived from modern source‐to‐sink systems. The results of our study suggest that the Turonian fans were sourced by drainage catchments that were up to ca.3600 km2, extending more than ca.100 km inland from the palaeo‐shoreline. The estimated inboard catchment extent correlates with the innermost structures of a large, long‐lived, basement‐involved, normal fault complex. On the basis of our analysis, we conclude that increased sediment supply to the Turonian fan systems reflects tectonic rejuvenation of the landscape, rather than eustatic sea‐level or climate fluctuations. The duration of fan deposition is thus interpreted to reflect the ‘relaxation time’ of the landscape following tectonic perturbation, and fan system retrogradation and abandonment is interpreted to reflect the eventual depletion of the onshore sediment source. We demonstrate that a better understanding of the stratigraphic variability in deepwater depositional systems can be gained by taking a complete source‐to‐sink view of ancient sediment dispersal systems.
Female‐biased sex ratio shifts in a solitary parasitoid and their effects on virginity, population dynamics, and biological control
Authors: Wogin Michael J. , Gillespie David R. , Haye Tim , Roitberg Bernard D. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractMated female parasitic wasps can control the sex of their offspring by controlling which eggs are exposed to sperm. Females that have failed to mate, however, are restricted to producing only male offspring, as all their eggs are unfertilized. We incorporated the effects of these sometimes constrained, sometimes flexible parasitoid sex ratios into a basic Nicholson–Bailey population model. We found that the less common case of an increasing female bias in response to competition can destabilize dynamics and have both positive and negative effects on host suppression. We also incorporated the effects of virginity due to a lack of males into the model. Virginity had stabilizing effects on parasitoid‐host population dynamics, and prevented runaway female bias in a parasitoid population. We found that the changes in host suppression caused by these new behaviours can be either positive or negative, and are highly dependent on the search efficiency of the parasitoid.
A review of mate‐finding Allee effects in insects: from individual behavior to population management
Authors: Fauvergue Xavier 
Published: December 2012

AbstractLike other animals and plants, insects may find it difficult to survive and reproduce in small populations, to the extent that their long‐term persistence may be jeopardized. The Allee effect is a theoretical framework that formalizes this decrease in survival or reproduction in small populations, and the resulting decrease in population growth and persistence. Mating failure in low‐density populations is likely to generate an Allee effect and, therefore, has a major effect on the functioning of small populations. Here, I review mate‐finding Allee effects in insect species, and their consequences for individual mating success, population dynamics, and population management. I focus, in particular, on the comparison of theoretical expectations with observational data. Several studies have reported some degree of mating failure at low density. However, almost none of the datasets available allow comparison with the predictions of classical mate‐searching models. A few studies at the population level have reported the co‐occurrence of mating failure at low density and a demographic Allee effect, but no study has yet clearly demonstrated a causal relationship between mating failure and lower rates of population growth. Thus, although the theoretical development of management tactics based on Allee effects is considered promising, the current lack of evidence supporting this strategy limits its potential relevance. I call here for a more rigorous approach to the study of mate‐finding Allee effects and propose new approaches for this purpose.
Neuropeptide receptors provide a signalling pathway for trigeminal modulation of olfactory transduction
Authors: Daiber Philipp , Genovese Federica , Schriever Valentin A. , Hummel Thomas , Möhrlen Frank , Frings Stephan 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe mammalian olfactory epithelium contains olfactory receptor neurons and trigeminal sensory endings. The former mediate odor detection, the latter the detection of irritants. The two apparently parallel chemosensory systems are in reality interdependent in various well‐documented ways. Psychophysical studies have shown that virtually all odorants can act as irritants, and that most irritants have an odor. Thus, the sensory perception of odorants and irritants is based on simultaneous input from the two systems. Moreover, functional interactions between the olfactory system and the trigeminal system exist on both peripheral and central levels. Here we examine the impact of trigeminal stimulation on the odor response of olfactory receptor neurons. Using an odorant with low trigeminal potency (phenylethyl alcohol) and a non‐odorous irritant (CO2), we have explored this interaction in psychophysical experiments with human subjects and in electroolfactogram (EOG) recordings from rats. We have demonstrated that simultaneous activation of the trigeminal system attenuates the perception of odor intensity and distorts the EOG response. On the molecular level, we have identified a route for this cross‐modal interaction. The neuropeptide calcitonin‐gene related peptide (CGRP), which is released from trigeminal sensory fibres upon irritant stimulation, inhibits the odor response of olfactory receptor neurons. CGRP receptors expressed by these neurons mediate this neuromodulatory effect. This study demonstrates a site of trigeminal–olfactory interaction in the periphery. It reveals a pathway for trigeminal impact on olfactory signal processing that influences odor perception.
Determining the adaptive potential of maternal stress
Authors: Sheriff M. J. , Love O. P. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractEcological and medical researchers are investing great effort to determine the role of Maternally‐Derived Stress (MDS) as an inducer of phenotypic plasticity in offspring. Many researchers have interpreted phenotypic responses as unavoidable negative outcomes (e.g., small birth weight, high anxiety); however, a biased underestimate of the adaptive potential of MDS‐induced effects is possible if they are not viewed within an ecologically relevant or a life‐history optimization framework. We review the ecological and environmental drivers of MDS, how MDS signals are transferred to offspring, and what responses MDS induces. Results from four free‐living vertebrate systems reveals that although MDS induces seemingly negative investment trade‐offs in offspring, these phenotypic adjustments can be adaptive if they better match the offspring to future environments; however, responses can prove maladaptive if they unreliably predict (i.e., are mismatched to) future environments. Furthermore, MDS‐induced adjustments that may prove maladaptive for individual offspring can still prove adaptive to mothers by reducing current reproductive investment, and benefitting lifetime reproductive success. We suggest that to properly determine the adaptive potential of MDS, researchers must take a broader integrated life‐history perspective, appreciate both the immediate and longer term environmental context, and examine lifetime offspring and maternal fitness.
Resistance, Resilience and Restoration
Authors: Lake Philip S. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryDisturbances (pulse, press and ramp) constitute a major force influencing, even determining, the structure and functions of ecological components – populations, communities and ecosystems. The capacity to weather a disturbance without loss is defined as resistance, whereas resilience is the capacity to recover from a disturbance after incurring losses, which may be considerable. This article seeks to resolve differences in the ecological definition of resistance and of resilience and to examine the importance of resilience as applied to ecological restoration. In restoration, interventions are designed and implemented with the aim of strengthening the resilience, that is, the capacity to recover, of degraded systems. In response to restorative measures, degraded systems may have both resistance and negative resilience to remain in the degraded state. The key aim of restoration is to overcome the resistance and negative resilience of the degraded state by strengthening positive resilience, the capacity to recover to the intact undegraded state. Restoration may be hindered by a lack of knowledge of acting disturbances (both past and present), of the previous intact condition and of appropriate interventions to implement. Resilience to a disturbance is determined after the disturbance has ceased. Thus, for current ongoing press and ramp disturbances, resilience can be hard to determine.