bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retrocolic Roux‐en‐Y anastomosis for total laparoscopic distal gastrectomy: Fix‐the‐remnant‐first technique
Authors: Iida Atsushi , Hirono Yasuo , Fujimoto Daisuke , Koneri Kenji , Goi Takanori , Katayama Kanji , Yamaguchi Akio 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIntroductionHerein we report our retrocolic Roux‐en‐Y anastomosis for laparoscopic distal gastrectomy and its feasibility.Materials and Surgical TechniqueAfter laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy, the gastric remnant was fixed through the mesentery of the transverse colon. The gastrojejunostomy was performed with linear stapling devices at an angle that allowed for easy application. The jejunojejunostomy was also performed with linear stapling devices. All spaces between the mesentery were hand‐sewn closed. This procedure was performed laparoscopically without additional incisions in all 34 patients. The median operative time was 365 min and the median blood loss was 50 mL. All patients started liquid intake the day after gastrectomy. There were three cases of Grade 1 complications and one Grade 2 complication per the Clavien‐Dindo Classification. Patients’ weights after surgery were stable at the 36‐month follow‐up.DiscussionThe advantages of Roux‐en‐Y reconstruction have been reported to include less frequent anastomotic leakage, less gastritis and less bile reflux over the long term. The retrocolic reconstructions were performed in a manner similar to open surgery but under a laparoscopic view. The mesentery closure stitches to prevent internal herniation did not require as many stitches as the antecolic route and were easier to place. Our anastomosis for laparoscopic distal gastrectomy showed acceptable short‐term results, with patients maintaining up to 91.0% of their preoperative weight and nutritional input. By fixing the remnant stomach to the mesentery of the transverse colon before the anastomosis, we easily completed the retrocolic Roux‐en‐Y anastomosis under laparoscopic view.
Cutaneous adverse food reactions in cats: retrospective evaluation of 17 cases in a dermatology referral population (2001–2011)
Authors: Vogelnest LJ , Cheng KY 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveTo better characterise cutaneous adverse food reactions (AFR) in cats, including the diagnostic challenges.DesignRetrospective evaluation of cases presenting to a dermatology referral service.MethodsCats were identified by a computerised medical record search. AFR was confirmed by clear deterioration on normal food re‐challenge after completing an elimination diet, followed by improvement returning to the test diet. Prevalence, and breed, sex or age predispositions were compared with the base referral population. Patient records were reviewed for historical features, clinical presentations, concurrent dermatoses and dietary details.ResultsA total of 17 cats were identified with cutaneous AFR, with no breed or sex predisposition determined. Age of onset ranged from 3 months to 9 years, with a mean of 3.5 years. Prevalence was 6% of dermatoses and 10% of cutaneous hypersensitivities in the referral cat population. Cats typically presented with severe, perennial, non‐seasonally flaring pruritus affecting the face/head, neck and/or ventral abdomen. Concurrent hypersensitivities were confirmed in 6 cats and/or suspected in another 5 cats. Home‐prepared elimination diets were completed by 16 cats; 8 cats had initial poor response to minimum 6‐week commercial hydrolysed protein diets. Identified adverse foods included fish in 2 cats, and chicken, beef, commercial dry, and some canned foods, each in 1 cat.ConclusionsThe prevalence of cutaneous AFR in the general cat population is likely to be greater than 6%. A range of clinical presentations occur and practical challenges to diagnosis include reliance on strict adherence to dietary exclusion/provocation trials and misleading responses related to concurrent dermatoses and owner perceptions.
Ureaplasma diversum in bull semen in Australia: its detection and potential effects
Authors: Hobson N , Chousalkar KK , Chenoweth PJ 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundThe primary objective of this study was to confirm the infection status of Ureaplasma diversum in Australian bulls and to identify morphological changes of sperm from U. diversum‐positive bulls.MethodsFresh semen samples were taken from 29 sexually active beef bulls from suspect herds in the Riverina/Upper Murray region. U. diversum was identified using PCR analyses and culture of the organism.ResultsNine of the bulls were PCR‐positive for U. diversum but none of these had genital lesions. Sperm from infected bulls showed increased incidence of abnormal tails (bent and coiled), as well as surface abnormalities (i.e. small protuberances or lumps).ConclusionsThe results suggest impairment of sperm function and possibly fertility. Further investigations into the potential role of U. diversum as a pathogen for Australian cattle are warranted.
