bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a Coupled Land Surface Hydrologic Model and Evaluation at a Critical Zone Observatory
Authors: Shi Yuning , Davis Kenneth J. , Duffy Christopher J. , Yu Xuan 
Published: July 2013

AbstractA fully coupled land surface hydrologic model, Flux-PIHM, is developed by incorporating a land surface scheme into the Penn State Integrated Hydrologic Model (PIHM). The land surface scheme is adapted from the Noah land surface model. Because PIHM is capable of simulating lateral water flow and deep groundwater at spatial resolutions sufficient to resolve upland stream networks, Flux-PIHM is able to represent heterogeneities due to topography and soils at high resolution, including spatial structure in the link between groundwater and the surface energy balance (SEB). Flux-PIHM has been implemented at the Shale Hills watershed (0.08 km2) in central Pennsylvania. Multistate observations of discharge, water table depth, soil moisture, soil temperature, and sensible and latent heat fluxes in June and July 2009 are used to manually calibrate Flux-PIHM at hourly temporal resolution. Model predictions from 1 March to 1 December 2009 are evaluated. Both hydrologic predictions and SEB predictions show good agreement with observations. Comparisons of model predictions between Flux-PIHM and the original PIHM show that the inclusion of the complex SEB simulation only brings slight improvement in hourly model discharge predictions. Flux-PIHM adds the ability of simulating SEB to PIHM and does improve the prediction of hourly evapotranspiration, the prediction of total runoff (discharge), and the predictions of some peak discharge events, especially after extended dry periods. Model results reveal that annual average sensible and latent heat fluxes are strongly correlated with water table depth, and the correlation is especially strong for the model grids near the stream.
What outcome after the prescription of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in lung cancer?
Authors: Boudaya Mohamed-Sadok , Smadhi Hanène , Marghli Adel , Charmiti Fatma , Ouerghi Sonia , Mohamed Jalel , Brahem Emna , Smati Belhassen , Mestiri Taher , Kilani Tarek 
Published: July 2013

Background The treatment of patients with locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer is controversial. Surgery remains the gold standard, even in this group. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy could allow surgical resection in patients initially judged inoperable. Methods From January 2009 to May 2010, neoadjuvant chemotherapy was indicated in 27 patients with NSCLC (25 men, 2 women). Their mean age was 65 years. The stages were: IIB in 5, IIIA in 17 (6 in stage IIIAN2), IIIB in 2, and IV in 3. Results 23 patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 2 refused induction treatment, and 2 had impaired status. The neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen was gemcitabine-cisplatin in 17 patients and vinorelbine-cisplatin in 6. Only 5 patients underwent complete surgical treatment after induction: 1 in stage IIB, 1 in stage IIIAN0, 1 in IIIB, and 2 in stage IV (1 operated brain metastasis, and 1 operated adrenal metastasis). Surgical treatment was not achieved after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in 18 patients because of progressive disease. Conclusion Neoadjuvant chemotherapy offers several potential benefits, but it may delay surgery or eliminate eligibility as a surgical candidate. Rigorous patient selection for this type of multimodal treatment is essential.
Strategy to avoid patient-prosthesis mismatch: aortic root enlargement
Authors: Srivastava Dharmendra Kumar , Sanki Prokash , Bhattacharya Subhankar , Siddique Javed Veqar 
Published: July 2013

