bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Histopathologic features of transplant glomerulopathy associated with response to therapy with intravenous immune globulin and rituximab
Authors: Kahwaji Joseph , Najjar Reiad , Kancherla Deepika , Villicana Rafael , Peng Alice , Jordan Stanley , Vo Ashley , Haas Mark 
Published: March 2014

AbstractTransplant glomerulopathy (TG) is associated with poor long‐term allograft survival and is often accompanied by microcirculation inflammation. Histopathologic scoring may inform prognosis and help guide therapy. We retrospectively assessed 33 patients with biopsy‐proven TG. All biopsies were given a glomerulitis (g) and peritubular capillaritis (ptc) score. We determined allograft survival and serum creatinine stability in three different score groups: g < 2 and ≥ 2, ptc < 2 and ≥ 2, and (g + ptc) < 4 and ≥ 4. We assessed the impact of treatment with intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) and rituximab on outcomes. Graft survival and serum creatinine stability did not differ in each of the histopathologic score groups. Higher‐score groups were associated with the presence of concomitant antibody‐mediated rejection and were more likely to receive IVIG and rituximab. Treatment with IVIG and rituximab resulted in stability of serum creatinine within the higher‐score groups, but not in the lower‐score groups. Stabilization of serum creatinine was associated with an improvement in donor‐specific antibody. Histopathologic scoring in kidney allograft biopsies with TG may help guide treatment. The combination of IVIG and rituximab appears to be beneficial in patients whose biopsies have moderate or severe microvascular injury.
Genetic polymorphisms in IL‐2,IL‐10,TGF‐β1, and IL‐2RB and acute rejection in renal transplant patients
Authors: Chen Zhigang , Bouamar Rachida , Van schaik Ron H.N. , De Fijter Johan W. , Hartmann Anders , Zeier Martin , Budde Klemens , Kuypers Dirk R.J. , Weimar Willem , Hesselink Dennis A. , Van Gelder Teun 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAcute rejection (AR) remains a concern for kidney transplantation. Cytokines are key mediators in the induction and effector phases of all immune and inflammatory responses. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in cytokines and their receptors may relate to AR. We investigated the relation between AR and SNPs in the genes encoding for IL‐2(–330G>T), IL‐10(−592C>A and −1082G>A), TGF‐β1(915G>C), and IL‐2RB(rs228942 C>A and rs228953 C>T) in 325 renal transplant patients during the first year after transplantation. The overall incidence of AR was 15.4%. In multivariate analysis, only the use of induction therapy was correlated with AR (odds ratio 1.9; 95% confidence interval 1.1–3.7; p = 0.04). No statistically significant associations between the SNPs studied and AR were observed. SNPs in the investigated cytokines and their receptors were not associated with the risk of AR. Genotyping patients for these SNPs is unlikely to aid the clinician in adjusting the immunosuppressive therapy for individual patients.
Risk stratification of systemic allergic reactions during Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy buildup phase
Authors: Stoevesandt Johanna , Hosp Christine , Kerstan Andreas , Trautmann Axel 
Published: March 2014

SummaryBackgroundComparability of previous studies assessing the incidence of systemic reactions during Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy (VIT) is impaired by methodical differences concerning the definition and classification of VIT‐induced anaphylaxis. Our study aims to systematically evaluate the time course and clinical symptoms of VIT‐related systemic reactions.Patients and Methods12‐year data on 818 buildup cycles including 8,504 single injections were retrieved from detailed inpatient treatment protocols. The severity of VIT‐related anaphylaxis was graded according to a system proposed by the World Allergy Organization in 2010.ResultsObjective allergic reactions occurred in 28 (3.4 %) buildup cycles; treatment with antihistamines and/or corticosteroids was invariably effective. 23 exclusively cutaneous reactions occurred after a median time interval of 60 minutes (5–480 min.) following the last injection. 0.6 % of the buildup cycles were complicated by moderate to severe anaphylaxis, which occurred more rapidly than mere urticaria and predominantly during honeybee VIT. Patients with moderate to severe anaphylaxis more frequently reported severe index sting reactions and had higher baseline serum tryptase concentrations.ConclusionsObjective allergic reactions during VIT are rare, and severe anaphylaxis is extremely rare. The use of a consistent classification system for VIT‐induced systemic reactions is required to identify risk factors not only for their general incidence, but also for the exceptionally severe anaphylactic reactions.
Clinical Results for use of local anesthesia with epinephrine in penile nerve block
Authors: Schnabl Saskia Maria , Herrmann Nadine , Wilder Daniel , Breuninger Helmut , Häfner Hans‐Martin 
Published: March 2014

