bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Melatonin versus midazolam premedication in children undergoing surgery: A pilot study
Authors: Gitto Eloisa , Marseglia Lucia , D'Angelo Gabriella , Manti Sara , Crisafi Caterina , Montalto Angela Simona , Impellizzeri Pietro , Reiter Russel J , Romeo Carmelo 
Published: October 2015

AimMelatonin has been proposed as a premedication alternative to midazolam, preceding anaesthesia induction. However, to our knowledge, data concerning interaction between melatonin and intravenous anaesthetic drugs in children are not available. The aim of this prospective, randomized, double‐blind pilot study was to investigate the possible effect of melatonin premedication, in comparison to midazolam, on the required infusion of propofol in children undergoing surgery. As a secondary outcome, the effect of oral melatonin on the preoperative sedation level and on the post anaesthesia recovery score was evaluated.MethodsChildren between the age of 5 and 14 years, scheduled for elective surgery, were prospectively enrolled between January 2012 and December 2013, and randomly assigned to two groups based on whether they received oral melatonin (0.5 mg/kg) or oral midazolam (0.5 mg/kg) premedication before induction of anaesthesia with propofol. Degree of sedation before and after anaesthesia was also evaluated.ResultsNinety‐two patients were studied, 46 for each group. We found that oral administration of melatonin significantly reduced doses of propofol required for induction of anaesthesia in paediatric patients, more than midazolam (P < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found in the pre‐ and post‐anaesthesia sedation score (P = 0.387 and P = 0.525, respectively) between the two groups.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrates that melatonin enhances the potency of propofol also in paediatric patients. Moreover, considering the paediatric level of sedation, melatonin was equally as effective as midazolam. These data support the use of melatonin as a premedicant in paediatric surgical patients.
Intestinal perforation in premature neonates: The need for subsequent laparotomy after placement of peritoneal drains
Authors: Mishra Prabal , Foley David , Purdie Gordon , Pringle Kevin C 
Published: October 2015

AimIn view of recent studies questioning the usefulness of peritoneal drainage (PD) in premature neonates with pneumoperitoneum, suggesting approximately 75% of those treated with PD needed delayed laparotomy, we reviewed the requirement for laparotomy after initial PD at our institution.MethodsRetrospective cohort of all premature infants with a diagnosis of intestinal perforation (ICD Code P78.0) from 1995 to 2012. Inclusion criteria were pneumoperitoneum on x‐ray (isolated perforation or necrotising enterocolitis), birthweight <1800 g and gestational age <33 weeks.ResultsFifty patients met the criteria (38 PD, 12 primary laparotomy). Thirty‐two per cent (95% CI 18–49%) received secondary laparotomy after initial PD. There was no significant difference when stratified according to isolated perforation (24%) versus necrotising enterocolitis (56%, P = 0.11). There was no significant difference between PD and primary laparotomy for time to full enteral nutrition, hazard ratio (HR) 0.99 (95% CI 0.48–2.04) or mortality, HR 2.15 (95% CI 0.48–9.63). The HR for mortality was partly confounded by birthweight, birthweight‐adjusted HR 1.52 (95% CI 0.32–7.23).ConclusionsThirty‐two per cent of neonates treated with primary PD received secondary laparotomy, with no significant difference in key outcomes. Primary PD still appears to be of benefit for those without features of necrotising enterocolitis.
