bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physical activity as a risk factor for prostate cancer diagnosis: a prospective biopsy cohort analysis
Authors: De Nunzio Cosimo , Presicce Fabrizio , Lombardo Riccardo , Cancrini Fabiana , Petta Stefano , Trucchi Alberto , Gacci Mauro , Cindolo Luca , Tubaro Andrea 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesTo assess the association between physical activity, evaluated by the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) questionnaire, and prostate cancer risk in a consecutive series of men undergoing prostate biopsy.Patients and MethodFrom 2011 onwards, consecutive men undergoing 12‐core prostate biopsy were enrolled into a prospective database. Indications for a prostatic biopsy were a prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) value of ≥4 ng/mL and/or a positive digital rectal examination. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumferences were measured before the biopsy. Fasting blood samples were collected before biopsy and tested for: total PSA, glucose, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and trygliceride levels. Blood pressure was recorded. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was defined according to the Adult Treatment panel III. The PASE questionnaire was completed before the biopsy.ResultsIn all, 286 patients were enrolled with a median (interquartile range, IQR) age and PSA level of 68 (62–74) years and 6.1 (5–8.8) ng/mL, respectively. The median (IQR) BMI was 26.4 (24.6–29) kg/m2 and waist circumference was 102 (97–108) cm, with 75 patients (26%) presenting with MetS. In all, 106 patients (37%) had prostate cancer at biopsy. Patients with prostate cancer had higher PSA levels (median [IQR] 6.7 [5–10] vs 5.6 [4.8–8] ng/mL; P = 0.007) and lower LogPASE scores (median [IQR] 2.03 [1.82–2.18] vs 2.10 [1.92–2.29]; P = 0.005). On multivariate analysis, in addition to well‐recognised risk factors such as age, PSA level and prostate volume, LogPASE score was an independent risk factor for prostate cancer diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] 0.146, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.037–0.577; P = 0.006]. LogPASE score was also an independent predictor of high‐grade cancer (OR 0.07, 95% CI 0.006–0.764; P = 0.029).ConclusionIn our single‐centre study, increased physical activity, evaluated by the PASE questionnaire, is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer and of high‐grade prostate cancer at biopsy. Further studies should clarify the molecular pathways behind this association.
From regional to global patterns in vertebrate scavenger communities subsidized by big game hunting
Authors: Mateo‐Tomás Patricia , Olea Pedro P. , Moleón Marcos , Vicente Joaquín , Botella Francisco , Selva Nuria , Viñuela Javier , Sánchez‐Zapata José Antonio 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimAnthropogenic food subsidies are increasingly present in ecosystems, but their impacts remain poorly understood. Big game hunting is a growing activity that annually subsidizes ecosystems with tonnes of carrion world‐wide. By feeding on carrion, scavengers support key ecosystem functions and services, becoming key vectors to transfer the impacts of human‐mediated food subsidies across ecosystems. We characterize and compare the structure of vertebrate communities feeding on these subsidies, namely big game hunting remains, at a global scale.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe collected data from a countrywide field study in Spain and broadened it up to nine regions in four continents by reviewing scientific literature. We analysed the structure of the scavenger communities considering species composition, richness and scavenging frequency.ResultsSeventy‐nine vertebrate species, 19% globally threatened, scavenged food subsidies from big game hunting world‐wide. Scavenger richness (2.0–11.0% of vertebrates/region) positively correlated with total vertebrate richness. Although scavenger communities at hunting remains varied among regions, we describe a general structural pattern. Birds and mammals dominate consumption, with birds scavenging twice more frequently than mammals – but more mammal species scavenge compared to birds. Generalists dominate scavenging globally, especially where the presence of obligate scavengers (vultures) and apex predators (e.g. wolves, hyenas, eagles) is low.Main conclusionsAnthropogenic food from hunting subsidizes many vertebrate species from different trophic levels and conservation status and thus is expected to affect from populations to ecosystems. Obligate scavengers and apex predators seem to play a key role structuring the scavenger community through top‐down mechanisms. The general structure of scavenger communities we describe here provides a benchmark for comparisons of subsidized and non‐subsidized communities. More data on the spatio‐temporal availability of anthropogenic food subsidies and their consumption by scavengers world‐wide are needed to efficiently preserve biodiversity, and the associated ecological functions and services, in increasingly subsidized ecosystems.
