bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What Is the Relative Importance of Phytoplankton and Attached Macroalgae and Epiphytes to Food Webs on Offshore Oil Platforms?
Authors: Daigle Sara T. , Fleeger John W. , Cowan James H. , Pascal Pierre-Yves 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Offshore oil platforms function as artificial reefs, but little is known about the food webs that fuel platform-dwelling biota. Here, we use carbon and nitrogen isotopes in tissues of biota from two offshore oil platforms to estimate the importance of phytoplankton and platform-associated macroalgae and epiphytic microalgae to the diets of platform-dwelling consumers. Although the consumption of macroalgae was indicated for small, mobile consumers including crabs, amphipods, and harpacticoid copepods, both a Bayesian mixing model and temporal changes in isotope composition identified phytoplankton as the most important basal resource for these consumers. Sessile suspension-feeding barnacles and oysters consumed phytoplankton and epiphytes, and probably redirected large amounts of pelagic production to other consumers. Secondary consumers including syllid polychaetes and the blennies, Molly Miller Scartella cristata and Tessellated Blenny Hypsoblennius invemar, exhibited a distinct contribution from epiphytes although large ranges in all potential basal resources were observed. Elemental and isotope analysis of the gut contents of individuals indicated that the nektonic Gray Triggerfish Balistes capriscus was omnivorous, directly consuming reef-derived macroalgae and epiphytes as well as animal tissue. Although we found that reef-derived resources entered benthic and nektonic food webs surrounding platforms, phytoplankton was the dominant basal resource fueling platform-dwelling communities at the time of our study, and no consumer studied specialized on a diet of red macroalgae. If these findings are generally representative, platform-derived benthic algae would not be integral to food-web function on artificial reefs, and reef function should be similar in areas both favorable to and unfavorable to in situ algal growth.
Received April 20, 2012; accepted January 31, 2013
Reliable genotyping of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) usingDNAisolated from a single faecal pellet
Authors: Wedrowicz Faye , Karsa Mawar , Mosse Jennifer , Hogan Fiona E. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe koala, anAustralian icon, has been added to the threatened species list. Rationale for the listing includes proposed declines in population size, threats to populations (e.g. disease) and loss and fragmentation of habitat. There is now an urgent need to obtain accurate data to assess the status of koala populations inAustralia, to ensure the long‐term viability of this species. Advances in genetic techniques have enabledDNAanalysis to study and inform the management of wild populations; however, sampling of individual koalas is difficult in tall, often remote, eucalypt forest. The collection of faecal pellets (scats) from the forest floor presents an opportunistic sampling strategy, whereDNAcan be collected without capturing or even sighting an individual. ObtainingDNAvia noninvasive sampling can be used to rapidly sample a large proportion of a population; however,DNAfrom noninvasively collected samples is often degraded. Factors influencingDNAquality and quantity include environmental exposure, diet and methods of sample collection, storage andDNAisolation. ReducedDNAquality and quantity can introduce genotyping errors and provide inaccurateDNAprofiles, reducing confidence in the ability of such data to inform management/conservation strategies. Here, we present a protocol that produces a reliable individual koala genotype from a single faecal pellet and highlight the importance of optimizingDNAisolation and analysis for the species of interest. This method could readily be adapted for genetic studies of mammals other than koalas, particularly those whose diet contains high proportions of volatile materials that are likely to induceDNAdamage.
Vested Interests in Addiction Research and Policy. Alliance between tobacco and alcohol industries to shape public policy
Authors: Jiang Nan , Ling Pamela 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimsThe tobacco and alcohol industries share common policy goals when facing regulation, opposing policies such as tax increases and advertising restrictions. The collaboration between these two industries in the tobacco policy arena is unknown. This study explored if tobacco and alcohol companies built alliances to influence tobacco legislation and, if so, how those alliances worked.MethodsAnalysis of previously secret tobacco industry documents.FindingsIn the early 1980s, tobacco companies started efforts to build coalitions with alcohol and other industries to oppose cigarette excise taxes, clean indoor air policies and tobacco advertising and promotion constraints. Alcohol companies were often identified as a key partner and source of financial support for the coalitions. These coalitions had variable success interfering with tobacco control policy‐making.ConclusionsThe combined resources of tobacco and alcohol companies may have affected tobacco control legislation. These alliances helped to create the perception that there is a broader base of opposition to tobacco control. Advocates should be aware of the covert alliances between tobacco, alcohol and other industries and expose them to correct this misperception.
