bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Crop biodiversity, productivity and production risk: Panel data micro‐evidence from Ethiopia
Authors: Bangwayo‐Skeete Prosper F. , Bezabih Mintewab , Zikhali Precious 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis paper uses data from the Central Highlands of Ethiopia to assess the productivity and production risk impacts of crop diversification. Using count index as a measure of crop biodiversity, results show that increasing crop biodiversity contributes positively to farm level productivity. In addition, the findings suggest that the level of production risk significantly responds to the level of diversity, with the effect highly conditional on the skewness. The major contribution of the paper is that, unlike previous similar studies that tended to focus on intra‐crop diversity, it incorporates the mutual interdependencies across crops within a farm by focusing on inter‐crop diversity. Hence the study adds to the growing empirical literature, particularly in Africa, that tests empirical relationships between productivity, risk and crop diversity. An important policy implication for a diversity rich country such as Ethiopia is that agro‐biodiversity can be used to improve agricultural productivity while promoting in situ conservation.
Occurrence and determinants of poor response to short‐term pre‐operative erythropoietin treatment
Authors: van HAELST I. M. M. , EGBERTS A. C. G. , DOODEMAN H. J. , van SOLINGE W. W. , KALKMAN C. J. , BENNIS M. , TRAAST H. S. , van KLEI W. A. 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundThis study aimed to explore the occurrence and determinants of poor response to short‐term pre‐operative erythropoietin treatment and the effect of such poor response on transfusion in total hip arthroplasty patients.MethodsWe studied total hip arthroplasty patients who received erythropoietin before surgery. The primary outcome was the pre‐operative increase in haemoglobin (delta haemoglobin) as response to erythropoietin therapy. Additionally, patients were classified in tertiles based on this delta haemoglobin: poor responders (cases), responders and good responders (controls) to erythropoietin. Patient characteristics, comedication and co‐morbidity were collected as potential determinants of erythropoietin response. Regression techniques were used to estimate the strength of the associations and to assess the effect of poor response on transfusion requirement.ResultsA total of 379 patients receiving erythropoietin were eligible to enter the study. Mean delta haemoglobin was 19.3 g/l (standard deviation 9.4). Factors significantly associated with delta haemoglobin were the use of angiotensin II antagonists [−3.1 g/l; 95% confidence interval (CI) −5.7 to −0.6] and vitamin K antagonists (−6.9 g/l; 95% CI −10.0 to −0.2), together with body mass index (BMI) (−0.3 g/l per unit>; 95% CI −0.5 to −0.2). The additional case‐control analysis yielded comparable results. Poor response to erythropoietin was associated with an increased transfusion risk (odds ratio 4.6, 95% CI 2.0–11).ConclusionUse of angiotensin II receptor antagonists and vitamin K antagonists, and having a high BMI were determinants of poor response to short‐term pre‐operative erythropoietin treatment in total hip arthroplasty patients. Poor responders had a higher risk for perioperative blood transfusion.
Aripiprazole for the treatment of methamphetamine dependence: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Coffin Phillip Oliver , Santos Glenn‐Milo , Das Moupali , Santos Deirdre M. , Huffaker Shannon , Matheson Tim , Gasper James , Vittinghoff Eric , Colfax Grant N. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAimsTo test aripiprazole for efficacy in decreasing use in methamphetamine‐dependent adults, compared to placebo.DesignParticipants were randomized to receive 12 weeks of aripiprazole or placebo, with a 3‐month follow‐up and a platform of weekly 30‐minute substance abuse counseling.SettingThe trial was conducted from January 2009 to March 2012 at the San Francisco Department of Public Health.ParticipantsNinety actively using, methamphetamine‐dependent, sexually active adults were recruited from community venues.MeasurementsThe primary outcome was regression estimated reductions in weekly methamphetamine‐positive urines. Secondary outcomes were study medication adherence [by self‐report and medication event monitoring systems (MEMS)], sexual risk behavior and abstinence from methamphetamine.FindingsParticipant mean age was 38.7 years, 87.8% were male, 50.0% white, 18.9% African American, and 16.7% Latino. Eighty‐three per cent of follow‐up visits and final visits were completed. By intent‐to‐treat, participants assigned to aripiprazole had similar reductions in methamphetamine‐positive urines as participants assigned to placebo [risk ratio (RR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.66–1.19, P = 0.41]. Urine positivity declined from 73% (33 of 45 participants) to 45% (18 of 40) in the placebo arm and from 77% (34 of 44) to 44% (20 of 35) in the aripiprazole arm. Adherence by MEMS and self‐report was 42 and 74%, respectively, with no significant difference between arms (MEMS P = 0.31; self‐report P = 0.17). Most sexual risk behaviors declined similarly among participants in both arms (all P > 0.05). There were no serious adverse events related to study drug, although participants randomized to aripiprazole reported more akathisia, fatigue and drowsiness (P < 0.05).ConclusionCompared with placebo, aripiprazole did not reduce methamphetamine use significantly among actively using, dependent adults.
