bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ketamine: Use in Anesthesia
Authors: Marland Susan , Ellerton John , Andolfatto Gary , Strapazzon Giacomo , Thomassen Oyvind , Brandner Brigitta , Weatherall Andrew , Paal Peter 
Published: March 2013

SummaryThe role of ketamine anesthesia in the prehospital, emergency department and operating theater settings is not well defined. A nonsystematic review of ketamine was performed by authors from Australia, Europe, and North America. Results were discussed among authors and the final manuscript accepted. Ketamine is a useful agent for induction of anesthesia, procedural sedation, and analgesia. Its properties are appealing in many awkward clinical scenarios. Practitioners need to be cognizant of its side effects and limitations.
Eye‐Mediated Induction of Specific Immune Tolerance to Encephalitogenic Antigens
Authors: Farooq Shukkur M. , Ashour Hossam M. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryAimsAdministration of antigens into the anterior chamber (AC) of the eye induces a form of antigen‐specific immune tolerance termed anterior chamber‐associated immune deviation (ACAID). This immune tolerance effectively impairs host delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses. We hypothesized that ACAID could be generated in BALB/c mice following AC inoculation of the encephalitogenic antigens myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) and myelin basic protein (MBP).MethodsWe used DTH assays and local adoptive transfer (LAT) assays to test whether MOG/MBP‐induced ACAID following their administration into the AC, whether they elicited this immune tolerance via CD8+ T cells, and whether their AC coadministration (MOG/MBP) induced specific immune tolerance to one or both antigens.ResultsWe showed that MOG/MBP‐induced AC‐mediated specific immune tolerance, as evident from impaired DTH responses. This antigen‐driven DTH suppression was solely mediated via splenic CD8+ T cells as confirmed by LAT assays. Finally, a single AC injection with both antigens was sufficient to induce specific immune tolerance to these antigens, as evident from DTH and LAT assays.ConclusionACAID T‐cell regulation could be used as a therapeutic tool in the treatment of complicated autoimmune diseases that involve multiple antigens such as multiple sclerosis.
Outcome of salvage surgery for anal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Harris D. A. , Williamson J. , Davies M. , Evans M. D. , Drew P. , Beynon J. ,   the Swansea Pelvic Oncology Group
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimThe purpose of this study was to examine factors related to treatment failure following chemoradiotherapy for squamous cancer and to compare the outcome of salvage surgery in one unit with national audit standards published by the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) (ACPGBI position statement for management of anal cancer. Colorectal Disease 2011; 13(Suppl. 1): 1–52).MethodPatients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anus treated with radical intent between 1997 and 2010 in a single tertiary referral oncology institute were prospectively identified. Multivariate analysis was used to establish factors associated with treatment failure. Cancer‐specific end‐points after salvage surgery were determined by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis.ResultsNinety‐five patients received chemoradiotherapy with radical intent with a 5‐year overall survival of 83% (all stages) at a median follow up of 35 months. Of these, 11 (12%) required salvage surgery, five of whom were Stage T4 at presentation. Six patients had failed to respond to chemoradiotherapy and five presented with recurrence at a median of 10 (10–36) months. Only Stage T4 disease at presentation was predictive of the need for salvage surgery (OR 5.6, CI 4.9–6.3, P = 0.015). There was no surgical mortality and no delayed perineal healing where a myocutaneous flap was used. The resection margin was involved in one (9%) patient. The 5‐year survival rate was 64%. Audit standards for case selection, local control, survival and perineal complications were achieved.ConclusionLong‐term survival was achieved in two‐ thirds of patients following salvage surgery after failed primary chemoradiotherapy for anal cancer in a multidisciplinary oncological unit. Stage T4 disease at presentation strongly predicted the need for subsequent salvage intervention.