THE HOME MARKET EFFECT IN INTERNATIONAL ARMS TRADE
Authors: Tocoian Oana 
Published: April 2015

AbstractI show that military spending contributes to international arms proliferation through a push effect: large demand encourages production growth in the domestic market if transport costs are non‐negligible. Under increasing returns to scale, the country can then supply weapons on the global market at low prices. This is a manifestation of the home market effect (HME), which states that countries with higher demand for a differentiated good will be net exporters of that good. I construct a monopolistic competition model of international trade that accounts for differences in demand across countries, and test its predictions using post‐Cold War data. (JEL F1, H5, R1)
Traumatic coccygeal luxation and distal amputation of the tail of an Appaloosa mare
Authors: McMaster M. , Munsterman A. , Albanese V. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryA 17‐year‐old Appaloosa mare presented to the emergency service for acute, traumatic, partial amputation of the tail at the level of the ninth coccygeal vertebra. The patient did not have tail or anal tone and did not respond to sharp stimulation of skin in the perineal region. Two grade 1 rectal tears were found during rectal palpation. Radiographs revealed dislocation of the second (Cd2) and third (Cd3) caudal vertebrae. The patient was treated with antibiotics, an anti‐inflammatory drug and stall confinement. The ninth caudal vertebra was surgically removed to facilitate closure of skin over the wound. When the mare was discharged after 7 days of hospitalisation, she had regained partial sensation of the perineum and partial function of the internal and external anal sphincters. At re‐evaluation one year following injury, the mare was able to move her tail laterally and had regained sensation of her perineum and tail; however, she still was unable to lift her tail.
Geriatric conditions, rather than multimorbidity, as predictors of disability and mortality among octogenarians: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Lu Feng‐Ping , Chang Wen‐Chiung , Wu Shwu‐Chong 
Published: April 2015

AimTo examine the impact of geriatric conditions and multimorbidity on the risk of incident disability and mortality among young‐old and old‐old adults.MethodsThe present study used nationally‐representative data from the “Survey of Health and Living Status of the Elderly in Taiwan” for the years 2003 and 2007. Non‐disabled older adults were divided into two age groups (65–79 years and ≥80 years). Chronic morbidities and geriatric conditions were assessed in 2003. Incident disability was defined as dependency in one or more activities of daily living in 2007. Vital statistics of the participants was linked to death registration data through 31 December 2007. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox regression were used to determine the effect of multimorbidity and geriatric conditions on health outcomes.ResultsAmong those aged 65–79 years (n = 1874), the presentation of multimorbidity or two or more geriatric conditions was related to incident disability. Among octogenarians, the presentation of one or more geriatric conditions, but not multimorbidity, was shown to be independently associated with the risk of disability. Multimorbidity was related to a higher adjusted risk of mortality in the young‐old group (hazard ratio 1.54; 95% confidence interval 1.1–2.2) but not in the old‐old group. Among octogenarians, those with two or more geriatric conditions had a higher adjusted risk of mortality (hazard ratio 1.7; 95% confidence interval 1.2–2.5), compared with those with 0–1 geriatric conditions.ConclusionsThe risk of incident disability and mortality increased in octogenarians with geriatric conditions, but not in cases with multimorbidity. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 16: 345–351.
Can percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy be carried out safely in the elderly?
Authors: Oh Dong Jun , Kim Bernice , Lee Jun Kyu , Kang Hyoun Woo , Kim Jae Hak , Lim Yun Jeong , Koh Moon‐Soo , Lee Jin Ho 
Published: April 2015

AimPercutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is carried out commonly for patients with dysphagia. Clinicians, however, are often reluctant to carry out PEG in the elderly because of concerns about complications and short life expectancy. The present study aimed to assess the safety of PEG in elderly patients.MethodsThe medical records of 116 patients who received PEG from October 2005 to May 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. Among them, 63 patients were aged 65 years and older (the elderly group), and 53 were aged less than 65 years (the younger group).ResultsBaseline characteristics showed no significant difference in both groups, except that pulmonary comorbidities was more common in the elderly group (P = 0.003). Overall, PEG‐related complications occurred in 23 (19.8%) patients. Wound infections were the most common (15 patients), and followed by gastrointestinal bleeding, esophageal injury, pneumomediastinum and buried bumper syndrome. Although there was no difference in the overall complications, wound infections were less frequent in the elderly group than in the younger group (4 [6.3%] out of 63 vs 11 [20.8%] out of 53, P = 0.027). There were 17 (14.7%) cases of mortality, with three patients (2.5%) dying within 30 days after the procedure and the causes of deaths were unrelated to PEG. No significant difference in mortality rate was observed between the two groups (13 [20.6%] vs 4 [7.5%], P = 0.065).ConclusionsPEG can be carried out safely in elderly patients, as procedure‐related complications and mortality did not increase compared with those of younger patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 481‐485.