Dental clinical research: an illustration of the value of standardized diagnostic terms
Authors: Kalenderian Elsbeth , Tokede Bunmi , Ramoni Rachel , Khan Maria , Kimmes Nicole , White Joel , Vaderhobli Ram , Yansane Alfa , Feilzer Albert , Walji Muhammad 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectiveSecondary data are a significant resource for in‐depth epidemiologic and public health research. It also allows for effective quality control and clinical outcomes measurement. To illustrate the value of structured diagnostic entry, a use case was developed to quantify adherence to current practice guidelines for managing chronic moderate periodontitis (CMP).MethodsSix dental schools using the same electronic health record (EHR) contribute data to a dental data repository (BigMouth) based on the i2b2 data‐warehousing platform. Participating institutions are able to query across the full repository without being able to back trace specific data to its originating institution. At each of the three sites whose data are included in this analysis, the Dental Diagnostic System (DDS) terminology was used to document diagnoses in the clinics. We ran multiple queries against this multi‐institutional database, and the output was validated by manually reviewing a subset of patient charts.ResultsOver the period under study, 1,866 patients were diagnosed with CMP. Of these, 15 percent received only periodontal prophylaxis treatment, 20 percent received only periodontal maintenance treatment, and only 41 percent received periodontal maintenance treatment in combination with other AAP guideline treatments.ConclusionsOur results showed that most patients with CMP were not treated according to the AAP guidelines. On the basis of this use case, we conclude that the availability and habitual use of a structured diagnosis in an EHR allow for the aggregation and secondary analyses of clinical data to support downstream analyses for quality improvement and epidemiological assessments.
Melatonin nephroprotective action in Zucker diabetic fatty rats involves its inhibitory effect on NADPH oxidase
Authors: Winiarska Katarzyna , Dzik Jolanta M. , Labudda Mateusz , Focht Dorota , Sierakowski Bartosz , Owczarek Aleksandra , Komorowski Lukasz , Bielecki Wojciech 
Published: October 2015

AbstractExcessive activity of NADPH oxidase (Nox) is considered to be of importance for the progress of diabetic nephropathy. The aim of the study was to elucidate the effect of melatonin, known for its nephroprotective properties, on Nox activity under diabetic conditions. The experiments were performed on three groups of animals: (i) untreated lean (?/+) Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats; (ii) untreated obese diabetic (fa/fa) ZDF rats; and (iii) ZDF fa/fa rats treated with melatonin (20 mg/L) in drinking water. Urinary albumin excretion was measured weekly. After 4 wk of the treatment, the following parameters were determined in kidney cortex: Nox activity, expression of subunits of the enzyme, their phosphorylation and subcellular distribution. Histological studies were also performed. Compared to ?/+ controls, ZDF fa/fa rats exhibited increased renal Nox activity, augmented expression of Nox4 and p47phox subunits, elevated level of p47phox phosphorylation, and enlarged phospho‐p47phox and p67phox content in membrane. Melatonin administration to ZDF fa/fa rats resulted in the improvement of renal functions, as manifested by considerable attenuation of albuminuria and some amelioration of structural abnormalities. The treatment turned out to nearly normalize Nox activity, which was accompanied by considerably lowered expression and diminished membrane distribution of regulatory subunits, that is, phospho‐p47phox and p67phox. Thus, it is concluded that: (i) melatonin beneficial action against diabetic nephropathy involves attenuation of the excessive activity of Nox; and (ii) the mechanism of melatonin inhibitory effect on Nox is based on the mitigation of expression and membrane translocation of its regulatory subunits.
Parkinson's Disease and Pesticides Exposure: New Findings From a Comprehensive Study in Nebraska, USA
Authors: Wan Neng , Lin Ge 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe association between exposure to agricultural pesticides and Parkinson's Disease (PD) has long been a topic of study in the field of environmental health. This research takes advantage of the unique Nebraska PD registry and state‐level crop classification data to investigate the PD‐pesticides exposure relationship.MethodsFirst, Geographic Information System and satellite remote sensing data were adopted to calculate exposure to different pesticides for Nebraska residents. An integrated spatial exploratory framework was then adopted to explore the association between PD incidence and exposure to specific pesticide ingredients at the county level.ResultsOur results reveal similarities in geographic patterns of pesticide exposure and PD incidence. The regression analyses indicate that, for most Nebraska counties, PD incidence was significantly associated with exposure to certain pesticide ingredients such as alachlor and broxomy. However, the results also suggest that factors other than pesticide exposure may help further explain the risk of PD at the county level.ConclusionsWe found significant associations between PD incidence and exposure to different pesticide ingredients. These results have useful implications for PD prevention in Nebraska and other agricultural states in the United States.
