bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A model‐based meta‐analysis for estimating species‐specific wood density and identifying potential sources of variation
Authors: Ogle Kiona , Pathikonda Sharmila , Sartor Karla , Lichstein Jeremy W. , Osnas Jeanne L. D. , Pacala Stephen W. 
Published: October 2013

Summary
Plant functional traits are important determinants of survival and fitness, and wood density (WD) is a key trait linked to mechanical stability, growth rates and drought‐ and shade‐tolerance strategies. Thus, rigorous WD estimates are necessary to identify factors affecting tree performance.
We obtained 1766 records of WD from the literature for 141 tree species in the United States. We implemented a hierarchical Bayesian (HB) meta‐analysis that incorporated sample size, variance, covariate (e.g. moisture content and latewood proportion) and methodological information to obtain standardized estimates of WD for 305 U.S. tree species. The HB framework allowed ‘borrowing of strength’ between species such that WD estimates for data‐poor species were informed by data‐rich species via taxonomic or phylogenetic relationships.
After accounting for important covariates and sampling effects, evaluation of the residual variation revealed the potential importance of environmental factors and evolutionary history. Differential variation in WD between species within genera and between genera within orders suggested that WD is relatively conserved in some genera and orders, but not in others. WD also varied between studies (or sites) indicating the potential influence of edaphic, topographic, or population factors on intraspecific variation in WD.
Synthesis. Our hierarchical Bayesian approach overcomes many of the limitations of traditional meta‐analyses, and the incorporation of phylogenetic or taxonomic information facilitates estimates of trait values for data‐poor species. We provide relatively well‐constrained WD estimates for 305 tree species, which may be useful for tree growth and forest models, and the uncertainties associated with the estimates may inform future sampling campaigns.
Meta‐analysis on the effect of mental imagery on motor recovery of the hemiplegic upper extremity function
Authors: Kho Adeline Y. , Liu Karen P. Y. , Chung Raymond C. K. 
Published: October 2013

Background/aimStudies have shown that mental imagery can enhance relearning and generalisation of function after stroke. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to evaluate evidence on the effects of mental imagery on motor recovery of the hemiplegic upper extremities after stroke.MethodsA comprehensive data base search of the literature up to December 2012 was performed using PubMed, EBSCO host (Academic Search Premier, CINAHL and Educational Resource Information Center), PsycINFO, Medline, and ISI Web of Knowledge (Science Citation Index and Social Sciences Citation Index). Randomised clinical trials or controlled clinical trials that included mental imagery for improving upper extremity motor function for stroke patients were located. Relevant articles were critically reviewed and methodological quality was evaluated using the PEDro Scale, and study results synthesised.ResultsFive randomised clinical trials and one controlled clinical trial met the inclusion criteria. Five of the six studies yielded positive findings in favour of mental imagery. Quantitative analysis showed a significant difference in the Action Research Arm Test (overall effect: Z = 6.75; P << 0.001).ConclusionReview of the literature revealed a trend in support of the use of motor imagery for upper extremity motor rehabilitation after stroke. Mental imagery could be a viable intervention for stroke patients given its benefits of being safe, cost‐effective and rendering multiple and unlimited practice opportunities. It is recommended that researchers incorporate imaging techniques into clinical studies so that the mechanism whereby mental imagery mediates motor recovery or neural adaptation for people with stroke can be better understood.
Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Retrospective Observational Study of Prasugrel and Clopidogrel
Authors: Koshy Aaron , Balasubramaniam Karthik , Noman Awsan , Zaman Azfar G. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryBackgroundPrimary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a therapeutic success when supported by dual antiplatelet therapy. Prasugrel has been introduced as a potential alternative to clopidogrel alongside aspirin. We aimed to assess prasugrel versus clopidogrel mortality outcomes in patients admitted with STEMI undergoing PPCI.MethodsRetrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 1688 consecutive STEMI patients undergoing PPCI at a regional tertiary centre. Patients with age ≥75 years, weight<60 kg or history of cerebrovascular accident or TIA's, active bleeding or known hepatic impairment were excluded. All patients from March 2008 to 16 December 2009 belong to the Clopidogrel group and from 17 December 2009 to June 2011 belong to the Prasugrel group.ResultsA total of 866 patients were in the Clopidogrel group and 822 patients in the prasugrel group. In‐hospital mortality was 1.7% in the Clopidogrel and 1.5% in Prasugrel group (P = 0.40). 30‐day postdischarge mortality was 2.4% and 1.8% (P = 0.25) in the Clopidogrel and Prasugrel group, respectively. One‐year mortality rate was recorded in 62 patients (3.7%): 39 (4.5%) in the Clopidogrel group and 23 (2.8%) in the prasugrel group. In the Cox proportional hazard model, the adjusted hazard ratio for all‐cause mortality for the prasugrel group was 0.47 (95% CI: 0.253–0.881; P = 0.018). Independent predictors of one‐year mortality postdischarge were age, admission creatinine and haemoglobin, admission heart rate, total ischaemic time, the presence of multivessel coronary artery disease, previous MI and post‐PCI TIMI flow.ConclusionIn PPCI‐treated STEMI patients, prasugrel is associated with a significant reduction in one‐year mortality compared with clopidogrel.
Antiarrhythmic Drug Therapy for Maintaining Sinus Rhythm Early after Pulmonary Vein Ablation in Patients with Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Sohns Christian , von Gruben Valerie , Sossalla Samuel , Bergau Leonard , Seegers Joachim , Lüthje Lars , Vollmann Dirk , Zabel Markus 
Published: October 2013

SummaryAimsThe optimal pharmacological treatment for patients early after ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is still not clear. We analyzed if concomitant antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) therapy significantly alters early recurrence of AF/atrial tachycardia (AT) following pulmonary vein ablation (PVA).MethodsFor the first 2 months after PVA, 274 patients (age 62 ± 10 years; 66% male) were individually scheduled for concomitant treatment with beta‐adrenergic blocking agents (BB) or AAD therapy. Primary endpoint of this study was a composite of (1) AF/AT lasting more than 30 seconds; (2) symptomatic AF/AT recurrence requiring intervention; or (3) intolerance to the antiarrhythmic agent given. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate predictors for successful AAD therapy.ResultsEarly after PVA, patients were treated with BB (n = 89), flecainide (n = 99), sotalol (n = 37), dronedarone (n = 29), or amiodarone (n = 115). Ninety‐five patients received a combination of AAD therapy and BB. A total of 369 observation periods were analyzed. Over the first 2 months following PVA, AF/AT recurrences were found in 42% of patients. No significant difference regarding freedom from AF/AT recurrence with regard to different drug therapies was observed (P = 0.769). In multivariate analysis, none of the parameters were significant to predict success of AAD therapy. In nine observations, AAD therapy was terminated due to side effects presumably related to the respective agent.ConclusionsFollowing PVA, AAD therapy is not superior to BB treatment for the prevention of early atrial arrhythmias. Furthermore and confirmed by multivariate analysis, no drug was superior to another regarding the maintenance of sinus rhythm.
Effects of Neutral Endopeptidase (Neprilysin) Inhibition on the Response to Other Vasoactive Peptides in Small Human Resistance Arteries: Studies with Thiorphan and Omapatrilat
Authors: Dalzell Jonathan R. , Seed Alison , Berry Colin , Whelan Carol J. , Petrie Mark C. , Padmanabhan Neal , Clarke Amanda , Biggerstaff Fiona , Hillier Christopher , McMurray John J.V. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryPurposeNew compounds with neprilysin or neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibiting activity are under clinical investigation in heart failure and hypertension. We investigated the effect of NEP inhibition on the functional vasomotor responses to a range of vasoactive peptides in human blood vessels.MethodsSmall human resistance arteries from patients with coronary artery disease and preserved left ventricular systolic function were studied. Thiorphan (a NEP inhibitor) was compared with captopril (an ACE inhibitor) and omapatrilat (a dual NEP‐ACE inhibitor) with regard to their effects on the response of human arteries to key vasoactive peptides.ResultsAs expected, both captopril and omapatrilat (but not thiorphan) inhibited the vasoconstrictor effect of angiotensin I (maximal response [SEM]: 27 ± 8% vehicle, 6 ± 2% captopril, 39 ± 10% thiorphan, 8 ± 7% omapatrilat, P < 0.05). Thiorphan, captopril, and omapatrilat all enhanced the vasodilator response to bradykinin (all P < 0.01). Omapatrilat markedly augmented the vasodilator action of adrenomedullin (P < 0.05), whilst thiorphan and captopril did not. None of the three inhibitors studied affected the vasodilator action of c‐type natriuretic peptide, calcitonin gene‐related peptide, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide or substance P.ConclusionsNEP inhibition with thiorphan modestly augmented the vasodilator action of bradykinin, but did not potentiate the response to adrenomedullin; dual ACE and NEP inhibition with omapatrilat, as expected, markedly augmented the response to bradykinin and also potentiated the effect of adrenomedullin. Thiorphan weakly enhanced the vasoconstrictor response to angiotensin I. Neither omapatrilat nor thiorphan had any effect on the action of a range of other vasoactive peptides including CNP.