SummaryBackgroundIt is widely accepted that local anesthetics with epinephrine should not be used in areas served by terminal vessels. There is no evidence in studies for this in penile surgery, and given the anatomy of the penis, perfusion complications are highly unlikely. The goal of this study was to show that a penile block using a local anesthetic with epinephrine is safe.Patients and MethodsIn a follow‐up study between 2005 and 2010, we analyzed 95 patients who got a penile ring block with subcutaneous infusion anesthesia (SIA). The SIA solution consisted of ropivacaine and lidocaine (0.11% and 0.21%) plus epinephrine.ResultsThere were no anesthetic complications. Short‐term negative postoperative occurrences (<72 hrs.) were swelling (42%), problems with suture material (22%), pain (19%), hematoma and paresthesia (each 13%), erectile dysfunction (12%), small‐area skin necrosis after wound healing without requiring further surgery (13%), micturition disorders (7%), and wound infection (6%). Two patients on anticoagulation therapy had postoperative bleeding requiring revision surgery. 5% of the patients were given further analgesic sedation. 19% complained about postoperative pain. Persistent complaints (maximum 6 months) were disturbances of skin sensation (7%), swelling (4%), and redness and micturition disorders (3% each).ConclusionsSupplementing a local anesthetic with epinephrine in penis operations has many advantages, including high patient satisfaction, relatively painless infiltration, low complication rates, improved view of the operating field, and an extended effect of anesthetics with a prolonged reduction in pain. Because of the anatomy of the organ, there is no risk of necrosis related to using a subcutaneous penile ring block. Thus the view that epinephrine should not be used in penis procedures is obsolete.
Spatial mismatch of phylogenetic diversity across three vertebrate groups and protected areas in Europe
Authors: Zupan Laure , Cabeza Mar , Maiorano Luigi , Roquet Cristina , Devictor Vincent , Lavergne Sébastien , Mouillot David , Mouquet Nicolas , Renaud Julien , Thuiller Wilfried 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimWe investigate patterns of phylogenetic diversity in relation to species diversity for European birds, mammals and amphibians to evaluate their congruence and highlight areas of particular evolutionary history. We estimate the extent to which the European network of protected areas (PAs) network retains interesting evolutionary history areas for the three groups separately and simultaneously.LocationEuropeMethodsPhylogenetic (QEPD) and species diversity (SD) were estimated using the Rao's quadratic entropy at 10′ resolution. We determined the regional relationship between QEPD and SD for each taxa with a spatial regression model and used the tails of the residuals (QERES) distribution to identify areas of higher and lower QEPD than predicted. Spatial congruence of biodiversity between groups was assessed with Pearson correlation coefficient. A simple classification scheme allowed building a convergence map where a convergent pixel equalled to a QERES value of the same sign for the three groups. This convergence map was overlaid to the current PAs network to estimate the level of protection in convergent pixels and compared it to a null expectation built on 1000 randomization of PAs over the landscape.ResultsQERES patterns across vertebrates show a strong spatial mismatch highlighting different evolutionary histories. Convergent areas represent only 2.7% of the Western Palearctic, with only 8.4% of these areas being covered by the current PAs network while a random distribution would retain 10.4% of them. QERES are unequally represented within PAs: areas with higher QEPD than predicted are better covered than expected, while low QEPD areas are undersampled.Main conclusionsPatterns of diversity strongly diverge between groups of vertebrates in Europe. Although Europe has the world's most extensive PAs network, evolutionary history of terrestrial vertebrates is unequally protected. The challenge is now to reconcile effective conservation planning with a contemporary view of biodiversity integrating multiple facets.
The effect of addition of liraglutide to high‐dose intensive insulin therapy: a randomized prospective trial
Authors: Lane W. , Weinrib S. , Rappaport J. , Hale C. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimsPatients with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance may require high insulin doses to control hyperglycaemia. The addition of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RAs) to basal insulin therapy has been shown to reduce insulin requirement while reducing insulin‐associated weight gain [1,2]. The effect of GLP‐1 RA therapy added to intensive (basal/bolus) insulin therapy has not been studied in a prospective trial. This trial evaluated the effect of the addition of liraglutide to high‐dose intensive insulin therapy compared with standard insulin up‐titration in obese insulin‐resistant patients with type 2 diabetes requiring high‐dose insulin therapy.MethodsThirty‐seven subjects with type 2 diabetes requiring >100 units of insulin daily administered either by continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) or by multiple daily injections (MDIs) with or without metformin were randomized to receive either liraglutide plus insulin (LIRA) or intensive insulin only (controls). Liraglutide was initiated at 0.6 mg subcutaneously (sq) per day and increased to either 1.2 or 1.8 mg daily in combination with intensive insulin therapy. Controls received intensive insulin up‐titration only.ResultsAt 6 months, subjects receiving liraglutide plus insulin experienced statistically significant reductions in HbA1c, weight, insulin dose and glycaemic variability (GV) by continuous glucose monitor (CGM) compared with the control group receiving insulin only.ConclusionsAdding liraglutide to intensive high‐dose (basal/bolus) insulin therapy results in greater improvement in glycaemic control than insulin therapy alone, with additional benefits of weight loss and reduced GV.
Changes in waist circumference and incidence of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Barzin Maryam , Hosseinpanah Farhad , Serahati Sara , Salehpour Mostafa , Nassiri Amir A. , Azizi Fereidoun 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundMany studies have evaluated the association of anthropometric indices with chronic kidney disease(CKD), but the association of waist circumference(WC) changes with CKD incidence is less clear. We evaluated the effect of WC changes on CKD incidence in participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study(TLGS).Study designThe risk of CKD incidence was evaluated in three serial phases with interval censoring. A group of 8,183 (46·5% men) participants, mean age 47·4 years, free of previous CKD, were followed. Waist changes were divided into four groups: (i)decrease in WC; (ii) reference group; (iii)mild to moderate increase in WC and (iv)severe increase in WC. Glomerular filtration rate(GFR) was estimated using the MDRD equation.ResultsIn 8,183 participants, mean GFR was higher in men (77·1 vs. 74·4 mL/min/1·73 m2, P < 0·001). During the 9 years of follow‐up, 1477 new cases of CKD occurred(1026 in women). WC changes were not associated with the development of CKD in women. In men, decrease in WC was not related to lower risk of CKD (HR: 0·90, 95% CI 0·6–1·4), whereas a mild to moderate increase in WC was associated with a 70% (HR: 1·7, 95% CI 1·3–2·2) higher risk of CKD even after adjusting for covariates (HR: 1·6, 95% CI 1·2–2·2). Severe increase in WC was associated with a fourfold risk of CKD in comparison with reference group (HR: 3·7, 95% CI 2·7–5·1).ConclusionChanges in WC are not independent risk factors for CKD development in women, whereas waist gain can adversely influence the development of CKD in men.
Deferasirox for transfusion‐dependent patients with myelodysplastic syndromes: safety, efficacy, and beyond (GIMEMA MDS0306 Trial)
Authors: Angelucci Emanuele , Santini Valeria , Di Tucci Anna Angela , Quaresmini Giulia , Finelli Carlo , Volpe Antonio , Quarta Giovanni , Rivellini Flavia , Sanpaolo Grazia , Cilloni Daniela , Salvi Flavia , Caocci Giovanni , Molteni Alfredo , Vallisa Daniele , Voso Maria Teresa , Fenu Susanna , Borin Lorenza , Latte Giancarlo , Alimena Giuliana , Storti Sergio , Piciocchi Alfonso , Fazi Paola , Vignetti Marco , Tura Sante 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundIn the absence of randomized, controlled trial data to support iron chelation therapy in transfusion‐dependent patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), continued evidence from large prospective clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of iron chelation therapy in this patient population is warranted.MethodsThe safety and efficacy of deferasirox was examined in a prospective, open‐label, single‐arm, multicenter trial of transfusion‐dependent patients with International Prognostic Scoring System low‐ or intermediate‐1‐risk MDS and evidence of transfusion‐related iron overload. The effects of deferasirox therapy on hematological response and disease progression were also examined.ResultsOf 159 participants enrolled from 37 Italian centers, 152 received ≥1 dose of deferasirox (initiated at 10–20 mg/kg/day and titrated as appropriate), and 68 completed the study. Of 84 patients who discontinued deferasirox therapy, 22 died during the trial, and 28 withdrew due to an adverse event (AE). Fourteen treatment‐related grade 3 AEs occurred in 11 patients, whereas no grade 4 or 5 drug‐related AEs were reported. Significant risks for dropout were a higher serum ferritin level at baseline, a higher MDS‐Specific Comorbidity Index, and a shorter diagnosis–enrollment interval. Median serum ferritin level fell from 1966 ng/mL to 1475 ng/mL (P < 0.0001). The cumulative incidence of transfusion independence, adjusted for death and disease progression, was 2.6%, 12.3%, and 15.5% after 6, 9, and 12 months, respectively.ConclusionsDeferasirox therapy in transfusion‐dependent patients with MDS was moderately well tolerated and effectively lowered serum ferritin levels. Positive hematological responses were observed, and a subset of patients achieved transfusion independence.
The dynamics of assembling food webs
Authors: Fahimipour Ashkaan K. , Hein Andrew M. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractCommunity assembly is central to ecology, yet ecologists have amassed little quantitative information about how food webs assemble. Theory holds that colonisation rate is a primary driver of community assembly. We present new data from a mesocosm experiment to test the hypothesis that colonisation rate also determines the assembly dynamics of food webs. By manipulating colonisation rate and measuring webs through time, we show how colonisation rate governs structural changes during assembly. Webs experiencing different colonisation rates had stable topologies despite significant species turnover, suggesting that some features of network architecture emerge early and change little through assembly. But webs experiencing low colonisation rates showed less variation in the magnitudes of trophic fluxes, and were less likely to develop coupled fast and slow resource channels – a common feature of published webs. Our results reveal that food web structure develops according to repeatable trajectories that are strongly influenced by colonisation rate.
Clinical, neuropsychological, and metabolic characteristics of transient epileptic amnesia syndrome
Authors: Mosbah Amel , Tramoni Eve , Guedj Eric , Aubert Sandrine , Daquin Géraldine , Ceccaldi Mathieu , Félician Olivier , Bartolomei Fabrice 
Published: March 2014