Linking Public Participation in Scientific Research to the Indicators and Needs of International Environmental Agreements
Authors: Danielsen Finn , Pirhofer‐Walzl Karin , Adrian Teis P. , Kapijimpanga Daniel R. , Burgess Neil D. , Jensen Per M. , Bonney Rick , Funder Mikkel , Landa Arild , Levermann Nette , Madsen Jesper 
Published: March 2013

AbstractDifferent monitoring approaches collect data that can measure progress toward achieving global environmental indicators. These indicators can: (1) Audit management actions; (2) Inform policy choices; and (3) Raise awareness among the public and policy makers. We present a generic, empirically based, framework of different environmental monitoring approaches, ranging from scientist‐driven to those undertaken by local people. This framework is used to assess monitoring possibilities for the Convention on Biological Diversity “2020” indicators, and those of 11 other international environmental agreements. Of the 186 indicators in these 12 environmental agreements, 69 (37%) require monitoring by professional scientists, whereas 117 (63%) can involve community members as “citizen scientists.” Promoting “community‐based” and “citizen science” approaches could significantly enrich monitoring progress within global environmental conventions. It would also link environmental monitoring to awareness raising and enhanced decision‐making at all levels of resource management.
‘She's My Sister‐In‐Law, My Visitor, My Friend’ – Challenges of Staff Identity in Home Follow‐Up in an HIV Trial in Western Kenya
Authors: Madiega Philister Adhiambo , Jones Gemma , Prince Ruth Jane , Geissler Paul Wenzel 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIdentities ascribed to research staff in face‐to‐face encounters with participants have been raised as key ethical challenge in transnational health research. ‘Misattributed’ identities that do not just deviate from researchers' self‐image, but obscure unequivocal aspects of researcher identity – e.g. that they are researchers – are a case of such ethical problem. Yet, the reasonable expectation of unconcealed identity can conflict with another ethical premise: confidentiality; this poses challenges to staff visiting participants at home. We explore these around a case study of ‘follow‐up’ staff, observed during an ethnographic study of a Kenyan HIV ‘trial community’, which included participant observation, conversations, and interviews with staff (n = 79) and participants (n = 89). We found that because of the need to maintain confidentiality and because of some suspicions towards researchers, research staff drew upon alternative identities – presenting themselves to non‐participants as relatives or friends, rather than as researchers. Several staff experienced this as necessary but uncomfortable. Simultaneously, staff and participants forged close relations in line with their fictional identities, which however also posed challenges because they entailed personal responsibilities that were difficult to live up to, due to limited resources, and the trial's limited duration. Similar challenges may arise in transnational HIV treatment programmes and should be explored further in that context.
Ethical Challenges that Arise at the Community Interface of Health Research: Village Reporters’ Experiences in Western Kenya
Authors: Chantler Tracey , Otewa Faith , Onyango Peter , Okoth Ben , Odhiambo Frank , Parker Michael , Geissler Paul Wenzel 
Published: March 2013

AbstractCommunity Engagement (CE) has been presented by bio‐ethicists and scientists as a straightforward and unequivocal good which can minimize the risks of exploitation and ensure a fair distribution of research benefits in developing countries. By means of ethnographic fieldwork undertaken in Kenya between 2007 and 2009 we explored how CE is understood and enacted in paediatric vaccine trials conducted by the Kenyan Medical Research Institute and the US Centers for Disease Control (KEMRI/CDC). In this paper we focus on the role of paid volunteers who act as an interface between villagers KEMRI/CDC. Village Reporters’ (VRs) position of being both with the community and with KEMRI/CDC is advantageous for the conduct of trials. However it is also problematic in terms of exercising trust, balancing allegiances and representing community views. VRs role is shaped by ambiguities related to their employment status and their dual accountability to researchers and their villages. VRs are understandably careful to stress their commitment to self‐less community service since it augments their respectability at community level and opens up opportunities for financial gain and self‐development. Simultaneously VRs association with KEMRI/CDC and proximity to trial participants requires them to negotiate implicit and explicit expectations for material and medical assistance in a cultural setting in which much importance is placed on sharing and mutuality. To ensure continuity of productive interactions between VRs, and similar community intermediaries, and researchers, open discussion is needed about the problematic aspects of relational ethics, issues concerning undue influence, power relations and negotiating expectations.