Open‐label study of oral CEP‐701 (lestaurtinib) in patients with polycythaemia vera or essential thrombocythaemia with JAK2‐V617F mutation
Authors: Hexner Elizabeth , Roboz Gail , Hoffman Ron , Luger Selina , Mascarenhas John , Carroll Martin , Clementi Regina , Bensen‐Kennedy Debra , Moliterno Alison 
Published: October 2013

SummaryJAK2‐V617F is central to the pathogenesis of myeloproliferative neoplasms. We examined whether lestaurtinib decreased JAK2‐V617F allele burden and evaluated its clinical benefits and tolerability in patients with polycythaemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythaemia (ET). This phase 2, open‐label, multicentre study was designed to detect ≥15% reduction in JAK2‐V617F allele burden in 15% of patients. Eligible patients received lestaurtinib 80 mg twice daily for 18 weeks and could participate in a 1‐year extension phase of treatment. Of 39 enrolled patients, 27 (69%) had PV; 12 (31%) had ET. While the pre‐specified responder rate of 15% was not met, lestaurtinib modestly reduced JAK2‐V617F allele burden and reduced spleen size in a subset of patients. Of 37 patients in the full efficacy analysis, 5 (14%) responded clinically. Every patient had ≥1 adverse event, most commonly gastrointestinal (95%). Fifteen patients (38%) experienced serious adverse events; 23 (59%) withdrew due to adverse events. This is the first reported study of JAK2‐inhibitor treatment in patients with PV/ET and highlights both the need for further studies to assess the role of JAK2 inhibition in treatment of PV/ET and the use of JAK2‐V617F as a biomarker for response. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00586651.
Hydroxycarbamide reduces eosinophil adhesion and degranulation in sickle cell anaemia patients
Authors: Pallis Flavia Rubia , Conran Nicola , Fertrin Kleber Yotsumoto , Olalla Saad Sara Terezinha , Costa Fernando Ferreira , Franco‐Penteado Carla Fernanda 
Published: October 2013

SummaryInflammation, leucocyte and red cell adhesion to the endothelium contribute to the pathogenesis of sickle cell anaemia. Neutrophils appear to be important for vaso‐occlusion, however, eosinophils may also participate in this phenomenon. The role of eosinophils in the pathophysiology of sickle cell anaemia (SCA) and the effect of hydroxycarbamide (HC) therapy on the functional properties of these cells are not understood. Patients with SCA and those on HC therapy (SCAHC) were included in the study. SCAHC individuals presented significantly lower absolute numbers of eosinophils than SCA. Furthermore, SCAHC eosinophils demonstrated significantly lower adhesive properties, compared to SCA eosinophils. SCA and SCAHC eosinophils presented greater spontaneous migration when compared with control eosinophils. Baseline eosinophil peroxidase and reactive oxygen species release was higher for SCA individuals than for control individuals, as were plasma levels of eosinophil derived neurotoxin. SCAHC eosinophil degranulation was lower than that of SCA eosinophil degranulation. Eotaxin‐1 and RANTES levels were higher in the plasma of SCA and SCAHC individuals, when compared with controls. These data suggest that eosinophils exist in an activated state in SCA and indicate that these cells play a role in the vaso‐occlusive process. The exact mechanism by which HC may alter SCA eosinophil properties is not clear.