SummaryObjectiveTransient epileptic amnesia (TEA) is a recently individualized syndrome occurring in adult patients that includes epileptic seizures with amnestic features and interictal memory disturbances.MethodsWe investigated the clinical, neuropsychological, and 18F‐FDG positron emission tomography (18F‐FDG‐PET) features of 30 consecutive cases of TEA in our center.ResultsThe mean age of onset of amnestic seizures was 59 years. Pure acute amnesia was the only epileptic manifestation in 17% of cases. Interictal electroencephalography (EEG) abnormalities were present in 57% on awake recording and in most patients in whom sleep EEG was performed (96%). Nine of 30 patients showed anterograde memory deficit and six of 30 exhibited mild executive functioning impairment. On the autobiographical memory interview (AMI), patients showed a significant deficit for the recent period of the episodic subscale. Outcome under treatment was favorable in the majority of cases. A significant improvement was noted on recollection of autobiographical memory. 18F‐FDG‐PET (22 cases) showed positive correlations between left mesial temporal metabolism levels and anterograde and retrograde memory scores.SignificanceTEA is an emerging epileptic syndrome that likely remains misidentified and misdiagnosed. Neurometabolic data support a dysfunction of a hippocampal‐neocortical network sustaining episodic memory.A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
Sex‐Specific Associations Between Nest Defence, Exploration and Breathing Rate in Breeding Pied Flycatchers
Authors: Krams Indrikis A. , Vrublevska Jolanta , Sepp Tuul , Abolins‐Abols Mikus , Rantala Markus J. , Mierauskas Pranas , Krama Tatjana 
Published: March 2014

