bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a novel fusion imaging technique in the diagnosis of hepatobiliary‐pancreatic lesions
Authors: Soga Koichi , Ochiai Jun , Kassai Kyoichi , Miyajima Takashi , Itani Kenji , Yagi Nobuaki , Naito Yuji 
Published: January 2013

AbstractIntroductionMulti‐row detector computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) play an important role in the imaging diagnosis of hepatobiliary‐pancreatic lesions. Here we investigated whether unifying the MDCT and MRCP images onto the same screen using fusion imaging could overcome the limitations of each technique, while still maintaining their benefits. Moreover, because reports of fusion imaging using MDCT and MRCP are rare, we assessed the benefits and limitations of this method for its potential application in a clinical setting.MethodsThe patient group included 9 men and 11 women. Among the 20 patients, the final diagnoses were as follows: 10 intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, 5 biliary system carcinomas, 1 pancreatic adenocarcinoma and 5 non‐neoplastic lesions. After transmitting the Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine data of the MDCT and MRCP images to a workstation, we performed a 3‐D organisation of both sets of images using volume rendering for the image fusion.ResultsFusion imaging enabled clear identification of the spatial relationship between a hepatobiliary‐pancreatic lesion and the solid viscera and/or vessels. Further, this method facilitated the determination of the relationship between the anatomical position of the lesion and its surroundings more easily than either MDCT or MRCP alone.ConclusionFusion imaging is an easy technique to perform and may be a useful tool for planning treatment strategies and for examining pathological changes in hepatobiliary‐pancreatic lesions. Additionally, the ease of obtaining the 3‐D images suggests the possibility of using these images to plan intervention strategies.
Pool‐hmm: a Python program for estimating the allele frequency spectrum and detecting selective sweeps from next generation sequencing of pooled samples
Authors: Boitard Simon , Kofler Robert , Françoise Pierre , Robelin David , Schlötterer Christian , Futschik Andreas 
Published: January 2013

AbstractDue to its cost effectiveness, next generation sequencing of pools of individuals (Pool‐Seq) is becoming a popular strategy for genome‐wide estimation of allele frequencies in population samples. As the allele frequency spectrum provides information about past episodes of selection, Pool‐seq is also a promising design for genomic scans for selection. However, no software tool has yet been developed for selection scans based on Pool‐Seq data. We introduce Pool‐hmm, a Python program for the estimation of allele frequencies and the detection of selective sweeps in a Pool‐Seq sample. Pool‐hmm includes several options that allow a flexible analysis of Pool‐Seq data, and can be run in parallel on several processors. Source code and documentation for Pool‐hmm is freely available at https://qgsp.jouy.inra.fr/.
Serious complications associated with spinal and epidural anaesthesia in Finland from 2000 to 2009
Authors: PITKÄNEN M. T. , AROMAA U. , COZANITIS D. A. , FÖRSTER J. G. 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundAnalyses of closed claims provide insight into the characteristics of rare complications. Serious complications related to spinal and epidural blocks are relatively rare. In Finland, all malpractice cases are primarily handled by the Patient Insurance Centre (PIC) within a ‘no‐fault scheme’.MethodsAll claims attributed to central neuraxial blocks and settled by the PIC during the period, 2000–2009 were analysed. The number of spinal and epidural procedures performed during this time was estimated based on a questionnaire sent to all surgical hospitals in Finland in 2009, surveying the numbers and types of neuraxial blocks carried out in 2008.ResultsDuring the study period, 216 closed claims were flagged with spinal or epidural blocks. In 41 of 216 instances, the neuraxial block was apparently responsible for a serious (fatal or critical or lasting >1 year) complication. These included six fatalities and 13 epidural haematomata (two in conjunction with fondaparinux, three with excessive doses of low molecular weight heparins, six where present guidelines were not observed). Fatalities occurred in 1 : 775,000 spinals for surgery, 1 : 62,000 in epidurals for surgery or acute pain relief, 1 : 12,000 epidurals for chronic pain relief, 1 : 89,000 in combined spinal and epidural for surgery, and 1 : 144,000 epidurals for labour. The incidence of neuraxial haematoma after spinal block was 1 : 775,000, that for epidural block 1 : 26,400, and in the case of combined spinal and epidural, 1 : 17,800. Irrespective of the method of neuraxial technique, the majority of patients suffering serious complications were the elderly having comorbidities.ConclusionsIn this closed claims analysis, major problems related to neuraxial blocks were rare. Epidural or a combined spinal and epidural technique resulted in more complications than did spinal procedure.
