bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: review of 500 cases in single surgeon Australian practice
Authors: Gibson Simon C. , Le Page Philip A. , Taylor Craig J. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIntroductionReported results and techniques of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) are variable. Our objective was to assess results of weight loss, complications and reflux in a large consecutive series of LSG, describing technical detail which contributed to outcomes.MethodsRetrospective review of prospectively collected data of 500 consecutive patients undergoing LSG. Patient demographics, weight loss, complications and functional outcomes were analysed and operative technique described.ResultsFive hundred patients underwent LSG over 3 years (37 revisional). Mean (range) preoperative body mass index was 45 kg/m2 (35–76 kg/m2). Mean follow‐up and length of hospital stay were 14 months (1–34) and 3.8 days (3–12), respectively. All‐cause 30‐day readmission rate 1.2%. Mean excess weight loss (interquartile range, available patient data) was 43% (22–65%, 423 patients), 58% (45–70%, 352 patients), 76% (52–84%, 258 patients), 71% (51–87%, 102 patients) and 73% (55–86%, 13 patients) at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36 months, respectively. There was no mortality. Intraoperative complications occurred in two (0.4%) – splenic bleeding; bougie related oesophageal injury. Early surgical complications in four (1.2%) patients (one staple line leak and three post‐operative bleeds). Other early complications occurred in three (0.6%) patients (one pseudomembranous colitis; one central line sepsis; one portal venous thrombosis) and late in four (0.8%) patients (three port‐site incisional hernias; mid‐sleeve stricture requiring endoscopic dilatation). Gastro‐oesophageal reflux symptoms decreased from 45 to 6%.ConclusionWith attention to detail, LSG can lead to good excess weight loss with minimal complications. Tenants to success include repair of hiatal laxity, generous width at angula incisura and complete resection of posterior fundus.
Anatomical analysis of the lizard carpal bones in the terms of skilled manual abilities
Authors: Fontanarrosa Gabriela , Abdala Virginia 
Published: December 2013

AbstractOne of the most remarkable hand movements is grasping. This ability has been repetitively associated with the evolution of the human lineage towards the development of technology. Besides mammals, other tetrapods have also evolved significant, and in some cases surprising, forelimb prehensile capabilities. In this study, we present a qualitative analysis of the carpal bones in diverse lizard taxa. Our main goal is to make a survey of the carpal morphology of different squamatans and to interpret its variability in the context of both lizard skilled forelimb movements and the evolutionary history of Squamata.
Male reproductive cycle in Aspidoscelis costata costata (Squamata: Teiidae) from Tonatico, Estado de México, México
Authors: Granados‐González Gisela , Rheubert Justin L. , Villagrán‐SantaCruz Maricela , González‐Herrera María E. , Dávila‐Cedillo Jessica V. , Gribbins Kevin M. , Hernández‐Gallegos Oswaldo 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the reproductive cycle of a high‐elevation population of Aspidoscelis costata costata (1500–1600 m) and compare its reproductive cycle with that of other populations, species, and closely related genera. Adult male A. costata costata lizards were collected, and the reproductive tracts were removed and subjected to histological analyses. Testicular activity commences in March with maximum testicular activity and highest sperm abundance (in the epididymides) occurring between May and July. The testis remains at peak activity until September when a late regression/early quiescent phase is observed. Leydig cells follow this same pattern except these hormone‐producing cells remain at maximum secretory level through September. Sperm are present in the epididymides in April–September. This pattern is consistent with the spring recrudescence found in a multitude of male lizard taxa. However, this differs from the continuous cycle observed in some tropical Teiid species and other lizard taxa at high elevation. This study indicates that our knowledge about lizard spermatogenic cycles remains incomplete, and additional studies are required to fully understand the interactions between phenotype, evolution, phylogenetics and environment.
Moderate endurance exercise in patients with sickle cell anaemia: effects on oxidative stress and endothelial activation
Authors: Faes Camille , Balayssac‐Siransy Edwige , Connes Philippe , Hivert Ludovic , Danho Clotaire , Bogui Pascal , Martin Cyril , Pialoux Vincent 
Published: December 2013

