bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Operator Experience and Frequency of Procedure Performance on Complication Rate After Ultrasound‐Guided Percutaneous Liver Biopsies
Authors: Westheim Birgitte H. , Aagenæs Ingegerd , Østensen Anniken B. , Sanengen Truls , Almaas Runar 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTObjective:The aim of the present study was to assess whether the complication rate after ultrasound‐guided percutaneous liver biopsies in children is affected by how frequently the procedure is performed by the operator.Methods:Medical charts and ultrasound descriptions of 311 ultrasound‐guided percutaneous liver biopsy procedures performed by 18 radiologists at a single center from 2000 to 2011 were reviewed. Postbiopsy ultrasound the following day was performed after 97% of the procedures.Results:There were no differences in the procedure‐associated rate of major bleeding incidents (2.2% vs 0.8%, P = 0.38), minor bleeding incidents (15.2% vs 10.2%, P = 0.31), or abdominal pain (13.0% vs 10.6%, P = 0.61) among operators who performed ≤10 procedures and those who performed >10 procedures during the study period. A higher rate of minor bleeding incidents were recorded after liver biopsy when operators had performed <10 biopsies compared with operators who had performed >20 pediatric liver biopsies during the study period (odds ratio 3.4 [1.3–9.1], P = 0.02). No association between the number of biopsies performed by the operator during the 2 years preceding the date of the biopsy and complications was found.Conclusions:Major complications are infrequent after pediatric liver biopsies and no relation between operator experience and major complications was found. We found a significant, but minor, effect of operator procedure frequency on the rate of minor bleeding incidents after ultrasound‐guided pediatric liver biopsies.
Donor Human Milk for Preterm Infants
Authors:   ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition, Arslanoglu Sertac , Corpeleijn Willemijn , Moro Guido , Braegger Christian , Campoy Cristina , Colomb Virginie , Decsi Tamas , Domellöf Magnus , Fewtrell Mary , Hojsak Iva , Mihatsch Walter , Mølgaard Christian , Shamir Raanan , Turck Dominique , van Goudoever Johannes 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTThe Committee on Nutrition of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition aims to document the existing evidence of the benefits and common concerns deriving from the use of donor human milk (DHM) in preterm infants. The comment also outlines gaps in knowledge and gives recommendations for practice and suggestions for future research directions. Protection against necrotizing enterocolitis is the major clinical benefit deriving from the use of DHM when compared with formula. Limited data also suggest unfortified DHM to be associated with improved feeding tolerance and with reduced cardiovascular risk factors during adolescence. Presence of a human milk bank (HMB) does not decrease breast‐feeding rates at discharge, but decreases the use of formula during the first weeks of life. This commentary emphasizes that fresh own mother's milk (OMM) is the first choice in preterm infant feeding and strong efforts should be made to promote lactation. When OMM is not available, DHM is the recommended alternative. When neither OMM nor DHM is available, preterm formula should be used. DHM should be provided from an established HMB, which follows specific safety guidelines. Storage and processing of human milk reduces some biological components, which may diminish its health benefits. From a nutritional point of view, DHM, like HM, does not meet the requirements of preterm infants, necessitating a specific fortification regimen to optimize growth. Future research should focus on the improvement of milk processing in HMB, particularly of heat treatment; on the optimization of HM fortification; and on further evaluation of the potential clinical benefits of processed and fortified DHM.
In vitro responses of neurofibroma fibroblasts, mast cells and Schwann cells obtained from patients with neurofibromatosis 1 to 308‐nm excimer light and/or vitamin D3
Authors: Nakayama Juichiro , Sato Chiemi , Imafuku Shinichi 
Published: July 2013

AbstractFibroblasts, mast cells and Schwann cells were isolated from neurofibromas of patients with neurofibromatosis 1, and their responses to 308‐nm excimer light irradiation and/or vitamin D3 or an analog (tacalcitol; 1,24‐dihydroxyvitamin D3) were examined in vitro. Excimer light irradiation (300 mJ/cm2) suppressed the growth of all three cell types. Exposure to 10−7 mol/L of 1α,25(OH)2D3 (VD3) or tacalcitol suppressed the growth of fibroblasts and mast cells, but not Schwann cells. These results suggest that the different neurofibroma cell types show different responses to VD3. A combination of excimer light irradiation and VD3 is necessary to suppress the growth of neurofibroma cells in vivo.
One size fits all: Eurasian lynx females share a common optimal litter size
Authors: Gaillard Jean‐Michel , Nilsen Erlend B. , Odden John , Andrén Henrik , Linnell John D. C. 
Published: July 2013