Calibrating a camera trap–based biased mark–recapture sampling design to survey the leopard population in the N'wanetsi concession, Kruger National Park, South Africa
Authors: Maputla Nakedi W. , Chimimba Christian T. , Ferreira Sam M. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractEstimating large carnivore abundance can be challenging. A biased leopard (Panthera pardus) population survey was conducted in the N'wanetsi concession in the Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa, using motion‐sensitive camera traps from April to August 2008. Survey effort included 88 trapping occasions and 586 trap days. The survey yielded 24 leopard photographs, comprising fourteen adults of eleven males and three females. The capture rate was determined to be 24.4 trap days per leopard. Estimates of population abundance stabilized at approximately 500 trap days. Precision of population estimates began to stabilize after 378 trap days. We estimated that there were nineteen leopards in an area of 150 km2. Leopard density was estimated at 12.7 leopards per 100 km2. We explore the possibility of employing the methods used in this study to survey the leopard population in the KNP and surrounding areas.
Potential distribution of vulnerable Entandrophragma angolense (Welw.) C. DC. (Meliaceae) in East Africa
Authors: Mbatudde M. , Majaliwa G. , Eilu G. , Kakudidi E. , Dalitz H. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe various human‐induced threats imposed on nature have recently triggered the study of species' distributions. We developed potential suitability models using two algorithms for a threatened African mahogany, Entandrophragma angolense, in three East African countries; Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The effect of features selection and modelling algorithm selection on potential suitability predictions was explored. Occurrence records and high‐resolution environmental data were used. The two species distribution modelling techniques were genetic algorithm rule for prediction; and maximum entropy modelling. With Maxent, the area under the receiver characteristic operating curve (AUC) for potential distribution models tested on independent data ranged from 0.942 to 0.972 when using automatic features and from 0.974 to 0.666 with target or specific features. With GARP, AUC for potential distribution models ranged from 0.591 to 0.736 with all rule types and from 0.388 to 0.805 for specific rule types (Tables and ). The area under the E. angolense potential suitability was best predicted by soil, rainfall and aspect using GARP. Potential suitability increased with increasing aspect and decreased with increasing slope. Low rainfall and elevation increased potential suitability, while high levels of either variable decreased potential suitability. Potential suitability maps for vulnerable species require using a multi‐algorithm, fine scale data approach and incorporation of environmental variables like soil, slope, land use and elevation. Species distribution models can offer insight on the distribution requirements of vulnerable species and help guide the development of management plans. Results of this study suggest that E. angolense management plans should promote the protection of terrestrial forests surrounding water bodies including Mabira forest in Uganda.
Earth observation: overlooked potential to support species reintroduction programmes
Authors: Freemantle Terri P. , Wacher Tim , Newby John , Pettorelli Nathalie 
Published: January 2013

AbstractHabitat evaluation is considered an essential step for assessing the potential for an area to support a viable reintroduced population. Remote sensing techniques can support such investigations, by greatly enhancing the temporal and spatial coverage of habitat assessments. This study makes use of freely available earth observation data to evaluate the suitability of the Ouadi Rimé–Ouadi Achim Game Reserve in central Chad for the reintroduction of the Scimitar‐horned Oryx. The reserve was the last stronghold of the species within its historical range, prior to extinction in the wild in the 1980s, providing a basis for reintroduction. Results show that since the 1980s, there has been a steady increase in average annual precipitation and satellite‐derived estimates of primary production. The spatial downscaling of the average trend in primary production showed that the north of the protected area exhibited a drying trend over the period 1982–2008, while the south was associated with intense greening. As a result, the subdesert transition zone preferred by oryx is currently narrowing. If this is correct, this implies a potential reduction of favourable habitat for the oryx, which could have detrimental effects on the success of establishing a self‐sustaining reintroduced population.