MRI‐Based Measurement of Brain Stem Cross‐Sectional Area in Relapsing‐Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Chivers Tomos R. , Constantinescu Cris S. , Tench Christopher R. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTPURPOSETo determine if patients with relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) have a reduced brain stem cross‐sectional area (CSA) compared to age‐ and sex‐matched controls. The brain stem is a common site of involvement in MS. However, relatively few imaging studies have investigated brain stem atrophy.METHODSBrain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on patients and controls using a 1.5T MRI scanner with a quadrature head coil. Three‐dimensional magnetization‐prepared rapid acquisition gradient‐echo (MPRAGE) images with 128 contiguous slices, covering the whole brain and brain stem and a T2‐weighted image with 3 mm transverse contiguous images were acquired. We measured the brain stem CSA at three sites, the midbrain, the pons, and the medulla oblongata in 35 RRMS patients and 35 controls using a semiautomated algorithm. CSA readings were normalized using the total external cranial volume to reduce normal population variance and increase statistical power.RESULTSA significant CSA reduction was found in the midbrain (P ≤ .001), pons (P ≤ .001), and the medulla oblongata (P = .047) postnormalization. A CSA reduction of 9.3% was found in the midbrain, 8.7% in the pons, and 6.5% in the medulla oblongata.CONCLUSIONSA significantly reduced, normalized brain stem CSA was detected in all areas of the brain stem of the RRMS patients, when compared to age‐ and gender‐matched controls. Lack of detectable upper cervical cord atrophy in the same patients suggests some independence of the MS pathology in these regions.
Sonographic Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter: A Simple and Rapid Tool to Assess the Neurologic Prognosis After Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Ueda Takeshi , Ishida Eri , Kojima Yusuke , Yoshikawa Satoshi , Yonemoto Hitoshi 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThe early prediction of hypoxic encephalopathy after cardiac arrest is challenging. Measurement of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) by using sonography is a straightforward, noninvasive technique to detect an increased intracranial pressure, which can even be conducted at the bedside. However, it remains unknown whether or not sonographic ONSD measurement is valuable as a prognostic indicator of hypoxic encephalopathy.METHODSSeventeen patients after cardiac arrest were retrospectively enrolled in this study. ONSD measurements 3 mm behind the papilla were recorded. A Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 4 or above was considered to indicate a favorable prognosis.RESULTSThe mean ONSD associated with a favorable prognosis was 5.0 mm (4.4‐6.1 mm). The ONSD associated with a poor prognosis was 6.1 mm (5.4‐7.2 mm). ONSD less than or equal to 5.4 mm was an indicator of a favorable prognosis, with a sensitivity of 83%, specificity of 73%, positive likelihood ratio of 3.1, and negative likelihood ratio of .23.CONCLUSIONSSonographic ONSD measurement is a simple, rapid technique to assess the neurological prognosis after cardiac arrest.