Meta‐analysis: pegylated interferon α‐2a achieves higher early virological responses than α‐2b in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Romero‐Gómez M. , Planas R. , Ampuero J. , Solà R. , García‐Samaniego J. , Diago M. , Crespo J. , Calleja J. L. , Turnes J. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryBackgroundA Cochrane meta‐analysis established that pegylated interferon α‐2a is more effective than peginterferon α‐2b in terms of sustained virological response (SVR) in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Rapid virological response (RVR) and early virological response (EVR) are crucial to reach SVR and to make clinical decisions.AimTo compare RVR and EVR rates of peginterferon α‐2a vs. peginterferon α‐2b through a meta‐analysis of previously published randomised control trials (RCT).MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE and LILACS databases were systematically searched up to September 2011. Seven RCT that reported complete early virological response (cEVR) were selected. A meta‐analysis focusing on RVR and cEVR outcomes was conducted and Relative Efficacy (RE) was calculated.ResultsMeta‐analysis of cEVR included seven trials (n = 4359), and yielded an estimated effect in favour of peginterferon α‐2a: Crude Efficacy (CEf) was 53.3% vs. 43.8%, RE = 1.118 (CI 95% = 1.039–1.203; P = 0.0028), heterogeneity Q = 8.959; I2 = 33.0% (P = 0.1759). A sub‐analysis of three studies with 3409 genotype‐1 patients yielded CEf: 49.4% vs. 40.2%, RE = 1.151 (CI 95% = 0.968–1.369; P = 0.1124), Q = 9.802; I2 = 79.6% (P = 0.0074). Meta‐analysis of RVR included five trials (n = 3833) with an estimated effect in favour of peginterferon α‐2a: CEf = 25.0% vs. 16.8%, RE = 1.151 (CI 95%:1.042–1.272; P = 0.0056), Q = 1.461; I2 = 0.0% (P = 0.8335). Analysis of four studies reporting RVR including 3499 patients with genotypes 1 and 4 resulted in CEf: 18.3% vs. 12.7% RE = 1.206 (CI 95% = 1.059–1.374; P = 0.0048), Q = 1.116; I2 = 0.0% (P = 0.7733).ConclusionsPeginterferon α‐2a may be associated with a higher cEVR and RVR than peginterferon α‐2b. These findings could help to achieve higher SVR rates and support clinical decision‐making in the present scenario of triple combination therapy.
Parental education and physical activity in pre‐school children
Authors: Vale S. , Ricardo N. , Soares‐Miranda L. , Santos R. , Moreira C. , Mota J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to objectively assess pre‐school children's total physical activity (TPA) patterns and compliance with guidelines and to examine differences relative to parental education.MethodsThe sample consisted on 509 healthy pre‐school children, aged 3–6 years recruited from kindergartens located in the metropolitan area of Porto, Portugal. The PA was assessed for 7 consecutive days by accelerometry. For TPA, we followed the guidelines of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) (children who spent at least >120 min per day in active play). For TPA, we calculated the proportion of children who spent at least >120 min per day in active play and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA), we calculated the proportion of children who spent at least >60 min per day in active play. Parental education was analysed according to the Portuguese education system.ResultsChildren with parents in the highest education level were less active than children from low and middle education level (P ≤ 0.001) in all patterns of PA (week and weekend). Regarding TPA during the week we found that the majority of children from low and middle parental education meet the NASPE guidelines. On the other hand, more than half the children from high parental education did not meet these recommendations (P ≤ 0.001) and MVPA recommendations (P ≤ 0.05). In both recommendations, children from low parental education were twice more likely to meet the recommendations compared with children belonging to high parental education.ConclusionParent education was negatively associated with children's daily physical activity patterns and compliance with guidelines.
