bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum selenium status in Graves’ disease with and without orbitopathy: a case–control study
Authors: Khong Jwu Jin , Goldstein Rebecca F. , Sanders Kerrie M. , Schneider Hans , Pope Jeffrey , Burdon Kathryn P. , Craig Jamie E. , Ebeling Peter R. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryObjectiveSelenium is effective in improving quality of life and reducing the progression of active Graves’ orbitopathy. The effect of correcting relative selenium deficiency on improving Graves’ orbitopathy is unknown, as baseline selenium levels have not previously been measured. The study aims to determine whether serum selenium levels are reduced in patients with Graves’ disease with orbitopathy (GO) compared with without orbitopathy (GD).DesignA prospective, case–control study performed between 2009 and 2012 at endocrine and ophthalmology clinics in Australia.PatientsA total of 198 patients with Graves’ disease participated in the study: 101 with Graves’ orbitopathy and 97 without Graves’ orbitopathy.MeasurementsSerum selenium levels in both groups.ResultsMean serum selenium levels were significantly lower in GO (1·10 ± 0·18 μm) than in GD (1·19 ± 0·20 μm) (P = 0·001). Mean selenium levels appeared to decrease in parallel with increasing severity of GO; selenium level was 1·19 ± 0·20 μm in GD, 1·10 ± 0·19 μm in moderate‐to‐severe GO and 1·09 ± 0·17 μm in sight‐threatening GO (P = 0·003). Serum selenium levels remained significantly lower in GO after adjusting for age, smoking status, thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine treatment and residential location.ConclusionSerum selenium levels are lower in patients with GO compared with GD in an Australian study population with marginal selenium status. Relative selenium deficiency may be an independent risk factor for orbitopathy in patients with Graves’ disease.
Cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors in children with GH deficiency: a prospective, case–control study
Authors: Capalbo Donatella , Mattace Raso Giuseppina , Esposito Andrea , Di Mase Raffaella , Barbieri Flavia , Meli Rosaria , Bruzzese Dario , Salerno Mariacarolina 
Published: December 2013

SummaryObjectiveGrowth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD) in adults is associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) risk. Although some authors have documented the presence of early CV risk factors in untreated GHD children, results are still inconsistent. Aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of GHD and GH therapy on early cardiometabolic risk factors in a large cohort of children.Subjects and MethodsWaist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR), triglycerides, total‐, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, atherogenic index (AI = total /HDL cholesterol), homocysteine, leptin, adiponectin, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) and fibrinogen were evaluated in seventy‐one GHD children (9·8 ± 3·6 years) before and after 2 years of GH therapy. Seventy‐one healthy controls comparable with patients for age, sex and body mass index (BMI) were enrolled.ResultsCompared with controls, GHD children at study entry had higher WHtR (0·52 ± 0·05 vs 0·45 ± 0·19, P = 0·004), triglycerides (0·44 ± 0·98 vs −0·03 ± 0·73 SDS, P = 0·012), total cholesterol (0·28 ± 1·08 vs −0·46 ± 0·98 SDS, P < 0·001), LDL cholesterol (0·20 ± 0·90 vs −0·39 ± 1·06 SDS, P = 0·007), AI (3·19 ± 0·73 vs 2·77 ± 0·53, P = 0·001), homocysteine (8·45 ± 1·8 vs 7·72 ± 1·6 μm, P = 0·003), leptin (8·03 ± 4·2 vs 5·09 ± 1·9 ng/ml, P = 0·001) and fibrinogen (292·6 ± 33 vs 268 ± 31·4 mg/dl, P = 0·011). No differences were found in adiponectin or hsCRP. GH therapy was associated with a significant reduction in WHtR (P < 0·001), total cholesterol (P < 0·001), LDL cholesterol (P = 0·002), homocysteine (P = 0·044) leptin (P = 0·022) and fibrinogen (P = 0·001). Moreover, GH therapy was associated with a significant increase in adiponectin levels (P = 0·001).ConclusionsOur data suggest that children with untreated GHD exhibit a cluster of early cardiovascular risk factors and that GH treatment exerts beneficial effects on these abnormalities.