Dose‐ranging study with the glucokinase activator AZD1656 as monotherapy in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kiyosue A. , Hayashi N. , Komori H. , Leonsson‐Zachrisson M. , Johnsson E. 
Published: March 2013

AimTo assess the glucose‐lowering effects of monotherapy with the glucokinase activator AZD1656 in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.MethodsThis was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study performed in Japan (NCT01152385). Patients (n = 224) were randomized to AZD1656 (40–200, 20–140 or 10–80 mg titrated doses) or placebo. The primary variable was the placebo‐corrected change from baseline to 4 months in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Effects on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and safety were also assessed.ResultsHbA1c was reduced numerically from baseline by 0.3–0.8% with AZD1656 and by 0.1% with placebo over the first 2 months of treatment, after which effects of AZD1656 started to decline. The changes from baseline to 4 months in HbA1c were not significant for the AZD1656 40–200 mg group versus placebo [mean (95% CI) placebo‐corrected change: −0.22 (−0.65, 0.20)%; p = 0.30]. Formal significance testing was not carried out for the other two AZD1656 dose groups. A higher percentage of patients on AZD1656 achieved HbA1c ≤ 7% after 4 months versus placebo, but responder rates were low. Results for FPG reflected those for HbA1c. Cases of hypoglycaemia were rare with AZD1656 (one patient) and no safety concerns were raised.ConclusionsAlthough initially favourable plasma glucose reductions were observed, there was a loss of effect over time with sustained AZD1656 treatment. The study design did not allow an evaluation of the reasons for this lack of long‐term efficacy.
Macro‐ and microenvironmental factors affecting tyre‐breeding flies (Insecta: Diptera) in urbanised areas
Authors: RUBIO ALEJANDRA , ISABEL BELLOCQ MARÍA , VEZZANI DARÍO 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Urbanisation is often considered a main driver of changes in the structure of insect communities. To assess macro‐ and microenvironmental factors determining the occurrence and community structure of fly larvae in water‐filled artificial containers, a total of 13 848 individuals were collected among 1380 water‐filled tyres inspected along an urbanisation gradient in temperate Argentina.
According to the best generalized linear mixed model obtained for fly occurrence, the probability of finding an occupied tyre was greater in large tyres with high water volume, containing organic matter and located in shaded conditions under high vegetation cover in backyards. Regarding macroenvironmental factors, fly occurrence decreased as the urbanisation level increased.
The anova revealed a negative effect of urbanisation on all variables used to characterize the fly community structure. The number of occupied tyres, the relative abundance of individuals, the species richness, and the Shannon diversity index showed consistent patterns with significantly lower values at high urbanisation level.
Community composition also varied along the urbanisation gradient, revealing three major groups of fly species: those found exclusively in highly urbanised areas, those found in the less urbanised sites, and those collected across the entire gradient.
Immune thrombocytopenia in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia treated with cladribine‐based regiments or chlorambucil – follow‐up of PALG‐CLL randomized trials
Authors: Blonski Jerzy Z. , Robak Tadeusz , Chojnowski Krzysztof , Gora‐Tybor Joanna , Warzocha Krzysztof , Ceglarek Bernadetta , Seferynska Ilona , Calbecka Malgorzata , Kostyra Aleksandra , Stella‐Holowiecka Beata , Kloczko Janusz , Dmoszynska Anna , Kowal Malgorzata , Lewandowski Krzysztof , Dwilewicz‐Trojaczek Jadwiga , Wiater Elzbieta , Kuliczkowski Kazimierz , Potoczek Stanislaw , Hellmann Andrzej , Mital Andrzej , Skotnicki Aleksander , Nowak Wieslaw , Sulek Kazimierz , Zawilska Krystyna , Trelinski Jacek 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectivesThe relationship between treatments of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with cladribine (2‐CdA) or chlorambucil and immune thrombocytopenia (IT) has not been yet determined.MethodsThe records of 777 patients in two randomized Polish Adult Leukemia Group (PALG)‐CLL programs treated with these agents were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsImmune thrombocytopenia occurred in 55 of 777 (7.1%) patients. No significant differences in IT prevalence were seen between patients on chlorambucil or 2‐CdA‐based regiments (P = 0.33). IT developed at a median time of 0.499 yr (0.06–4.8) from the