bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) predicts non‐structural carbohydrate concentrations in different tissue types of a broad range of tree species
Authors: Ramirez Jorge A. , Posada Juan M. , Handa I. Tanya , Hoch Günter , Vohland Michael , Messier Christian , Reu Björn 
Published: April 2015

Summary

The allocation of non‐structural carbohydrates (NSCs) to reserves constitutes an important physiological mechanism associated with tree growth and survival. However, procedures for measuring NSC in plant tissue are expensive and time‐consuming. Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a high‐throughput technology that has the potential to infer the concentration of organic constituents for a large number of samples in a rapid and inexpensive way based on empirical calibrations with chemical analysis.

The main objectives of this study were (i) to develop a general NSC concentration calibration that integrates various forms of variation such as tree species and tissue types and (ii) to identify characteristic spectral regions associated with NSC molecules. In total, 180 samples from different tree organs (root, stem, branch, leaf) belonging to 73 tree species from tropical and temperate biomes were analysed. Statistical relationships between NSC concentration and NIRS spectra were assessed using partial least squares regression (PLSR) and a variable selection procedure (competitive adaptive reweighted sampling, CARS), in order to identify key wavelengths.

Parsimonious and accurate calibration models were obtained for total NSC (r2 of 0·91, RMSE of 1·34% in external validation), followed by starch (r2 = 0·85 and RMSE = 1·20%) and sugars (r2 = 0·82 and RMSE = 1·10%). Key wavelengths coincided among these models and were mainly located in the 1740–1800, 2100–2300 and 2410–2490 nm spectral regions.

This study demonstrates the ability of general calibration model to infer NSC concentrations across species and tissue types in a rapid and cost‐effective way. The estimation of NSC in plants using NIRS therefore serves as a tool for functional biodiversity research, in particular for the study of the growth–survival trade‐off and its implications in response to changing environmental conditions, including growth limitation and mortality.
Positive end‐expiratory pressure titration at bedside using electrical impedance tomography in post‐operative cardiac surgery patients
Authors: Karsten J. , Grusnick C. , Paarmann H. , Heringlake M. , Heinze H. 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundPost‐operative positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) setting to minimize the risk of ventilator‐associated lung injury is still controversial. Assessment of regional ventilation distribution by electrical impedance tomography (EIT) might be superior as compared with global parameters. The aim of this prospective observational study was to compare global dynamic compliance (CRS) with different EIT indices during a short clinical applicable descending PEEP trial.MethodsTwenty mechanically ventilated patients after elective cardiac surgery received a standard recruitment manoeuvre (RM) following descending PEEP trial in steps of 2 cmH2O from PEEP 14 cmH2O to 6 cmH2O. During baseline and all PEEP steps, CRS was assessed and regional ventilation distribution was measured by means of EIT. The individual ‘best’ PEEP values for the derived EIT indices and CRS were calculated and compared.ResultsThe descending PEEP trial lasted less than 10 min. CRS increased after the RM and showed a maximum value at PEEP 8 cmH2O. Ventilation distribution shifted more to dependent lung regions after RM and back to more non‐dependent regions during the PEEP trial. Individual ‘best’ PEEP by CRS showed significantly lower values than ‘best’ PEEP by ventilation distribution measured with EIT indices.ConclusionDuring a short descending PEEP trial at bedside, EIT is capable of following the status of regional ventilation distribution in ventilated patients. The ‘best’ PEEP value identified by individual maximum CRS was lower than optimal PEEP levels as determined by means of EIT indices. EIT could help setting PEEP in post‐operative ventilated patients.