Osteotome sinus floor elevation with and without grafting: an animal study in Labrador dogs
Authors: Si Mi‐Si , Mo Jia‐Ji , Zhuang Long‐Fei , Gu Ying‐Xin , Qiao Shi‐Chong , Lai Hong‐Chang 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimTo evaluate implant stability and histological outcomes after osteotome sinus floor elevation (OSFE) procedure, and to compare new bone formation and implant osseointegration with and without grafting.Material and methodsOSFE with simultaneous implant placement was conducted bilaterally on 6 Labrador dogs. Twenty‐four implants were placed. The right side sinus (Group 1) was grafted with biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP), whereas the left side (Group 2) was left without any grafting materials. The animals were euthanized 8 and 24 weeks after surgery for histological and histomorphometric assessment. Bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC%), alveolar bone height (ABH), bone density (BD) and grafting material density (GMD) were measured. The implant stability (ISQ) was assessed using resonance frequency analysis (RFA) at implant placement and 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 weeks after surgery.ResultsEndo‐sinus new bone with direct contact to implant surface were observed in two groups at both time points. ABH showed no difference between groups at both time points. BIC% and BD in Group 2 (40.05%, 35.90%) was higher than those in Group 1 (23.30%,25.59%) at 24 weeks. Significant shrinkage of grafting material was seen in Group 1. The GMD in Group 1 at 8 weeks was 24.35%, while it dropped to 19.90% at 24 weeks. The changing pattern of ISQ for both groups were similar.ConclusionsSpontaneous new bone formation and better bone‐to‐implant contact were found for OSFE without grafting. The grafting material application during OSFE procedure showed no advantages in histological results.
The Ethics of Reviving Long Extinct Species
Authors: SANDLER RONALD 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThere now appears to be a plausible pathway for reviving species that have been extinct for several decades, centuries, or even millennia. I conducted an ethical analysis of de‐extinction of long extinct species. I assessed several possible ethical considerations in favor of pursuing de‐extinction: that it is a matter of justice; that it would reestablish lost value; that it would create new value; and that society needs it as a conservation last resort. I also assessed several possible ethical arguments against pursuing de‐extinction: that it is unnatural; that it could cause animal suffering; that it could be ecologically problematic or detrimental to human health; and that it is hubristic. There are reasons in favor of reviving long extinct species, and it can be ethically acceptable to do so. However, the reasons in favor of pursuing de‐extinction do not have to do with its usefulness in species conservation; rather, they concern the status of revived species as scientific and technological achievements, and it would be ethically problematic to promote de‐extinction as a significant conservation strategy, because it does not prevent species extinctions, does not address the causes of extinction, and could be detrimental to some species conservation efforts. Moreover, humanity does not have a responsibility or obligation to pursue de‐extinction of long extinct species, and reviving them does not address any urgent problem. Therefore, legitimate ecological, political, animal welfare, legal, or human health concerns associated with a de‐extinction (and reintroduction) must be thoroughly addressed for it to be ethically acceptable.La Ética de Revivir Especies Extintas Hace Mucho Tiempo Sandler
Predicting and Mapping Potential Whooping Crane Stopover Habitat to Guide Site Selection for Wind Energy Projects
Authors: BELAIRE J. AMY , KREAKIE BETTY J. , KEITT TIMOTHY , MINOR EMILY 
Published: December 2013

AbstractMigratory stopover habitats are often not part of planning for conservation or new development projects. We identified potential stopover habitats within an avian migratory flyway and demonstrated how this information can guide the site‐selection process for new development. We used the random forests modeling approach to map the distribution of predicted stopover habitat for the Whooping Crane (Grus americana), an endangered species whose migratory flyway overlaps with an area where wind energy development is expected to become increasingly important. We then used this information to identify areas for potential wind power development in a U.S. state within the flyway (Nebraska) that minimize conflicts between Whooping Crane stopover habitat and the development of clean, renewable energy sources. Up to 54% of our study area was predicted to be unsuitable as Whooping Crane stopover habitat and could be considered relatively low risk for conflicts between Whooping Cranes and wind energy development. We suggest that this type of analysis be incorporated into the habitat conservation planning process in areas where incidental take permits are being considered for Whooping Cranes or other species of concern. Field surveys should always be conducted prior to construction to verify model predictions and understand baseline conditions.Predicción y Mapeo del Hábitat Potencial de Descanso de la Grulla Americana para Guiar la Selección de Sitios para Proyectos de Energía Eólica.