Increased parental history of bipolar disorder in the United States: association with early age of onset
Authors: Post R. M. , Leverich G. S. , Kupka R. , Keck P. , McElroy S. , Altshuler L. , Frye M. A. , Luckenbaugh D. A. , Rowe M. , Grunze H. , Suppes T. , Nolen W. A. 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveEarly‐onset bipolar (BP) disorder and other poor prognosis characteristics are more prevalent in patients from the United States than from the Netherlands and Germany (abbreviated as Europe). We explored the impact of parental loading for affective illness on onset and other characteristics of BP disorder.MethodParental history for unipolar (UP) and bipolar (BP) depression and course of illness characteristics were obtained from self‐report in adults (average age 42) with BP disorder. Illness characteristics were examined by χ2 and multinomial logistic regression in relationship to the degree of parental loading: i) both parents negative; ii) one UP disorder; iii) one with BP disorder; and iv) both affected.ResultsAfter controlling for many poor prognosis factors, compared with those from Europe, patients from the United States had more iii) one parent with BP disorder and iv) both parents affected. An early age of onset of BP disorder was independently associated with this increased parental loading for affective disorder.ConclusionParental history of BP disorder and both parents with a mood disorder were more common in the United States than Europe and were associated with an early onset of bipolar disorder and other poor prognosis characteristics. These findings deserve replication and exploration of the potential mechanisms involved and their therapeutic implications.
Maternal and perinatal outcomes following peripartum hysterectomy from a single tertiary centre
Authors: Jones Bryony , Zhang Eko , Alzouebi Aisha , Robbins Tanya , Paterson‐Brown Sara , Prior Tomas , Kumar Sailesh 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundWe investigated the indications for and maternal and perinatal outcomes following peripartum hysterectomy in a single large tertiary centre.Materials and methodsAll cases of peripartum hysterectomy between 2000 and 2011 were investigated. Data regarding maternal demographics, previous obstetric and gynaecological history, indications for hysterectomy, and details of haemorrhage, surgical complications and neonatal outcomes were collected.ResultsThere were 47 cases of peripartum hysterectomy of 55 262 births giving an incidence of 0.85 per 1000 births. Forty‐one cases were total hysterectomies, while six were subtotal procedures. A total of 70.2% of cases were performed because of a morbidly adherent placenta, 27.7% for uterine atony and 2.1% for uterine rupture. The median estimated blood loss was 7290 mL. The overall surgical complication rate was 44.6% with bladder injury (19.1%) and sepsis (12.8%) commonest. Intensive care admission was required in 57.4% of women.ConclusionsPeripartum hysterectomy is a major procedure carrying a high morbidity rate. In this series, maternal survival was 100%.