Effects of restriction of wild herbivore movement on woody and herbaceous vegetation in the Okavango Delta Botswana
Authors: Cassidy Lin , Fynn Richard , Sethebe Bongani 
Published: January 2013

AbstractWe conducted herbaceous and woody vegetation surveys across Botswana's southern Okavango Buffalo Fence, which separates wildlife management from tribal grazing areas, to determine whether the restriction of herbivore movement by fencing has influenced vegetation composition, diversity and structure. We sampled herbaceous and woody vegetation at twenty paired sites every 2 km along the fence. For the herbaceous layer, ten 0.25 m2 quadrats were laid every 10 m perpendicular to the fence; while for the woody vegetation, variable quadrat plots were used. Paired t‐tests were run. Results show little difference in forb or grass composition between the two sides. However, the cover and diversity of many woody species were greatly reduced across most height classes on the wildlife management side. Overall woody cover on the wildlife side of the fence was nearly half that of the tribal grazing side (t = 2.83, P = 0.011, df = 19), while overall wood diversity was also significantly less on the wildlife side (t = 3.29, P = 0.004, df = 19). We conclude that the concentration of wildlife due to the fence, while improving habitat for some herbivore species, is having a detrimental effect on plant diversity in general.
Lentivirus‐Mediated bcl‐2 Gene Therapy Improves Function and Structure of Chemotherapy‐Damaged Ovaries in Wistar Rats
Authors: Wang Xuefeng , He Yuanli , Liu Mubiao , Fu Xiafei 
Published: January 2013

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the roles and mechanisms of lentivirus‐mediated bcl‐2 gene therapy in repairing the function and structure of chemotherapy‐damaged ovaries in rats.Method of StudyThe lentivirus vector carrying the bcl‐2 gene (pGC‐FU ‐EGFP‐bcl‐2) was constructed and condensed at a high titer. Wistar rats were divided into seven groups based on the treatment they were given: no treatment [the normal control (NC) group]; intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (the CTX group); bilateral ovarian injection of pGC‐FU‐EGFP‐bcl‐2 (the bcl‐2 group) or empty vector pGC‐FU‐EGFP (the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) group); bilateral ovarian injection of normal saline (the NS + CTX group), pGC‐FU‐EGFP (the EGFP + CTX group), or pGC‐FU‐EGFP‐bcl‐2 (the bcl‐2 + CTX group) followed by intraperitoneal injection of CTX. At 15, 30, 45, and 60 days after injection, the rats were killed, serum levels of estradiol (E2) and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) were detected by radioimmunoassay; ovarian structure and follicles were observed under a microscope, the apoptosis of granulosa cells was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyide transferase‐mediated biotin–dUTP biotin nick‐end labeling, and the expression of Bcl‐2 in the ovaries was detected by Western blotting.ResultsAfter the injection of pGC‐FU‐EGFP‐bcl‐2, the serum level of E2 was elevated, whereas that of FSH was dropped, follicles were increased, the CTX‐induced apoptosis of granulosa cells was inhibited, and the expression of Bcl‐2 was up‐regulated.ConclusionThe lentivirus‐mediated bcl‐2 gene therapy can improve ovarian function and structure damaged by chemotherapy and, therefore, might be a potential method to treat CTX‐induced pre‐mature ovarian failure.
Surgical management of placenta accreta: a 10‐year experience
Authors: Tan SE Grace , Jobling Thomas W , Wallace Euan M , Mcneilage L Jane , Manolitsas Thomas , Hodges Ryan J 
Published: January 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo examine maternal morbidity in primary surgical management of placenta accreta.DesignRetrospective case series.SettingQuaternary perinatal referral center in Melbourne, Australia.PopulationClinically suspected and histologically confirmed cases of placenta accreta, increta and percreta.MethodsWomen were identified from our hospital database coded for placenta accreta, increta, percreta and peripartum hysterectomy. Relevant details were sought from medical records.Main outcome measuresPredefined maternal morbidities: blood loss, transfusion requirements, surgical complications, reoperation rate, duration in hospital. Predefined neonatal outcomes: gestational age at birth, birth‐weight, admission to intensive (NICU) or special care nurseries (SCN), respiratory distress syndrome.ResultsBetween 1999 and 2009, 33 women were diagnosised with invasive placentation. A total of 27 were confirmed histologically after hysterectomy: 12 accreta, one increta, and 14 percreta. Median blood loss was 2 L. There was a 1.8‐L reduction in mean blood loss with elective vs. emergency hysterectomy (p = 0.04). Nearly two‐thirds of women required four or more units of packed red‐blood‐cells. Half of the women suffered from surgical complications, mostly from bladder injury. The risk of returning to theater for further surgery was 20%. Women with placenta percreta were more likely to require additional blood products (p = 0.03), sustain renal tract injury (p = 0.003) and require intensive care admission (p = 0.002).ConclusionsA primary surgical approach to management of placenta accreta is associated with significant maternal morbidity, even when managed in a dedicated quaternary perinatal referral center.