Translation and validation of the Danish version of the postoperative quality of recovery score QoR‐15
Authors: Kleif J. , Edwards H. M. , Sort R. , Vilandt J. , Gögenur I. 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundPatient perceived quality of recovery is an important outcome after surgery and should be measured in clinical trials. Quality of recovery after surgery and general anaesthesia can be measured by the QoR‐15. A high score indicates a good recovery and the score ranges from 0 to 150. The aim of this study was to translate the QoR‐15 questionnaire into Danish and do a full psychometric evaluation of the Danish version.MethodsA translation and cultural adaption of the original version of the QoR‐15 into a Danish version, the QoR‐15D, was performed. After obtaining consent, patients undergoing elective abdominal, orthopaedic or gynaecological surgery under general anaesthesia were included. Patients completed the QoR‐15D before surgery and on the first postoperative day. The validity, reliability, responsiveness and clinical feasibility of the QoR‐15D were evaluated.ResultsOne hundred and forty patients returned their pre‐ and postoperative questionnaire successfully giving a completion rate of 56%. The postoperative QoR‐15 score was negatively correlated with duration of surgery (ρ = −0.21, 95% CI: −0.04 to −0.36, P < 0.02) and postoperative stay (ρ = −0.28, 95% CI: −0.12 to −0.43, P < 0.01). Postoperative QoR‐15D scores were inversely related to the extent of surgery: minor, intermediate or major (127 ± 22, 106 ± 29 and 96 ± 24, respectively, P < 0.01). Cronbach's alpha and split‐half reliability was 0.90 and 0.88. Test–retest reliability was 0.99 (95% CI: 0.94–1.00). Cohen's effect size was 1.13 and the standardized response mean was 0.82.ConclusionThe QoR‐15D has preserved the validity, excellent reliability, high degree of responsiveness and the clinical feasibility of the original English version.
The rapidly escalating cost of treating colorectal cancer in Australia
Authors: Ananda Sumitra , Kosmider Suzanne , Tran Ben , Field Kathryn , Jones Ian , Skinner Iain , Guerrieri Mario , Chapman Michael , Gibbs Peter 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimsConsiderable progress in cancer treatment is leading to better outcomes, but the cost of therapy is placing increasing pressure on the health system. Understanding the real‐world cost of therapies for each stage will become increasingly important in informing treatment selection and health policy.MethodsTo explore the cost of treating colorectal cancer in the modern era, data were entered onto a prospective database at four hospitals. We estimated the impact of bevacizumab by using data from July 2009, and projected the likely impact of the recent listing of cetuximab. The utility of these data for estimating the cost‐effectiveness of treatment was explored.ResultsCancer stage and age at diagnosis were major determinants of treatment received and the associated cost. The cost of early stage disease has not substantially changed whereas therapies such as oxaliplatin and irinotecan were significant contributors to substantial increases in stage IV disease, now $71 156 per patient. Bevacizumab has added at least $10 247 per patient and we estimate that cetuximab will add a further $12 022. An exploratory analysis of the cost‐effectiveness of oxaliplatin for adjuvant therapy of stage III colon cancer suggests that this is well within the accepted range.ConclusionThese data suggest that recent progress in the treatment of later stages of colorectal cancer is being achieved at significant financial cost. The increased costs of managing later stages of disease make an investment in prevention and early detection ever more attractive.
Cost of cancer care for patients undergoing chemotherapy: The Elements of Cancer Care study
Authors: Ward Robyn L , Laaksonen Maarit A , van Gool Kees , Pearson Sallie‐Anne , Daniels Ben , Bastick Patricia , Norman Richard , Hou Changhao , Haywood Philip , Haas Marion 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimTo determine the monthly treatment costs for each element of cancer care in patients receiving chemotherapy and to apportion the burden of cost by financing agent (Commonwealth, State government, private health insurer, patient).MethodsA cohort of 478 patients (54% breast, 33% colorectal and 13% non‐small‐cell lung cancer) were recruited from 12 centers representing metropolitan and regional settings in public and private sectors. Primary data were linked to secondary data held in New South Wales state (Admitted Patients and Emergency Department Data) and Commonwealth (Medicare and Pharmaceutical Benefits) databases. The monthly treatment costs of each element of care and the funding agent were calculated from secondary health data.ResultsAcross all tumor types, the mean monthly treatment cost was $4162 (10%–90% quantiles $1018–$8098; range $2853 [adjuvant colorectal] to $5622 [metastatic lung]), with 54% of this cost borne by Commonwealth government, 26% by private health insurers, 14% by State government and 6% by patients. The mean monthly costs of treating metastatic disease were $1415 greater than those for adjuvant therapy. The mean monthly costs were contributed to by inpatient care ($1657, 40%), chemotherapy prescriptions ($1502, 36%), outpatient care ($452, 11%) and administration of chemotherapy ($364, 9%).ConclusionAll four funders have a shared incentive to reduce absolute monthly treatment costs since their proportional contribution is relatively constant for most tumor types and stages. There are opportunities to reduce cancer care costs by minimizing the risk of inpatient hospital admissions that arise from chemotherapy administration and by recognizing incentives for cost‐shifting.