Summary

Lack proposed that the average clutch size of altricial species should be determined by the average maximum number of young the parents can raise such that all females in a given population should share a common optimal clutch size. Support for this model remains equivocal and recent studies have suggested that intra‐population variation in clutch size is adaptive because each female has its own optimal clutch size associated with its intrinsic ability to raise offspring.

Although Lack litter size and condition‐dependent litter size are presented as two competing models, both are based on the concept of individual optimization. We propose a unified optimal litter size model (called ‘adaptive litter size’) and identify a set of conditions under which a common vs. a state‐dependent optimal litter size should be observed.

We test whether females of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) have a common optimal litter size, or whether they adjust their litter size according to their state. We used a detailed individual‐based data set collected from contrasting populations of Eurasian lynx in Scandinavia.

Observed reproductive patterns in female lynx provide strong support for the existence of a common optimal litter size. Litter size did not vary according to female body mass or reproductive category, or among contrasted populations and years. A litter size of 2 was associated with a higher fitness than both smaller and larger litters, and thus corresponded to the ‘adaptive litter size’ for female lynx.

We suggest that the reproductive pattern of female lynx might correspond to a risk avoidance tactic common to all individuals, which has evolved in response to strong environmental constraints generated by a highly unpredictable food supply during lactation.
Agricultural soil and drilosphere as reservoirs of new and unusual assimilators of 2,4‐dichlorophenol carbon
Authors: Dallinger Anja , Horn Marcus A. 
Published: July 2013