start of CLL therapy. This time was significantly longer in patients treated with chlorambucil (2.03 yr, 95%CI: 0.06–4.22) in relation to patients treated with 2‐CdA‐based regiments (0.52 yr, 95%CI: 0.34–0.69, P = 0.049). Overall survival (OS) of patients with IT and those without IT were similar (2.65 yr vs. 3.2 yr P = 0.23) but the severity of bleeding was more pronounced in the 2‐CdA group. The responses to IT therapy were 35%, 54% and 75% for steroids, chemotherapy and splenectomy, respectively.ConclusionsIn this study, an unexpectedly high percentage of IT incidence was demonstrated in patients with CLL requiring chemotherapy. Although no marked differences were seen in IT frequency in patients treated with 2‐CdA‐based regiments compared to chlorambucil regimen, the clinical course of hemorrhagic diathesis was more severe in 2‐CdA group. Also, the time elapsed from study screening to IT diagnosis was significantly shorter in the 2‐CdA group than in the chlorambucil group suggesting a causative relationship. The appearance of IT did not influence the median time of OS.
Biotic resistance in marine environments
Authors: Kimbro David L. , Cheng Brian S. , Grosholz Edwin D. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBiological invasions depend in part on the resistance of native communities. Meta‐analyses of terrestrial experiments demonstrate that native primary producers and herbivores generally resist invasions of primary producers, and that resistance through competition strengthens with native producer diversity. To test the generality of these findings, we conducted a meta‐analysis of marine experiments. We found that native marine producers generally failed to resist producer invasions through competition unless the native community was diverse, and this diversity effect was weaker in marine than in terrestrial systems. In contrast, native consumers equally resisted invasive producers in both ecosystems. Most marine experiments, however, tested invasive consumers and these invasions were resisted more strongly than were producer invasions. Given these differences between ecosystems and between marine trophic levels, we used a model‐selection approach to assess if factors other than the resistance mechanism (i.e. competition vs. consumption) are more important for predicting marine biotic resistance. These results suggest that understanding marine biotic resistance depends on latitude, habitat and invader taxon, in addition to distinguishing between competition with and consumption by native species. By examining biotic resistance within and across ecosystems, our work provides a more complete understanding of the factors that underlie biological invasions.
Reduced antibody formation after influenza vaccination in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder treated with rituximab
Authors: Kim W. , Kim S.‐H. , Huh S.‐Y. , Kong S.‐Y. , Choi Y. J. , Cheong H. J. , Kim H. J. 
Published: March 2013

Background and purposeVaccination against infection becomes important in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) because they are at an increased risk of infection due to long‐term immunosuppressive therapy. However, it is unclear whether NMOSD patients under immunosuppression therapy show proper antibody formation after vaccination. Thus the antibody formation after influenza A (H1N1) vaccination in patients with NMOSD receiving rituximab was evaluated.MethodsThe study enrolled 26 patients with NMOSD, nine with multiple sclerosis and eight healthy controls. The enrolled patients had been treated with rituximab (n = 16), mycophenolate mofetil (n = 5), azathioprine (n = 6) and interferon‐β (IFN‐β) (n = 8). Antibodies against the H1N1 influenza virus were measured in the serum drawn just before (T0) and between 3 and 5 weeks after (T1) vaccination. The immunization states for hepatitis B virus surface antigen, measles and tetanus during the treatment period were also tested.ResultsThe rituximab group showed significantly lower geometric mean titer, seroprotection rate and mean fold increase than the azathioprine group, IFN‐β group and healthy controls, and a lower seroconversion rate than the IFN‐β group. This decrease in vaccination efficacy was also shown in patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil. The immunization state for hepatitis B virus surface antigen, measles and tetanus remained the same during the treatment period with each drug, suggesting that these treatments do not affect previously formed immunity.ConclusionThis study shows a severely hampered humoral immune response to H1N1 influenza vaccine in patients with NMOSD treated with rituximab, although the vaccination itself is safe in these patients.
