bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bayes Hilbert Spaces
Authors: van den Boogaart Karl Gerald , Egozcue Juan José , Pawlowsky‐Glahn Vera 
Published: June 2014

SummaryA Bayes linear space is a linear space of equivalence classes of proportional σ‐finite measures, including probability measures. Measures are identified with their density functions. Addition is given by Bayes' rule and substraction by Radon–Nikodym derivatives. The present contribution shows the subspace of square‐log‐integrable densities to be a Hilbert space, which can include probability and infinite measures, measures on the whole real line or discrete measures. It extends the ideas from the Hilbert space of densities on a finite support towards Hilbert spaces on general measure spaces. It is also a generalisation of the Euclidean structure of the simplex, the sample space of random compositions. In this framework, basic notions of mathematical statistics get a simple algebraic interpretation. A key tool is the centred‐log‐ratio transformation, a generalization of that used in compositional data analysis, which maps the Hilbert space of measures into a subspace of square‐integrable functions. As a consequence of this structure, distances between densities, orthonormal bases, and Fourier series representing measures become available. As an application, Fourier series of normal distributions and distances between them are derived, and an example related to grain size distributions is presented. The geometry of the sample space of random compositions, known as Aitchison geometry of the simplex, is obtained as a particular case of the Hilbert space when the measures have discrete and finite support.
Systematic review: the treatment of muscle cramps in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Vidot H. , Carey S. , Allman‐Farinelli M. , Shackel N. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryBackgroundUp to 88% of patients with hepatic cirrhosis experience painful muscle cramps resulting in sleep deprivation and impaired quality of life. Management is often based on poor evidence with varying degrees of success in controlling the frequency and severity of muscle cramps in this group.AimTo review systematically the treatment options for muscle cramps in cirrhosis.MethodsA systematic review of the relevant databases to identify treatments for muscle cramps in patients with hepatic cirrhosis was performed. Studies meeting the selection criteria were reviewed and quality of the papers was rated using a validated quality rating scale. The results for each treatment are reported.ResultsEighteen publications were identified as eligible for inclusion in this systematic review. The majority (n = 15) of these were treatment/intervention reports. Only three randomised‐control studies were identified. A wide range of treatments were identified including zinc, 1‐α‐hydroxy vitamin D, vitamin E, branched chain amino acids, taurine, l‐carnitine, nuiche‐shen‐qi‐wen, eperisone hydrochloride, intravenous albumin and quinidine. There were some reported improvements in muscle cramps with most interventions with the exception of vitamin E but the evidence predominantly relies on case study reports. There is a lack of randomised‐controlled clinical studies to support using these interventions.ConclusionsThere appear to be a number of promising treatments for muscle cramps in cirrhosis. However, there remains a need for further double‐blinded, randomised, controlled clinical investigations to support routine use of these interventions to treat muscle cramps in patients with hepatic cirrhosis.
Psychometric validation of symptom severity measures in irritable bowel syndrome with constipation
