bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Responses of foliage‐living spider assemblage composition and traits to a climatic gradient inThemedagrasslands
Authors: Gibb H. , Muscat D. , Binns M. R. , Silvey C. J. , Peters R. A. , Warton D. I. , Andrew N. R. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractFor speciose, but poorly known groups, such as terrestrial arthropods, functional traits present a potential avenue to assist in predicting responses to environmental change. Species turnover is common along environmental gradients, but it is unclear how this is reflected in species traits. Community‐level change in arthropod traits, other than body size, has rarely been explored across spatial scales comparable to those examined here. We hypothesized that the composition and morphological traits of spider assemblages would differ across a gradient of climate and habitat structure. We examined foliage‐living spider assemblages associated withThemeda triandragrasslands along a 900 km climatic gradient in south‐eastern Australia. We used sweep‐netting to collectT. triandra‐associated spiders and counted juveniles and identified adults. We also measured morphological traits of adult spiders and noted their hunting mode. Associations with measures of habitat structure were less consistent than relationships with climate. Both juvenile and adult spiders were more abundant in warmer sites, although species richness was not affected by temperature. We found distinct turnover in species composition along the climatic gradient, with hunting spiders, particularly crab spiders (Thomisidae), making up a greater proportion of assemblages in warmer climates. A range of traits of spiders correlated with the climatic gradient. For example, larger spider species and species that were active hunters were more common in warmer climates. Changes in morphological traits across species, rather than within species drove the morphology‐climate relationship. Strong climate‐trait correlations suggest that it may be possible to predict changes in functional traits of assemblages in response to anthropogenic disturbances such as climate change.
Two missense mutations in exon 9 of caprine PRLR gene were associated with litter size
Authors: Hou J. X. , An X. P. , Han P. , Peng J. Y. , Cao B. Y. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryGuanzhong (n = 321) and Boer (n = 191) goat breeds were used to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the coding regions of the prolactin receptor (PRLR) gene by DNA sequencing and PCR‐RFLP. Two SNPs (c.1457G>A and c.1645G>A) were identified that caused amino acid variations p.Ser485Asn and p.Val548Met respectively. Statistical results indicated that the c.1457G>A and c.1645G>A SNPs were significantly associated with litter size in Boer and Guanzhong goat breeds. Further analysis revealed that combined genotype C4 (GGGG) and haplotype G‐G were better than the others for litter size in both goat breeds. These results might contribute to goat genetic resources and breeding.
Effectiveness of a heparinoid‐containing moisturiser to treat senile xerosis
Authors: Hayama Koremasa , Takano Yusaku , Tamura Jin , Tagami Hachiro , Terui Tadashi 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesWith the increasing elderly population in Japan, skin problems have become a greater concern. A heparinoid‐containing moisturiser is frequently used in Japan, but there is a lack of evidence for its efficacy in treating senile xerosis. To determine whether there is a correlation between age and the hydration state of the stratum corneum (SC) assessed by skin capacitance, and to evaluate the efficiency of a heparinoid‐containing moisturiser and a bed bath to treat senile xerosis.MethodsWe recruited 73 individuals to assess the hydration state of the SC on their flexor forearm by measuring their skin capacitance. To evaluate the efficacy of a heparinoid‐containing moisturiser on senile xerosis, we recruited seven inpatients with an inactive daily life (IDL) who had senile xerosis. They were treated with the moisturiser in addition to a bed bath in two different protocols, and we measured the skin capacitance on their flexor forearms on days 0, 7 and 14.ResultsThere was a weak negative correlation (−0.3854, P < 0.01) between skin capacitance and age. Following the moisturiser treatments, the seven inpatients had increased hydration of both arms on days 7 and 14. The skin capacitance of the right forearm slightly decreased on day 14, even though it was significantly different from day 0 (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThese findings indicate that treatment with a heparinoid‐containing moisturiser together with a bed bath is an effective method for treating patients who have senile xerosis and IDL.