Disparities in Alcohol, Drug Use, and Mental Health Condition Prevalence and Access to Care in Rural, Isolated, and Reservation Areas: Findings From the South Dakota Health Survey
Authors: Davis Melinda M. , Spurlock Margaret , Dulacki Kristen , Meath Thomas , Li Hsin‐Fang (Grace) , McCarty Dennis , Warne Donald , Wright Bill , McConnell K. John 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPurposeResearch on urban/rural disparities in alcohol, drug use, and mental health (ADM) conditions is inconsistent. This study describes ADM condition prevalence and access to care across diverse geographies in a predominantly rural state.MethodsMultimodal cross‐sectional survey in South Dakota from November 2013 to October 2014, with oversampling in rural areas and American Indian reservations. Measures assessed demographic characteristics, ADM condition prevalence using clinical screenings and participant self‐report, perceived need for treatment, health service usage, and barriers to obtaining care. We tested for differences among urban, rural, isolated, and reservation geographic areas, controlling for participant age and gender.FindingsWe analyzed 7,675 surveys (48% response rate). Generally, ADM condition prevalence rates were not significantly different across geographies. However, respondents in isolated and reservation areas were significantly less likely to have access to primary care. Knowledge of treatment options was significantly lower in isolated regions and individuals in reservation areas had significantly lower odds of reporting receipt of all needed care. Across the sample there was substantial discordance between ADM clinical screenings and participant self‐reported need; 98.1% of respondents who screened positive for alcohol or drug misuse and 63.8% of respondents who screened positive for a mental health condition did not perceive a need for care.ConclusionIn a predominantly rural state, geographic disparities in ADM conditions are related to differences in access as opposed to prevalence, particularly for individuals in isolated and reservation areas. Educational interventions about ADM condition characteristics may be as important as improving access to care.
Death by sex in an Australian icon: a continent‐wide survey reveals extensive hybridization between dingoes and domestic dogs
Authors: Stephens Danielle , Wilton Alan N. , Fleming Peter J.S. , Berry Oliver 
Published: October 2015

AbstractHybridization between domesticated animals and their wild counterparts can disrupt adaptive gene combinations, reduce genetic diversity, extinguish wild populations and change ecosystem function. The dingo is a free‐ranging dog that is an iconic apex predator and distributed throughout most of mainland Australia. Dingoes readily hybridize with domestic dogs, and in many Australian jurisdictions, distinct management strategies are dictated by hybrid status. Yet, the magnitude and spatial extent of domestic dog–dingo hybridization is poorly characterized. To address this, we performed a continent‐wide analysis of hybridization throughout Australia based on 24 locus microsatellite DNA genotypes from 3637 free‐ranging dogs. Although 46% of all free‐ranging dogs were classified as pure dingoes, all regions exhibited some hybridization, and the magnitude varied substantially. The southeast of Australia was highly admixed, with 99% of animals being hybrids or feral domestic dogs, whereas only 13% of the animals from remote central Australia were hybrids. Almost all free‐ranging dogs had some dingo ancestry, indicating that domestic dogs could have poor survivorship in nonurban Australian environments. Overall, wild pure dingoes remain the dominant predator over most of Australia, but the speed and extent to which hybridization has occurred in the approximately 220 years since the first introduction of domestic dogs indicate that the process may soon threaten the persistence of pure dingoes.