Authors: Williams V. S. L. , Nelson L. M. , Fehnel S. E. , MacDougall J. , Carson R. T. , Tourkodimitris S. , Kurtz C. , Baird M. J. , Johnston J. M. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryBackgroundHistorically, measures of symptom severity of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS‐C) in clinical trials have not met the evidence requirements described in the FDA guidance on patient‐reported outcomes (PROs), which describes the evidentiary requirements and review criteria for patient‐reported outcome measures intended to support product approval or labelling claims.AimData from two phase 3 trials (N = 1608) of linaclotide for the treatment of IBS‐C were analysed to evaluate the psychometric properties of patient‐reported outcome measures assessing changes in the severity of abdominal and bowel symptoms.MethodsA set of patient‐reported outcome assessments addressing abdominal and bowel symptoms, the IBS‐C Symptom Severity Measures, were administered daily using interactive voice response system technology. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), Pearson correlations, factor analyses, F‐tests and effect sizes were computed to evaluate the reliability, construct validity, discriminating ability and responsiveness of the IBS‐C Symptom Severity Measures in a clinical trial context.ResultsThe IBS‐C Symptom Severity Measures showed highly satisfactory test–retest reliability (ICCs ranging from 0.79 to 0.95) and construct validity. Factor analyses indicated one factor for abdominal symptoms and another for bowel symptoms. Known‐groups F‐tests comparing subgroups based on various responder definitions were statistically significant and in the expected direction, substantiating the discriminating ability of the IBS‐C Symptom Severity Measures. Responsiveness statistics (ranging from 0.6 to 2.1) demonstrated these measures are also capable of detecting change.ConclusionsThe psychometric analysis results strongly support the reliability, construct validity, discriminating ability and responsiveness of the IBS‐C Symptom Severity Measures and substantiate the conclusion of linaclotide treatment benefit.
Lower regional and temporal ultraviolet exposure is associated with increased rates and severity of inflammatory bowel disease hospitalisation
Authors: Limketkai B. N. , Bayless T. M. , Brant S. R. , Hutfless S. M. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryBackgroundIn the northern hemisphere, the incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) has a north–south gradient, suggesting a link between ultraviolet (UV) exposure or vitamin D status and the pathogenesis of IBD.AimTo test the association of UV exposure with the rates and severity of IBD hospitalisation.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective nationwide analysis of 649 932 Crohn's disease (CD), 384 267 ulcerative colitis (UC), and 288 894 297 non‐IBD hospitalisations in the US between 1998 and 2010. Mean UV exposure was assigned to each hospitalisation using surface measures from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Relative rates across UV exposures were estimated for IBD hospitalisations, prolonged hospitalisations, bowel surgeries and deaths.ResultsAmong IBD patients, lower UV exposures had increased hospitalisation rates for CD (217.8 vs. 182.5 per 100 000 overall hospitalisations with low and very high UV, respectively; P trend <0.001) and UC (123.2 vs. 113.8 per 100 000; P trend = 0.033). Low UV groups had greater relative rates of prolonged hospitalisations [CD: 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–1.19; UC: 1.21, 95% CI 1.13–1.30], bowel surgeries (CD: 1.24, 95% CI 1.16–1.32; UC: 1.21, 95% CI 1.09–1.33), and CD deaths (CD: 1.76, 95% CI 1.14–2.71; UC: 1.24, 95% CI 0.92–1.67). Among non‐IBD patients, low UV was associated with prolonged hospitalisations (1.09; 95% CI 1.07–1.11) and deaths (1.13; 95% CI 1.09–1.17), but not bowel surgeries (1.01; 95% CI 0.99–1.03).ConclusionsLower ultraviolet exposure is associated with greater rates of hospitalisation, prolonged hospitalisation and the need for bowel surgery in IBD. This trend for bowel surgery was not seen with non‐IBD encounters.
An audit to evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement in patients with learning disabilities
Authors: Ayres Lachlan , Black Chris , Scheepers Mark , Shaw Ian 
Published: June 2014