Improving operating theatre efficiency: an intervention to significantly reduce changeover time
Authors: Soliman Bishoy A. B. , Stanton Raymond , Sowter Steven , Rozen Warren Matthew , Shahbaz Shekib 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundOperating theatre inefficiency and changeover delays are not only a significant source of wasted resources, but also a familiar source of frustration to patients and health‐care providers. This study aimed to prove that the surgical registrar through active involvement in patient changeover can significantly improve operating room efficiency and minimize delays.MethodsA two‐phase prospective cohort study was undertaken, conducted over the course of 4 weeks at a single institution. The only inclusion criteria comprised patients to undertake endoscopic urological day surgery cases and require general anaesthesia. There were no exclusions. In the first phase (observational, with no intervention), changeover times between cases were documented. The second phase followed a structured intervention, involving the surgical registrar being actively involved in the patient's operative journey. Outcome measures were qualitative measures of operative efficiency. Statistical analysis was undertaken.ResultsThere were 42 patients included in this study, with 21 patients in each of its arms. A 48% (P‐value < 0.01) reduction in overall case changeover times was demonstrated with the utilization of a structured intervention from 27.7 min (95% confidence interval (CI) 22.8–32.7%) to 15.7 min (95% CI 13.2–18.2%). The intervention results were statistically significant (P‐value < 0.05) for all markers of efficiency except for the waiting time in the anaesthetic holding bay (P‐value 0.13).ConclusionThe surgical registrar can improve operating room efficiency by using a structured intervention, ultimately reducing patient changeover times.
Transurethral prostate resection for urinary retention: does age affect outcome?
Authors: Losco Giovanni , Mark Stephen , Jowitt Sharryn 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundPatients presenting in urinary retention secondary to prostatic obstruction are offered transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to free them from long‐term catheterization. Short‐term success is well understood, but there is scarce data about effect of age on outcome, quality of life and catheter‐free rates.MethodsOne hundred consecutive patients who presented in urinary retention and underwent TURP were identified. Patients were followed up for 3 years to establish the rate of catheter dependence, incontinence, pad usage and quality of life using the International Prostate Symptom Score.ResultsData were obtained from 95 patients with mean age of 75.6 years and mean follow‐up of 704 days. A total of 14 had died and 23 had prostate cancer. Eighty‐seven per cent was passing urine and 13% was catheter dependent. Mean age of catheter‐dependent patients was 84.9 years compared with 74.3 years in catheter‐free men (P < 0.0001). Twenty‐four per cent of patients 80 years and older were catheter dependent (P = 0.0039), 22% with prostate cancer were catheter dependent (P = 0.15). Fifty per cent of those who had died were catheter dependent (P = 0.0002). Thirty‐one per cent of patients reported leakage of urine but only 5% reported leakage requiring pad use. Overall, the mean quality of life score was 1.08.ConclusionOutcome after TURP for urinary retention is satisfactory. Advanced age is associated with higher long‐term failure requiring catheterization, although it is still recommended in the elderly where an anaesthetic is safe. A high proportion of patients report urine leakage but the majority of this is clinically insignificant. Overall, patients report good quality of life.
