bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Description of Ektaphelenchus ibericus n. sp. (Nematoda: Ektaphelenchinae) found in packaging wood from Spain
Authors: Gu Jianfeng , Wang Jiangling , Chen Xianfeng , Wang Xuan 
Published: May 2013

Ektaphelenchus ibericus n. sp. is described and figured. The new species was isolated from pine packaging wood from Spain that was inspected in Ningbo harbour, China, in 2011. Ektaphelenchus ibericus n. sp. is characterised by lip region without clear constriction, relatively short stylet (11-15 μm) lacking basal knobs, and four lateral lines. The female post-uterine sac is less than one body diam. long, rectum and anus are absent, and the tail is conoid with a sharply pointed terminus. Males are rare and have a conoid tail with a sharply pointed terminus, spicules mitten-shaped, 12.8 μm long (chord) and smoothly curved with a high and bluntly rounded condylus and bluntly pointed rostrum, distal end broadly rounded, and three pairs of ventral caudal papillae present. The separate species status is also supported by molecular phylogenetic analysis based on partial SSU, ITS1/2 and partial LSU sequences.
Olaudah Equiano’s Views of Europe and European Christianity
Authors: Frederiks Martha Th. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
This article investigates Olaudah Equiano’s representations of Europe and European Christianity. It argues that Equiano’s depictions of Europe are ambiguous, reflecting both his admiration for Europe’s grandeur and development as well as his rejection of Europe’s exploitative practices. His descriptions of Igboland mainly reflect European abolitionist and colonial discourses. Equiano’s religious representations are multi-facetted; they mirror his evangelical convictions, yet also express an appreciation for Islam and Igbo religiosity. The overall purpose of Equiano’s territorial as religious representations seems reinforcement of his abolitionist advocacy.
Monthly Average Temperature Modeling in an Intertropical Region
Authors: Andrade-Bejarano Mercedes 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Data for this research come from time series of monthly average temperatures from 28 sites over the Valle del Cauca of Colombia in South America, collected over the period 1971–2002. Because of the geographical location of the study area, monthly average temperature is affected by altitude and El Niño–La Niña (El Niño–Southern Oscillation, or ENSO phenomenon). Time series for some of the sites show a tendency to increase. Also, because of the two dry and wet periods in the study area, a seasonal pattern of behavior in monthly average temperature is seen. Linear mixed models are formulated and fitted to account for within- and between-site variations. The ENSO phenomenon is modeled by the Southern Oscillation index (SOI) and dummy variables. Spatial and temporal covariance structures in the errors are modeled individually using isotropic variogram models. The fitted models demonstrate the influence of the ENSO phenomenon on monthly average temperatures; this is seen in the maps produced from the models for ENSO and normal conditions. These maps show the predicted spatial patterns for differences in temperature throughout the study area.
Ensemble Sensitivity Tools for Assessing Extratropical Cyclone Intensity and Track Predictability
Authors: Zheng Minghua , Chang Edmund K. M. , Colle Brian A. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
This paper applies ensemble sensitivity analysis to a U.S. East Coast snowstorm on 26–28 December 2010 in a way that may be beneficial for an operational forecaster to better understand the forecast uncertainties. Sensitivity using the principal components of the leading empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) on the 50-member European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ensemble identifies the sensitive regions and weather systems at earlier times associated with the cyclone intensity and track uncertainty separately. The 5.5-day forecast cyclone intensity uncertainty in the ECMWF ensemble is associated with trough and ridge systems over the northeastern Pacific and central United States, respectively, while the track uncertainty is associated with a short-wave trough over the southern Great Plains. Sensitivity based on the ensemble mean sea level pressure difference between two run cycles also suggests that the track's shift between the two cycles is linked with the initial errors in the short-wave trough over the southern Great Plains. The sensitivity approach is run forward in time using forward ensemble regression based on short-range forecast errors, which further confirms that the short-term error over the southern plains trough was associated with the shift in cyclone position between the two forecast cycles. A coherent Rossby wave packet originated from the central North Pacific 6 days before this snowstorm event. The sensitivity signals behave like a wave packet and exhibit the same group velocity of ~29° longitude per day, indicating that Rossby wave packets may have also amplified uncertainty in both the cyclone amplitude and track forecast.
Dying at home – is it better: A narrative appraisal of the state of the science
Authors: Higginson Irene J , Sarmento Vera P , Calanzani Natalia , Benalia Hamid , Gomes Barbara 
Published: May 2013