AbstractCorrelations between behavioural traits constrain animals to a limited range of behavioural choices and set a limit to the available variation in behavioural phenotype of a population. These constraints are especially important during stressful situations, potentially limiting the ability to cope with stress appropriately. As yet, very little consideration has been given to a possible role for sexual selection in maintaining differences in behavioural stability within individuals: sex‐specific differences in behavioural correlations have been seldom studied, especially in the wild. In this field study, we investigated associations between neophobia (latency to enter nest in the presence of a novel object), nest defence (response to a model predator) and breathing rate in response to handling in breeding pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca). We did not find any significant difference in antipredator responses between males and females, which indicates low sexual conflict over parental care in the pied flycatcher. However, females were more neophobic than males, while males and females did not differ in their breathing rates. Further, our study demonstrated a strong positive correlation between nest defence behaviour and neophobia in male, but not in female pied flycatchers. Males that defended their nest more had lower breathing rate and higher latency to resume nestling feeding after encountering a predator decoy than males that mobbed less intensely. We found only weak evidence that nest partners might affect each other's behaviour in these contexts.
Are the benefits of yield responses to nitrogen fertilizer application in the bioenergy crop Miscanthus × giganteus offset by increased soil emissions of nitrous oxide?
Authors: Roth Brendan , Finnan John M. , Jones Mike B. , Burke James I. , Williams Michael L. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractA field trial was carried out on a 15 year old Miscanthus stand, subject to nitrogen fertilizer treatments of 0, 63 and 125 kg‐N ha−1, measuring N2O emissions, as well as annual crop yield over a full year. N2O emission intensity (N2O emissions calculated as a function of above‐ground biomass) was significantly affected by fertilizer application, with values of 52.2 and 59.4 g N2O‐N t−1 observed at 63 and 125 kg‐N ha−1, respectively, compared to 31.3 g N2O‐N t−1 in the zero fertilizer control. A life cycle analyses approach was applied to calculate the increase in yield required to offset N2O emissions from Miscanthus through fossil fuel substitution in the fuel chain. For the conditions observed during the field trial yield increases of 0.33 and 0.39 t ha−1 were found to be required to offset N2O emissions from the 63 kg‐N ha−1 treatment, when replacing peat and coal, respectively, while increases of 0.71 and 0.83 t ha−1 were required for the 125 kg‐N ha−1 treatment, for each fuel. These values are considerably less than the mean above‐ground biomass yield increases observed here of 1.57 and 2.79 t ha−1 at fertilization rates 63 and 125 kg‐N ha−1 respectively. Extending this analysis to include a range of fertilizer application rates and N2O emission factors found increases in yield necessary to offset soil N2O emissions ranging from 0.26 to 2.54 t ha−1. These relatively low yield increase requirements indicate that where nitrogen fertilizer application improves yield, the benefits of such a response will not be offset by soil N2O emissions.
Evaluating the effectiveness of wildflower seed mixes for boosting floral diversity and bumblebee and hoverfly abundance in urban areas
Authors: Blackmore Lorna M. , Goulson Dave 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