Accessible Summary

Patients with severe learning disabilities may lose weight and become malnourished for a variety of reasons.

Insertion of a feeding tube through the abdomen, directly into the stomach can provide a reliable and permanent route for nutrition to be delivered.

Our study of 42 patients has shown that in every case the procedure was performed following a team based assessment of each patient, as is recommended by national advisory groups.

We found that the procedure is generally very safe but can require a general anaesthetic.

However, complications relating to problems with the feeding tube were very common, and some patients did not gain weight.

It is unclear from the literature what effect this intervention has on quality of life and we did not assess this in our study.

SummaryPercutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy insertion is an effective method of providing enteral nutrition to patients with neurologically unsafe swallowing or failure of feeding. Patients with severe learning disabilities may develop unsafe swallowing and benefit from percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement. It is unclear whether this intervention improves quality of life. We aimed to describe the efficacy and safety of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy insertion in patients with learning disabilities and determine whether multidisciplinary team assessment occurred as per British Society of Gastroenterology recommendations. We performed a retrospective case note audit of 42 patients with severe learning disabilities who underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy insertion. Forty two patients underwent 117 procedures: 38 index percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy insertions, 43 percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy replacements, 35 percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy replacements and 1 percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy removal [six procedures (5.1%) were unsuccessful]. General anaesthetic was required for 34 (29%) procedures. Mean weight pre‐percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was 39.8 kg and mean weight after a median follow‐up of 21.5 months was 46.1 kg (mean weight gain = 2.3 kg). Thirty day mortality was zero. Complications were common (74%) and included perforation n = 1, aspiration pneumonia n = 13, tube displacement n = 10, and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy site infection n = 4. In two cases of unsuccessful percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy insertion, surgical feeding gastrostomy was required. Ongoing vomiting occurred in six patients (14.3%) prompting conversion to percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy in five cases. A best interests meeting or multidisciplinary team assessment occurred for all patients. In this cohort, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement appears to be safe and results in a modest weight gain. Complications occur in the majority. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy should be considered for those with ongoing vomiting.
Failure of Perivascular Drainage of β‐amyloid in Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
Authors: Hawkes Cheryl A. , Jayakody Nimeshi , Johnston David A. , Bechmann Ingo , Carare Roxana O. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIn Alzheimer's disease, amyloid‐β (Aβ) accumulates as insoluble plaques in the brain and deposits in blood vessel walls as cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). The severity of CAA correlates with the degree of cognitive decline in dementia. The distribution of Aβ in the walls of capillaries and arteries in CAA suggests that Aβ is deposited in the perivascular pathways by which interstitial fluid drains from the brain. Soluble Aβ from the extracellular spaces of gray matter enters the basement membranes of capillaries and drains along the arterial basement membranes that surround smooth muscle cells toward the leptomeningeal arteries. The motive force for perivascular drainage is derived from arterial pulsations combined with the valve effect of proteins present in the arterial basement membranes. Physical and biochemical changes associated with arteriosclerosis, aging and possession of apolipoprotein E4 genotype lead to a failure of perivascular drainage of soluble proteins, including Aβ. Perivascular cells associated with arteries and the lymphocytes recruited in the perivenous spaces contribute to the clearance of Aβ. The failure of perivascular clearance of Aβ may be a major factor in the accumulation of Aβ in CAA and may have significant implications for the design of therapeutics for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
PKC inhibition results in a Kv1.5 + Kvβ1.3 pharmacology closer to Kv1.5 channels
Authors: Macías A , de la Cruz A , Prieto A , Peraza D A , Tamkun M M , González T , Valenzuela C 
Published: June 2014

Background and PurposeThe Kvβ1.3 subunit modifies the gating and pharmacology of Kv1.5 channels in a PKC‐dependent manner, decreasing channel sensitivity to bupivacaine‐ and quinidine‐mediated blockade. Cardiac Kv1.5 channels associate with receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1), the Kvβ1.3 subunit and different PKC isoforms, resulting in the formation of a functional channelosome. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of PKC inhibition on bupivacaine and quinidine block of Kv1.5 + Kvβ1.3 channels.Experimental ApproachHEK293 cells were transfected with Kv1.5 + Kvβ1.3 channels, and currents were recorded using the whole‐cell configuration of the patch‐clamp technique. PKC inhibition was achieved by incubating the cells with either calphostin C or bisindolylmaleimide II and the effects of bupivacaine and quinidine were analysed.Key ResultsThe voltage‐dependent inactivation of Kv1.5 + Kvβ1.3 channels and their pharmacological behaviour after PKC inhibition with calphostin C were similar to those displayed by Kv1.5 channels alone. Indeed, the IC50 values for bupivacaine were similar in cells whose PKC was inhibited with calphostin C or bisindolylmaleimide II. Similar results were also observed in the presence of quinidine.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe finding that the voltage‐dependence of inactivation and the pharmacology of Kv1.5 + Kvβ1.3 channels after PKC inhibition resembled that observed in Kv1.5 channels suggests that both processes are dependent on PKC‐mediated phosphorylation. These results may have clinical relevance in diseases that are characterized by alterations in kinase activity.
Sedimentology, provenance and geochronology of the upper Cretaceous–lower Eocene western Xigaze forearc basin, southern Tibet
Authors: Orme Devon A. , Carrapa Barbara , Kapp Paul 
Published: June 2014