Background: Achieving home care and home death is increasingly used as an outcome measure of palliative care services. Aim: To appraise the state of the science on dying at home. Methods: Appraisal and narrative review developed from a plenary presentation at the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC) 2012 meeting examining the research on variations and trends in place of death, factors associated with dying in the preferred place, presenting evidence on outcomes for those dying at home and suggesting future research questions. Results: Meeting patients’ preferences and creating home-like environments has been a major concern for hospice and palliative care since its inception. During the 20th century, in many countries, hospital deaths increased and home deaths reduced. Despite the fact that this trend has been halted or reversed in some countries (notably the United States, Canada and, more recently, the United Kingdom) in the last 5–20 years, a home death is still a distant reality for the majority, even though evidence shows it is the most commonly preferred place to die. Epidemiological studies identified factors associated with home death, including affluence, patients’ preferences, provision of home care and extended family support. Evidence about the benefits of home care is conflicting, but recent data suggest that holistic well-being may be greater at home. Implications: We call for further analyses of variations in place of care and place of death and robust studies on how patients and families formulate and change preferences over time. Regular monitoring of outcomes, quality and costs of palliative home care is urged.
Development of a supportive care measure for economic evaluation of end-of-life care using qualitative methods
Authors: Sutton Eileen J , Coast Joanna 
Published: May 2013

Background: An imperative to assess the economic impact of care at the end of life is emerging in response to national policy developments in a number of settings. Current focus on health benefits in economic evaluation may not appropriately capture benefits of interventions at the end of life. No instruments are available for measuring such benefits for economic evaluation of end-of-life care. Aim: To develop a descriptive system for a measure for use in economic evaluation of end-of-life care. Design: An initial phase of in-depth interviews was conducted to develop conceptual attributes for inclusion in a measure; a second phase of semi-structured repeat interviews with a subsample of informants was carried out to clarify and confirm the final set of attributes and to develop meaningful wording for a measure. Setting/participants: In total, 23 older people from three groups across the dying trajectory: older people (1) within the general population, (2) living in residential care and (3) receiving palliative care. Results: Interviews suggested that the important domains to include within this framework from the perspective of those approaching the end-of-life are choice/having a say in decision-making, love and affection/being with people who care, freedom from physical suffering, freedom from emotional suffering, dignity and self-respect, support, and preparation. A full descriptive system comprising seven questions, each representing one attribute, was developed. Conclusion: Economic evaluation should reflect the broader benefits of end-of-life care. Although the supportive care measure developed here requires validation and valuation, it provides a substantial step forward in appropriate economic evaluation of end-of-life care.
Copper Toxicosis in New Zealand White Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Ramirez C. J. , Kim D. Y. , Hanks B. C. , Evans T. J. 
Published: May 2013

Six 12- to 14-month-old New Zealand White rabbits were diagnosed with copper toxicosis. These rabbits were part of a group of 110 purchased and shipped overnight for research purposes. On arrival, the group experienced an abrupt diet change. Eight died over 3 weeks and 6 were submitted for postmortem examination. Microscopic findings included severe centrilobular to midzonal hepatocellular necrosis with rhodanine stain–positive copper granules in the remaining hepatocytes. Mild periportal fibrosis and biliary hyperplasia, hemoglobinuric nephrosis, and splenic erythrophagocytosis were also observed. Hepatic copper concentrations were elevated, ranging from 319 to 997 ppm. Clinical disease was not previously observed in younger rabbits gradually transitioned from the supplier’s copper-supplemented diet. Copper toxicosis likely occurred in these rabbits from a combination of (1) increased duration of copper supplementation leading to increased hepatocellular stores and (2) stress leading to anorexia and release of hepatocellular copper stores similar to chronic copper toxicosis as described in sheep.
Decreased Range of Motion Is Associated With Structural Hip Deformity in Asymptomatic Adolescent Athletes
Authors: Yuan Brandon J. , Bartelt Robert B. , Levy Bruce A. , Bond Jeffrey R. , Trousdale Robert T. , Sierra Rafael J. 
Published: May 2013

Background: Decreased hip range of motion (ROM) is a common finding in patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Purpose: To report the prevalence of decreased hip ROM in asymptomatic adolescent athletes and to correlate examination findings to signs of FAI on radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Study Design: Cross-sectional study (prevalence); Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 226 adolescent athletes presenting for state-mandated preparticipation physical examinations were assessed. Hip internal rotation was measured with the participant supine and the hip flexed to 90°. All participants with ≤10° of internal rotation were invited to return for standard radiographs and MRI of both hips. An age-matched control group, with >10° of internal rotation, underwent MRI examination only. Twenty-six athletes (13 study and 13 control) returned for clinical and radiographic examinations. Results: Nineteen athletes (34 hips, 8%) were found to have <10° of internal rotation. Eight athletes (13 hips, 3%) also had a positive anterior impingement sign. Thirteen of 19 athletes participated in the radiographic portion of the study. Of these 13 participants, 4 had limited internal rotation unilaterally, leaving 22 hips in the study group. Eight of 13 participants (15 hips, 68%) had a cam-type deformity evident on plain radiographs, and 4 participants (7 hips, 32%) had a positive radiographic crossover sign. The average α angle measured from radial MRI sequences was 58.1° in the study group versus 44.3° in the control group ( P < .001). Fifteen hips (68%) in the study group had abnormal MRI findings within the acetabular labrum or cartilage compared with 10 of 26 hips (38%) in the control group (odds ratio, 3.4; P = .078). Conclusion: Eight percent of asymptomatic teenagers had limited internal rotation on examination; 68% of these had radiographic findings suggestive of FAI. More than two thirds of these participants had evidence of asymptomatic hip pathological lesions on MRI.
Posttraumatic Migraine as a Predictor of Recovery and Cognitive Impairment After Sport-Related Concussion
Authors: Kontos Anthony P. , Elbin R.J. , Lau Brian , Simensky Steven , Freund Brin , French Jonathan , Collins Michael W. 
Published: May 2013