Novel Pulsatile Diagonal Pump for Pediatric Extracorporeal Life Support System
Authors: Wang Shigang , Kunselman Allen R. , Ündar Akif 
Published: January 2013

AbstractA novel pulsatile rotary flow pump has been used in clinical extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in Europe. The objective of this study is to evaluate the Medos Deltastream DP3 diagonal pump (Medos Medizintechnik AG, Stolberg, Germany) in a simulated pediatric ECLS system. The ECLS circuit consisted of a Medos Hilite 800LT hollow fiber membrane oxygenator (Medos Medizintechnik AG), a Medos Deltastream DP3 diagonal pump, a 10Fr Terumo TenderFlow Pediatric Arterial Cannula (Terumo Corporation, Tokyo, Japan), and an arterial/venous tubing. All trials were conducted at flow rates ranging from 200–800 mL/min (in 200 mL/min increments) under a blood temperature of 35°C using human blood (hematocrit 40%). The postcannula pressure was maintained 60 mm Hg by a Hoffman clamp. Real‐time pressure and flow data were recorded using a Labview‐based acquisition system (National Instruments, Austin, TX, USA). The results showed that the Medos Deltastream DP3 can generate effective pulsatile flow without backflow, provide higher flow rates and pressures than nonpulsatile flow, and then create surplus hemodynamic energy and more total hemodynamic energy than nonpulsatile flow. Pulsatility increased with increased speed differential values and flow rates, while the oxygenator pressure drop increased at an acceptable level. The Medos Deltastream DP3 diagonal pump can provide adequate quality of pulsatility without backflow, and generate more hemodynamic energy under pulsatile mode in a simulated pediatric ECLS system.
Continuous Monitoring of Inflammation Biomarkers During Simulated Cardiopulmonary Bypass Using a Microfluidic Immunoassay Device—A Pilot Study
Authors: Sasso Lawrence A. , Aran Kiana , Guan Yulong , Ündar Akif , Zahn Jeffrey D. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis work demonstrates the use of a continuous online monitoring system for tracking systemic inflammation biomarkers during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) procedures. The ability to monitor inflammation biomarkers during CPB will allow surgical teams to actively treat inflammation and reduce harmful effects on postoperative morbidity and mortality, enabling improved patient outcomes. A microfluidic device has been designed which allows automation of the individual processing steps of a microbead immunoassay to allow continuous tracking of antigen concentrations. Preliminary experiments have demonstrated that the results produced by the microimmunoassay are comparable to results produced from a standard enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (r = 0.98). Additionally, integration of the assay with a simulated CPB circuit has been demonstrated with temporal tracking of C3a concentrations within blood continuously sampled from the circuit. The presented work describes the motivation, design challenges, and preliminary experimental results of this project.