No impact of high‐dose cytarabine and asparaginase as early intensification with intermediate‐risk paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: results of randomized trial TCCSG study L99‐15
Authors: Kato Motohiro , Koh Katsuyoshi , Manabe Atsushi , Saito Tomohiro , Hasegawa Daisuke , Isoyama Keiichi , Kinoshita Akitoshi , Maeda Miho , Okimoto Yuri , Kajiwara Michiko , Kaneko Takashi , Sugita Kanji , Kikuchi Akira , Tsuchida Masahiro , Ohara Akira 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThe Tokyo Children's Cancer Study Group conducted a randomized controlled study to evaluate the effect of experimental early intensification using high‐dose cytarabine and L‐asparaginase in paediatric intermediate‐risk (IR) acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). A total of 310 IR ALL patients were randomized to receive either experimental early intensification (n = 156) or standard early intensification including standard‐dose cytarabine arm (n = 154) after induction therapy. The experimental arm consisted of high‐dose cytarabine and L‐asparaginase, while the standard arm consisted of standard‐dose cytarabine, oral 6‐mercaptopurine and cyclophosphamide. The probabilities of event‐free survival at 8 years in the experimental and standard arms were 72·3 ± 3·7% and 77·5 ± 3·5%, respectively (P = 0·32). The 8‐year overall survival rates for these two arms were 85·0 ± 3·0% and 86·9 ± 2·8%, respectively (P = 0·72). The frequency of infectious events was significantly higher in the experimental arm (66·4%) than in the standard arm (24·6%) (P < 0·001). In conclusion, experimental early intensification including high‐dose cytarabine followed by L‐asparaginase had no advantage over standard early intensification in paediatric IR ALL patients.
Overexpression of Adiponectin Improves Neurobehavioral Outcomes After Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Aged Mice
Authors: Miao Jie , Shen Lin‐Hui , Tang Yao‐Hui , Wang Yong‐Ting , Tao Mei‐Xin , Jin Kun‐Lin , Zhao Yong‐Ju , Yang Guo‐Yuan 
Published: October 2013

SummaryAimsTo study whether adiponectin (APN) could improve neurological outcomes in aged mice after ischemic stroke.MethodsAdeno‐associated virus carrying APN gene was injected into aged and young adult mice 7 days before transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). Atrophic volumes and neurobehavioral deficiencies were determined up to 28 days after tMCAO. Focal angiogenesis was determined based on blood vessel number in the ischemic regions.ResultsIncreased atrophic volume and more sever neurobehavioral deficits were found in the aged mice compared with young adult mice (P < 0.05). AAV‐APN gene transfer attenuated atrophic volume and improved neurobehavioral outcomes, along with increased focal angiogenesis in both aged and young adult mice, compared with control animals (P < 0.05). In addition, the attenuation of atrophic volume and the improvement in neurobehavioral outcomes were much more significant in aged mice than in young adult mice after AAV‐APN administration (P < 0.05). The number of microvessels in aged AAV‐APN mouse ischemic brain was higher than in young adult AAV‐APN treated mouse brain (P < 0.05).ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that APN overexpression reduces ischemic brain injury and improves neurobehavioral function recovery in aged mice than in young mice, suggesting APN is more beneficial in aged animals after ischemic stroke.
Mining and the African Environment
Authors: Edwards David P. , Sloan Sean , Weng Lingfei , Dirks Paul , Sayer Jeffrey , Laurance William F. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAfrica is on the verge of a mining boom. We review the environmental threats from African mining development, including habitat alteration, infrastructure expansion, human migration, bushmeat hunting, corruption, and weak governance. We illustrate these threats in Central Africa, which contains the vast Congo rainforest, and show that more than a quarter of 4,151 recorded mineral occurrences are concentrated in three regions of biological endemism—the Cameroon‐Gabon Lowlands, Eastern DRC Lowlands, and Albertine Rift Mountains—and that most of these sites are currently unprotected. Threats are not uniform spatially, and much of the Congo Basin is devoid of mineral occurrences and may be spared from direct mining impacts. Some of the environmental impacts of African mining development could potentially be offset: mining set‐asides could protect some wildlife habitats, whereas improving transportation networks could increase crop yields and spare land for conservation. Research and policy measures are needed to (1) understand the synergies between mining and other development activities, (2) improve environmental impact assessments, (3) devise mitigation and offsetting mechanisms, and (4) identify market choke points where lobbying can improve environmental practice. Without careful management, rapid mining expansion and its associated secondary effects will have severe impacts on African environments and biodiversity.