Amelioration of allergic airway inflammation in mice by regulatory IL‐35 through dampening inflammatory dendritic cells
Authors: Dong J. , Wong C. K. , Cai Z. , Jiao D. , Chu M. , Lam C. W. K. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundIL‐35, a new member of the IL‐12 family, is an inhibitory cytokine produced by regulatory T and B lymphocytes that play a suppressive role in the inflammatory diseases.This study focuses on the cellular mechanism regulating the anti‐inflammatory activity of IL‐35 in asthmatic mice.MethodsOvalbumin‐induced asthmatic and humanized asthmatic mice were adopted to evaluate the in vivo anti‐inflammatory activities of IL‐35. For monitoring the airway, Penh value (% baseline) was measured using a whole‐body plethysmograph.ResultsIn this study using ovalbumin‐induced asthmatic mice, we observed that intraperitoneal injection of IL‐35 during the allergen sensitization stage was more efficient than administration in the challenge stage for the amelioration of airway hyper‐responsiveness. This was reflected by the significantly reduced concentration of asthma‐related Th2 cytokines IL‐5 and IL‐13, as well as eosinophil counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (all P < 0.05). IL‐35 also significantly attenuated the accumulation of migratory CD11b+CD103− dendritic cells (DC) in the mediastinal lymph node (mLN) and lung of mice (all P < 0.05). IL‐35 markedly inhibited the ovalbumin‐induced conversion of recruited monocytes into inflammatory DC, which were then substantially reduced in mLN to cause less T‐cell proliferation (all P < 0.05). Further study using the humanized asthmatic murine model also indicated human IL‐35 exhibited a regulatory impact on allergic asthma.ConclusionOur findings suggest that IL‐35 can act as a crucial regulatory cytokine to inhibit the development of allergic airway inflammation via suppressing the formation of inflammatory DC at the inflammatory site and their accumulation in the draining lymph nodes.
Hysterectomies in Finland in 1990–2012: comparison of outcomes between trainees and specialists
Authors: Jokinen Ewa , Brummer Tea , Jalkanen Jyrki , Fraser Jaana , Heikkinen Anna‐Mari , Mäkinen Juha , Sjöberg Jari , Tomàs Eija , Mikkola Tomi S. , Härkki Päivi 
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo assess trends for hysterectomy methods in the Nordic countries and to compare outcomes of hysterectomies in Finland done by trainees with those done by specialists.DesignRegister‐based study.SettingNOMESCO database for the Nordic countries and the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register.PopulationNational prospective cohort of 5279 hysterectomies in Finland.MethodsNumbers of hysterectomies in the Nordic countries were collected in 1995–2011 and in Finland in 1990–2012. The Finhyst study to collect data on hysterectomies for benign indications was carried out in Finland in 2006. Information concerning patients, surgeons, and hysterectomy outcome was analysed.Main outcome measuresHysterectomy numbers and methods. Operating time, blood loss, and complications in hysterectomies done by trainees and specialists.ResultsIn Finland, the rate of hysterectomies has been reduced by approximately 50% since the 1990s and is now similar to that in the other Nordic countries. The laparoscopic method is twice as common in Finland as in other Nordic countries, constituting 35–40% of all hysterectomies. The operating time for all hysterectomy methods was 16–25% longer among trainees than specialists. For the abdominal or laparoscopic methods there were no significant differences in the complication rates between the groups. In the vaginal approach, blood loss of ≥1000 mL was slightly more common in operations done by trainees (1.3% vs. 2.6%, p = 0.037).ConclusionsLaparoscopic hysterectomy is more common in Finland than in the other Nordic countries. Although trainees need more time to operate, there were no differences between the trainees and the specialists with regard to major complication rates.
Identification of human papillomavirus in pterygium
Authors: Hamed‐Azzam Shirin , Edison Natalia , Briscoe Daniel , Mukari Abed , Elmalah Irit 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the involvement of human papillomavirus in the pathogenesis of primary and recurrent pterygium in northern Israel.MethodsA retrospective study examined 100 randomly chosen pterygium specimens with solar elastosis, from 100 patients who underwent pterygium surgery during 2012–2013 at the Emek Medical Center. All the specimens were analysed for evidence of human papillomavirus infection by immunohistochemistry.ResultsHuman papillomavirus was not detected in any of the 100 pterygia samples by immunohistochemistry. These used samples were taken from 100 patients with mean age of 51.5 years and a primary: recurrent ratio of 8.09:1.ConclusionWe conclude from our study that human papillomavirus infection does not appear to be an important pathogenic factor of pterygium in Israel.