Background The choice of a valve with an effective orifice area matching the body surface area and providing efficient hemodynamics is an important factor affecting mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement. Patients and methods Our preventative strategy was to implant a larger prosthetic valve by aortic root enlargement using the Nunez procedure in 17 patients between February 2010 and January 2011. The decision to enlarge the aortic root was taken when the 19-mm sizer could not be negotiated easily through the aortic root, or on the basis of body surface area of the patient or type of prosthesis available. Results Postoperative reductions in peak and mean pressure gradients across aortic valve of 12.8–16.5 and 10.2–12.6 mm Hg, respectively, were observed. Postoperative effective orifice areas of the aortic valves were 1.1–1.5 cm2. By upsizing the aortic valve, we were able to eliminate patient-prosthesis mismatch in 5 patients, and reduce severe patient-prosthesis mismatch to moderate in 11. Conclusion Aortic root enlargement is a safe procedure. Therefore, cardiac surgeons should not be reluctant to enlarge the aortic root with an autologous pericardial patch to permit implantation of an adequate size of aortic valve prosthesis, with minimal additional aortic crossclamp time and no added cost.
Breathlessness – current and emerging mechanisms, measurement and management: A discussion from an European Association of Palliative Care workshop
Authors: Currow David C , Higginson Irene J , Johnson Miriam J 
Published: July 2013

Background: A pre-conference workshop at the 2012 European Association of Palliative Care meeting discussed the current scientific and clinical aspects of breathlessness. Aim: To describe a current overview of clinically relevant science in breathlessness. Design: A collation of workshop presentations and discussions. Data sources: Narrative review. Results: The mismatch between the drive to breathe and the ability to breathe underlies the major theories of breathlessness unifying central processing of peripheral inputs including more recent recognition of the importance of peripheral muscles in mediating efferent inputs, supporting reduction of breathlessness with muscle conditioning. Key questions are whether there is a ‘final common pathway’ for breathlessness? Are the central nervous system targets for reducing breathlessness identical irrespective of underlying aetiology? Central nervous system functional imaging confirms an ability to differentiate severity (intensity) from affective components (unpleasantness). Breathlessness generates suffering across the community for patients and their caregivers often for long periods. The exertional nature of breathlessness means that reduction rather than elimination of the symptom is the therapeutic goal. No single intervention is likely to relieve chronic refractory breathlessness, but interventions made up of several components may provide incremental relief. Having optimally treated any underlying reversible components, the resultant chronic refractory breathlessness can be treated with pharmacological, psychological and physical therapies to reduce the sensation and its impacts. Conclusion: Ensuring optimal delivery of interventions for breathlessness, whose design is underpinned by improving the understanding in the aetiology and maintenance of breathlessness, is the subject of ongoing controlled clinical trials.
Functional characterization of a novel C-terminal ATP1A2 mutation causing hemiplegic migraine and epilepsy
Authors: Pisano Tiziana , Spiller Susan , Mei Davide , Guerrini Renzo , Cianchetti Carlo , Friedrich Thomas , Pruna Dario 
Published: July 2013

Background We describe a four-generation Italian family with familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) and epilepsy due to a novel ATP1A2 missense mutation (R1007W). Case results Mutational analysis revealed a heterozygous nucleotide substitution c.3019C>T resulting in the missense substitution p.Arg1007Trp (p.R1007W) in seven subjects: Three individuals had hemiplegic migraine, two exhibited a clinical overlap between migraine and epilepsy, one had migraine and one was unaffected. The identified ATP1A2 mutation was not found in an ethnically matched control population of 190 individuals and was not reported in a polymorphisms database. In two-electrode voltage-clamp experiments on Xenopus oocytes, the ATP1A2 R1007W mutant showed (i) reduced ion pumping activity due to a more profound voltage dependence and (ii) decreased apparent affinity for extracellular K+ at voltages around the cellular resting potential. This distinct type of loss of function has not been reported for other FHM2 mutations and can lead to impaired K+ clearance and elevated K+ levels in the CNS. Conclusions The functional data and clinical evidence suggest that in FHM2 migraine and epilepsy may originate from the same pathogenic mechanisms associated with genetically determined alterations of ion channels and pumps. Our data also support the hypothesis that the new mutation R1007W in our family may be a susceptibility factor for epilepsy.
Hypnic headache
Authors: Holle Dagny , Naegel Steffen , Obermann Mark 
Published: July 2013