SummaryVery few studies have investigated the effects of exercise on the biological parameters involved in vaso‐occlusive events in sickle cell anaemia (SCA). The aim of this study was to test how a mild‐moderate endurance exercise modulates oxidative stress, nitric oxide bioavailability and endothelial activation in SCA patients and healthy individuals. Eleven patients with SCA and 15 healthy subjects completed a 20‐min duration submaximal cycling exercise at ≈45 Watts. Plasma markers of oxidative stress, antioxidant activity, endothelial activation and nitric oxide bioavailability were investigated before and after the exercise. Nitric oxide levels, anti‐oxidant capacity, soluble (s)E‐selectin and sP‐selectin did not change in response to this exercise. Except for the malondialdehyde levels, which increased in the two groups, the other markers of oxidative stress remained unchanged in both groups in response to exercise. Soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 levels were increased at the end of exercise in both groups. sL‐selectin decreased and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 increased with exercise in SCA patients only. The present data suggest that patients with SCA may undertake mild‐moderate physical activities without any acute clinical complications, but care should be taken because oxidative stress and endothelial activation significantly increased in some patients.
Mycophenolate mofetil in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis: a prospective pharmacokinetics and clinical study
Authors: Chaigne B , Gatault P , Darrouzain F , Barbet C , Degenne D , François M , Szymanski P , Rabot N , Golea G , Diot E , Maillot F , Lebranchu Y , Nivet H , Paintaud G , Halimi J-M , Guillevin L , Büchler M 
Published: December 2013

SummaryAnti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) treatment strategy is based on immunosuppressive agents. Little information is available concerning mycophenolic acid (MPA) and the area under the curve (AUC) in patients treated for AAV. We evaluated the variations in pharmacokinetics for MPA in patients with AAV and the relationship between MPA–AUC and markers of the disease. MPA blood concentrations were measured through the enzyme-multiplied immunotechnique (C0, C30, C1, C2, C3, C4, C6 and C9) to determine the AUC. Eighteen patients were included in the study. The median (range) MPA AUC0–12 was 50·55 (30·9–105·4) mg/h/l. The highest coefficient of determination between MPA AUC and single concentrations was observed with C3 (P &lt; 0·0001) and C2 (P &lt; 0·0001) and with C4 (P &lt; 0·0005) or C0 (P &lt; 0·001). Using linear regression, the best estimation of MPA AUC was provided by a model including C30, C2 and C4: AUC = 8·5 + 0·77 C30 + 4·0 C2 + 1·7 C4 (P &lt; 0·0001). Moreover, there was a significant relationship between MPA AUC0-12 and lymphocyte count (P &lt; 0·01), especially CD19 (P &lt; 0·005), CD8 (P &lt; 0·05) and CD56 (P &lt; 0·05). Our results confirm the interindividual variability of MPA AUC in patients treated with MMF in AAV and support a personalized therapy according to blood levels of MPA.
Strategies in intervention programmes for obese youth: implication of the age and the type of physical activities
Authors: Vanhelst Jérémy , Fardy Paul S. , Béghin Laurent , Bui‐Xuan Gilles , Mikulovic Jacques 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThe aim of this study was to assess the effects of age and type of physical activity on anthropometric measures of obese youth participating in an intervention programme. Subjects included 37 obese children (12·5 ± 2·9 years). The programme consisted of a unique programme of physical activity and health education. Assessments included body mass index (BMI), body composition and ability to perform sport activities. Paired t‐tests were used to assess the effects of intervention, and chi square was used to assess interaction between measures. Findings suggest significant decrease in Z‐scores of BMI and an improvement in the ability to perform sport activities (P<0·05). The effectiveness of the programme has more impact on children than adolescents (P<0·05). Improvements were greater in team versus net sports (P<0·05). Results show that intervention strategies have to be different according to the age to have a favourable effect on anthropometric characteristic and the consequences of obesity childhood and adulthood. The findings suggest that the intervention programme was of greater benefit for children than adolescents.
From research to practice: how OPUS treatment was accepted and implemented throughout Denmark
Authors: Nordentoft Merete , Melau Marianne , Iversen Tina , Petersen Lone , Jeppesen Pia , Thorup Anne , Bertelsen Mette , Hjorthøj Carsten Rygaard , Hastrup Lene Halling , Jørgensen Per 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe early phases of psychosis have been hypothesized to constitute a critical period, a window of opportunity. At the same time, the early phases of psychosis are associated with increased risk of unwanted outcome, such as suicidal behaviour and social isolation. This was the background for the emergence of early intervention services, and in Denmark, the OPUS trial was initiated as part of that process.MethodsModified assertive community treatment, together with family involvement and social skills training, constituted the core elements in the original programme. A total of 547 patients with first‐episode psychosis were included in the trial.ResultsTo summarize briefly the results of the OPUS trial: the OPUS treatment was superior to standard treatment in reducing psychotic and negative symptoms and substance abuse, in increasing user satisfaction and adherence to treatment, and in reducing use of bed days and days in supported housing. Moreover, relatives included in the OPUS treatment were less strained and had a higher level of knowledge about schizophrenia and higher user satisfaction.DiscussionThe OPUS treatment was implemented throughout Denmark. Training courses were developed and manuals and books were published. Regional health authorities had access to national grants for implementing early intervention services; as a result, OPUS teams were disseminated throughout the country. The content of the treatment is now further developed, and new elements are being tried out – such as individual placement and support, lifestyle changes, cognitive remediation, specialized treatment for substance abuse and different kinds of user involvement.
General relationships between consumer dispersal, resource dispersal and metacommunity diversity
Authors: Haegeman Bart , Loreau Michel 
Published: December 2013