Potential for Electropositive Metal to Reduce the Interactions of Atlantic Sturgeon with Fishing Gear
Authors: BOUYOUCOS IAN , BUSHNELL PETER , BRILL RICHARD 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAtlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrhynchus) populations have been declared either endangered or threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Effective measures to repel sturgeon from fishing gear would be beneficial to both fish and fishers because they could reduce both fishery‐associated mortality and the need for seasonal and area closures of specific fisheries. Some chondrostean fishes (e.g., sturgeons and paddlefishes) can detect weak electric field gradients (possibly as low as 5 Μv/cm) due to arrays of electroreceptors (ampullae of Lorenzini) on their snout and gill covers. Weak electric fields, such as those produced by electropositive metals (typically mixtures of the lanthanide elements), could therefore potentially be used as a deterrent. To test this idea, we recorded the behavioral responses of juvenile Atlantic sturgeon (31–43 cm fork length) to electropositive metal (primarily a mixture of the lanthanide elements neodymium and praseodymium) both in the presence and absence of food stimuli. Trials were conducted in an approximately 2.5 m diameter × 0.3 m deep tank, and fish behaviors were recorded with an overhead digital video camera. Video records were subsequently digitized (x, y coordinate system), the distance between the fish and the electropositive metal calculated, and data summarized by compiling frequency distributions with 5‐cm bins. Juvenile sturgeon showed clear avoidance of electropositive metal but only when food was present. On the basis of our results, we conclude that the electropositive metals, or other sources of weak electric fields, may eventually be used to reduce the interactions of Atlantic sturgeon with fishing gear, but further investigation is needed.El Potencial del Metal Electropositivo para Reducir las Interacciones del Esturión Atlántico con Instrumentos de Pesca Bouyoucos, Bushnell & Brill 13–003
Desires and Management Preferences of Stakeholders Regarding Feral Cats in the Hawaiian Islands
Authors: LOHR CHERYL A. , LEPCZYK CHRISTOPHER A. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractFeral cats are abundant in many parts of the world and a source of conservation conflict. Our goal was to clarify the beliefs and desires held by stakeholders regarding feral cat abundance and management. We measured people's desired abundance of feral cats in the Hawaiian Islands and identified an order of preference for 7 feral cat management techniques. In 2011 we disseminated a survey to 5407 Hawaii residents. Approximately 46% of preidentified stakeholders and 20% of random residents responded to the survey (1510 surveys returned). Results from the potential for conflict index revealed a high level of consensus (86.9% of respondents) that feral cat abundance should be decreased. The 3 most common explanatory variables for respondents’ stated desires were enjoyment from seeing feral cats (84%), intrinsic value of feral cats (12%), and threat to native fauna (73%). The frequency with which respondents saw cats and change in the perceived abundance of cats also affected respondent's desired abundance of cats; 41.3% of respondents stated that they saw feral cats daily and 44.7% stated that the cat population had increased in recent years. Other potential environmental impacts of feral cats had little affect on desired abundance. The majority of respondents (78%) supported removing feral cats from the natural environment permanently. Consensus convergence models with data from 1388 respondents who completed the relevant questions showed live capture and lethal injection was the most preferred technique and trap‐neuter‐release was the least preferred technique for managing feral cats. However, the acceptability of each technique varied among stakeholders. Our results suggest that the majority of Hawaii's residents would like to see effective management that reduces the abundance of feral or free‐roaming cats.Deseos y Preferencias de Manejo de las Partes Interesadas con Respecto a los Gatos Ferales en las Islas Hawaianas.
Laparoscopic colectomy is associated with a lower incidence of postoperative complications than open colectomy: a propensity score‐matched cohort analysis
Authors: Wilson M. Z. , Hollenbeak C. S. , Stewart D. B. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimElective laparoscopic colectomy (LC) has been shown to provide short‐term results comparable with open colectomy (OC), but there is potential selection bias whereby LC patients may be healthier and therefore more likely to have a superior outcome. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of postoperative complications between matched laparoscopic and open colectomy cohorts, while controlling for differences in comorbidity.MethodA retrospective cohort study (2005–2010) using National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data was performed, identifying laparoscopic and open partial colectomy patients through common procedural terminology codes. Patient having rectal resection were excluded. The cohorts were matched 1:1 on a propensity score to control for observable selection bias due to patient characteristics, comparing overall complication rates, length of hospital stay (LOS), the incidence of superficial (S‐SSI) surgical site infection, urinary tract infection (UTI) and deep‐venous thrombosis (DVT).ResultsWe analysed 37 249 patients. After propensity score matching the LC group had a significantly lower overall incidence of postoperative complications (29.1 vs 21.2%; P < 0.0001), S‐SSI (9.0 vs 5.9%; P = 0.003) and DVT (1.2 vs 0.3%; P = 0.001). The LC group had a shorter LOS (8.7 vs 6.4 days; P < 0.0001), while mortality was comparable between the two groups (4.0 vs 4.1%; P = 0.578).ConclusionLC is associated with a lower incidence of S‐SSI and DVT than OC. Previously suggested advantages for laparoscopy, such as shorter length of stay and overall rate of complications, were observed even after controlling for differences in comorbidity.