Background Hypnic headache (HH) is a rare primary headache disorder that is characterised by strictly sleep-related headache attacks. Purpose Because of the low prevalence of this headache disorder, disease information is mainly based on case reports and small case series. This review summarises current knowledge on HH in regard to clinical presentation, pathophysiology, symptomatic causes and therapeutic options. Method We review all reported HH cases since its first description in 1988 by Raskin. Broadened diagnostic criteria were applied for patient selection that slightly deviate from the current ICHD-II criteria. Patients were allowed to describe the headache character to be other than dull. Additionally, accompanying mild trigemino-autonomic symptoms were permitted. Conclusions Mainly elderly patients are affected, but younger patients and even children might also suffer from HH. Headache attacks usually last between 15 and 180 minutes, but some patients report headache attacks up to 10 hours. Almost all patients report motor activity during headache attacks. Cerebral MRI and 24-hour blood pressure monitoring should be performed in the diagnostic work-up of HH. Other primary headache disorders such as migraine and cluster headache may also present with sleep-related headache attacks and should be considered first. Caffeine taken as a cup of strong coffee seems to be the best acute and prophylactic treatment option.
Radiographic Correction of Stage III Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction With a Modified Triple Arthrodesis
Authors: Mehta Siddhant K. , Kellum R. Bradley , Robertson George H. , Moore Allen Ryves , Wingerter Scott A. , Tarquinio Thom A. 
Published: July 2013

Background: The literature supports fusion as the surgical treatment of choice for stage III posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD). The present study reports the radiographic correction following a modified triple arthrodesis (fusions of the subtalar, talonavicular, and first tarsometatarsal joints) in patients with stage III PTTD. Methods: An institutional review board–approved retrospective study was performed to assess the radiographic outcome of a modified triple arthrodesis in 21 patients (22 feet). Pre- and postoperative weight-bearing radiographs were reviewed in a blinded fashion by clinicians of varying levels of training. The talo–first metatarsal, talocalcaneal, and talonavicular coverage angles were measured on anteroposterior views. On lateral views, the talo–first metatarsal (Meary’s), talocalcaneal, calcaneal pitch, and talar declination angles and the medial cuneiform to floor distance were measured. Statistical analysis was performed to compare pre- and postoperative measurements, assess the degree of correction, and determine interobserver reliability of the radiographic measurements. Results: All measurements improved significantly after treatment with a modified triple arthrodesis ( P ≤ .001). The medial cuneiform to floor distance (0.910), talonavicular coverage angle (0.896), and lateral talo–first metatarsal angle (0.873) were the most reproducible between observers. Postoperatively, 100% of feet were corrected to normal medial cuneiform to floor distance and talonavicular coverage angle, and 90.9% were corrected to a normal lateral talo–first metatarsal angle. Conclusion: The modified triple arthrodesis resulted in a reliable and reproducible correction of the deformity seen in rigid stage III PTTD. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.
Use of mobile phone text messaging to deliver an individualized smoking behaviour intervention in Chinese adolescents
Authors: Shi Hui-Jing , Jiang Xiao-Xiao , Yu Chun-Yan , Zhang Yue 
Published: July 2013

Summary We evaluated the effectiveness of a mobile phone text-messaging based smoking cessation intervention package among Chinese adolescent smokers. Students aged 16–19 years were recruited from six vocational high schools located in Shanghai. We assigned the six schools to an intervention group or a control group by cluster randomization. The 92 participants in the intervention group were given tailored information via mobile phone text-messaging for 12 weeks. The 87 participants in the control group were provided with a self-help pamphlet about smoking cessation instead. After the intervention, attitudes towards the disadvantages of smoking were significantly improved, and the level of nicotine dependence and cigarette dependence significantly decreased in the intervention group. The intervention group had a relatively higher self-reported 7-day abstinence compared to the control group and 30-day abstinence, but the differences were not significant. However, the intervention group had a significantly higher rate of smoking reduction (66% vs. 35%) and moving forward in quitting stages (52% vs. 18%) compared to the control group. The interactive and tailored assistance provided by the mobile phone text-messaging was effective in smoking behaviour intervention in Chinese adolescent smokers.
The feasibility of measuring social networks among older adults in assisted living and dementia special care units
Authors: Abbott Katherine M. , Bettger Janet Prvu , Hampton Keith N. , Kohler Hans-Peter 
Published: July 2013

