bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non‐invasive ménage à trois for the prediction of high‐risk varices: stepwise algorithm using lok score, liver and spleen stiffness
Authors: Stefanescu Horia , Radu Corina , Procopet Bogdan , Lupsor‐Platon Monica , Habic Alina , Tantau Marcel , Grigorescu Mircea 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsLiver stiffness (LS), spleen stiffness (SS) and serum markers have been proposed to non‐invasively assess portal hypertension or oesophageal varices (EV) in cirrhotic patients. We aimed to evaluate the performance of a stepwise algorithm that combines Lok score with LS and SS for diagnosing high‐risk EV (HREV) and to compare it with other already‐validated non‐invasive methods.MethodsWe performed a cross‐sectional study including 136 consecutive compensated cirrhotic patients with various aetiologies, divided into training (90) and validation (46) set. Endoscopy was performed within 6 months from inclusion for EV screening. Spleen diameter was assessed by ultrasonography. LS and SS were measured using Fibroscan. Lok score, platelet count/spleen diameter ratio, LSM‐spleen diameter to platelet ratio score and oesophageal varices risk score (EVRS) were calculated and their diagnostic accuracy for HREV was assessed. The algorithm classified patients as having/not‐having HREV. Its performance was tested and compared in both groups.ResultsIn the training set, all variables could select patients with HREV with moderate accuracy, the best being LSPS (AUROC = 0.818; 0.93 sensitivity; 0.63 specificity). EVRS, however, was the only independent predictor of HREV (OR = 1.521; P = 0.032). The algorithm correctly classified 69 (76.66%) patients in the training set (P < 0.0001) and 36 (78.26%) in the validation one. In the validation group, the algorithm performed slightly better than LSPS and EVRS, showing 100% sensitivity and negative predicted value.ConclusionThe stepwise algorithm combining Lok score, LS and SS could be used to select patients at low risk of having HREV and who may benefit from more distanced endoscopic evaluation.
Declining commercial fish catches in Lake Victoria's Winam Gulf: The importance of restructuring Kenya's aquaculture programme
Authors: Omwoma Solomon , Owuor Philip O. , Ongeri David M.‐K. , Umani Moses , Lalah Joseph O. , Schramm Karl‐Werner 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe total weight of commercial fish (metric tons) caught in the Winam Gulf area of Lake Victoria in Kenya declined from 3300 mt to 760 mt between 1995 and 2009. Associated with this decline, and ranked in descending order, the species richness of the commercial fish catch was limited to seven major groups (Rastrineobola argentea; Lates niloticus; Protopterus aethiopicus; Labeo victorianus; Haplochromis species; Clarias gariaepinus; Bagrus domac). Numerous hypotheses ranging from eutrophication, inadequate control of the exotic water hyacinth and overfishing were advanced to explain this decline. The Kenyan government, working in partnership with international organizations, implemented multiple restoration and management programmes in response, including aquaculture. Unfortunately, success for this implemented programme has been very limited because important socio‐economic driving factors were overlooked. To provide a better understanding of the issues, 150 members of the Winam Gulf fishing community, ranging in age from 20 to 40 years, were surveyed. The results of this survey identified poverty and inadequate education as two major issues requiring substantial attention. The survey also suggested that if societal changes are to occur, it will rest upon changing the beliefs of the youth in the Winam Gulf area. Restructuring Kenya's aquaculture programme, with a focus on the youth, provides a pathway for increasing the literacy level of the community, as well as for reducing poverty.