Background: Although previous research has demonstrated that patients with posttraumatic migraine (PTM) after concussion report more symptoms and cognitive deficits after injury than do those without PTM, it is not known whether these effects persist beyond the first week of injury or whether PTM predicts recovery time. Purpose: To determine whether PTM during the first week after injury predicts (1) cognitive impairment and symptoms in the second week after injury and (2) overall recovery time. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Participants were 138 male high school football players with a mean age of 15.96 years (SD, 1.18 years; range, 13-19 years). They were classified into 3 groups: PTM (headache, nausea, and photosensitivity or phonosensitivity), headache (headache without the other PTM symptoms), or no headache (no headache or PTM symptoms). The Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test (ImPACT) was used to assess cognitive performance and symptoms at baseline, postinjury days 1-7, and postinjury days 8-14. Recovery time data were collected from medical records. Results: The PTM group performed worse on verbal memory than did the headache group at 8-14 days after injury. The PTM group performed worse on visual memory, reaction time, and symptoms than did the other groups at 1-7 days and 8-14 days after injury. The PTM group was 7.3 times (95% confidence interval, 1.80-29.91) more likely to have protracted recovery (>20 days) than the no headache group and 2.6 times (95% confidence interval, 1.10-6.54) more likely than the headache group. Conclusion: Results suggest that PTM is associated with cognitive impairments and protracted recovery and that headache alone is not a good predictor of recovery.
The Association of Serum Bilirubin Levels on the Outcomes of Severe Sepsis
Authors: Patel Jayshil J. , Taneja Amit , Niccum David , Kumar Gagan , Jacobs Elizabeth , Nanchal Rahul 
Published: May 2013

Purpose: Admission serum bilirubin levels have been incorporated into severity of illness scoring systems in critical illness as a marker of liver dysfunction. The purpose of our study is to determine the independent association of serum bilirubin with mortality in severe sepsis and septic shock. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of adult patients admitted with severe sepsis and septic shock. We excluded patients with a prior history of liver disease. We identified the highest serum bilirubin within 72 hours of admission and stratified bilirubin levels into ≤1 mg/dL (normal), 1.1 to 2 mg/dL (abnormal up to 2 mg/dL), and >2 mg/dL. We sought to determine the independent association of hyperbilirubinemia with mortality and length of intensive care unit stay in persons with severe sepsis and septic shock. Results: A total of 251 patients met criteria for severe sepsis. In all, 200 patients had a bilirubin of <1 mg/dL, and 51 had a bilirubin of >1 mg/dL. Of these 51, 12 had a bilirubin >2 mg/dL. Mortality was 12%, 24%, and 42% in persons with a bilirubin ≤1, 1.1 to 2, and >2 mg/dL, respectively. Compared to those with a bilirubin ≤ 1 mg/dL, adjusted odds of mortality in patients were 3.85 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-12.2) and 9.85 (95% CI 1.92-50.5) times higher in persons with bilirubin levels between 1.1 and 2 and >2 mg/dL, respectively. Conclusion: After multivariable adjustment for potential confounding factors, elevated serum bilirubin levels within 72 hours of admission are associated with an increased risk of mortality in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. Prospective studies are warranted to further validate our findings.
Effect of chronic alcohol drinking on rat liver microsomal nitroreductive metabolism of Nifurtimox and Benznidazole
Authors: Mecca MM de , Bartel LC , Castro JA 
Published: May 2013