Accuracy of trabecular bone microstructural measurement at planned dental implant sites using cone‐beam CT datasets
Authors: Ibrahim Norliza , Parsa Azin , Hassan Bassam , van der Stelt Paul , Aartman Irene H.A. , Wismeijer Daniel 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectiveCone‐beam CT (CBCT) images are infrequently utilized for trabecular bone microstructural measurement due to the system's limited resolution. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of CBCT for measuring trabecular bone microstructure in comparison with micro CT (μCT).Materials and methodsTwenty‐four human mandibular cadavers were scanned using a CBCT system (80 μm) and a μCT system (35 μm). Three bone microstructural parameters trabecular number (Tb.N), thickness (Tb.Th) and separation (Tb.Sp) were assessed using CTAn imaging software.ResultsIntraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) showed a high intra‐observer reliability (≥ 0.996) in all parameters for both systems. The Pearson correlation coefficients between the measurements of the two systems were for Tb.Th 0.82, for Tb.Sp 0.94 and for Tb.N 0.85 (all P's<0.001). The Bland and Altman plots showed strongest agreement in Tb.N (‐0.37 μm) followed by Tb.Th (1.6μm) and Tb.Sp (8.8μm).ConclusionsCone‐beam CT datasets can be used to evaluate trabecular bone microstructure at dental implant sites. The accuracy for measuring Tb.N was the best followed by Tb.Th and Tb.Sp.
Correlations between echocardiographic aortic elastic properties and left ventricular rotation and twist – Insights from the three‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiographic MAGYAR‐Healthy Study
Authors: Nemes Attila , Kalapos Anita , Domsik Péter , Lengyel Csaba , Orosz Andrea , Forster Tamás 
Published: April 2013

SummaryIntroductionThere is an interaction between the left ventricle (LV) and the vascular system, which plays a crucial role in determining cardiac output. LV twist could be evaluated by three‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) as the net difference of counterclockwise apical and clockwise basal LV rotations during systole. Aortic elasticity parameters could be measured during a routine transthoracic echocardiographic examination. The current study was designed to evaluate correlations between echocardiographic aortic elastic properties and LV rotational mechanics in healthy subjects.MethodsThe present study comprised 26 healthy volunteers (mean age: 34·5 ± 9·8 years, 13 men). The following aortic elastic properties were measured from aortic data and forearm blood pressure values: aortic strain, distensibility and stiffness index (ASI). 3DSTE was used to measure basal and apical LV rotations and LV twist.ResultsDuring 3DSTE, basal LV rotation proved to be −2·42 ± 1·43 degree, while apical LV rotation was 8·56 ± 1·43 degree, therefore LV twist was 11·01 ± 5·19 degree. Aortic strain (0·131 ± 0·094), distensibility (3·61 ± 2·54 cm² dynes−1 10−6) and ASI (4·08 ± 0·79) were also calculated. Apical LV rotation correlated with aortic distensibility (r = −0·36, P<0·05) and ASI (r = 0·41, P<0·05). LV twist showed similar correlation with ASI (r = 0·42, P<0·05).DiscussionCorrelations exist between echocardiographic aortic elastic properties and 3DSTE‐derived LV rotation and twist in healthy subjects.
The susceptibility of the knee extensors to eccentric exercise‐induced muscle damage is not affected by leg dominance but by exercise order
Authors: Hody S. , Rogister B. , Leprince P. , Laglaine T. , Croisier J. ‐L. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryThe aims of this study were first to compare the response of dominant and non‐dominant legs to eccentric exercise and second, to examine whether there is an effect of exercise order on the magnitude of symptoms associated with intense eccentric protocols. Eighteen young men performed three sets of 30 maximal eccentric isokinetic (60° s−1) contractions of the knee extensors (range of motion, ROM: 0°–100°, 0 = full extension) using either dominant or non‐dominant leg. They repeated a similar eccentric bout using the contralateral leg 6 weeks later. The sequence of leg's use was allocated to create equally balanced groups. Four indirect markers of muscle damage including subjective pain intensity, maximal isometric strength, muscle stiffness and plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity were measured before and 24 h after exercise. All markers changed significantly following the eccentric bout performed either by dominant or non‐dominant legs, but no significant difference was observed between legs. Interestingly, the comparison between the first and second eccentric bouts revealed that muscle soreness (−42%, P<0·001), CK activity (−62%, P<0·05) and strength loss (−54%, P<0·01) were significantly lower after the second bout. This study suggests that leg dominance does not influence the magnitude of exercise‐induced muscle damage and supports for the first time the existence of a contralateral protection against exercise‐induced muscle damage in the lower limbs.