Summary2,4‐Dichlorophenol (2,4‐DCP) is a potential soil and groundwater contaminant. Earthworms modulate growth and activities of soil microbiota. Thus, active 2,4‐DCP degraders in agricultural soil and drilosphere (i.e. burrow walls, gut content and cast) were identified by comparative amplicon pyrosequencing‐based 16S rRNA stable isotope probing in soil columns. In situ relevant concentrations of [U‐13C]2,4‐DCP were consumed in soil within 19 and 41 days in the presence and absence of the endogeic earthworm Aporrectodea caliginosa, respectively. [U‐14C]2,4‐DCP mineralization was higher in cast, burrow wall and soil from columns with than without earthworms. [U‐14C]2,4‐DCP mineralization was lowest in gut contents. Data indicated a strong impact of earthworms on the active microbial community. Novosphingobium, Comamonas and Desulfitobacterium sp. assimilated 2,4‐DCP‐[13C] in the absence of earthworms. Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium and Clostridium sp. assimilated 2,4‐DCP‐[13C] in the drilosphere. Novosphingobium‐ and Variovorax‐related taxa dominated [U‐13C]2,4‐DCP consumers in soil slurries with drilosphere and bulk soil material. 16S rRNA sequences suggested species level novelty. The collective data demonstrates that new Bacteroidetes and Alphaproteobacteria/Betaproteobacteria were involved in 2,4‐DCP‐C transformation and indicated that diverse and hitherto unknown microbes associated with carbon flow from 2,4‐DCP are shaped by earthworms.
Generalizing Observational Study Results: Applying Propensity Score Methods to Complex Surveys
Authors: DuGoff Eva H. , Schuler Megan , Stuart Elizabeth A. 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveTo provide a tutorial for using propensity score methods with complex survey data.Data SourcesSimulated data and the 2008 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey.Study DesignUsing simulation, we compared the following methods for estimating the treatment effect: a naïve estimate (ignoring both survey weights and propensity scores), survey weighting, propensity score methods (nearest neighbor matching, weighting, and subclassification), and propensity score methods in combination with survey weighting. Methods are compared in terms of bias and 95 percent confidence interval coverage. In Example 2, we used these methods to estimate the effect on health care spending of having a generalist versus a specialist as a usual source of care.Principal FindingsIn general, combining a propensity score method and survey weighting is necessary to achieve unbiased treatment effect estimates that are generalizable to the original survey target population.ConclusionsPropensity score methods are an essential tool for addressing confounding in observational studies. Ignoring survey weights may lead to results that are not generalizable to the survey target population. This paper clarifies the appropriate inferences for different propensity score methods and suggests guidelines for selecting an appropriate propensity score method based on a researcher's goal.
Comparison of molecular species identification for North Sea calanoid copepods (Crustacea) using proteome fingerprints and DNA sequences
Authors: Laakmann S. , Gerdts G. , Erler R. , Knebelsberger T. , Martínez Arbizu P. , Raupach M.J. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractCalanoid copepods play an important role in the pelagic ecosystem making them subject to various taxonomic and ecological studies, as well as indicators for detecting changes in the marine habitat. For all these investigations, valid identification, mainly of sibling and cryptic species as well as early life history stages, represents a central issue. In this study, we compare species identification methods for pelagic calanoid copepod species from the North Sea and adjacent regions in a total of 333 specimens. Morphologically identified specimens were analysed on the basis of nucleotide sequences (i.e. partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and complete 18S rDNA) and on proteome fingerprints using the technology of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS). On all three molecular approaches, all specimens were classified to species level indicated by low intraspecific and high interspecific variability. Sequence divergences in both markers revealed a second Pseudocalanus species for the southern North Sea identified as Pseudocalanus moultoni by COI sequence comparisons to GenBank. Proteome fingerprints were valid for species clusters irrespective of high intraspecific variability, including significant differences between early developmental stages and adults. There was no effect of sampling region or time; thus, trophic effect, when analysing the whole organisms, was observed in species‐specific protein mass spectra, underlining the power of this tool in the application on metazoan species identification. Because of less sample preparation steps, we recommend proteomic fingerprinting using the MALDI‐TOF MS as an alternative or supplementary approach for rapid, cost‐effective species identification.
The association of pre‐operative STOP‐BANG scores with postoperative critical care admission
Authors: Chia P. , Seet E. , Macachor J. D. , Iyer U. S. , Wu D. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryThe STOP‐BANG questionnaire screens for obstructive sleep apnoea. We retrospectively analysed the independent association of pre‐operative variables with postoperative critical care admission using multivariable logistic regression for patients undergoing elective surgery from January to December 2011. Of 5432 patients, 338 (6.2%) were admitted postoperatively to the critical care unit. In multivariate analysis, the odds ratios (95% CI) for critical care admission were: 2.2 (1.1–4.6), p = 0.037; 3.2 (1.2–8.1), p = 0.017; and 5.1 (1.8–14.9), p = 0.002, for STOP‐BANG scores of 4, 5 and ≥ 6, respectively. The odds ratio was also independently increased for: each year of age, 1.015 (1.004–1.026), p = 0.019; asthma, 1.6 (1.1–2.4), p = 0.016; obstructive sleep apnoea, 3.2 (1.9–5.6), p < 0.001; and for ASA physical status 2, 3 and ≥ 4, 2.1 (1.4–3.3), 6.5 (3.9–11.0), 6.3 (2.9–13.8), respectively, p < 0.001 for all.
Evaluating the value and impact of the Victorian Audit of Surgical Mortality
Authors: Retegan Claudia , Russell Colin , Harris Darren , Andrianopoulos Nick , Beiles C. Barry 
Published: July 2013