Brain Hyperechogenicities are not Associated with Venous Insufficiency in Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Neurosonology Study
Authors: Krogias Christos , Gold Ralf , Chan Andrew , Triantafyllou Nikos , Voumvourakis Konstantinos , Tsivgoulis Georgios 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThe “venous hypothesis” of multiple sclerosis (MS) postulates that intracranial venous congestion disintegrates the blood‐brain barrier, resulting in iron accumulation in brain parenchyma triggering the inflammatory process of MS. Transcranial sonography (TCS) reveals brain parenchyma hyperechogenic alterations (BPHA) that are thought to reflect iron accumulation. We sought to investigate potential association of BPHA with chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) in MS.METHODSMS patients were evaluated according to established TCS protocol for extrapyramidal disorders examining the presence of hyperechogenicities in different basal ganglia regions. Cerebral and cervical venous system was assessed according to proposed ultrasound protocol for CCSVI detection.RESULTSIn a total of 32 MS patients (age = 40 ± 14 years; male = 41%; EDSS‐score = 3.1 ± 2.2) brain parenchyma hyperechogenic alterations were detected in twelve (38%) patients. The two sonographers agreed independently in 28 (87.5%) of the 32 examinations, resulting in a substantial to almost perfect agreement (Cohen's weighted kappa: substantia nigra = 0.904, Lentiform nucleus = 0.871, Thalamus = 0.784, caudate nucleus = 0.651). Two (6%) patients fulfilled the neurosonology criteria of CCSVI, while in 7 patients (22%) one positive criterion was detected. No BPHA were observed in any MS patient fulfilling CCSVI criteria. The prevalence of one positive CCSVI feature did not differ (P = .999) among patients with present (25%) or absent (20%) BPHA.CONCLUSIONThere was no association of BPHA with CCSVI findings. Our findings do not support the “venous hypothesis” resulting in iron accumulation even in the few MS patients fulfilling CCSVI‐criteria.
Renegotiating Aquinas
Authors: Cahill Lisa Sowle 
Published: April 2015

AbstractWhile Roman Catholic feminist ethicists typically endorse moral realism and crosscultural standards of justice, they also have been influenced by the postmodern interrogation of abstract reason and moral universalism. As theologians writing after the Second Vatican Council, they are increasingly sensitive to the communal and ecclesial dimensions of morality and of Christian ethics, and to the integral relation of Christian faith and ethics. This essay will consider two approaches to Catholic feminist ethics that differ in the relative weight they give to constructive work for social justice (realist gender justice ethics), or to the grounding of ethics in prayer and mysticism (postmodern gendered faith ethics). Using critical feminist reappropriations of the theology and ethics of Aquinas as examples, this essay will argue that the two approaches are overlapping and interdependent.
The Cry of the Forgotten Stones
Authors: Omer Atalia 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBased on extensive archival work, this essay assesses the contribution of a Palestinian liberation theology (PLT) to a comprehensive view of peacebuilding that involves not only liberation from oppressive occupation but also a holistic vision and strategy for attaining just societal structures. Emerging out of the victim's viewpoint, aPLTis consistent with a multiperspectival approach to justice. It articulates a call for a holistic transformation of the interrelations between Jews and Palestinians, envisioning a just peace that must entail a re‐framing of geopolitical structures as well as ideological discourses that vindicate systemic and symbolic violence against the Palestinians. However, the author shows that aPLTis asymmetrical: while it challenges the theopolitical affinities between Christian and Jewish Zionists and the structural injustices and social mechanisms they endorse, it refrains from contesting the symbolic boundaries of a Palestinian national identity. This bears important implications for the broader debate concerning the role of religion in peacebuilding. The author argues that the limits of aPLTas a peacebuilding framework relate to its conceptual reliance on an unreconstructed secularist interpretation of a future Palestinian state and on its elective affinity with a supersessionist and theological orientation that, by definition, hermeneutically de‐Zionizes the Bible and its interpretations.
Population Structure and Development of Resistance to Hymexazol Among Fusarium solani Populations from Date Palm, Citrus and Cucumber
Authors: Al‐Sadi Abdullah M. , Al‐Masoodi Ruqaya S. , Al‐Ismaili Majid , Al‐Mahmooli Issa H. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractA study was conducted to investigate genetic diversity and sensitivity to hymexazol among 80 isolates of Fusarium solani complex obtained from date palm (30), citrus (31) and cucumber (19). Characterization based on sequences of the EF1α and ITS rRNA showed that isolates belong to F. solani complex MLST type 3 + 4. AFLP analysis produced 980 polymorphic loci, 80 AFLP genotypes and moderate levels of genetic diversity (H = 0.2494). Clustering of the isolates was not related to the host or the geographical origin of the isolates. Analysis of molecular variance (amova) indicated the existence of a low level of genetic differentiation among populations obtained from different hosts (Fst = 0.0162) and regions (Fst = 0.0066). This may provide evidence for frequent movement of inoculum among hosts and regions in Oman, which could be attributed to cultural practices employed by farmers. Isolates of F. solani displayed variation in sensitivity to hymexazol, with EC50 values ranging from 2 to 5745 μg/ml (mean = 878 μg/ml); 19% of the isolates have an EC50 value of more than 1000 μg/ml. Findings are discussed in terms of the factors that affect diversity in F. solani isolates. The study reports for the first time the development of resistance to hymexazol among F. solani isolates from date palm, citrus and cucumber.
