bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oedema‐based model for diffuse low‐grade gliomas: application to clinical cases under radiotherapy
Authors: Badoual M. , Gerin C. , Deroulers C. , Grammaticos B. , Llitjos J.‐F. , Oppenheim C. , Varlet P. , Pallud J. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractObjectivesDiffuse low‐grade gliomas are characterized by slow growth. Despite appropriate treatment, they change inexorably into more aggressive forms, jeopardizing the patient's life. Optimizing treatments, for example with the use of mathematical modelling, could help to prevent tumour regrowth and anaplastic transformation. Here, we present a model of the effect of radiotherapy on such tumours. Our objective is to explain observed delay of tumour regrowth following radiotherapy and to predict its duration.Materials and methodsWe have used a migration–proliferation model complemented by an equation describing appearance and draining of oedema. The model has been applied to clinical data of tumour radius over time, for a population of 28 patients.ResultsWe were able to show that draining of oedema accounts for regrowth delay after radiotherapy and have been able to fit the clinical data in a robust way. The model predicts strong correlation between high proliferation coefficient and low progression‐free gain of lifetime, due to radiotherapy among the patients, in agreement with clinical studies.We argue that, with reasonable assumptions, it is possible to predict (precision ~20%) regrowth delay after radiotherapy and the gain of lifetime due to radiotherapy.ConclusionsOur oedema‐based model provides an early estimation of individual duration of tumour response to radiotherapy and thus, opens the door to the possibility of personalized medicine.
Impact of fatal cases on the epidemiology of traumatic spinal cord injury in Estonia
Authors: Sabre L. , Remmer S. , Adams A. , Väli M. , Rekand T. , Asser T. , Kõrv J. 
Published: June 2014

Background and purposeMost epidemiological studies on traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) have not included patients who die before hospitalization. The aim of the research was to study the incidence of TSCI by including the individuals who die at the scene of the accident in addition to data retrieved from all hospitals in Estonia.MethodsMedical records of patients with TSCI from all hospitals in Estonia from 2005 to 2007 were studied. With collaboration from the Estonian Forensic Science Institute the data of the victims of TSCI who died before hospitalization were included.ResultsFrom 2005 to 2007, 391 TSCI cases were identified: 183 patients were found retrospectively from medical records and 208 cases were detected from autopsy reports.Fifty‐three per cent of patients died before hospitalization. The annual incidence rate was 97.0 per million population (95% confidence interval 87.4–106.6). The mean age at injury was 44.4 ± 18.7 years. Motor vehicle accidents were the leading cause of TSCI amongst the individuals who died before hospitalization (75%). Falls accounted for the highest number of TSCIs (43%) amongst the patients who reached hospital.ConclusionsOur study shows that, when the cases that die at the scene of the accident are included, the incidence of TSCI in Estonia rises from 39.7 to 97.0 per million population.
Great Spotted Cuckoos Frequently Lay Their Eggs While Their Magpie Host is Incubating
Authors: Soler Manuel , Pérez‐Contreras Tomás , de Neve Liesbeth 
Published: June 2014