Characterisation of palatal dysfunction after laryngoplasty
Authors: Barnett T. P. , O'Leary J. M. , Dixon P. M. , Barakzai S. Z. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studyDorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) in the horse has been previously described as intermittent, typically occurring at fast exercise; or persistent, seen at rest.Dorsal displacement of the soft palate has recently been reported following laryngoplasty (LP) and can be associated with continued poor performance and respiratory noise.ObjectivesThe current study aimed to characterise theDDSPdiagnosed postLP.Study designCross‐sectional study.MethodsOwners/trainers of horses undergoingLPat one institution over 6 years were contacted to determine the horse's progress and willingness for re‐examination. The horses were examined at the rest, walk, trot and canter with an overground exercising endoscope. AGPS‐equipped watch was carried to obtain maximal exercising speeds. Videos of horses withDDSPwere reviewed to determine frequency and duration ofDDSPand swallowing events at the various gaits.ResultsExercising endoscopy was performed in 41 of the 89 horses that had undergoneLP. Nineteen of the 41 horses were diagnosed withDDSPat exercise, of which 7/41 also hadDDSPat rest. No difference was detected in the percentage of total time spent displaced at each gait (P = 0.67), or in the frequency of newDDSPevents per minute between each gait (P = 0.10), or in the frequency of swallowing events per minute between each gait (P = 0.52). The majority of horses displaced at various times throughout each gait. Dorsal displacement of the soft palate was most commonly solely induced spontaneously and always corrected with a swallow. The maximum speed achieved was 8.3 m/s.ConclusionsDorsal displacement of the soft palate was common followingLPand it appears to be induced at slower gaits thanDDSPthat has previously been described. It also occurred at various times throughout each gait and did not always occur persistently at rest.Potential relevanceThese findings suggest horses undergoingLPmay be more prone toDDSPand further investigations into the aetiology of postLPpalatal dysfunction are warranted.
China's distant‐water fisheries in the 21st century
Authors: Pauly Daniel , Belhabib Dyhia , Blomeyer Roland , Cheung William W W L , Cisneros‐Montemayor Andrés M , Copeland Duncan , Harper Sarah , Lam Vicky W Y , Mai Yining , Le Manach Frédéric , Österblom Henrik , Mok Ka Man , van der Meer Liesbeth , Sanz Antonio , Shon Soohyun , Sumaila U Rashid , Swartz Wilf , Watson Reg , Zhai Yunlei , Zeller Dirk 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWe conservatively estimate the distant‐water fleet catch of the People's Republic of China for 2000–2011, using a newly assembled database of reported occurrence of Chinese fishing vessels in various parts of the world and information on the annual catch by vessel type. Given the unreliability of official statistics, uncertainty of results was estimated through a regionally stratified Monte Carlo approach, which documents the presence and number of Chinese vessels in Exclusive Economic Zones and then multiplies these by the expected annual catch per vessel. We find that China, which over‐reports its domestic catch, substantially under‐reports the catch of its distant‐water fleets. This catch, estimated at 4.6 million t year−1 (95% central distribution, 3.4–6.1 million t year−1) from 2000 to 2011 (compared with an average of 368 000 t·year−1 reported by China to FAO), corresponds to an ex‐vessel landed value of 8.93 billion € year−1 (95% central distribution, 6.3–12.3 billion). Chinese distant‐water fleets extract the largest catch in African waters (3.1 million t year−1, 95% central distribution, 2.0–4.4 million t), followed by Asia (1.0 million t year−1, 0.56–1.5 million t), Oceania (198 000 t year−1, 144 000–262 000 t), Central and South America (182 000 t year−1, 94 000–299 000 t) and Antarctica (48 000 t year−1, 8 000–129 000 t). The uncertainty of these estimates is relatively high, but several sources of inaccuracy could not be fully resolved given the constraints inherent in the underlying data and method, which also prevented us from distinguishing between legal and illegal catch.