AbstractOne of the central questions of metacommunity theory is how dispersal of organisms affects species diversity. Here, we show that the diversity–dispersal relationship should not be studied in isolation of other abiotic and biotic flows in the metacommunity. We study a mechanistic metacommunity model in which consumer species compete for an abiotic or biotic resource. We consider both consumer species specialised to a habitat patch, and generalist species capable of using the resource throughout the metacommunity. We present analytical results for different limiting values of consumer dispersal and resource dispersal, and complement these results with simulations for intermediate dispersal values. Our analysis reveals generic patterns for the combined effects of consumer and resource dispersal on the metacommunity diversity of consumer species, and shows that hump‐shaped relationships between local diversity and dispersal are not universal. Diversity–dispersal relationships can also be monotonically increasing or multimodal. Our work is a new step towards a general theory of metacommunity diversity integrating dispersal at multiple trophic levels.
Limits on ecosystem trophic complexity: insights from ecological network analysis
Authors: Ulanowicz Robert E. , Holt Robert D. , Barfield Michael 
Published: December 2013

AbstractArticulating what limits the length of trophic food chains has remained one of the most enduring challenges in ecology. Mere counts of ecosystem species and transfers have not much illumined the issue, in part because magnitudes of trophic transfers vary by orders of magnitude in power‐law fashion. We address this issue by creating a suite of measures that extend the basic indexes usually obtained by counting taxa and transfers so as to apply to networks wherein magnitudes vary by orders of magnitude. Application of the extended measures to data on ecosystem trophic networks reveals that the actual complexity of ecosystem webs is far less than usually imagined, because most ecosystem networks consist of a multitude of weak connections dominated by a relatively few strong flows. Although quantitative ecosystem networks may consist of hundreds of nodes and thousands of transfers, they nevertheless behave similarly to simpler representations of systems with fewer than 14 nodes or 40 flows. Both theory and empirical data point to an upper bound on the number of effective trophic levels at about 3–4 links. We suggest that several whole‐system processes may be at play in generating these ecosystem limits and regularities.
SequentialL‐lactate concentration in hospitalised equine neonates: A prospective multicentre study
Authors: Borchers A. , Wilkins P. A. , Marsh P. M. , Axon J. E. , Read J. , Castagnetti C. , Pantaleon L. , Clark C. , Qura'n L. , Belgrave R. , Schwarzwald C. , Levy M. , Bedenice D. , Saulez M. N. , Boston R. C. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studyEvaluation of serial blood lactate concentrations [LAC] are of prognostic value for morbidity and mortality in critically ill human patients and neonatal foals, but have not been prospectively evaluated in a large multicentre study of critically ill neonatal foals.ObjectivesTo prospectively evaluate the prognostic value of sequential [LAC] analysis in critically ill neonatal foals with risk of mortality.Study designProspective, observational study.MethodsThirteen university and private equine referral hospitals enrolled 643 foals over the 2008 foaling season and [LAC] was measured at admission ([LAC]ADMIT) and 24 ([LAC]24), 48 ([LAC]48), 72 ([LAC]72), 96 ([LAC]96) and 120 h ([LAC]120) after admission. [LAC] changes over time ([LAC]Δ) were calculated between sampling points.ResultsNonsurvivors had significantly greater [LAC]ADMIT, [LAC]24and [LAC]48compared with surviving foals (P<0.001). In nonsurviving foals [LAC]Δdid not decrease over