Background Studies indicate that social integration has a significant influence on physical and mental health. Older adults experience an increased risk of social isolation as their social networks decline with fewer traditional opportunities to add new social relationships. Deaths of similar aged friends, cognitive and functional impairments, and relocating to a nursing home (NH) or assisted-living (AL) facility contribute to difficulties in maintaining one’s social network. Due to the paucity of research examining the social networks of people residing in AL and NH, this study was designed to develop and test the feasibility of using a combination of methodological approaches to capture social network data among older adults living in AL and a dementia special care unit NH. Methods Social network analysis of both egocentric and sociocentric networks was conducted to visualize the social networks of 15 residents of an AL neighborhood and 12 residents of a dementia special care unit NH and to calculate measures network size, centrality, and reciprocity. Results The combined egocentric and sociocentric method was feasible and provided a robust indicator of resident social networks highlighting individuals who were socially integrated as well as isolated.
Fluid management in diabetic ketoacidosis: are we adhering to recommended guidelines?
Authors: Freudenthal Robert , Tufton Nicola , Podesta Christine , Mulholland Rebecca , Rossi Michela 
Published: July 2013

Introduction: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute complication of diabetes mellitus that requires prompt treatment. However delays in treatment are common and can have serious consequences. Local guidelines state all patients with DKA should receive intravenous fluids within 60 minutes. This audit series establishes if there is local adherence to this guideline. Methods: In total 111 cases were audited over four consecutive years. Case notes were identified retrospectively by clinical coding and notes were reviewed to establish the time between arrival to Accident and Emergency and administration of intravenous fluids. Results: In 2008, 17 of 29 patients who attended Accident and Emergency with DKA received intravenous fluids as per the guideline, 11 of 24 patients in 2009, 17 of 28 patients in 2010 whilst in 2011 20 of 27 patients received fluids as recommended. Discussion: Although this audit found that there have been improvements in administration of prompt intravenous fluids at Whittington hospital, there are still patients who do not receive this treatment as recommended. It remains to be seen if the introduction of bedside ketone testing will facilitate a speedier diagnosis and therefore more timely initiation of intravenous fluids.
Inference following designs which adjust for imbalances in prognostic factors
Authors: Barbáchano Yolanda , Coad D Stephen 
Published: July 2013

Background When the minimisation method due to Taves is used to balance treatment groups across prognostic factors, a problem arises at the time of analysing the results. Since minimisation is essentially a deterministic method, any statistical test based on the assumption of complete randomisation should not be used in the analysis. Previous articles have shown that analysis of covariance (ANOCOVA) produces valid tests. Methods In this article, these results are extended to trials with more than one prognostic factor and more than two treatments. An alternative design to minimisation which makes use of optimum design theory is also considered, with two choices of biased coin. Simulation is used to study the effect on the power and the coverage probabilities of the usual tests and confidence intervals when these different allocation methods are applied. The results are then illustrated using data from an actual clinical trial. Results Simulation shows that when ANOCOVA is used, it is sometimes more powerful with these designs than with minimisation and produces slightly conservative confidence intervals for the treatment mean differences. The increase in power and conservativeness is more pronounced when there are more prognostic factors. The possibility of treatment–covariate interactions is also addressed. Limitations Results are only given when treatment responses are normally distributed. Conclusions Under the simulated situations considered, when a covariate-adaptive design is used, the use of ANOCOVA yields a test which preserves the nominal significance level as compared to the conservativeness of analysis of variance.
A common 56-kilobase deletion in a primate-specific segmental duplication creates a novel butyrophilin-like protein
Authors: Aigner Johanna , Villatoro Sergi , Rabionet Raquel , Roquer Jaume , Jiménez-Conde Jordi , Martí Eulàlia , Estivill Xavier 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
The Butyrophilin-like (BTNL) proteins are likely to play an important role in inflammation and immune response. Like the B7 protein family, many human and murine BTNL members have been shown to control T lymphocytes response, and polymorphisms in human BTNL2 have been linked to several inflammatory diseases, such as pulmonary sarcoidosis, inflammatory bowel disease and neonatal lupus.