There is growing interest in improving the biodiversity of urban and suburban areas. Here we report on the effectiveness of a very simple intervention that may be used to boost flower and pollinator abundance; the sowing of plots of wildflowers in amenity grasslands. The abundance of flowers, bumblebees (Bombus spp.), and hoverflies (Syrphidae) was surveyed in 30 such plots, either 1 or 2 years after they had been sown.

Overall, sown plots had 25 times more flowers, 50 times more bumblebees, and 13 times more hoverflies compared to paired control plots. Floral abundance and bee abundance increased from year 1 to year 2, but hoverflies were more abundant in plots in their first year, reflecting their preference for shallow annual flowers.

Our data demonstrate that flower‐poor amenity grasslands can be readily converted to flower‐rich areas that are highly attractive to pollinators, providing a simple tool for pollinator conservation in urban areas.
Phytosterols and γ‐oryzanol in rice bran oils and distillates from physical refining process
Authors: Sawadikiat Pattong , Hongsprabhas Parichat 
Published: March 2014

SummaryCommercially available refined rice bran oil (RBO) contained high contents of phytosterol and γ‐oryzanol, that is, 858–1034 and 248–887 mg per 100 g oil, respectively. Although the crude rice bran oil (CRBO) had high contents of both phytochemicals (1362–1376 mg phytosterol per 100 g and 1599–1666 mg γ‐oryzanol per 100 g), physical refining process resulted in their reduction to 820–895 mg phytosterol per 100 g and 933–960 mg γ‐oryzanol per 100 g in RBO (P < 0.05). Both phytochemicals evaporated and accumulated in the deodoriser distillate (DD) to some extent during the deodorising step. Further distillation of DD using molecular distillation (MD) evaporated the free fatty acids (FFAs), resulting in the unevaporated fraction (UMD) having the acid values of 5.6–9.3 mg KOH g−1. The UMD also contained 1585–3391 mg phytosterol per 100 g and 781–848 mg γ‐oryzanol per 100 g. Results suggest potential use of DD as the source of phytochemicals for further concentration by MD.