Delayed hysteroscopic resection of retained tissues and uterine conservation after conservative treatment for placenta accreta
Authors: Hequet Delphine , Morel Olivier , Soyer Philippe , Gayat Etienne , Malartic Cécile , Barranger Emmanuel 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundConservative management of both the uterus and the abnormal placenta, which is left inside the uterus at the time of delivery, is one option of placenta accreta management. Complete elimination of the residual placenta is the main challenge of this procedure.AimTo report the role, efficacy and safety of hysteroscopic resection in women presenting with severe pelvic pain and chronic intra‐uterine retention after conservative treatment of placenta accreta.Material and methodsFour consecutive women who were treated with hysteroscopic resection of retained tissues after conservative treatment of placenta accreta or percreta at the time of delivery. Clinical files and surgical procedures were reviewed. All procedures were performed because of chronic pelvic pain and the absence of a complete spontaneous placental elimination.ResultsAll procedures were successful and uneventful. The uterus was conserved with a complete disappearance of the symptoms in the four women, and two of them became pregnant.ConclusionHysteroscopic resection seems effective and safe for shortening the duration of placental elimination after conservative treatment in women with severe pelvic pain due to uterine retention. This approach allows conserving the uterus and future fertility.
Long‐term outcomes after progestogen treatment for early endometrial cancer
Authors: Cade Thomas J. , Quinn Michael A. , Rome Robert M. , Neesham Deborah 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundFor select women with early endometrial cancer, particularly nulliparous women, nonsurgical options may be considered. There is increasing experience using progestogens, but little is known about the long‐term outcomes and safety of such treatment.AimsTo present the cancer and pregnancy outcomes of women with greater than five years follow‐up after progestogen treatment for early endometrial cancer.MethodsTen women who underwent greater than six months of continuous progestogen therapy for early endometrial cancer were included in the study. All were managed by a gynaecological oncologist at a major tertiary centre in Melbourne, Australia. The histology of each subsequent curette was recorded, as was the timing and histology of hysterectomy (if relevant), and the results of any subsequent pregnancies.ResultsAll ten women showed histological regression of cancer with no cases of recurrence on follow‐up curette. Four of ten women have undergone hysterectomy with one case of occult disease persistence in a woman noncompliant with therapy. The mean follow‐up time was 89 months (range 62–142 months), there were no deaths and no woman was lost to follow‐up. All four women attempting pregnancy were successful. There were eight pregnancies and five live births.ConclusionsThis form of treatment appears to be successful and safe in the long term with good pregnancy outcomes. However, it is not standard and should be supervised in a specialised gynaecological oncology unit.
Safety and efficacy of propofol administered by paediatricians during procedural sedation in children
Authors: Chiaretti Antonio , Benini Franca , Pierri Filomena , Vecchiato Katy , Ronfani Luca , Agosto Caterina , Ventura Alessandro , Genovese Orazio , Barbi Egidio 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to determine the safety and the efficacy of paediatrician‐administered propofol in children undergoing different painful procedures.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study over a 12‐year period in three Italian hospitals. A specific training protocol was developed in each institution to train paediatricians administering propofol for painful procedures.ResultsIn this study, 36 516 procedural sedations were performed. Deep sedation was achieved in all patients. None of the children experienced severe side effects or prolonged hospitalisation. There were six calls to the emergency team (0.02%): three for prolonged laryngospasm, one for bleeding, one for intestinal perforation and one during lumbar puncture. Nineteen patients (0.05%) developed hypotension requiring saline solution administration, 128 children (0.4%) needed O2 ventilation by face mask, mainly during upper endoscopy, 78 (0.2%) patients experienced laryngospasm, and 15 (0.04%) had bronchospasm. There were no differences in the incidence of major complications among the three hospitals, while minor complications were higher in children undergoing gastroscopy.ConclusionThis multicentre study demonstrates the safety and the efficacy of paediatrician‐administered propofol for procedural sedation in children and highlights the importance of appropriate training for paediatricians to increase the safety of this procedure in children.