Methamphetamine use in a nationwide online sample of older Australian HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative gay men
Authors: Lyons Anthony , Pitts Marian , Grierson Jeffrey 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIntroduction and Aims.Use of methamphetamine appears to be greater among gay men than in the general population, yet little data are available on factors associated with use, especially among older men. This study identifies factors associated with reported methamphetamine use among older Australian gay men.Design and Methods.Data were collected from an online survey involving 1135 HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative gay‐identified men aged 40 years and older.Results.One in eight men in the sample, or 13%, reported using methamphetamine in the past 12 months. Patterns of reported use were similar across the country, with no significant differences between major states and territories. Reported methamphetamine use was considerably more prevalent among HIV‐positive (24%) than HIV‐negative men (11%). In a multivariable logistic regression, reported use was significantly greater among men in their 40s compared with those in their 50s and older (P = 0.002), who were single as opposed to being in an ongoing relationship (P = 0.03), who were HIV‐positive (P = 0.003), and who reported using other drugs for non‐medical purposes in the past 12 months (P < 0.001). Socioeconomic status and psychosocial variables, such as experiences of discrimination and psychological distress, were not significant factors for reported methamphetamine use.Discussion and Conclusions.Relatively high rates of reported use of methamphetamine were found across the country in this online sample of older Australian gay men. National approaches to health education strategies may be needed, with a focus on high prevalence populations, such as those infected with HIV. [Lyons A, Pitts M, Grierson J. Methamphetamine use in a nationwide online sample of older Australian HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative gay men. Drug Alcohol Rev 2013;32:603–610]
Use of stable isotopes to assess the intraspecific foraging niche of males and female colour morphs of the damselfly Enallagma hageni
Authors: GRANT MICHAEL , ROBISON ANDREW , FINCKE OLA M. 
Published: October 2013

For the first time, diet and isotopic niche overlap among males and two female‐specific colour morphs of a damselfly were quantified to test whether sexual conflict could cause intra‐sexual diet variation.
Relative to the green female morph, blue females, similar in coloration to the blue males, may be more likely overlooked by mate‐searching males. If so, blue females should be more likely to forage unmolested at lake shores, where the density of males and prey is high. The blue morph's isotopic niche space should therefore differ from that of green females and be more similar to that of males.
Stable isotope analyses of two Michigan populations failed to support these predictions. Despite population differences in δ13C and diet, within sites isotopic niches overlapped among males and females, with little difference between the two female colour morphs.
Males exhibited the broadest isotopic niche area, which increased across years, whereas that of blue females became more restricted, possibly due to greater sexual harassment in forest feeding sites.
There was an unexpectedly high shift in δ13C from prey to predator. Future work is merited to determine whether such trophic shifts are characteristic of Odonata, a group of important aquatic and terrestrial predators.
Transient biochar effects on decomposer microbial growth rates: evidence from two agricultural case‐studies
Authors: Rousk J. , Dempster D. N. , Jones D. L. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryWe investigated the impact of biochar application on fungal (acetate incorporation into ergosterol) and bacterial (leucine incorporation) growth rates in two case studies: a temperate UK pasture soil and a Mediterranean Australian agricultural soil. We added biochar at similar rates per unit of soil organic carbon (SOC) and monitored both the immediate (after 1 week equilibration) and longer‐term (1–3 years) effects. The immediate effect of the biochar applied to the UK soil was a decreased fungal‐to‐bacterial growth ratio, driven by greater bacterial growth. The immediate effect of biochar application to the Australian soils was subtle, only slightly increasing the fungal‐to‐bacterial growth ratio. In both case studies, the biochar effects were transient, and no long‐term effects (1–3 years) on microbial growth rates could be detected in either soil. The bacterial growth increase in the UK soil was probably related to a release of large amounts of labile C from the biochar, or as C released from the resident SOM caused by the biochar‐induced pH increase. The increase in fungal‐to‐bacterial growth ratio could be related to a release of poor quality C in the Australian soils. There were immediate effects of biochar application on microbial growth in agricultural soils, but they were disparate between cases, making any generalization of mechanisms difficult. However, the microbial responses were consistently transient. Taken together, biochar application to agricultural soil appears to have an impact upon the decomposer community, suggesting limited resistance. However, the microbial functioning appeared resilient to these effects, stabilizing microbial communities to their initial state within 1–3 years of application.