Phototherapy for the treatment of cutaneous graft versus host disease
Authors: Garbutcheon‐Singh Kieran B. , Fernández‐Peñas Pablo 
Published: October 2014

AbstractGraft versus host disease (GvHD) occurs in half the patients who receive allogenic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and is a major contributor for the morbidity and mortality in these patients. Immunosuppressant therapy cannot suppress all the manifestations of GvHD and new ways of treating the condition are needed. The focus of this review is the treatment of cutaneous GvHD through phototherapy. Of the six acute and ten chronic cutaneous GvHD case series examined the overall trend was that phototherapy was able to reduce the presence of cutaneous lesions of GvHD and, as a consequence, steroid use could be reduced. This provides a positive outlook for phototherapy as a treatment for cutaneous GvHD but there is a need for future studies to include larger numbers of patients in order to obtain more data.
Dermoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy and histopathology of a melanoma in situ from an individual homozygous for GSTP1*105Val/MC1R*92Met
Authors: Banan Parastoo , Lee Katie J , McClenahan Phil , Jagirdar Kasturee , Sturm Richard A , Soyer H Peter 
Published: October 2014

AbstractGlutathione S‐transferase 1 is an enzyme involved in the detoxification of reactive oxygen species, and the rs1695*Val polymorphism has been proposed as a melanoma‐associated variant with significant effect. We report a case of malignant melanoma in an individual homozygous for the rs1695*Val variant and discuss the non‐invasive and histopathological tools used in diagnosis.
A case of secondary erythromelalgia with perivascular and intramural mucin
Authors: Blake Tristan , Mortimore Rohan , De Ambrosis Kathryn 
Published: October 2014

AbstractWe present a 49‐year‐old man with type I erythromelalgia, demonstrating a newly reported histological feature of striking perivascular mucin. There is a single previously reported case in the literature describing these histological features. This patient had a comorbid history of primary myelofibrosis diagnosed 2 years prior to his presentation.
The impact of autonomic dysfunction on peri‐operative cardiovascular complications
Authors: Lankhorst S. , Keet S. W. M. , Bulte C. S. E. , Boer C. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryCardiovascular autonomic neuropathy is frequently observed in patients with diabetes mellitus. As anaesthesia has a marked effect on peri‐operative autonomic function, the interplay between diabetic neuropathy and anaesthesia may result in unexpected haemodynamic instability during surgery. The objective of this literature review was to examine the association of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy with peri‐operative cardiovascular complications. We searched PubMed for articles with search elements of autonomic dysfunction [MeSH] AND anaesthesia [MeSH] AND complications [MeSH]. Depending on the type of anaesthesia, the presence of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in surgical patients can markedly affect peri‐operative haemodynamics and postoperative recovery. Pre‐operative testing of the extent of autonomic dysfunction in particular populations, like diabetics, may contribute to a reduction in haemodynamic instability and cardiovascular complications. Non‐invasive diagnostic methods assessing autonomic function may be an important tool during pre‐operative risk assessment.
Is internal fixation alone advantageous in selected B2 periprosthetic fractures?
Authors: Solomon Lucian B. , Hussenbocus Saleem M. , Carbone Tania A. , Callary Stuart A. , Howie Donald W. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundRevision surgery is currently the recommended treatment for Vancouver B2 femoral periprosthetic fractures, but isolated open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) might be an effective treatment for these fractures around cemented collarless polished tapered (CCPT) stems, as these stems can re‐engage in the cement mantle, regaining stability following internal fixation. The aim of this study was to determine the operative risks, post‐operative complications, and radiographic and functional outcomes in two cohorts of Vancouver B2 femoral fractures around CCPT stems treated either by ORIF alone or revision surgery.MethodsThe results of 12 patients with B2 periprosthetic fractures around a CCPT stems treated by ORIF alone (median follow‐up 67 months) were compared with those of nine patients with a similar fracture treated by revision surgery (median follow‐up 59 months).ResultsAll fractures treated by ORIF alone healed and all stems restabilized and remained stable within their original cement mantle. These patients had significantly shorter overall operating room times (P = 0.002), surgical times (P = 0.002) and required fewer units of blood transfusion (P = 0.008) than patients in the revision cohort. In the ORIF cohort, one patient had two dislocations. In the revision cohort, one patient had delayed wound healing, a second patient had delayed wound healing and two dislocations, and a third patient had two dislocations.ConclusionAlthough further studies with larger numbers are required, treatment of these fractures with ORIF alone may be a viable alternative to revision surgery as it reduces the operative risks involved.