Healthy term and moderately preterm infants have similar cerebral oxygen saturation and cerebral blood flow volumes during early post‐natal transition
Authors: Demel A , Feilke K , Schöning M , Wolf M , Poets CF , Franz AR 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimThis pilot study evaluated changes in regional cerebral oxygen saturation and cerebral blood flow volume during the transitional period in healthy term and moderately preterm infants.MethodsThe cohort comprised 16 preterm infants and seven full‐term infants with mean gestational ages of 34 and 39 weeks, respectively. Longitudinal measurements were conducted during the first three days after birth. Regional cerebral oxygen saturation was determined bilaterally by frequency domain near‐infrared spectroscopy. Flow volumes were determined in internal carotid and vertebral arteries by multiplying the time‐averaged velocity by the cross‐sectional area: cerebral blood flow volume was calculated as the sum of flow volumes and adjusted for brain weight.ResultsBrain weight‐adjusted cerebral blood flow volumes and regional cerebral oxygen saturation were similar in preterm and term infants. Regional cerebral oxygen saturation did not correlate with brain weight‐adjusted cerebral blood flow volume. Right and left brain weight‐adjusted internal carotid flow volumes did not correlate with right and left regional cerebral oxygen saturation.ConclusionOur findings suggest that during the first three days after birth there was adequate cardiorespiratory adaptation, cerebral perfusion and adequate compensation through the arterial circle of Willis in both healthy term and moderately preterm infants.
Systematic review with network meta‐analysis: comparative efficacy and safety of budesonide and mesalazine (mesalamine) for Crohn's disease
Authors: Moja L. , Danese S. , Fiorino G. , Del Giovane C. , Bonovas S. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryBackgroundBudesonide and mesalazine (mesalamine) are commonly used in the medical management of patients with mild to moderate Crohn's disease.AimTo assess their comparative efficacy and harm using the methodology of network meta‐analysis.MethodsA comprehensive search of Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov, through October 2014, was performed to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that recruited adult patients with active or quiescent Crohn's disease, and compared budesonide or mesalazine with placebo, or against each other, or different dosing strategies of one drug.ResultsTwenty‐five RCTs were combined using Bayesian network meta‐analysis. Budesonide 9 mg/day, or at higher doses (15 or 18 mg/day), was shown superior to placebo for induction of remission [odds ratio (OR), 2.93; 95% credible interval (CrI), 1.52–5.39, and OR, 3.28; CrI, 1.46–7.55 respectively] and ranks at the top of the hierarchy of the competing treatments. For maintenance of remission, budesonide 6 mg/day demonstrated superiority over placebo (OR, 1.69; CrI, 1.05–2.75), being also at the best ranking position among all compared treatment strategies. No other comparisons (i.e. different doses of mesalazine vs. placebo or budesonide, for induction or maintenance of remission) reached significance. The occurrence of withdrawals due to adverse events was not shown different between budesonide, mesalazine and placebo, in both the induction and maintenance phases.ConclusionsBudesonide, at the doses of 9 mg/day, or higher, for induction of remission in active mild or moderate Crohn's disease, and at 6 mg/day for maintenance of remission, appears to be the best treatment choice.