time while survivors showed significant positive [LAC]Δbetween [LAC]ADM–24and all other time periods (P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds of survival decreased for each 1 mmol/l [LAC] increase at all time points for all critically ill foals, independent of major final diagnoses as potential confounders. Septic foals had significantly greater [LAC] at all time points compared with nonseptic foals (P<0.001) and [LAC]Δ in septic foals was significantly more positive (suggesting better clearance of lactate from the blood) only at [LAC]ADM–24and [LAC]72–96(P<0.01), while in nonseptic foals [LAC]Δ was significantly positive between [LAC]ADM–24compared with all other time periods (P<0.001).ConclusionsBlood lactate concentration is a strong, independent biomarker used to predict mortality in critically ill foals. Lactate metabolism is impaired in nonsurviving and septic foals and [LAC]Δ can be utilised to identify patients at high risk for mortality.
Comparison of two sampling and culture systems for detection ofSalmonella entericain the environment of a large animal hospital
Authors: Ruple‐Czerniak A. , Bolte D. S. , Burgess B. A. , Morley P. S. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studyNosocomial salmonellosis is an important problem in veterinary hospitals that treat horses and other large animals. Detection and mitigation of outbreaks and prevention of healthcare‐associated infections often require detection ofSalmonella entericain the hospital environment.ObjectivesTo compare 2 previously published methods for detecting environmental contamination withS. entericain a large animal veterinary teaching hospital.Study designHospital‐based comparison of environmental sampling techniques.MethodsA total of 100 pairs of environmental samples were collected from stalls used to house large animal cases (horses, cows or New World camelids) that were confirmed to be sheddingS. entericaby faecal culture. Stalls were cleaned and disinfected prior to sampling, and the same areas within each stall were sampled for the paired samples. One method of detection used sterile, premoistened sponges that were cultured using thioglycolate enrichment before plating onXLT‐4 agar. The other method used electrostatic wipes that were cultured using buffered peptone water, tetrathionate andRappaport‐VassiliadisR10broths before plating onXLT‐4 agar.ResultsSalmonella entericawas recovered from 14% of samples processed using the electrostatic wipe sampling and culture procedure, whereasS. entericawas recovered from only 4% of samples processed using the sponge sampling and culture procedure. There was test agreement for 85 pairs of culture‐negative samples and 3 pairs of culture‐positive samples. However, the remaining 12 pairs of samples with discordant results created significant disagreement between the 2 detection methods (P<0.01).ConclusionsPersistence ofSalmonellain the environment of veterinary hospitals can occur even with rigorous cleaning and disinfection. Use of sensitive methods for detection of environmental contamination is critical when detecting and mitigating this problem in veterinary hospitals. These results suggest that the electrostatic wipe sampling and culture method was more sensitive than the sponge sampling and culture method.
Regional vs local drivers of phylogenetic and species diversity in stream fish communities
Authors: Blanchet Simon , Helmus Matthew R. , Brosse Sébastien , Grenouillet Gaël 
Published: December 2013

Summary

Regional and local processes are thought to influence community phylogenetic and species diversity, but have proved challenging to distinguish. We disentangled the effects of local (limiting similarity and habitat filtering) and regional processes (biogeography, history and geographical constraints) on the species and phylogenetic diversity of native riverine fish communities across France.