Pharmacodynamics of cytarabine induced leucopenia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Shepshelovich Daniel , Edel Yonatan , Goldvaser Hadar , Dujovny Tal , Wolach Ofir , Raanani Pia 
Published: October 2014

AimsCytarabine is a pyrimidine analogue used to treat a variety of haematological malignancies. There are few data regarding the pharmacodynamics of cytarabine. The only publications regarding this issue cite a biphasic pattern of decline in white blood cell (WBC) counts following low and intermediate doses, in patients with various malignancies, most of them non‐haematological. Our purpose was to establish the pharmacodynamics of cytarabine induced leucopenia in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients treated with contemporary cytarabine containing protocols.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study, including 56 patients with AML in complete remission who had received 89 cycles of intermediate or high dose cytarabine. Daily counts for WBCs and neutrophils (ANC) were collected during the first 15 days after the initiation of cytarabine administration and pharmacodynamics were analyzed. Further analysis was carried out to correlate between WBC and ANC pharmacodynamics and different cytarabine protocols [high dose cytarabine (HiDAC) vs. intermediate dose cytarabine (IDAC)].ResultsAnalysis of blood counts demonstrated a monophasic decline of WBCs and ANCs, unlike a previous depiction of a biphasic pattern. HiDAC was associated with a significantly sharper decline of WBCs than IDAC.ConclusionsOur data support a monophasic decline pattern of WBCs and ANCs following contemporary cytarabine protocols. The decline rate is steeper for patients receiving HiDAC than for those receiving IDAC. These results might help form evidence based guidelines regarding patient monitoring intensity, timing of prophylactic antibacterial and antifungal treatment as well as growth factors' support following cytarabine based consolidation for AML.
A retrospective observational study of leucoreductive strategies to manage patients with acute myeloid leukaemia presenting with hyperleucocytosis
Authors: Kuo Kevin H. M. , Callum Jeannie L. , Panzarella Tony , Jacks Lindsay M. , Brandwein Joseph , Crump Michael , Curtis John E. , Gupta Vikas , Lipton Jeffrey H. , Minden Mark D. , Sher Graham D. , Schimmer Aaron D. , Schuh Andre C. , Yee Karen W. L. , Keating Armand , Messner Hans A. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryAcute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients with hyperleucocytosis have higher early mortality, lower complete remission (CR) and overall survival (OS). Whether different pre‐induction leucoreduction strategies can improve outcome is unknown. A single centre retrospective cohort study was conducted on AML patients with a white blood cell count (WBC) >100 × 109/l between 1987 and 1997, and on all AML patients between 1998 and 2006, to determine (a) the effect of four different leucoreductive strategies (leukapheresis, hydroxycarbamide, leukapheresis and hydroxycarbamide or no pre‐induction leucoreduction) on early (day 28) mortality, CR, and OS; and (b) whether a high presenting WBC remains a negative predictor of OS in patients surviving induction (first 28 d). In the 1998‐2006 cohort (n = 702), higher WBC was associated with higher early mortality and lower OS but its effects were greatly diminished in patients who survived the first 28 d (Hazard Ratio 1·094 vs. 1·002). A WBC of 34·1 × 109/l had the highest sensitivity (75·6%) and specificity (67·4%) for early mortality. None of the four leucoreduction strategies differed significantly in early mortality, CR, or OS in patients with WBC>100 × 109/l (n = 166). The number of leucostatic signs was a significant predictor of early mortality (P < 0·0001) and OS (P = 0·0007). The results suggest that AML patients with hyperleucocytosis should be induced, if eligible, without pre‐induction leucoreduction.
Volume of white matter hyperintensities is an independent predictor of intelligence quotient and processing speed in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: van der Land Veronica , Hijmans Channa T. , de Ruiter Marieke , Mutsaerts Henri J. M. M. , Cnossen Marjon H. , Engelen Marc , Majoie Charles B. L. M. , Nederveen Aart J. , Grootenhuis Martha A. , Fijnvandraat Karin 
Published: October 2014

SummarySickle cell disease can be complicated by cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), which are associated with diminished neurocognitive functioning. The influence of the total volume of WMHs on the degree of neurocognitive dysfunction has not yet been characterized. In our study of 38 patients (mean age 12·5 years) we demonstrated that a higher volume of WMHs was associated with lower full‐scale intelligence quotient (IQ), verbal IQ, Processing Speed Index and more fatigue. Our results suggest that volume of WMHs is an additional parameter to take into account when planning individual diagnostic and treatment options.