AbstractIntroductionSince the Victorian Audit of Surgical Mortality (VASM) commenced in 2007, 95% of Victorian Fellows have agreed to participate and have provided data on the deaths of patients receiving surgical care. All public, and the majority of private, hospitals involved in the delivery of surgical services in Victoria have been submitting data on deaths associated with surgery. De‐identified reports on this data are distributed in regular annual reports and case note review booklets. Although informal feedback on the perceived value of the audit was encouraging, a formal review of all aspects of the audit was felt necessary.MethodsAn independent formal review of VASM governance, documentation, datasets and data analysis was performed, in addition to a survey of 257 individuals (surgeons and other stakeholders) on the perceived impact of VASM.ResultsThe review confirmed increasing participation and acceptance by surgeons since the inception of the project. Governance mechanisms were found to be effective and acknowledged by stakeholders and collaborators. Robust participation rates have been achieved, and stakeholders were generally satisfied with the quality of feedback. Suggestions for improvement were provided by some surgeons and hospitals.ConclusionExternal review of VASM processes and procedures confirmed that the audit was operating effectively, with robust quality control and achieving the trust of stakeholders. The educational value of the audit to the surgical community was acknowledged and areas for future improvement have been identified.
Mechanistic Analysis of Challenge–Response Experiments
Authors: Shotwell M. S. , Drake K. J. , Sidorov V. Y. , Wikswo J. P. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryWe present an application of mechanistic modeling and nonlinear longitudinal regression in the context of biomedical response‐to‐challenge experiments, a field where these methods are underutilized. In this type of experiment, a system is studied by imposing an experimental challenge, and then observing its response. The combination of mechanistic modeling and nonlinear longitudinal regression has brought new insight, and revealed an unexpected opportunity for optimal design. Specifically, the mechanistic aspect of our approach enables the optimal design of experimental challenge characteristics (e.g., intensity, duration). This article lays some groundwork for this approach. We consider a series of experiments wherein an isolated rabbit heart is challenged with intermittent anoxia. The heart responds to the challenge onset, and recovers when the challenge ends. The mean response is modeled by a system of differential equations that describe a candidate mechanism for cardiac response to anoxia challenge. The cardiac system behaves more variably when challenged than when at rest. Hence, observations arising from this experiment exhibit complex heteroscedasticity and sharp changes in central tendency. We present evidence that an asymptotic statistical inference strategy may fail to adequately account for statistical uncertainty. Two alternative methods are critiqued qualitatively (i.e., for utility in the current context), and quantitatively using an innovative Monte‐Carlo method. We conclude with a discussion of the exciting opportunities in optimal design of response‐to‐challenge experiments.
Allergy to illicit drugs and narcotics
Authors: Swerts S. , Van Gasse A. , Leysen J. , Faber M. , Sabato V. , Bridts C. H. , Jorens P. G. , De Clerck L. S. , Ebo D. G. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryDespite their frequent use, allergy to illicit drugs and narcotics is rarely reported in literature. We present a review of the different classes of drugs of abuse that might be involved in allergies: central nervous system (CNS) depressants (such as cannabis, opioids and kava), CNS stimulants (cocaine, amphetamines, khat and ephedra) and hallucinogens such as ketamine and nutmeg. Diagnosis of drug and narcotic allergy generally relies upon careful history taking, complemented with skin testing eventually along with quantification of sIgE. However, for various reasons, correct diagnosis of most of these drug allergies is not straightforward. For example, the native plant material applied for skin testing and sIgE antibody tests might harbour irrelevant IgE‐binding structures that hamper correct diagnosis. Diagnosis might also be hampered due to uncertainties associated with the non‐specific histamine releasing characteristics of some compounds and absence of validated sIgE tests. Whether the introduction of standardized allergen components and more functional tests, that is, basophil activation and degranulation assays, might be helpful to an improved diagnosis needs to be established. It is anticipated that due to the rare character of these allergies further validation is although necessary.
Body composition assessment in overweight women: validation of air displacement plethysmography
Authors: Wingfield Hailee L. , Smith‐Ryan Abbie E. , Woessner Mary N. , Melvin Malia N. , Fultz Sarah N. , Graff Rachel M. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryPurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of air displacement plethysmography (ADP) compared to a dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) criterion for body composition measurement in overweight and obese women (BMI ≥ 25·0 kg m2).Subjects/MethodsTwenty‐four overweight and obese women (Mean ± SD; Age: 36·6 ± 12·0 years; Height: 166·4 ± 5·8 cm; Weight: 86·5 ± 14·2 kg; Body Fat: 38·5 ± 3·7%; BMI: 31·3 ± 5·5 kg m2) were tested after an 8‐h fast. Fat mass (FM), fat‐free mass (FFM) and percent body fat (%BF) were measured by ADP and compared to values determined by the DXA criterion. FFM from DXA was calculated as lean mass plus bone mineral content. A paired samples t‐test was used to test for significant differences in the body composition variables between methods. A one‐way ANOVA along with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), SEM,%SEM and MD was used to represent reliability.ResultsValidity data comparing ADP and DXA demonstrated no significant difference in FM (ADP‐DXA FM = 0·99 kg; P = 0·113), FFM (0·98 kg; P = 0·115) and %BF (1·56%; P = 0·540). Reliability data for ADP between the first and second trials showed no significant difference in FM (P = 0·168; ICC = 0·994; SEM = 0·668), FFM (P = 0·058; ICC = 0·973; SEM = 0·892) or %BF (P = 0·121; ICC = 0·971; SEM = 0·813).ConclusionsFor overweight and obese women, ADP was found to be a valid measure of FM, FFM and %BF when compared with DXA. The reliability of ADP was supported for all body composition variables.
Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety of empagliflozin, a sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, in subjects with renal impairment
Authors: Macha S. , Mattheus M. , Halabi A. , Pinnetti S. , Woerle H. J. , Broedl U. C. 
Published: July 2013