Evaluation of an oesophageal Doppler device for monitoring cardiac output in anaesthetised healthy normotensive dogs
Authors: Canfrán S. , Cediel R. , Sández I. , Caro‐Vadillo A. , Gómez de Segura I. A. 
Published: April 2015

OBJECTIVESTo compare cardiac output measured by oesophageal Doppler and by thermodilution monitoring and to correlate the Doppler cardiac output‐generated minute distance with thermodilution cardiac output in healthy anaesthetised beagle dogs.MATERIALS AND METHODSProspective experimental study. Six healthy adult beagle dogs were pre‐medicated with intramuscular acepromazine (0 · 05 mg/kg) and methadone (0 · 3 mg/kg). Anaesthesia was induced with intravenous propofol (dose‐effect) and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. Simultaneously, a constant rate infusion of dopamine (3 µg/kg/minute) was administered to the dogs to prevent hypotension. The minute distance, Doppler and thermodilution cardiac outputs were assessed at three different end‐tidal concentrations of isoflurane (1 · 0, 1 · 3 and 2 · 0%).RESULTSCorrelation between Doppler and thermodilution cardiac output (r2 = 0 · 582) and between minute distance and thermodilution cardiac output (r2 = 0 · 658) were moderately good, but the limits of agreement between Doppler and thermodilution cardiac outputs were above the recommended values (±39%, for a recommended value up to 30%).CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEDoppler and minute distance cannot be considered as an alternative method to thermodilution to monitor cardiac output in the healthy anaesthetised dog.
Mash‐Up Songs: Are There Any Exceptions to the Exclusive Rights in the Light of the Jordanian Copyright Protection and Related Rights Law?
Authors: Madi Ramzi 
Published: April 2015

This article focuses on the phenomenon of mash‐up songs. The paper highlights the exclusive rights of authors and audio recordings producers under the Jordanian Copyright Protection and Related Rights Law (No. 22 of 1992) and its latest amendments in 2014. I will refer to UK, US, Australian and Canadian laws and case laws because there is no judicial precedent in Jordan relating to mash‐up songs, and Jordan as a developing country shall benefit from the experience of other jurisdictions, in this field.One of the exceptions and limitations to exclusive rights, that is, fair use defence was developed in England in the eighteenth century and the United States in the nineteenth century in Folsom v Marsh case. Moreover, the Canadian Copyright Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. C‐42) has recently added a “mash‐up exception”, therefore, it would be interesting to refer in brief, to the above exception. I will distinguish between the exclusive rights of authors and audio recordings producers that are applicable to mash‐ups. My aim in this paper is to determine whether there are any exceptions and limitations to these exclusive rights. This article concludes by recommending the inclusion of mash‐up exceptions to the Jordanian law.
The effects of morbid obesity on maternal and neonatal health outcomes: a systematic review and meta‐analyses
Authors: Lutsiv O. , Mah J. , Beyene J. , McDonald S. D. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryMorbidly obese (Class III, body mass index [BMI] ≥ 40 kg m−2) women constitute 8% of reproductive‐aged women and are an increasing proportion; however, their pregnancy risks have not yet been well understood. Hence, we performed meta‐analyses following the MOOSE (Meta‐Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guideline, searching Medline and Embase from their inceptions. To examine graded relationships, we compared Class III obesity to Class I and I/II, and separately to normal weight. We found important effects on all three primary outcomes in morbidly obese women: preterm birth <37 weeks was 31% higher compared with Class I (relative risk [RR] 1.31 [1.19, 1.43]) and 20% higher than Class I/II (RR 1.20 [1.13, 1.27]), large‐for‐gestational age was higher (RR 1.37 [1.29, 1.45] and RR 1.30 [1.24, 1.36] compared with Class I and I/II, respectively), while small‐for‐gestational age was lower (RR 0.89 [0.84, 0.93] compared with Class I, with nearly identical reductions for Class I/II). Morbidly obese women have higher risks of preterm birth, large‐for‐gestational age and numerous other adverse maternal and infant health outcomes, relative to not only normal weight but also Class I or I/II obese women. These findings have important implications for screening and care of morbidly obese pregnant women, to try to decrease adverse outcomes.