Nifurtimox (Nfx) and benznidazole (Bz) have serious toxic side effects. Manufacturers warn about significant adverse effects when simultaneous alcohol consumption is being made, but its mechanism is not known. The levels and toxicity of these drugs are linked to their liver microsomal nitroreduction to reactive metabolites. In this study, we analyzed whether alcohol drinking enhanced those nitroreductive processes. Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats, 5–6 weeks old (125–150 g body weight) were used. They were fed ad libitum for 28 days with Lieber and De Carli control or alcohol regular liquid diets. The rats were separated into two dietary groups: ethanol and control group. Both were pair fed with the respective diet. Their liver microsomes were isolated and the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-dependent nitroreduction of Nfx and Bz were determined. Alcohol drinking significantly induced microsomal nitroreduction of these drugs in male rats (11% for Nfx and 41% for Bz) but not in females. The activity observed in the alcohol-induced male rats was 100% inhibited by diphenyleneiodonium and attributable to P450 reductase. Inductive effects of alcohol drinking on nitroreductive activation of both drugs might be only partially involved in the harmful interactions described.
High-dose methotrexate in adult oncology patients: A case-control study assessing the risk association between drug interactions and methotrexate toxicity
Authors: Chan April J , Rajakumar Irina 
Published: May 2013

Introduction High-dose methotrexate, defined as dose ≥1 g/m2, is commonly used in chemotherapy protocols. Certain drugs such as acyclovir, allopurinol, proton pump inhibitors and some antibiotics have been associated with delayed renal clearance of methotrexate and may predispose patients to toxicities. Currently, no specific recommendations exist on adjusting the high-dose methotrexate regimen in the presence of potential interacting drugs. This study aims to determine whether presence of interacting drugs is associated with delayed methotrexate clearance. Methods This was a case-control study of adult oncology patients who received their first cycle of high-dose methotrexate. Cases were defined as patients who experienced delayed methotrexate clearance, as indicated by serum methotrexate level ≥ 0.1 umol/L at 72 h. The primary endpoint was the frequency of presence of interacting drugs between cases and controls. These were compared using Fisher's exact test. Where possible, adjustment for significant baseline differences that can affect methotrexate clearance was made using logistic regression. The secondary endpoint was frequency of methotrexate-related clinical toxicities between groups and included myelosuppression, nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and mucositis. Results From January 2004 to March 2011, 73 patients met study criteria, of which 23 were defined as cases. Significant baseline differences were methotrexate dose received (9116 mg ± 4339 versus 6054 mg ± 2874, p=0.012) and renal impairment (5 versus 0, p = 0.002). The presence of interacting drugs was not associated with delayed methotrexate clearance (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.24–3.38, p > 0.999). After adjusting for methotrexate dose, drugs observed more frequently (allopurinol, proton pump inhibitors and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim) were not associated with delayed methotrexate clearance ( p = 0.95, 0.59 and 0.20, respectively). Cases experienced more severe anemia (grade 2.52 versus 1.68, p = 0.007) and higher rates of mucositis (65.2% versus 20.0%, p < 0.001). Conclusion This study showed no significant association between presence of interacting drugs and delayed methotrexate clearance. Patients who experienced delayed methotrexate clearance had higher incidence of severe anemia and mucositis.
Cochrane corner: ergonomic positioning or equipment for treating carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Buchan S. , Amirfeyz R. 
Published: May 2013

Background: Non-surgical treatments, including ergonomic positioning or equipment, are sometimes offered to people experiencing mild to moderate symptoms from carpal tunnel syndrome. The effectiveness and duration from ergonomic positioning or equipment interventions for treating carpal tunnel syndrome are unknown. Objectives: To assess the effects of ergonomic positioning compared with no treatment, a placebo or another non-surgical intervention in people with carpal tunnel syndrome. Search methods: We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Specialized Register (14 June 2011), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (2011, Issue 2, in The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE (1966 to June 2011), EMBASE (1980 to June 2011), CINAHL Plus (1937 to June 2011), and AMED (1985 to June 2011). We also reviewed the reference lists of randomized or quasi-randomized trials identified from the electronic search. Selection criteria: Randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials comparing ergonomic positioning or equipment with no treatment, placebo or another non-surgical intervention in people with carpal tunnel syndrome. Data collection and analysis: Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion, extracted data and assessed risk of bias of included studies. They calculated risk ratios and mean differences with 95% confidence intervals for the primary and secondary outcomes. Results of clinically and statistically homogeneous trials were pooled, where possible, to provide estimates of the effect of ergonomic positioning or equipment.
Diabetes is associated with posttranslational modifications in plasminogen resulting in reduced plasmin generation and enzyme-specific activity
Authors: Ajjan Ramzi A. , Gamlen Toby , Standeven Kristina F. , Mughal Salihah , Hess Katharina , Smith Kerrie A. , Dunn Emma J. , Anwar M. Maqsud , Rabbani Naila , Thornalley Paul J. , Philippou Helen , Grant Peter J. 
Published: May 2013

Key PointsPlasminogen is glycated in diabetes, resulting in reduced plasmin generation and impaired protein activity. Impaired plasminogen function and the consequent hypofibrinolysis in diabetes are reversible by modest improvement in glycemia.