Patient and clinician preferences for surgical and medical treatment options in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Byrne C. M. , Tan K.‐K. , Young J. M. , Selby W. , Solomon M. J. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimWhen treating patients with refractory ulcerative colitis (UC), the choice between escalating medical management or surgery can be difficult. The aim of this study was to quantify the preferences of patients and clinicians for the treatment options in UC.MethodUlcerative colitis outpatients were interviewed to measure their preferences for five scenarios examining the management of acute and chronic UC, using a prospective measure of preference method that generates two utility scores: willingness and amount of expected life to trade or gamble. A self‐administered questionnaire was mailed to Australian and New Zealand colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists.ResultsFifty‐five patients (26 medical and 29 surgical), 91 surgeons and 78 gastroenterologists were surveyed. In the acute setting, 89% of patients, 69% of gastroenterologists and 55% of surgeons were willing to trade part of their life expectancy to avoid a permanent stoma, while for chronic disease 71% of patients were prepared to trade to avoid an operation with a permanent stoma compared with 55% for an operation with a pouch (P = 0.01). Both patients and gastroenterologists were more prepared to gamble or trade to avoid any surgery than were colorectal surgeons. All groups were aligned in their decision to undergo yearly colonoscopy surveillance rather than to undergo definitive surgery that would result in a stoma.ConclusionPatient preferences for the treatment of UC were more aligned to those of gastroenterologists than those of colorectal surgeons. Despite postoperative studies revealing an equal quality of life for pouch and stoma patients, this study confirmed that a pouch is the preferred surgical option.
Developmental trajectories of social participation in individuals with cerebral palsy: a multicentre longitudinal study
Authors: Tan Siok Swan , Wiegerink Diana J H G , Vos Rimke C , Smits Dirk Wouter , Voorman Jeanine M , Twisk Jos W R , Ketelaar Marjolijn , Roebroeck Marij E ,   the PERRIN+ study group
Published: December 2013

AimThis study aimed to determine the developmental trajectories of social participation, by level of gross motor function and intellectual disability, in a Dutch population of individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) aged 1 to 24 years.MethodAs part of the Pediatric Rehabilitation Research in the Netherlands (PERRIN+), 424 individuals with CP (261 males, 163 females; mean age [SD] 9y 6mo [6y 2mo]; Gross Motor Function Classification [GMFCS] levels I–V [50% level I]; 87% with spastic CP; 26% with intellectual disability) were longitudinally followed for up to 4 years between 2002 and 2007. Social participation was assessed with the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales survey. Effects of age, GMFCS level and intellectual disability were analysed using multilevel modelling.ResultsThe developmental trajectories for individuals in GMFCS levels I to IV did not significantly differ from each other. For individuals without intellectual disability, the degree of social participation increased with age and stabilized at about 18 years. These individuals reached social participation levels similar to typically developing individuals. The trajectories were significantly less favourable for individuals in GMFCS level V and individuals with intellectual disability.InterpretationIntellectual disability is more distinctive for the development of social participation than GMFCS level. The developmental trajectories will support individuals with CP and their families in setting realistic goals and professionals in optimizing the choice of interventions at an early age.
Brief group psychoeducation for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: A neurologist‐initiated program in an epilepsy center
Authors: Chen David K. , Maheshwari Atul , Franks Romay , Trolley Gregory C. , Robinson Jordan S. , Hrachovy Richard A. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryObjectiveTo evaluate therapeutic efficacy upon augmenting the initial communication to patients regarding the diagnosis of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) with a novel, brief group psychoeducation administered by the same team that provided the video–electroencephalography (VEEG) confirmed diagnosis and within 4 weeks of the diagnosis.MethodsPrior to discharge from the epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU), a standardized communication strategy was utilized to explain the diagnosis ofPNESto all patients prior to enrollment. Enrolled patients were then randomized to either participation in three successive and monthly group psychoeducational sessions (intervention group), or routine seizure clinic follow‐up visits (control group). Both groups completed questionnaires at time of enrollment, and then at approximately 3 months (follow‐up 1) and 6 months (follow‐up 2) after discharge, assessing for: (1) primary outcomes that include a measure of psychosocial functioning, as well as interval difference in seizure frequency/intensity; and (2) secondary outcomes that include interval seizure‐related emergency room visits or hospitalizations, development of new and medically unexplained symptoms, and results of an internal measure of knowledge and perception outcomes.ResultsThe majority (73%) of patients from the intervention group commenced on therapy sessions within 4 weeks after learning of the diagnosis. Although we did not observe significant group difference in seizure frequency/intensity, patients from the intervention group showed significant improvement on theWork andSocialAdjustmentScale (WSAS) scores at both follow‐up 1 (p = 0.013) and follow‐up 2 (p = 0.038) after discharge from theEMU. In addition, we observed a trend toward lesser likelihood for seizure‐related emergency room visits or hospitalizations for the intervention group (p = 0.184), as well as meaningful insights from an internal measure of intervention outcomes.SignificanceThese findings suggest that our cost/resource effective, brief group psychoeducational program, when administered early and by the same team who confirmed and communicated the diagnosis ofPNES, may contribute to significant functional improvement among participating patients.