Peroral endoscopic myotomy for esophageal achalasia: Clinical impact of 28 cases
Authors: Minami Hitomi , Isomoto Hajime , Yamaguchi Naoyuki , Matsushima Kayoko , Akazawa Yuko , Ohnita Ken , Takeshima Fuminao , Inoue Haruhiro , Nakao Kazuhiko 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to clarify the efficacy of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for esophageal achalasia.Patients and MethodsTwenty‐eight esophageal achalasia patients who underwent POEM in our institution between August 2010 and October 2012 were enrolled. Under general anesthesia with tracheal intubation, initial incision was made on the anterior wall of the esophagus after submucosal injection. Submucosal tunnel was created and extended below the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) onto the gastric cardia. Subsequently, myotomy was done using triangle tip knife. After confirmation of smooth passage of scope through the esophagogastric junction, the entry was closed. Esophagogram and manometry study was done before and after the procedure. Also, subjective symptom score and Eckardt score were assessed before and 3 months after POEM.ResultsPOEM was successfully done in all cases without any severe complications such as perforation and mediastinitis.Mean procedure time was 99.1 min (range 61–160) and mean myotomy length was 14.4 cm (range 10–18). Significant improvement was achieved in both esophagogram and endoscopic findings. Mean LES pressure was 71.2 mmHg (35.8–119.0) and 21.0 mmHg (6.7–41.0) before and after the procedure (P < 0.05), respectively. Mean Eckardt score was 6.7 (3–12, median 7) and 0.7 (0–3, median 1) before and 3 months after POEM, respectively (P < 0.05). Symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease that was easily controlled by the usual dose of proton pump inhibitor was seen in six cases (21.4%) after the procedure.ConclusionPOEM could be a curative standard treatment of choice for esophageal achalasia.
Temporal patterns and mechanisms of epilepsy surgery failure
Authors: Najm Imad , Jehi Lara , Palmini Andre , Gonzalez‐Martinez Jorge , Paglioli Eliseu , Bingaman William 
Published: April 2013

SummaryEpilepsy surgery is an accepted treatment option in patients with medically refractory focal epilepsy. Despite various advances in recording and localization noninvasive and invasive techniques (including electroencephalography (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), magnetoencephalography (MEG), subdural grids, depth electrodes, and so on), the seizure outcome following surgical resection remains suboptimal in a significant number of patients. The availability of long‐term outcome data on an increasing number of patients suggests two major temporal patterns of seizure recurrence (early vs. late) that implicate the following two different mechanisms for seizure recurrence: (1) a failure to either define/resect the epileptogenic zone, and (2) the nonstatic nature of epilepsy as a disease through the persistence of proepileptic cortical pathology. We describe the temporal patterns of epilepsy surgery failures and discuss their potential clinical, histopathologic, genetic, and molecular mechanisms. In addition, we review predictors of successful surgical interventions and analyze the natural history of epilepsy following surgical intervention. We hypothesize that the acute/early postoperative failures are due to errors in localizing and/or resecting the epileptic focus, whereas late recurrences are likely due to development/maturation of a new and active epileptic focus (de novo epileptogenesis).