Early colour Doppler duct diameter and symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus in a cyclo‐oxygenase inhibitor naïve population
Authors: Heuchan Anne Marie , Young David 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAimsTo examine the relationship between early duct diameter and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) symptoms.MethodsA retrospective study of infants <29 weeks of gestation with early colour Doppler assessment of PDA diameter, in whom PDA was managed conservatively, without cyclo‐oxygenase inhibitor (COI) treatment.ResultsGestation and birthweight, [median (range)], were 26 (23–28) weeks and 865 (500–1440) g, respectively. Symptomatic PDA developed in 20 (68.9%) infants, with 11 (37.9%) referred for PDA ligation at 24 (17–30) days. Symptoms resolved spontaneously in 7 infants (24.1%) at 19 (7–32) days. There were 6 (20.7%) deaths, including four early neonatal deaths with large PDA. Early colour Doppler PDA diameter >1.5 mm (n = 20) predicted development of symptomatic PDA (sensitivity 91%, specificity 100%), but symptoms resolved spontaneously without treatment in 30%. There was a significant linear correlation (p < 0.001) with increasing early PDA diameter and the development of more persistent PDA symptoms, early neonatal mortality and morbidity.ConclusionsIn our (COI)‐naïve population, the mortality and morbidity associated with prolonged exposure to unrestricted ducts are high. Not all infants with early PDA diameter >1.5 mm have persistent symptomatic PDA, but early PDA diameter could be utilized to identify those infants at greatest risk of adverse outcome associated with PDA.
Preterm birth and unintentional injuries: risks to children, adolescents and young adults show no consistent pattern
Authors: Calling Susanna , Palmér Karolina , Jönsson Lena , Sundquist Jan , Winkleby Marilyn , Sundquist Kristina 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAimPreterm birth is associated with a number of physical and mental health issues. The aim of this study was to find out whether there was also any association between individuals born preterm in Sweden between 1984 and 2006 and the risk of unintentional injuries during childhood, adolescence and young adulthood.MethodsThe study followed 2 297 134 individuals, including 5.9% born preterm, from 1985 to 2007 for unintentional injuries leading to hospitalization or death (n = 244 021). The males and females were divided into four age groups: 1–5 years, 6–12 years, 13–18 years and 19–23 years. Hazard ratios were calculated for falls, transport injuries and other injuries.ResultsAfter adjusting for a comprehensive set of covariates, some of the preterm subgroups demonstrated slightly increased risks of unintentional injuries, while others showed slightly decreased risks. However, most of the estimates were borderline or non‐significant in both males and females. In addition, the absolute risk differences between individuals born preterm and full term were small.ConclusionDespite the association between preterm birth and a variety of physical and mental health consequences, this study shows that there is no consistent risk pattern between preterm birth and unintentional injuries in childhood, adolescence and young adulthood.
GABAB receptor subtypes differentially modulate synaptic inhibition in the dentate gyrus to enhance granule cell output
Authors: Foster Joshua D , Kitchen Ian , Bettler Bernhard , Chen Ying 
Published: November 2012

Background and PurposeActivation of GABAB receptors in the dentate gyrus (DG) enhances granule cell (GC) activity by reducing synaptic inhibition imposed by hilar interneurons. This disinhibitory action facilitates signal transfer from the perforant path to the hippocampus. However, as the two main molecular subtypes, GABAB(1a,2) and GABAB(1b,2) receptors, prefer axonal terminal and dendritic compartments, respectively, they may modulate the hilar pathways at different synaptic localizations. We examined their relative expression and functions in the DG.Experimental ApproachThe localization of GABAB subtypes was revealed immunohistochemically using subunit‐selective antibodies in GABAB1a–/– and GABAB1b–/– mice. Effects of subtype activation by the GABAB receptor agonist, baclofen, were examined on the perforant path‐stimulated GC population activities in brain slices.Key ResultsGABAB(1a,2) receptors were concentrated in the inner molecular layer, the neuropil of the hilus and hilar neurons at the border zone; while GABAB(1b,2) receptors dominated the outer molecular layer and hilar neurons in the deep layer, showing their differential localization on GC dendrite and in the hilus. Baclofen enhanced the GC population spike to a larger extent in the GABAB1b–/– mice, demonstrating exclusively disinhibitory roles of the GABAB(1a,2) receptors. Conversely, in the GABAB1a–/– mice baclofen not only enhanced but also inhibited the population spike during GABAA blockade, revealing both disinhibitory and inhibitory effects of GABAB(1b,2) receptors.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe GABAB(1a,2) and GABAB(1b,2) receptor subtypes differentially modulate GC outputs via selective axonal terminal and dendritic locations in the hilar pathways. The GABAB(1a,2) receptors exclusively mediate disinhibition, thereby playing a greater role in gating signal transfer for hippocampal spatial and pattern learning.