AbstractLocated on the southern margin of the Lhasa terrane in southern Tibet, the Xigaze forearc basin records Cretaceous to lower Eocene sedimentation along the southern margin of Asia, prior to and during the initial stages of continental collision with the Tethyan Himalaya in the Early Eocene. We present new measured stratigraphic sections, totalling 4.5 km stratigraphic thickness, from a 60 km E–W segment of the western portion of the Xigaze forearc basin, northeast of the Lopu Kangri Range (29.8007° N, 84.91827° E). In addition, we apply U–Pb detrital zircon geochronology to constrain the provenance and maximum depositional ages of investigated strata. Stratigraphic ages range between ca. 88 and ca. 54 Ma and sedimentary facies indicate a shoaling‐upward trend from deep‐marine turbidites to fluvial deposits. Depositional environments of coeval Cretaceous strata along strike include deep‐marine distal turbidites, slope‐apron debris‐flow deposits and marginal marine carbonates. This along‐strike variability in facies suggests an irregular paleogeography of the Asian margin prior to collision. Paleocene–Eocene strata are composed of shallow marine carbonates with abundant foraminifera such as Nummulites‐Discocyclina and Miscellanea‐Daviesina and transition into fluvial deposits dated at ca. 54 Ma. Sandstone modal analyses, conglomerate clast compositions and detrital zircon U–Pb geochronology indicate that forearc detritus in this region was derived solely from the Gangdese magmatic arc to the north. In addition, U–Pb detrital zircon age spectra within the upper Xigaze forearc stratigraphy are similar to those from Eocene foreland basin strata south of the Indus‐Yarlung suture near Sangdanlin, suggesting that the Xigaze forearc was a possible source of Sangdanlin detritus by ca. 55 Ma. We propose a model in which the Xigaze forearc prograded south over the accretionary prism and onto the advancing Tethyan Himalayan passive margin between 58 and 54 Ma, during late stage evolution of the forearc basin and the beginning of collision with the Tethyan Himalaya. The lack of documented forearc strata younger than ca. 51 Ma suggests that sedimentation in the forearc basin ceased at this time owing to uplift resulting from continued continental collision.
Quantitative progradation dynamics and stratigraphic architecture of ancient shallow‐marine clinoform sets: a new method and its application to the Upper Jurassic Sognefjord Formation, Troll Field, offshore Norway
Authors: Patruno Stefano , Hampson Gary J. , Jackson Christopher A.‐L. , Whipp Paul S. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis article presents a new numerical inversion method to estimate progradation rates in ancient shallow‐marine clinoform sets, which is then used to refine the tectono‐stratigraphic and depositional model for the Upper Jurassic Sognefjord Formation reservoir in the super‐giant Troll Field, offshore Norway. The Sognefjord Formation is a 10–200‐m thick, coarse‐grained clastic wedge, that was deposited in ca. 6 Myr by a fully marine, westward‐prograding, subaqueous delta system sourced from the Norwegian mainland. The formation comprises four, 10–60‐m thick, westerly dipping, regressive clinoform sets, which are mapped for several tens of kilometres along strike. Near‐horizontal trajectories are observed in each clinoform set, and the sets are stacked vertically. Clinoform age and progradation rates are constrained by: (i) regionally correlatable bioevents, tied to seismically mapped clinoforms and clinoform set boundaries that intersect wells, (ii) exponential age–depth interpolations between bioevent‐dated surfaces and a distinctive foreset‐to‐bottomset facies transition within each well, and (iii) distances between wells along seismic transects that are oriented perpendicular to the clinoform strike and tied to well‐based stratigraphic correlations. Our results indicate a fall in progradation rate (from 170–500 to 10–65 km Myr−1) and net sediment flux (from 6–14 to ≤1 km2 Myr−1) westwards towards the basin, which is synchronous with an overall rise in sediment accumulation rate (from 7–16 to 26–102 m Myr−1). These variations are attributed to progradation of the subaqueous delta into progressively deeper waters, and a concomitant increase in the strength of alongshore currents that transported sediment out of the study area. Local spatial and temporal deviations from these overall trends are interpreted to reflect a subtle structural control on sedimentation. This method provides a tool to improve the predictive potential of sequence stratigraphic and clinoform trajectory analyses and offers a greater chronostratigraphic resolution than traditional approaches.
Blockade of the T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain protein 3 pathway exacerbates sepsis-induced immune deviation and immunosuppression
Authors: Zhao Z , Jiang X , Kang C , Xiao Y , Hou C , Yu J , Wang R , Xiao H , Zhou T , Wen Z , Feng J , Chen G , Ma Y , Shen B , Li Y , Han G 
Published: June 2014