Integrating economic and hydrologic interdependence in reservoir management
Authors: Debnath Deepayan 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to determine the optimal allocation of reservoir water among competing uses (hydroelectric power generation, lake recreation and urban and rural water supply). An optimization model using nonlinear programming is developed to optimally allocate reservoir water among these uses. It is not unusual to optimize the values for flood control, hydroelectric generation, and urban and rural water uses, and to determine recreation values as a residual. Furthermore, if recreation values are considered, it may be in the form of constraints that maintain reservoir water levels within a specified range. In contrast, this study develops a model in which the recreational benefits depend explicitly on lake water levels, while the flood control capacity of the reservoir is maintained through upper bounds on the lake level. A mass balance equation is used to determine the water levels and volumes in the lake for each month over a twelve‐month period. The General Algebraic Modeling System with MINOS is used to solve this model. The results indicate that the total economic benefits for Lake Tenkiller could be increased by directly including recreational values in the model, and maintaining lake water levels at near‐normal levels that maximize the number of summer visitations. The optimal allocation of Lake Tenkiller water among competing uses also satisfies the equimarginal principle. That is, the marginal value of water at the lake in each month is the same for the last unit of water used for hydroelectric, recreational, or urban and rural water uses. Use of this type of modelling framework would assist policymakers or reservoir managers in reallocation of reservoir water and in calibrating several policy scenarios.
Using occupancy analysis to validate the use of footprint tunnels as a method for monitoring the hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus
Authors: Yarnell Richard W. , Pacheco Marina , Williams Ben , Neumann Jessica L. , Rymer David J. , Baker Philip J. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIndirect survey methods are often used in studies of mammals but are susceptible to biases caused by failure to detect species where they are present. Occupancy analysis is an analytical technique which enables non‐detection rates to be estimated and which can be used to develop and refine novel survey methods. In this study, we investigated the use of footprint tunnels by volunteers as a method for surveying occupancy of sites by hedgehogs Erinaceus europaeus. The survey protocol led to a very low non‐detection rate and could reasonably be used to detect occupancy changes of 25% with statistical power of 0.95 in a national survey.
Comparative landscape genetics of two river frog species occurring at different elevations on Mount Kilimanjaro
Authors: Zancolli Giulia , Rödel Mark‐Oliver , Steffan‐Dewenter Ingolf , Storfer Andrew 
Published: September 2014

AbstractEstimating population connectivity and species' abilities to disperse across the landscape is crucial for understanding the long‐term persistence of species in changing environments. Surprisingly, few landscape genetic studies focused on tropical regions despite the alarming extinction rates within these ecosystems. Here, we compared the influence of landscape features on the distribution of genetic variation of an Afromontane frog, Amietia wittei, with that of its more broadly distributed lowland congener, Amietia angolensis, on Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. We predicted high gene flow in the montane species with movements enhanced through terrestrial habitats of the continuous rainforest. In contrast, dispersal might be restricted to aquatic corridors and reduced by anthropogenic disturbance in the lowland species. We found high gene flow in A. wittei relative to other montane amphibians. Nonetheless, gene flow was lower than in the lowland species which showed little population structure. Least‐cost path analysis suggested that dispersal is facilitated by stream networks in both species, but different landscape features were identified to influence connectivity among populations. Contrary to a previous study, gene flow in the lowland species was negatively correlated with the presence of human settlements. Also, genetic subdivision in A. wittei did not coincide with specific physical barriers as in other landscape genetic studies, suggesting that factors other than topography may contribute to population divergence. Overall, these results highlight the importance of a comparative landscape genetic approach for assessing the influence of the landscape matrix on population connectivity, particularly because nonintuitive results can alter the course of conservation and management.
Safety and efficacy of autologous mesenchymal stromal cells transplantation in patients undergoing living donor kidney transplantation: A pilot study
Authors: Mudrabettu Chetan , Kumar Vinod , Rakha Aruna , Yadav Ashok K , Ramachandran Raja , Kanwar Deepesh B , Nada Ritambhra , Minz Mukut , Sakhuja Vinay , Marwaha Neelam , Jha Vivekanand 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimThis pilot study assesses the safety and feasibility of autologous mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) transplantation in four patients that underwent living donor renal transplantation, and the effect on the immunophenotype and functionality of peripheral T lymphocytes following transplantation.MethodsAll patients received low dose ATG induction followed by calcineurin inhibitor‐based triple drug maintenance immunosuppression. Autologous MSCs were administered intravenously pre transplant and day 30 post‐transplant. Patients were followed up for 6 months. The frequency of regulatory T cells and T cell proliferation was assessed at different time points.ResultsNone of the four patients developed any immediate or delayed adverse effects following MSC infusion. All had excellent graft function, and none developed graft dysfunction. Protocol biopsies at 1 and 3 months did not reveal any abnormality. Compared to baseline, there was an increase in the CD4 + CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells and reduction in CD4 T cell proliferation.ConclusionWe conclude that autologous MSCs can be used safely in patients undergoing living donor renal transplantation, lead to expansion of regulatory T cells and decrease in T cell proliferation. Larger randomized trials studies are needed to confirm these findings and evaluate whether this will have any impact on immunosuppressive therapy.