Diabetes and the risk of infections with immunomodulator therapy in inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Ananthakrishnan A. N. , Cagan A. , Cai T. , Gainer V. S. , Shaw S. Y. , Churchill S. , Karlson E. W. , Murphy S. N. , Kohane I. , Liao K. P. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryBackgroundInfections are an important concern in patients using immunosuppressive therapy for their inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Diabetes affects nearly 10% of Americans. Whether it confers an additional risk with immunosuppression in IBD has not been examined previously.AimTo examine the association between diabetes and infections with immunomodulator use in IBDMethodsUsing a validated, multi‐institutional IBD cohort, we identified all patients who received at least one prescription for immunomodulators (thiopurines, methotrexate). Our primary outcome was infection within 1 year of the prescription of the immunomodulator. Multivariable logistic regression adjusting for relevant confounders was used to estimate the independent association with diabetes.ResultsOur study included 2766 patients receiving at least one prescription for immunomodulators among whom 210 (8%) developed an infection within 1 year. Patients who developed an infection were likely to be older, have more comorbidities, more likely to have received a prescription for steroids but similar in initiation of anti‐TNF therapy within that year. Only 8% of those without an infection had diabetes compared to 19% of those who developed an infection within 1 year [odds ratio (OR) 2.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.88–3.98, P < 0.001]. On multivariate analysis, diabetes was independently associated with a nearly two‐fold increase in risk of infections (OR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.20–2.68). There was no increase in risk of infections with addition of anti‐TNF therapy (OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 0.80–1.63).ConclusionDiabetes is an independent risk factor for infection in IBD patients using immunomodulator therapy.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: post‐infectious irritable bowel syndrome after travellers' diarrhoea
Authors: Schwille‐Kiuntke J. , Mazurak N. , Enck P. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryBackgroundGastrointestinal infection is known as a risk factor for the development of the irritable bowel syndrome (post‐infectious irritable bowel syndrome, PI‐IBS). The incidence of PI‐IBS ranges between 3% and over 30% of people after infectious gastroenteritis.AimTo perform a meta‐analysis pools and report data concerning the relative risk (RR) of PI‐IBS after TD.MethodsDatabase search using Medline through PubMed, Scopus, EBM Reviews (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) and PsycINFO was performed to identify relevant studies. Those that met the inclusion criteria were pooled. A random effects model (Mantel‐Haenszel) was performed.ResultsSix eligible studies were found. In three of six studies, the authors reported a statistically significant association of TD and PI‐IBS. The pooled RR was 3.35 (95% CI: 2.22–5.05) with a significant overall effect (P < 0.00001). Overall PI‐IBS incidence was 5.4% in TD subjects and 1.4% in healthy subjects. There was no significant heterogeneity within the pooled studies (I2 = 5%). Self‐reported TD alone resulted in an over 1.5‐fold RR for PI‐IBS compared to laboratory‐confirmed TD [RR 3.90 (95% CI: 2.35–6.49) vs. RR 2.42 (95% CI: 1.22–4.78)].ConclusionsThere is a strong association between travellers' diarrhoea and post‐infectious irritable bowel syndrome. Self‐reports of exposure seem to result in a higher post‐infectious irritable bowel syndrome occurrence than laboratory‐confirmed cases of travellers' diarrhoea, but further studies are needed to confirm this finding. Finally, potential influences of the selection of an appropriate study population on post‐infectious irritable bowel syndrome epidemiology are discussed.
Quantifying the influence of sill intrusion on the thermal evolution of organic‐rich sedimentary rocks in nonvolcanic passive margins: an example from ODP 210‐1276, offshore Newfoundland, Canada
Authors: Peace Alexander , McCaffrey Ken , Imber Jonathan , Hobbs Richard , van Hunen Jeroen , Gerdes Keith 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIntrusive magmatism is an integral and understudied component in both volcanic and nonvolcanic passive margins. Here, we investigate the thermal effects of widespread (ca. 20 000 km2) intrusive magmatism on the thermal evolution of organic‐rich sedimentary rocks on the nonvolcanic Newfoundland passive margin. ODP 210‐1276 (45.41°N, 44.79°W) intersects two sills: an older, upper sill and a younger, lower sill that are believed to correspond to the high amplitude ‘U‐reflector’ observed across the Newfoundland Basin. A compilation of previous work collectively provides; (1) emplacement depth constraints, (2) vitrinite reflectance data and (3) 40Ar/39Ar dates. Collectively, these data sets provide a unique opportunity to model the conductive cooling of the sills and how they affect thermal maturity of the sedimentary sequence. A finite differences method was used to model the cooling of the sills, with the model outputs then being entered into the EASY%Ro vitrinite reflectance model. The modelled maturation profile for ODP 210‐1276 shows a significant but localized effect on sediment maturity as a result of the intrusions. Our results suggest that even on nonvolcanic margins, intrusive magmatism can significantly influence the thermal evolution in the vicinity of igneous intrusions. In addition, the presence of widespread sills on nonvolcanic passive margins such as offshore Newfoundland may be indicative of regional‐scale thermal perturbations that should be considered in source rock maturation studies.