Effect of deproteinized bovine bone matrix coverage on the resorption of iliac cortico‐spongeous bone grafts – a prospective study of two cohorts
Authors: Wiltfang Jörg , Jätschmann Nadine , Hedderich Jürgen , Neukam Friedrich W. , Schlegel Karl Andreas , Gierloff Matthias 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectivesThe augmentation of the alveolar ridge using iliac cortico‐spongeous bone grafts is routinely used. However, bone grafts show a substantial degree of resorption, which may negatively affect the long‐term success of dental implants in the augmented area. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a deproteinized bovine bone matrix coverage on the resorption of iliac bone grafts.Material and methodsTwo cohorts consisting of 40 patients who received a vertical augmentation of the alveolar ridge with onlay grafts from the iliac crest were prospectively investigated over a period of 2 years. In half of the patients (n = 40), the grafts were covered by a thin layer of deproteinized bovine bone matrix (DBBM cohort). The other 40 patients received the identical surgical procedure without a DBBM coverage (non‐DBBM cohort). The graft height/resorption was radiographically determined immediately after surgery, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively.ResultsThe height of the bone graft 6 months after surgery accounted 92.15% of the initial value in the DBBM cohort and 87.76% in the non‐DBBM cohort. One year after augmentation, the height reduced to 83.95% in the DBBM cohort and 72.92% in the non‐DBBM cohort. Two years after surgery, the resorption slowed down and the height of the grafts accounted 81.27% in the DBBM cohort and 71.43% in the non‐DBBM cohort. The difference was statistically significant.ConclusionDeproteinized bovine bone matrix reduces the postoperative resorption of iliac bone block grafts and may therefore enhance the long‐term implant prognosis in the augmented area.
Utility and limitations of biochemical markers of vitamin B12 deficiency
Authors: Herrmann Wolfgang , Obeid Rima 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundThere is an urgent need for proper utilization of laboratory markers to diagnose vitamin B12 deficiency that should reduce false negative cases. We worked out a diagnostic algorithm that provides a two‐step detection of vitamin B12 deficiency using holotranscobalamin as a first line marker and methylmalonic acid (MMA) as a second line marker.Materials and MethodsWe tested 1359 serum samples sent to our laboratory for total vitamin B12 assay. Serum samples were used for the determination of holotranscobalamin, MMA and creatinine.ResultsCompared with total B12, holotranscobalamin showed a higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for detecting MMA levels > 300 nM. However, the distribution of holotranscobalamin in individuals with elevated creatinine irrespective of MMA and in individuals with elevated MMA irrespective of creatinine was shifted into the higher ranges. In the grey zone of holotranscobalamin between 23 and 75 pM (the range extending from the 90% diagnostic sensitivity to the 90% diagnostic specificity), MMA testing as a second line marker would help detecting 18% of deficient cases. Lowering MMA after vitamin B12 treatment may help setting the diagnosis of B12 deficiency in individuals with elevated creatinine.DiscussionTesting for vitamin B12 deficiency should start with holotranscobalamin measurement. Holotranscobalamin between 23 and 75 pM should be followed by MMA testing that can filter substantial number of deficient cases in the grey range in individuals with normal renal function. This diagnostic strategy may significantly improve assessing vitamin B12 deficiency.