SummarySepsis is a life-threatening condition, but the pathophysiological basis and biomarkers for the monitoring of sepsis and as targets for therapy remain to be determined. We have shown previously that T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain protein 3 (Tim-3), a negative immune regulator, is involved in the physiopathology of sepsis, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we showed that Tim-3 signalling modulated the response patterns of both macrophages and T helper cells in sepsis. Blockade of the Tim-3 pathway exacerbated sepsis-induced proinflammatory macrophage responses and lymphocyte apoptosis during the early phase of sepsis, and enhanced the shift to anti-inflammatory responses for both macrophages and T helper cells during the late phase of sepsis. Tim-3 signalling was found to regulate CD80 and CD86 expression on macrophages both in vivo and in vitro. Co-culture of T cells with Tim-3 knock-down macrophages led to a biased T helper type 2 (Th2) response, partially explaining how Tim-3 signalling shapes inflammation patterns in vivo. Further studies on this pathway might shed new light on the pathogenesis of sepsis and suggest new approaches for intervention.
Physicochemical tolerance, habitat use and predation are drivers of patterns of coexistence and exclusion among invasive and resident amphipods
Authors: Macneil Calum , Dick Jaimie T. A. 
Published: June 2014

Summary

Patterns of coexistence and exclusion among resident and invading species in freshwaters may be generated by direct biotic interactions well as by indirect interactions with the broader abiotic and biotic environments. The North American ‘shrimp’ Crangonyx pseudogracilis (Crustacea: Amphipoda) is invasive in Europe where it forms complex patterns of apparent exclusion and coexistence with resident Gammarus spp. amphipods. Using a comprehensive integrated approach, we investigated the potential biotic and interacting abiotic factors driving these distribution patterns.

A 2009 survey of 69 sites on a small British Island, The Isle of Man, revealed that of 56 river sites containing amphipods, only six contained C. pseudogracilis and these always co‐occurred with Gammarus spp. In contrast, C. pseudogracilis was the only species present in the 12 ponds/reservoirs containing amphipods.

Field transplant experiments in ponds and laboratory oxygen tolerance experiments revealed that C. pseudogracilis tolerates physicochemical regimes which Gammarus spp. are incapable of surviving.

River microhabitat sampling showed C. pseudogracilis dominating in slower, more pooled and macrophyte‐dense patches, while Gammarus spp. were dominant in faster, more riffled areas.

Field bioassays indicated that predation of C. pseudogracilis by Gammarus spp. may be frequent in patches of rivers if/when the species meet.

River drift sampling revealed that C. pseudogracilis was greatly underrepresented in night/day drift relative to the Gammarus spp. Laboratory studies showed C. pseudogracilis to be more photophobic and less active than Gammarus spp., both behaviours potentially contributing to low drift prevalence and consequent reduced exposure to shared drift predators.

These interacting factors may ultimately contribute to the coexistence, exclusion and relative distributions of C. pseudogracilis and Gammarus spp. The former is potentially subject to intense predation from the latter if they encounter one another in the same microhabitat. However, with C. pseudogracilis being more physicochemically tolerant and displaying different habitat utilisation patterns than the Gammarus spp. in respect of the benthos and drift, such encounters are probably minimised. Hence C. pseudogracilis can persist in the same sites with the Gammarus spp., albeit in different microhabitats.