Effect of switching hepatic enzyme‐inducer antiepileptic drug to levetiracetam on bone mineral density, 25 hydroxyvitamin D, and parathyroid hormone in young adult patients with epilepsy
Authors: Phabphal Kanitpong , Geater Alan , Limapichat Kitti , Sathirapanya Pornchai , Setthawatcharawanich Suwanna , Leelawattana Rattana 
Published: April 2013

SummaryWe sought to determine the effect of changing phenytoin therapy on bone mineral density (BMD) and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D in patients with epilepsy. Of the 90 patients, 54 patients had switched to levetiracetam, 19 patients had stopped, and 17 patients continued taking phenytoin. We proposed a 2‐year period to examine 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and BMD. The patients who switched or stopped phenytoin showed a significant increase in BMD of the lumbar spine and left femur, and in 25‐hydroxyvitamin D. In contrast, those who continued phenytoin had a significant decrease in BMD at both sites and in 25‐hydroxyvitamin D. Patients who were taken off phenytoin and those switching to levetiracetam did not show a significant difference in BMD, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid, or calcium at follow‐up. Compared with those who continued phenytoin, the BMD was significantly higher in patients switching to levetiracetam and those who stopped using phenytoin. Switching medications may be necessary in some cases to avoid low BMD.
Effect of pimobendan in addition to standard therapy for heart failure on prevention of readmission in elderly patients with severe chronic heart failure
Authors: Kawano Hiroaki , Arakawa Shuji , Satoh Osami , Matsumoto Yuji , Hayano Motonobu , Nakatomi Daisuke , Yamasa Toshihiko , Maemura Koji 
Published: April 2013

AimWe evaluated the effect of pimobendan, a positive inotropic agent, in elderly patients with frequent readmission as a result of heart failure despite conventional therapy.MethodsPimobendan was given to five male patients with severe chronic heart failure (New York Heart Association class III–IV) (age range 69–89 years; mean 78 ± 8 years; ischemic cardiomyopathy in three cases, dilated cardiomyopathy in two cases) who required repeated admission for heart failure despite conventional therapy with angiotensin inhibitors, beta‐blockers, diuretics and anti‐arrhythmic agents. After the addition of pimobendan at a dose of 1.25–3.75 mg/day, we evaluated serum levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), septal e′ and left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (LVDD) by echocardiography, as well as readmission rates for more than 2 years.ResultsThe serum level of BNP significantly decreased after treatment with pimobendan, although its level returned to pretreatment levels after 2 years. LVEF significantly improved after the treatment, with the improvement continuing beyond the 2 years, although LVDD did not change after treatment. Septal e′ significantly improved after the treatment, although its level returned to pretreatment levels at 2 years after the treatment. Readmission rates significantly decreased for 2 years after the treatment, although one patient required cardiac resynchronization therapy for severe heart failure, and another patient required cardiac pacemaker implantation for sick sinus syndrome 2 years after adding pimobendan.ConclusionsPimobendan in conjunction with conventional therapy for heart failure decreases the readmission rate in elderly patients with severe heart failure for at least 2 years. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 109–114.
Effects of cutting height on shoot regrowth and forage yield of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in a short‐term cultivation system
Authors: Shen Yixin , Jiang Huixin , Zhai Guiyu , Cai Qingsheng 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAlfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) has been cultivated increasingly widely in the arable area of the middle‐eastern regions of China as a short‐term (1 or 2 years) component of a forage–grain rotation system, but little is known about the harvesting technique for this legume in the short‐term rotation. This study investigated the effects of cutting height (0‐, 5‐ and 10‐cm stubble height above the soil surface) on shoot regrowth and forage yield of alfalfa in the second‐year growing season at two sites in Shandong Province, China. Forage yield at the first harvest was higher under lower cutting height (0 > 5 > 10 cm) at both sites due to greater length and weight of individual shoots harvested. At the site where plants were fertilized and irrigated after the first harvest, lower cutting height increased the number of buds during the early regrowth period and the number of shoots per plant at the second harvest, though it decreased the length and weight of individual shoots harvested. At the site without fertilizer and irrigation, lower cutting height delayed the sprouting of buds after defoliation, and decreased the length of shoots harvested at the second cut. Forage yield at the second harvest was ranked 0 ≈ 5 > 10 cm under fertilizer and irrigation, and 0 ≈ 5 ≈ 10 cm under no fertilizer and irrigation. The path analysis showed that forage yield was affected primarily by the weight of individual shoots at the first cut and by shoot number per plant in the aftermath. Harvesting close to the ground is considered to be a management option to increase alfalfa yield in a short‐term forage production system subjected to irrigation and fertilizer.