p62 Deficiency Enhances α‐Synuclein Pathology in Mice
Authors: Tanji Kunikazu , Odagiri Saori , Miki Yasuo , Maruyama Atsushi , Nikaido Yoshikazu , Mimura Junsei , Mori Fumiaki , Warabi Eiji , Yanagawa Toru , Ueno Shinya , Itoh Ken , Wakabayashi Koichi 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIn Lewy body disease (LBD) such as dementia with LBs and Parkinson's disease, several lines of evidence show that disrupted proteolysis occurs. p62/SQSTM1 (p62) is highly involved with intracellular proteolysis and is a component of ubiquitin‐positive inclusions in various neurodegenerative disorders. However, it is not clear whether p62 deficiency affects inclusion formation and abnormal protein accumulation. To answer this question, we used a mouse model of LBD that lacks p62, and found that LB‐like inclusions were observed in transgenic mice that overexpressed α‐synuclein (Tg mice) with or without the p62 protein. p62 deficiency enhanced α‐synuclein pathology with regard to the number of inclusions and staining intensity compared with Tg mice that expressed p62. To further investigate the molecular mechanisms associated with the loss of p62 in Tg mice, we assessed the mRNA and protein levels of several molecules, and found that the neighbor of the brca1 gene (NBr1), which is functionally and structurally similar to p62, is increased in Tg mice without p62 compared with control Tg mice. These findings suggest that p62 and NBR1 affect the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases through the cooperative modulation of α‐synuclein aggregation.
Parsing Heuristic and Forward Search in First‐Graders' Game‐Play Behavior
Authors: Paz Luciano , Goldin Andrea P. , Diuk Carlos , Sigman Mariano 
Published: October 2014

AbstractSeventy‐three children between 6 and 7 years of age were presented with a problem having ambiguous subgoal ordering. Performance in this task showed reliable fingerprints: (a) a non‐monotonic dependence of performance as a function of the distance between the beginning and the end‐states of the problem, (b) very high levels of performance when the first move was correct, and (c) states in which accuracy of the first move was significantly below chance. These features are consistent with a non‐Markov planning agent, with an inherently inertial decision process, and that uses heuristics and partial problem knowledge to plan its actions. We applied a statistical framework to fit and test the quality of a proposed planning model (Monte Carlo Tree Search). Our framework allows us to parse out independent contributions to problem‐solving based on the construction of the value function and on general mechanisms of the search process in the tree of solutions. We show that the latter are correlated with children's performance on an independent measure of planning, while the former is highly domain specific.
State‐Trace Analysis: Dissociable Processes in a Connectionist Network?
Authors: Yeates Fayme , Wills Andy J. , Jones Fergal W. , McLaren Ian P. L. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractSome argue the common practice of inferring multiple processes or systems from a dissociation is flawed (Dunn, 2003). One proposed solution is state‐trace analysis (Bamber, 1979), which involves plotting, across two or more conditions of interest, performance measured by either two dependent variables, or two conditions of the same dependent measure. The resulting analysis is considered to provide evidence that either (a) a single process underlies performance (one function is produced) or (b) there is evidence for more than one process (more than one function is produced). This article reports simulations using the simple recurrent network (SRN; Elman, 1990) in which changes to the learning rate produced state‐trace plots with multiple functions. We also report simulations using a single‐layer error‐correcting network that generate plots with a single function. We argue that the presence of different functions on a state‐trace plot does not necessarily support a dual‐system account, at least as typically defined (e.g. two separate autonomous systems competing to control responding); it can also indicate variation in a single parameter within theories generally considered to be single‐system accounts.