Arteriolar hyalinosis and arterial hypertension as possible surrogate markers of reduced interstitial blood flow and hypoxia in glomerulonephritis
Authors: Bazzi Claudio , Stivali Gilda , Rachele Gregorio , Rizza Virginia , Casellato Daniela , Nangaku Masaomi 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundIn glomerulonephritis the final common pathway to end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) is tubulo‐interstitial damage (TID) whose main determinants are proteinuria and hypoxia consequent to haemodynamic and vascular alterations that reduce interstitial blood flow. Since oxygen tension is difficult to measure in human disease, arteriolar hyalinosis and arterial hypertension have been considered as possible surrogate markers of interstitial hypoxia.MethodsThe relationship between TID and arteriolar hyalinosis and arterial hypertension was evaluated in 132 IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and 79 idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) patients. At biopsy tubulo‐interstitial damage and arteriolar hyalinosis score were semi‐quantitatively evaluated; urinary protein/creatinine ratio (P/C), fractional excretion (FE) of α1‐microglobulin, urinary β‐NAG/creatinine ratio (NAG/C/eGFR) and urinary SDS‐PAGE pattern were measured.ResultsIn IgAN arteriolar hyalinosis (AH) score correlates with TID score (P < 0.0001), FE α1m (P = 0.004) and NAG/C/eGFR (P = 0.001), but not with P/C (P = 0.10). Patients with or without AH were different in terms of global glomerulosclerosis (GGS: P < 0.001), TID score (P < 0.001), FE α1m (P = 0.015), NAG/C/eGFR (P = 0.002), but not of P/C (P = 0.19). In IMN AH score correlates with TID score (P < 0.0001), FEα1m (P = 0.04), NAG/C/eGFR (P = 0.001), SDS‐PAGE pattern (P = 0.018), but not with P/C (P = 0.10). Patients with or without AH were different in term of GGS% (P = 0.05), TID score (P = 0.001), FE α1m (P = 0.039), NAG/C/eGFR (P = 0.001), SDS‐PAGE pattern (P = 0.02), but not of P/C (P = 0.065). Similar results for normal versus high blood pressure.ConclusionsArteriolar hyalinosis and arterial hypertension, associated with TID and GGS, factors that reduce interstitial capillary bed and blood flow, may be considered as reliable surrogate markers of hypoxia and co‐determinants of TID.
Left Axillary Pacemaker Generator Implantation with a Direct Puncture of the Left Axillary Vein
Authors: NORO MAHITO , ZHU XIN , TAKAGI TAKAHITO , SAHARA NAOHIKO , NARABAYASHI YURIKO , HASHIMOTO HIKARI , ITO NAOSHI , ENOMOTO YOSHINARI , NAKAMURA KEIJIROU , KUJIME SHINGO , SAKAI TUYOSHI , SAKATA TAKAO , SUGI KAORU 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundPacemaker generators are routinely implanted in the anterior chest. However, where to place the generator may need to be considered from the mental, functional, and cosmetic standpoints.MethodsIn this study, we performed the left axillary pacemaker generator implantation with a direct puncture of the left axillary vein in 40 consecutive patients, and evaluated the late safety and efficacy of this implantation. Complications, changes in the lead sensing, pacing threshold, and impedance were used as safety indexes for a mean follow‐up of 3.4 years. In addition, the efficacy was also evaluated by comparing their questionnaire survey results to 119 patients in a control group of anterior chest implantation.ResultsLead dislodgements were observed in two patients of the experiment group. There were no migrations of generators from the implantation site or abnormal variations in the pacing threshold, lead sensing, or impedance. In the left anterior chest and left axillary groups, 85% and 10% of the patients were worried about an external impact, 80% and 25% were worried about electromagnetic interference, and 68% and 0% answered that the pacemaker implantation site was noticeable, respectively. Apparently, more patients had a sense of security and cosmetic satisfaction with the left axillary implantation.ConclusionThe left axillary generator implantations may reduce the mental burden and cause no safety concerns, and may be performed if functional or cosmetic outcomes are required.