Fish species richness (SR), phylogenetic diversity (estimated as the phylogenetic species variability metric, PSV) and trait evenness (estimated from 17 ecological and life‐history traits) were estimated for fish at 932 sampling sites across 42 river basins in France. A phylogenetic signal in traits and species responses to environment variation were estimated using linear models. Null models were developed to test whether river basins constrain the PSV of the communities. Hierarchical linear models were fitted to PSV and SR to partition the variance explained by local and regional processes.

Fish species richness and phylogenetic diversity were negatively correlated across sites (r = −0.589, P < 0 001). There was a phylogenetic signal in species traits, but only a weak signal in species responses to environmental variation across sites. The null models suggested that river basins constrain community PSV. Local‐scale predictors (temperature, landscape position and trait evenness) explained the variation in both PSV and SR, while regional‐scale predictors (latitude, longitude and basin surface area) explained the variation only in SR. Significant interaction terms between local‐ and regional‐scale predictors were also detected for both metrics.

Local‐scale processes, habitat filtering and limiting similarity, probably determine the species composition of fish communities across France, while broad‐scale, regional processes constrain community composition both directly and indirectly by affecting the strength of these local‐scale processes. By analysing phylogenetic diversity and species richness simultaneously, a full picture of the drivers of local‐scale diversity can be determined.
Characterization of the High‐Temperature Ferroelectric (100−x−y)BiScO3–(x)Bi(Zr0.5Zn0.5)O3–(y)PbTiO3 Perovskite Ternary Solid Solution
Authors: Kowalski Ben A. , Sehirlioglu Alp , Dynys Fred W. , Sayir Ali 
Published: December 2013

Ternary compositions based on Bi(B′B″)O3–PbTiO3‐type compounds have been investigated for high‐temperature piezoelectric applications. Compositions in the ternary were chosen to be near the binary morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) composition of BiScO3–PbTiO3 (BS–PT). Ternary compositions in (100−x−y)BiScO3–(x)Bi(Zr0.5Zn0.5)O3–(y)PbTiO3 [(100−x−y)BS–xBZZ–yPT] have been investigated with x ≤ 7.5. For compositions with x > 10, the Curie temperature (TC) decreased below 400°C. Dielectric, piezoelectric, and electromechanical properties were characterized as a function of temperature, frequency, and electric field. Small additions of BZZ were shown to increase the electromechanical properties with only a small loss in TC. The electromechanical properties were temperature stable up to the depoling temperature. The most promising composition exhibited a TC of 430°C, piezoelectric coefficient (d33) of 520 pC/N, and a planar coupling factor (kp) of 0.45 that remained unchanged up to depoling temperature at 385°C.
Ba5Li2W3O15: A New Li‐Containing Perovskite‐Type Microwave Ceramic with High Q and Low τf
Authors: Fang Liang , Wei Zhenhai , Liao Wei , Zhou Huanfu , Zhang Hui , Xiang Fei 
Published: December 2013

A new Li‐containing microwave ceramic Ba5Li2W3O15 with hexagonal perovskite structure was prepared through a solid‐state ceramic route. Small amount of scheelite BaWO4 appeared as a second phase during sintering. The Ba5Li2W3O15 could be well densified at 1120°C and exhibits good microwave dielectric properties with permittivity (εr) of 25.4, high Q × f value about 39 000 GHz, and low temperature coefficient of resonate frequency (τf) of 10 ppm/°C. The addition of BaCu(B2O5) can effectively lower the sintering temperature from 1120°C to 900°C and does not induce degradation of the microwave dielectric properties. These results indicate that the Ba5Li2W3O15 ceramic might be a promising candidate in microwave dielectric resonators.