Renal impairment and all‐cause mortality in cardiovascular disease: effect modification by type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Selvarajah Sharmini , Uiterwaal Cuno S. P. M. , Haniff Jamaiyah , van der Graaf Yolanda , Visseren Frank L. J. , Bots Michiel L. ,   on behalf of the SMART study group
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundRenal impairment and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) are well‐known independent risk factors for mortality. The evidence of their combined effects on mortality is unclear, but of importance because it may determine aggressiveness of treatment. This study sought to assess and quantify the effect modification of diabetes on renal impairment in its association with mortality.Materials and methodsPatients with cardiovascular disease or at high risk, recruited in the Second Manifestations of ARTerial disease cohort study, were selected. A total of 7135 patients were enrolled with 33 198 person‐years of follow‐up. Renal impairment was defined by albuminuria status and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Outcome was all‐cause mortality.ResultsMortality increased progressively with each stage of renal impairment, for both albuminuria status and eGFR, for diabetics and non‐diabetics. There was no effect modification by diabetes on mortality risk due to renal impairment. The relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) for DM and microalbuminuria was 0·21 (−0·11, 0·52), for overt proteinuria −1·12 (−2·83, 0·59) and for end‐stage renal failure (ESRF) 0·32 (−3·65, 4·29). The RERI for DM with eGFR of 60–89 mL/min/1·73 m2 was −0·31(−0·92, 0·32), for eGFR of 30–59 mL/min/1·73 m2 −0·07 (−0·76, 0·62) and for eGFR of < 30 mL/min/1·73 m2 0·38 (−0·85, 1·61).ConclusionsType 2 diabetes mellitus does not modify nor increase the risk relation between all‐cause mortality and renal impairment. These findings suggest that the hallmark for survival is the prevention and delay in progression of renal impairment in patients with cardiovascular disease.
Type 2 diabetes and 1‐year mortality in intensive care unit patients
Authors: Christiansen Christian F. , Johansen Martin B. , Christensen Steffen , O'Brien James M. , Tønnesen Else , Sørensen Henrik T. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundData on the prognostic impact of diabetes and diabetic complications in intensive care unit (ICU) patients are limited and inconsistent. We, therefore, examined mortality in ICU patients with type 2 diabetes with and without pre‐existing heart and kidney diseases compared with nondiabetic patients.DesignWe conducted this population‐based cohort study in Northern Denmark during 2005–2011. We included all ICU patients aged 40 years or older from the 17 ICUs in the area and identified type 2 diabetes by either a filled prescription for an antidiabetic drug, a previous diagnosis of diabetes, or an elevated glycosylated haemoglobin level. Diabetic patients were disaggregated according to pre‐existing diagnoses of heart disease (myocardial infarction or heart failure) and kidney disease.We estimated 1‐year mortality by the Kaplan–Meier method and hazard ratios of death (HRs) during follow‐up using Cox regression, controlling for confounding factors and stratified by relevant subgroups.ResultsAmong 45 018 ICU patients, 7219 (16·0%) had type 2 diabetes. Overall, 1‐year mortality was 36·0% in ICU patients with type 2 diabetes, rising to 54·6% in patients with pre‐existing heart and kidney diseases, compared with 29·1% in nondiabetic patients. Comparing diabetic with nondiabetic patients, the adjusted 0‐ to 30‐day HR was 1·20 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1·13–1·26) and 1·19 (95% CI: 1·10–1·28) during the 31‐ to 365‐day follow‐up period. Pre‐existing kidney disease further increased the impact of diabetes, while heart disease alone had no such effect.ConclusionsICU patients with type 2 diabetes had higher 1‐year mortality compared with nondiabetic ICU patients, particularly those with pre‐existing kidney disease.
Advanced systemic mastocytosis: the impact of KIT mutations in diagnosis, treatment, and progression
Authors: Verstovsek Srdan 
Published: November 2012

AbstractApart from indolent systemic mastocytosis (SM), which is associated with a favorable prognosis, other subtypes of SM (SM with associated clonal hematologic non–mast cell lineage disease, aggressive SM, and mast cell leukemia – collectively referred to in this review as advanced SM) can be debilitating. The complexity of SM makes both the diagnosis and design of response criteria challenging for clinical studies. The tyrosine kinase KIT has been shown to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of SM and has been a focal point in the development of targeted therapy. Mutations within various domains of the KIT receptor that lead to constitutive activation have been identified in patients, and those involving the activation loop of the KIT receptor are the mutations most frequently detected in patients with mastocytosis. Aberrant activation of the KIT receptor results in increased production of mast cells in extracutaneous organs that may lead to organ failure or early death. This review discusses the diagnosis and management of patients with advanced SM, including the relevance of KIT in this disease, potential therapies targeting this kinase, and criteria for measuring responses to these therapies.