Glomerular filtration rate measured by 99mTc‐DTPA renal dynamic imaging is significantly lower than that estimated by the CKD‐EPI equation in horseshoe kidney patients
Authors: Qi Yan , Hu Panpan , Xie Yuansheng , Wei Kai , Jin Meiling , Ma Guangyu , Li Qinggang , Xu Baixuan , Chen Xiangmei 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimGate's glomerular filtration rate (gGFR) measured by 99mTc‐DTPA renal dynamic imaging and estimated GFR (eGFR) estimated by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD‐EPI) equation are two indexes used to evaluate renal function. However, little is known about whether gGFR can be used to accurately assess renal function in horseshoe kidney (HSK) patients with renal fusion anomalies.MethodsNineteen HSK patients (HSK group) diagnosed by renal imaging and 38 CKD patients with “normal kidney shape” (non‐HSK group) matched to the HSK patients in terms of gender, age and biochemical indicators at Chinese PLA General Hospital were enrolled in this study. Gender, age, serum total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), gGFR and eGFR were recorded and analyzed using χ2 test, t‐test, and Wilcoxon test which was presented as median(IQR).Results(1) There were no significant differences in gender, age, TP, ALB, BUN, Scr, or eGFR between these two groups. (2) In HSK patients, the renogram showed abnormal renal axis with the lower poles orientated medially. The timed uptake curve showed that the isotope excretion in the HSK group was slower than that in the non‐HSK group. (3) For all HSK patients, gGFR was significantly lower than eGFR (range –12.52 mL/min per 1.73m2 to –93.18 mL/min per 1.73m2). There was no significant difference in eGFR between the HSK [96.42 (36.02) mL/min per 1.73 m2] and non‐HSK groups [94.46 (33.00) mL/min per 1.73 m2]. The gGFR of the HSK group [41.18 (16.60) mL/min per 1.73m2] was much lower than that of the non‐HSK group [86.42(26.40) mL/min per 1.73m2, P < 0.001] and the eGFR of the HSK group (P < 0.001). The gGFR and eGFR of the non‐HSK group were not significantly different.ConclusiongGFR measured by 99mTc‐DTPA renal dynamic imaging is significantly lower than eGFR estimated by the CKD‐EPI equation, which indicates that isotope renogram cannot accurately evaluate the GFR of HSK patients.
Clinical Outcomes of Patients with HIV Undergoing Lead Extraction for Infectious and Noninfectious Indications
Authors: COHEN JOSHUA A. , GOVEA ALAYN , CARRILLO ROGER G. 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundWith the increasing prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus positive (HIV+) patients in the United States, and the association between HIV and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, the use of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) in patients with HIV has become more common. With the increasing incidence of device‐related complications, lead extraction is becoming a topic of importance in this population. As the use of implantable devices increases in the HIV+ population, complications are to be expected; therefore, lead extraction in the HIV population must be addressed.MethodsFrom January 2004 to May 2013, 1,018 patients requiring lead extraction were referred to a single, high‐volume tertiary cardiovascular center. Within this group of patients, 10 were HIV+. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of this cohort and reported clinical variables of interest.ResultsInfection was the most common indication for lead extraction and device removal. Four patients were in advanced heart failure, and the overall average ejection fraction of the sample population was 32.7 ± 16.3%. In addition, the majority of patients had one or more medical comorbidities. Devices removed, in order of frequency, were implantable cardioverter defibrillators, permanent pacemakers, and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices. On average, 35.6 ± 41.6 months elapsed from implantation of the oldest lead to the date of extraction. There were no major or minor complications and all procedures were clinically successful.ConclusionsLaser lead extraction is both safe and effective in patients with HIV. This study sets a level of clinical precedent regarding the management of CIED infection or malfunction in patients with HIV.
A new phosphatic‐shelled cirripede (Crustacea, Thoracica) from the Lower Jurassic (Toarcian) of Germany – the oldest epiplanktonic barnacle
Authors: Gale Andy , Schweigert Günter 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA new genus and species of phosphatic‐shelled eolepadid barnacle from the Posidonia Shale (Toarcian, falciferum Zone) of Zell u. Aichelberg, southern Germany, is described as Toarcolepas mutans gen. et sp. nov. Numerous disarticulated individuals, associated with fossil wood, are present in a piece of concretionary limestone, and these are interpreted as having lived epiplanktonically attached to driftwood. The taxonomy of the Late Triassic – Early Cretaceous family Eolepadidae is reviewed, and two further species (T. gaveyi (Withers, 1920) and T. lotharingica (Méchin, 1901)) are referred to Toarcolepas. The chemistry of valve composition of the Carboniferous Praelepas and Triassic–Jurassic eolepadid cirripedes is investigated using X‐ray dispersive analysis, and the ubiquitous presence of abundant phosphorus is taken as evidence that these taxa had a primary phosphatic composition, now preserved as francolite. A significant change in shell chemistry from phosphate to calcium carbonate took place during the evolution of the Thoracica, during the Late Triassic or Early Jurassic. The driving force behind this change may have been related to the reduced predation pressure associated with acquisition of an epiplanktonic mode of life. Calcite is softer, but energetically cheaper to deposit than phosphate mineral phases.