Eosinophilic colitis is a sporadic self‐limited disease of middle‐aged people: a population‐based study
Authors: Alfadda A. A. , Shaffer E. A. , Urbanski S. J. , Storr M. A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimEosinophilic colitis (EC) is a rare manifestation of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders. Due to its rarity, little information is available on its natural history.MethodFrom the single population‐based pathology database of the Calgary Health Region (comprising a population of 1.28 million in 2008), cases of EC during the period 1996–2008 were identified. Medical records of all adults diagnosed with EC were identified and the pathology reviewed. The patients were then contacted for follow‐up using a standardized questionnaire.ResultsSeven cases of EC (four in women) were identified, with a median follow‐up of 45 (23–79) months. The median age at diagnosis was 42 (22–70) years. Symptoms at diagnosis were abdominal pain (86%), nonbloody diarrhoea (57%), bloody diarrhoea (29%) and significant (>10%) weight loss (29%). Three patients gave a history of allergic reactions to drugs and four reported allergy to cows' milk. Endoscopic findings were nonspecific, ranging from oedema to small aphthous ulceration. An eosinophilic infiltrate was identified in the lamina propria in the initial colonic biopsy in all patients. Over the longer term, three patients experienced spontaneous resolution without treatment. Two continued to have mild diarrhoea and abdominal cramps but did not require medical therapy. Two patients required medical treatment by 5‐aminosalicylic acid, with one requiring prednisone and azathioprine maintenance therapy.ConclusionEosinophilic colitis is a rare mostly self‐limiting disease affecting middle‐aged adults. It usually has a mild clinical course and drug treatment is not usually necessary. When required, drug treatment follows the standard medication for other inflammatory bowel disease.
The protective role of antiplatelet treatment against ulcer formation due to argon plasma coagulation in patients treated for chronic radiation proctitis
Authors: Chruscielewska‐Kiliszek M. R. , Rupinski M. , Kraszewska E. , Pachlewski J. , Regula J. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimFollowing treatment with argon plasma coagulation (APC), rectal ulceration is seen in approximately 50% of patients with haemorrhagic chronic radiation proctitis (CRP).This study aimed to assess the frequency of rectal ulcers (defined as a mucosal defect of 3 mm or more in diameter) in relation to the use of antiplatelet treatment for concomitant cardiovascular disease.MethodSixty‐two patients with CRP were included in this retrospective study. Patients underwent pelvic irradiation due to prostate cancer (n = 28), cervical cancer (n = 16), endometrial cancer (n = 17) or rectal cancer (n = 1). APC was performed in all patients. Control endoscopies were performed at 8 and 16 weeks after enrolment.ResultsRectal ulcers were observed after APC in 35 (56%) patients. They were symptomatic in 5 and asymptomatic in 30. The 20 (32%) patients who were on antiplatelet therapy had a significantly lower risk of ulceration after APC (OR = 0.21; 95% CI 0.049–0.91; P = 0.019). The number of symptomatic ulcers (5% vs 10%; P = 1.0) and asymptomatic ulcers alone (30% vs 58%; P = 0.06) was also lower in patients respectively taking and not taking antiplatelet therapy, but these differences did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionArgon plasma coagulation‐related ulceration in patients treated for CRP is less common when concomitant antiplatelet treatment is administered. This preliminary finding suggests that antiplatelet therapy may benefit patients treated with APC for CRP.
Tourette syndrome and chronic tic disorder are associated with lower socio‐economic status: findings from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children cohort
Authors: Miller Laura L , Scharf Jeremiah M , Mathews Carol A , Ben‐Shlomo Yoav 
Published: October 2013

AimOnly a few studies have examined the relationship between Tourette syndrome or chronic tic disorder and socio‐economic status (SES). Existing studies are primarily cross‐sectional, arise from specialty clinics, and use single measures of SES. In this study we examine this relationship in a longitudinal, population‐based sample.MethodData are from 7152 children born during 1991 and 1992 in the county of Avon, UK, from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, who were followed up to age 13. After exclusions for intellectual disability* and autism, 6768 participants (3351 males [49.5%]) and 3417 females [50.5%]) remained. Parental SES was assessed using multiple measures during pregnancy and at 33 months of age. Presence of Tourette syndrome or chronic tics was determined from repeated maternal questionnaires up to when the child was 13 years of age.ResultsMultiple SES measures were associated with an approximately twofold increased risk of Tourette syndrome and chronic tics. A postnatal composite factor score (lowest vs highest tertile odds ratio 2.09, 95% confidence interval 1.38–3.47) provided the best fit to the data.InterpretationsAs is seen in several childhood conditions, such as cerebral palsy and autism, lower SES is a risk factor for Tourette syndrome/chronic tics. Potential explanations include differential exposure to environmental risk factors or parental psychopathology as a measure of an increased genetic risk leading to decreased parental SES.