Results
In this study we provide a comprehensive population, genomic and transcriptomic analysis of a 56-kb deletion copy number variant (CNV), located within two segmental duplications of two genes belonging to the BTNL family, namely BTNL8 and BTNL3. We confirm the presence of a novel BTNL8*3 fusion-protein product, and show an influence of the deletion variant on the expression level of several genes involved in immune function, including BTNL9, another member of the same family. Moreover, by genotyping HapMap and human diversity panel (HGDP) samples, we demonstrate a clear difference in the stratification of the BTNL8_BTNL3-del allele frequency between major continental human populations.

Conclusion
Despite tremendous progress in the field of structural variation, rather few CNVs have been functionally characterized so far. Here, we show clear functional consequences of a new deletion CNV (BTNL8_BTNL3-del) with potentially important implication in the human immune system and in inflammatory and proliferative disorders. In addition, the marked population differences found of BTNL8_BTNL3-del frequencies suggest that this deletion CNV might have evolved under positive selection due to environmental conditions in some populations, with potential phenotypic consequences.
Alpha tubulin genes from Leishmania braziliensis:genomic organization, gene structure and insights on their expression
Authors: Ramírez César A , Requena José M , Puerta Concepción J 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Alpha tubulin is a fundamental component of the cytoskeleton which is responsible for cell shape and is involved in cell division, ciliary and flagellar motility and intracellular transport. Alpha tubulin gene expression varies according to the morphological changes suffered by Leishmania in its life cycle. However, the objective of studying the mechanisms responsible for the differential expression has resulted to be a difficult task due to the complex genome organization of tubulin genes and to the non-conventional mechanisms of gene regulation operating in Leishmania.

Results
We started this work by analyzing the genomic organization of α-tubulin genes in the Leishmania braziliensis genome database. The genomic organization of L. braziliensis α-tubulin genes differs from that existing in the L. major and L. infantum genomes. Two loci containing α-tubulin genes were found in the chromosomes 13 and 29, even though the existence of sequence gaps does not allow knowing the exact number of genes at each locus. Southern blot assays showed that α-tubulin locus at chromosome 13 contains at least 8 gene copies, which are tandemly organized with a 2.08-kb repetition unit; the locus at chromosome 29 seems to contain a sole α-tubulin gene. In addition, it was found that L. braziliensis α-tubulin locus at chromosome 13 contains two types of α-tubulin genes differing in their 3′ UTR, each one presumably containing different regulatory motifs. It was also determined that the mRNA expression levels of these genes are controlled by post-transcriptional mechanisms tightly linked to the growth temperature. Moreover, the decrease in the α-tubulin mRNA abundance observed when promastigotes were cultured at 35°C was accompanied by parasite morphology alterations, similar to that occurring during the promastigote to amastigote differentiation.

Conclusions
Information found in the genome databases indicates that α-tubulin genes have been reorganized in a drastic manner along Leishmania speciation. In the L. braziliensis genome database, two loci containing α-tubulin sequences were found, but only the locus at chromosome 13 contains the prototypic α-tubulin genes, which are repeated in a head-to-tail manner. Also, we determined that the levels of α-tubulin mRNAs are down-regulated drastically in response to heat shock by a post-transcriptional mechanism which is dependent upon active protein synthesis.