Age‐specific influence of wheezing phenotypes on pre‐adolescent and adolescent health‐related quality of life
Authors: Braig Stefanie , Brandt Stephanie , Wabitsch Martin , Florath Ines , Brenner Hermann , Rothenbacher Dietrich , Genuneit Jon 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIntroductionAsthma is associated with diminished health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Particularly in adolescence, asthma may be under‐diagnosed and undertreated or poorly managed. Therefore, we aimed to determine the association between childhood wheezing phenotypes rather than asthma and adolescent HRQoL in children aged 10–17 yr.MethodsWe analyzed the data from two prospective population‐based cohort studies (n = 604 and n = 1804) conducted in southern Germany with baseline assessments in 2000 and 2006 and follow‐ups at frequent intervals. Parent‐reported wheeze was categorized into never, early transient, persistent, and late‐onset wheeze. We assessed child‐reported HRQoL in seven scales using the validated KINDL‐R. Multivariate linear regression models were computed.ResultsParticipants with late‐onset wheeze had significantly lower values in all HRQoL scales, but physical well‐being compared to never wheezers. Early transient wheeze was negatively associated with three HRQoL scales only (family, school, and total). These effects were confined to the oldest age group (≥13.5 yr) in one study. Persistent wheeze was not associated with HRQoL.ConclusionsIn teenagers, late‐onset wheezers seem to be particularly vulnerable for impairments in psychosocial aspects of health‐related quality of life. They may therefore require particular attention with regard to education about asthma management and potentially family‐based psychosocial intervention.
Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and childhood allergic diseases: a systematic review
Authors: Das Rashmi R. , Naik Sushree S. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractStudies have found a link between neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NNH) and/or neonatal phototherapy (NPT) and childhood allergic diseases. The present systematic review was conducted to provide updated evidence and to provide direction regarding future research. A systematic search of the published literature was carried out. Observational studies including children up to 12 yr of age were included. Data extraction was carried out using a standardized data extraction form that was designed and pilot tested a priori. The analysis was carried out with the statistical software RevMan (version 5.2) [Protocol is registered at PROSPERO: CRD42014009943]. Of 79 citations retrieved, a total of 7 good quality studies (n = 101,499) were included in the final analysis. There was a significant increase in the odds of asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) after NNH [asthma, OR 4.26 (95% CI 4.04–4.5); AR, OR 5.37 (95% CI 4.16–6.92)] and after NPT [asthma, OR 3.81 (95% CI 3.53–4.11); AR, OR 3.04(95% CI 2.13–4.32)]. A similar increase in the trend was noted for late onset of asthma after NNH [OR 4.1 (95% CI 2.82–5.94)], and hospitalization due to asthma after NPT [OR 3.56 (95% CI 2.93–4.33)]. The GRADE evidence generated was of ‘low quality’. The current evidence finds a significant increase in the odds of childhood allergic diseases after NNH and/or NPT. As observational studies were included, the evidence generated was of ‘low quality’. Future studies should try to elucidate the pathophysiologic link between NNH and/or NPT and childhood allergic diseases.