The role of non‐crystalline Fe in the increase of SOC after long‐term organic manure application to the red soil of southern China
Authors: Zhang J. C. , Zhang L. , Wang P. , Huang Q. W. , Yu G. H. , Li D. C. , Shen Q. R. , Ran W. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryBecause of the important role of soil organic carbon (SOC) in nutrient cycling and global climate changes, there has been an interest in understanding how different fertilizer practices affect the SOC preservation and promotion. The results from this study showed that long‐term application of manure (21 years) could increase significantly the content of SOC, total nitrogen (N) and soil pH in the red soil of southern China. The chemical structure of SOC was characterized by using solid‐state cross‐polarization magic angle spinning (CPMAS) 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and the aromatic C, ratio of alkyl C : O‐alkyl C, aromaticity and hydrophobicity of mineral fertilizers N, P and K plus organic manure (NPKM) and organic manure (M) treatments were less than those of mineral fertilizer nitrogen (N) and mineral fertilizers N, P and K (NPK) treatments. Both poorly crystalline (Feo) and organically complexed (Fep) iron contents were influenced significantly (P < 0.05) by different fertilizers, and it was observed that NPKM and M treatments increased the non‐crystalline Fe (Feo‐Fep) content. There was a significant (P < 0.01) positive correlation between soil organic C and non‐crystalline Fe in both the surface (0–20 cm) and subsurface (20–40 cm) soils. The results suggested that non‐crystalline Fe played an important role in the increase of SOC by long‐term application of organic manure (NPKM and M) in the red soil of southern China.
Early transformation and transfer processes in a Technosol developing on iron industry deposits
Authors: Huot H. , Simonnot M. O. , Watteau F. , Marion P. , Yvon J. , De Donato P. , Morel J. L. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryLarge surface areas covered with man‐made materials are subject to pedogenetic evolution. However, pedogenetic processes in the resulting Technosols are seldom fully assessed. This work was conducted to identify and characterize the processes occurring on deposits of industrial technogenic materials. A former settling pond of the iron and steel industry where a forest has established since termination of the industrial activity approximately 50 years ago was chosen. A 2‐m deep pit was opened, and a series of layers of the soil profile were sampled. The macro‐ and micro‐structure were studied, and soil samples were analysed for structural, chemical and mineralogical assessment (chemical analyses, X‐ray diffraction, infrared and Mössbauer spectroscopies, scanning and transmission electron microscopies coupled with energy dispersion spectrometry). Results showed that the profile was composed of a succession of sub‐horizontal layers arranged in two groups according to their structure and composition, linked to the composition of the industrial effluent. Group 1 was composed of iron‐, carbonate‐ and aluminosilicate‐rich layers exhibiting a compact structure. Group 2 contained manganese‐rich layers with a friable structure. Pedogenetic processes of various intensities were detected at different depths. Besides an accumulation of organic matter at the surface, transformations of minerals were recorded all along the soil profile, with weathering, leaching and precipitation of new phases. Phenomena occurred primarily in specific zones, such as cracks and interfaces between two layers. In conclusion, the soil maintained characteristics of the original industrial material and displayed several stages of pedogenesis, which were controlled chronologically by climatic and biological factors.
Understanding patterns and processes in models of trophic cascades
Authors: Heath Michael R. , Speirs Douglas C. , Steele John H. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractClimate fluctuations and human exploitation are causing global changes in nutrient enrichment of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and declining abundances of apex predators. The resulting trophic cascades have had profound effects on food webs, leading to significant economic and societal consequences. However, the strength of cascades–that is the extent to which a disturbance is diminished as it propagates through a food web–varies widely between ecosystems, and there is no formal theory as to why this should be so. Some food chain models reproduce cascade effects seen in nature, but to what extent is this dependent on their formulation? We show that inclusion of processes represented mathematically as density‐dependent regulation of either consumer uptake or mortality rates is necessary for the generation of realistic ‘top‐down’ cascades in simple food chain models. Realistically modelled ‘bottom‐up’ cascades, caused by changing nutrient input, are also dependent on the inclusion of density dependence, but especially on mortality regulation as a caricature of, e.g. disease and parasite dynamics or intraguild predation. We show that our conclusions, based on simple food chains, transfer to a more complex marine food web model in which cascades are induced by varying river nutrient inputs or fish harvesting rates.