Antitropicality and convergent evolution: a case study of Permian neospiriferine brachiopods
Authors: Lee Sangmin , Shi G. R. , Park Heeju , Tazawa Jun‐Ichi 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAntitropical distribution is a biogeographical pattern characterized by natural occurrences of the same species or members of the same clade in the middle‐ or middle‐to‐high‐latitudinal habitats of both hemispheres, either on land or in marine environments, without appearing in the intervening tropical environments. For most of the noted examples of Permian antitropical distribution, particularly in marine invertebrates, the causes of disjunctions have been mainly linked to either dispersal or vicariance models. Little attention has been paid to other possible mechanisms. This study investigated the antitropicality of some Permian neospiriferine brachiopods through detailed taxonomic revision, comparison of palaeobiogeographical distribution, and a phylogenetic analysis. Several species, previously assigned to Kaninospirifer, are here reassigned to other genera, especially to Fasciculatia in the northern hemisphere and to Quadrospira in the southern hemisphere during the Permian. Both Kaninospirifer and Fasciculatia appear to have been restricted to north‐western Pangea and north‐eastern Asia during the Permian, but there is no robust evidence to suggest their presence in the southern hemisphere to which Imperiospira and Quadrospira were confined. In spite of the distributional separation between the two pairs of neospiriferine genera in the Permian palaeobiogeographical regime, they share considerable numbers of morphological characters, such as a large shell, subdued fasciculation, and reduction of ventral adminicula. Notwithstanding these morphological similarities, our phylogenetic reconstruction of the neospiriferines does not support a close relationship between these genera. This therefore must indicate that these similar morphological features were independently acquired, probably with these taxa living in spatially separate but ecologically compatible environmental conditions in the mid‐latitudinal area of each hemisphere during the Permian. We regard this as an example of convergent evolution.
Hume and Peirce on the Ultimate Stability of Belief
Authors: Pollock Ryan , Agler David W. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractLouis Loeb has argued that Hume is pessimistic while Peirce is optimistic about the attainment of fully stable beliefs. In contrast, we argue that Hume was optimistic about such attainment but only if the scope of philosophical investigation is limited to first‐order explanatory questions. Further, we argue that Peirce, after reformulating the pragmatic maxim to accommodate the reality of counterfactuals, was pessimistic about such attainment. Finally, we articulate and respond to Peirce's objection that Hume's skeptical arguments in T 1.4.1 and his commitment to common sense indicate that Hume was confused about whether we could have stable beliefs at all.
Shoot‐derived abscisic acid promotes root growth
Authors: McAdam Scott A. M. , Brodribb Timothy J. , Ross John J. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) plays a major role in regulating root growth. Most work to date has investigated the influence of root‐sourced ABA on root growth during water stress. Here, we tested whether foliage‐derived ABA could be transported to the roots, and whether this foliage‐derived ABA had an influence on root growth under well‐watered conditions. Using both application studies of deuterium‐labelled ABA and reciprocal grafting between wild‐type and ABA‐biosynthetic mutant plants, we show that both ABA levels in the roots and root growth in representative angiosperms are controlled by ABA synthesized in the leaves rather than sourced from the roots. Foliage‐derived ABA was found to promote root growth relative to shoot growth but to inhibit the development of lateral roots. Increased root auxin (IAA) levels in plants with ABA‐deficient scions suggest that foliage‐derived ABA inhibits root growth through the root growth‐inhibitor IAA. These results highlight the physiological and morphological importance, beyond the control of stomata, of foliage‐derived ABA. The use of foliar ABA as a signal for root growth has important implications for regulating root to shoot growth under normal conditions and suggests that leaf rather than root hydration is the main signal for regulating plant responses to moisture.