Middle hepatic vein allocation in adult right lobe living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Zhijun Zhu , Wei Gao , Lin Wei , Zhigui Zeng , Tao Yang , Liying Sun , Wei Qu , Jisan Sun , Yi Lv 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIntroductionWhen adult‐to‐adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) using the right lobe is carried out, there is disagreement between different centers as to whether the middle hepatic vein (MHV) is included or retained by the donor.MethodsNinety‐two cases of adult‐to‐adult LDLT were performed between January 2007 and December 2010 using a right lobe graft. A protocol for MHV allocation was applied according to the donor's remnant liver volume, overall graft/recipient weight ratio (GRWR), and anatomic characteristics of the hepatic vein. Among these cases, there were 44 cases with MHV and 48 cases without MHV. No blood products were used during donor operations, and there was no occurrence of death or small‐for‐size syndrome after operations.ResultsThere were statistical differences between Groups I and II according to the ages of the recipients, the actual GRWR, the weights of grafts, the cold storage time of grafts, etc. All patients recovered smoothly; one‐, three‐, and five‐yr survival rates of patients were 96.7%, 92.4%, and 92.4% and of grafts were 95.7%, 91.3%, and 91.3%, respectively.ConclusionWith a reasonable allocation protocol and precise evaluation, either MHV harvested or MHV retained to the donor during adult‐to‐adult LDLT using the right lobe can achieve good outcome.
Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of stroke post‐transplantation in patients receiving a steroid sparing immunosuppression protocol
Authors: Willicombe Michelle , Kumar Nicola , Goodall Dawn , Clarke Candice , McLean Adam G. , Power Albert , Taube David 
Published: October 2014

AbstractCorticosteroid use after transplantation is associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular events and death. Cerebrovascular disease is a common cause of morbidity and mortality post‐renal transplantation; however, a dedicated analysis of cerebrovascular disease in recipients of a steroid sparing protocol has not been reported. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of CVA in transplant recipients receiving a steroid sparing protocol. We retrospectively analyzed 1237 patients who received a kidney alone or a simultaneous pancreas and kidney (SPK) transplant. Fifty‐six of 1237 (4.53%) patients had a CVA post‐transplant. All‐cause mortality was significantly higher in the CVA group compared with the non‐CVA group, OR: 3.4 (1.7–7.0), p < 0.001. Factors found to be associated with increased risk of CVA by multivariate analysis were older age, HR: 1.07 (1.04–1.09), p < 0.001; diabetes at the time of transplantation, HR: 2.83 (1.42–5.64), p = 0.003; corticosteroid use pre‐transplant, HR: 3.27 (1.29–8.27), p = 0.013 and recipients of a SPK, HR: 4.03 (1.85–8.79), p < 0.001. This study has identified subgroups of patients who are at increased risk of CVA post‐transplant in patients otherwise receiving a steroid sparing immunosuppression protocol.
Excess mortality among opioid‐using patients treated with oral naltrexone in Australia
Authors: Degenhardt Louisa , Larney Sarah , Kimber Jo , Farrell Michael , Hall Wayne 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIntroduction and AimsTo estimate the number of deaths that would have occurred among patients receiving oral naltrexone for opioid use under the Special Access Scheme if these patients had received methadone.Design and MethodsWe analysed mortality in cohorts treated with oral naltrexone and methadone. Data were from 1097 patients of in WA providing oral naltrexone for opioid use under the SAS,1998–2000, and all participants in WA (n = 2520) and New South Wales (NSW) (n = 11,174) methadone programs over the same period. We calculated mortality rates among patients receiving naltrexone and methadone, and excess mortality among patients receiving naltrexone.ResultsOral naltrexone patients had higher mortality than those treated with methadone, even when favourable assumptions were made about the effects of naltrexone on mortality. Total oral naltrexone mortality was significantly greater than for methadone in WA (rate ratio 3.5; 95% confidence interval 2.2–5.8) and NSW (rate ratio 3.5; 95% confidence interval 2.4–5.0). Among 1097 oral naltrexone patients we estimate that there were 25–29 deaths over two years that would probably not have occurred if these patients had received methadone. The major reason was higher mortality rate post‐treatment cessation.Discussion and ConclusionsLarge‐scale use of oral naltrexone to treat opioid users may not have, as intended, saved lives. Implant naltrexone continues to be prescribed under the SAS in the absence of reliable efficacy and safety data. There is a need to review widespread use of unregistered medications under the SAS, particularly with vulnerable patient groups. [Degenhardt L, Larney S, Kimber J, Farrell M, Hall W. Excess mortality among opioid‐using patients treated with oral naltrexone in Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:90–6]