Analgesic effects of gabapentin after scoliosis surgery in children: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mayell Antonia , Srinivasan Ilavajady , Campbell Fiona , Peliowski Arie 
Published: September 2014

SummaryBackgroundPostoperative pain remains an important challenge after scoliosis surgery in children. Opioids are the mainstay of treatment, and adult studies demonstrate gabapentin as a useful adjunct to opioids in the management of postoperative pain.MethodAdolescent patients undergoing idiopathic scoliosis surgery were randomized to receive a single preoperative dose of gabapentin 600 mg or placebo. The primary outcome measure was total morphine consumption in mg·kg−1 between 0 and 24 h postoperatively. Secondary outcome measures included time to first rescue analgesia, pain intensity scores at rest and with movement, incidence of nausea, vomiting, pruritus, sedation, dizziness, presence of persisting pain symptoms, and patient satisfaction. Cumulative opioid consumption was calculated at each time point: 1, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h.ResultsThe gabapentin group used 0.087 ± 0.06 mg·kg−1 of morphine at 1 h, 0.24 ± 0.12 mg·kg−1 at 4 h, 0.44 ± 0.17 mg·kg−1 at 8 h, and 1.29 ± 0.44 mg·kg−1 at 24 h. The placebo group used 0.121 ± 0.06 mg·kg−1 of morphine at 1 h, 0.35 ± 0.16 mg·kg−1 at 4 h, 0.56 ± 0.27 mg·kg−1 at 8 h, and 1.46 ± 0.68 mg·kg−1 at 24 h. There was no statistically significant reduction in opioid consumption in the patients receiving gabapentin. There were no significant differences in secondary outcomes.ConclusionA single preoperative dose of gabapentin did not show a significant difference in opioid consumption or pain scores in adolescents undergoing idiopathic scoliosis surgery. This study is the first pediatric randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of a single dose of gabapentin on morphine consumption and analgesia following major surgery.
Morphological and molecular phylogenetic analysis of the high triglyceride‐producing marine diatom, Fistulifera solaris sp. nov. (Bacillariophyceae)
Authors: Matsumoto Mitsufumi , Mayama Shigeki , Nemoto Michiko , Fukuda Yorikane , Muto Masaki , Yoshino Tomoko , Matsunaga Tadashi , Tanaka Tsuyoshi 
Published: September 2014

SummaryFistulifera sp. strain JPCC DA0580, a marine pennate diatom, contains extremely high levels of intracellular triglyceride and has been suggested as a promising source of feedstock for biodiesel fuels. JPCC DA0580 was isolated from a mangrove swamp located in Sumiyo Bay below the mouths of the Sumiyo and Yakugachi Rivers in Amami‐Ohshima, Kagoshima, Japan. In this study, the morphology and the 18S rDNA sequence of JPCC DA0580 were compared with those of other Fistulifera strains. JPCC DA0580 possesses morphological characters of the genus Fistulifera, namely lightly silicified frustules, a distinct median costa (raphe sternum), and a wart‐like central pore (fistula). Morphometric analysis revealed that JPCC DA0580 differs from other Fistulifera species by the presence of a valve with coarser striation and coarser areolation. On the basis of 18S rDNA phylogeny, JPCC DA0580 formed a well‐supported clade with other members of the Fistulifera species complex, although the number of nucleotide substitutions was highest in JPCC DA0580. Our results led us to propose the taxonomic name Fistulifera solaris sp. nov. for JPCC DA0580.
Homeownership and Housing Displacement After Hurricane Katrina Among Low‐Income African‐American Mothers in New Orleans
Authors: Fussell Elizabeth , Harris Elizabeth 
Published: September 2014

ObjectiveWe evaluate the effect of pre‐Katrina housing tenure and postdisaster financial resources on the odds of housing displacement after Hurricane Katrina for a sample of low‐income African‐American mothers.MethodsUsing longitudinal data from a sample of low‐income African‐American mothers with pre‐Katrina measures of housing tenure and individual characteristics and post‐Katrina indicators of disaster impacts, we estimate a multinomial logistic regression model predicting post‐Katrina housing outcomes.ResultsAmong low‐income African‐American mothers, homeowners’ odds of being in their pre‐Katrina home rather than a new home are greater than those of renters, while renters’ odds of being in a pre‐Katrina home are greater than those of subsidized housing residents, ceteris paribus. The difference in homeowners’ and renters’ odds is reduced to insignificance when access to private insurance is added to the model, although the difference for subsidized housing residents remains.ConclusionHomeownership and disaster assistance protect against housing displacement. Renters, especially those in subsidized housing, were more vulnerable to housing loss after this disaster.