A Nonocclusive, Inexpensive Pediatric Pulsatile Roller Pump for Cardiopulmonary Bypass, Extracorporeal Life Support, and Left/Right Ventricular Assist Systems
Authors: Wang Shigang , Durandy Yves , Kunselman Allen R. , Ündar Akif 
Published: January 2013

AbstractA simple, inexpensive pediatric pulsatile roller blood pump has been utilized for routine cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) procedures, extracorporeal life support (ECLS), and left/right ventricular assist systems (LVAS/RVAS) for decades in France. This particular nonocclusive pulsatile system has many advantages including several safety features for patients as well as an extremely lower cost. The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of this particular system for CPB, ECLS, and LVAS/RVAS in pulsatile mode. This pediatric nonocclusive system was evaluated with pump flow rates of 500, 750, and 1000 mL/min under normothermic (35°C) and hypothermic (25°C) conditions in CPB, ECLS, and LVAS/RVAS circuits using clinical disposables and settings. Energy equivalent pressure (EEP), surplus homodynamic energy (SHE), and total hemodynamic energy (THE) were calculated for each experimental stage. The pump generated near physiological quality of pulsatile flow without backflow in the three simulated pediatric circuits. With increased flow rates, more hemodynamic energy was delivered to the pseudo patient. This particular nonocclusive pediatric pulsatile system performed well during all of the experimental conditions and generated adequate quality pulsatile pressure‐flow waveforms using CPB, ECLS, and LVAS/RVAS circuitry. Although this novel concept was first introduced in the 1990s, we believe that there is still need for this technology (with engineering modifications) because of significant advantages including safety and cost.
A published pharmacogenetic algorithm was poorly predictive of tacrolimus clearance in an independent cohort of renal transplant recipients
Authors: Boughton Oliver , Borgulya Gabor , Cecconi Maurizio , Fredericks Salim , Moreton‐Clack Michelle , MacPhee Iain A. M. 
Published: January 2013

AimsAn algorithm based on theCYP3A5genotype to predict tacrolimus clearance to inform the optimal initial dose was derived using data from theDeKAFstudy (Passeyet al. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2011; 72: 948–57) but was not tested in an independent cohort of patients. Our aim was to test whether theDeKAFdosing algorithm could predict estimated tacrolimus clearance in renal transplant recipients at our centre.MethodsPredicted tacrolimus clearance based on theDeKAFalgorithm was compared with dose‐normalized trough whole‐blood concentrations (estimated clearance) on day 7 after transplantation in a single‐centre cohort of 255 renal transplant recipients.ResultsThere was a weak correlation (r= 0.431) between clearance based on dose‐normalized trough whole‐blood concentrations andDeKAFalgorithm‐predicted clearance. The means of the tacrolimus clearance predicted by theDeKAFalgorithm and the estimated tacrolimus clearance based on the dose‐normalized trough blood concentrations were plotted against the differences in the clearance as aBland–Altman plot. Logarithmic transformation was performed owing to the increased difference in tacrolimus clearance as the mean clearance increased. There was a highly significant systematic error (P< 0.0005) characterized by a sloped regression line [gradient, 0.88 (95% confidence interval, 0.75–1.01)] on theBland–Altman plot.ConclusionsTheDeKAFalgorithm was unable to predict the estimated tacrolimus clearance accurately based on real tacrolimus doses and blood concentrations in our cohort of patients. Other genes are known to influence the clearance of tacrolimus, and a polygenic algorithm may be more predictive than those based on a single genotype.
Second‐language learners’ advantage in metalinguistic awareness: A question of languages’ characteristics
Authors: Reder Fanny , Marec‐Breton Nathalie , Gombert Jean‐Emile , Demont Elisabeth 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundThe awareness of the formal structure of language has been widely studied in the literature but less in a bilingualism context. Even less with second‐language learners (SLL) who are acquiring their second language (L2) and are not considered as bilinguals.AimsThis study aimed at providing an investigation of young SLL's skills in phonological, morphological and syntactic awareness.SamplesNinety‐five French first graders participated in our study. Children were divided into two groups: monolinguals versus SLL of German (i.e., L1 = French, L2 = German).MethodBoth groups completed two phonological tasks (i.e., phonological categorization and deletion). They also completed four morphological tasks evaluating their morphological awareness on two distinct aspects (i.e., affixes and compounds). Finally, they were evaluated on a syntactic awareness task.ResultsThe main findings highlighted a bilingual superiority for compounds morphological and syntactic awareness but not for affixes morphological and phonological awareness.ConclusionsThe second‐language learning advantage was observed on dimensions distinguishing the two languages (i.e., compounds morphology and syntax) but not on shared affixes morphological and phonological dimensions. Thus, results are discussed in light of languages' characteristics and bilingualism proficiency.