AimsEmpagliflozin is a selective sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that inhibits renal glucose reabsorption and is being investigated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsIn this open‐label study, the effect of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety of a 50 mg dose of empagliflozin was investigated in 40 subjects, grouped according to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).ResultsMaximum empagliflozin plasma concentrations were similar in subjects with normal renal function and renal impairment. Area under the empagliflozin concentration‐time curve (AUC0–∞) values increased by approximately 18, 20, 66 and 48% in subjects with mild, moderate, severe renal impairment and renal failure/end stage renal disease (ESRD), respectively, in comparison to healthy subjects. This was attributed to decreased renal clearance (CLR). Urinary glucose excretion (UGE) decreased with increasing renal impairment and correlated with decreased eGFR and CLR. Empagliflozin was well tolerated, with no increase in adverse events associated with renal impairment.ConclusionsRenal insufficiency resulted in decreased CLR of empagliflozin, moderately increased systemic exposure and decreased UGE. A single 50 mg dose of empagliflozin was well tolerated in subjects with normal renal function and any degree of renal impairment. The pharmacokinetic results of this study indicate that no dose adjustment of empagliflozin is required in patients with renal impairment.
Prognostic role of plasma von Willebrand factor and soluble E‐selectin levels for future cardiovascular events in a ‘real‐world’ community cohort of patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Suresh , Khoo Chee Wah , Lim Hoong S. , Lane Deirdre A. , Pignatelli Pasquale , Basili Stefania , Violi Francesco , Lip Gregory Y. H. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundEndothelial damage/dysfunction may contribute to a prothrombotic state in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and the increased risk of thromboembolism and cardiovascular events. Raised plasma von Willebrand factor (vWf), an established marker of endothelial damage/dysfunction, has been associated with stroke and vascular events, at least in a clinical trial population. Soluble E‐selectin (sE‐sel) is another biomarker of endothelial activation/dysfunction, with more limited data on prognostic outcomes in AF.ObjectiveTo assess the relationship between the levels of vWf, sE‐sel and clinical adverse outcomes (including stroke, MI and all‐cause mortality) in a ‘real‐world’ community cohort of patients with AF.MethodsWe studied 423 patients (mean age 72·7 ± 8·4 years, 55·6% male) with nonvalvular AF, with a median follow‐up of 19 (9–31) months. Plasma vWf and sE‐sel levels were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsThere were 94 clinical adverse events (22·2%) observed during a median follow‐up of 19 months. Patients with clinical events had significantly higher vWf (P < 0·001) and sE‐sel levels at baseline (P < 0·001) compared with those who were event free.Kaplan–Meir analyses demonstrated that more clinical adverse events occurred in the upper tertile of vWf [upper vs. lowest tertile, RR 3·8, 95% CI (2·63–5·57), P < 0·001; upper vs. middle tertile, RR 10·5, 95% CI (5·33–20·60), P < 0·001]. Similarly, the highest tertile of sE‐sel was associated with more adverse events [upper vs. lowest tertile, RR 3·7, 95% CI (2·51–5·31), P < 0·001; upper vs. middle tertile, RR 6·5, 95% CI (3·56–11·91), P < 0·001].ConclusionHigh plasma vWf and soluble E‐selectin levels are associated with an increased risk of clinical adverse events (acute myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke and all‐cause mortality) in ‘real‐world’ patients with AF. These soluble biomarkers may potentially aid clinical risk stratification in this common arrhythmia.