AbstractSpecies that suffer from brood parasitism face a considerable reduction in their fitness which selects for the evolution of host defences. To prevent parasitism, hosts can mob or attack brood parasites when they approach the host nest and block the access to the nest by sitting on the clutch. In turn, as a counter‐adaptation, brood parasites evolved secretive behaviours near their host nests. Here, we have studied great spotted cuckoo (Clamator glandarius) egg‐laying behaviour and defence by their magpie (Pica pica) hosts inside the nest using continuous video recordings. We have found several surprising results that contradict some general assumptions. The most important is that most (71%) of the parasitic events by cuckoo females are completed while the magpie females are incubating. By staying in the nest, magpies force cuckoo females to lay their egg facing the high risk of being attacked by the incubating magpie (attack occurred in all but one of the events, n = 15). During these attacks, magpies pecked the cuckoo violently, but could never effectively avoid parasitism. These novel observations expand the sequence of adaptations and counter‐adaptations in the arms race between brood parasites and their hosts during the pre‐laying and laying periods.
Climate change enhances the negative effects of predation risk on an intermediate consumer
Authors: Miller Luke P. , Matassa Catherine M. , Trussell Geoffrey C. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractPredators are a major source of stress in natural systems because their prey must balance the benefits of feeding with the risk of being eaten. Although this ‘fear’ of being eaten often drives the organization and dynamics of many natural systems, we know little about how such risk effects will be altered by climate change. Here, we examined the interactive consequences of predator avoidance and projected climate warming in a three‐level rocky intertidal food chain. We found that both predation risk and increased air and sea temperatures suppressed the foraging of prey in the middle trophic level, suggesting that warming may further enhance the top‐down control of predators on communities. Prey growth efficiency, which measures the efficiency of energy transfer between trophic levels, became negative when prey were subjected to predation risk and warming. Thus, the combined effects of these stressors may represent an important tipping point for individual fitness and the efficiency of energy transfer in natural food chains. In contrast, we detected no adverse effects of warming on the top predator and the basal resources. Hence, the consequences of projected warming may be particularly challenging for intermediate consumers residing in food chains where risk dominates predator‐prey interactions.
Reduction of angiotensin A and alamandine vasoactivity in the rabbit model of atherogenesis: differential effects of alamandine and Ang(1‐7)
Authors: Habiyakare Belthrand , Alsaadon Hiba , Mathai Michael L. , Hayes Alan , Zulli Anthony 
Published: June 2014

SummaryNovel treatments are necessary to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Alamandine binds to MrgD and is reported to induce vasodilation via stimulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), but its role in atherogenic blood vessels is yet to be determined. To determine the vasoactive role of alamandine and its precursor AngA in diseased aorta, New Zealand White rabbits were fed a diet containing 1% methionine + 0.5% cholesterol + 5% peanut oil for 4 weeks (MC, n = 5) or control (n = 6). In abdominal aorta, alamandine (1 μM) was added 30 min before a dose–response curve to angiotensin II or AngA (1 nM–1 μM), and immunohistochemistry was used to identify MrgD receptors and eNOS. The thoracic aorta, renal, carotid and iliac arteries were mounted in organ baths. Rings were precontracted with phenylephrine, then a bolus dose of alamandine (1 μM) was added 10 min before a dose–response curve to acetylcholine (0.01 μM–10 μM). The MrgD receptor was localized to normal and diseased aorta and colocalized with eNOS. In control but not diseased blood vessels, alamandine enhanced acetylcholine‐mediated vasodilation in the thoracic aorta and the iliac artery (P < 0.05) and reduced it in the renal artery (P < 0.05). In control abdominal aorta, AngA evoked less desensitization than AngII (P < 0.05) and alamandine reduced AngA‐mediated vasoconstriction (P < 0.05). In MC, AngA constriction was markedly reduced vs. control (P < 0.05). The vasoactivity of alamandine and AngA are reduced in atherogenesis. Its role in the prevention of CVD remains to be validated.
Developing and testing a urine colour reference scale: a practice development project
Authors: Meagher Anna , Thompson Julia , Vanderpuije Jacinta 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTAlthough it is a common reason for consulting a doctor, there is inconsistency in describing and discussing abnormally coloured urine. To produce a reliable visual urine colour rating scale that reflects and enables accurate reporting of varying degrees of concentrated urine and of macroscopic haematuria. A practice development project was undertaken in the Urology ward of an acute care private hospital. The project was patient focussed, multidisciplinary, actively engaged staff and was evolutionary. Initially a prototype chart was developed but was found to need redevelopment. Funding and ethics approval were obtained. Study 1 involved a second draft of the scale with three colours depicting hydration status and four depicting macroscopic haematuria, together with instructions for use. Study 2 demonstrated the need for and benefit of having a urine colour reference scale. Studies 3 and 4 demonstrated the very high intra‐rater (r = 0·8175–0·9999) and inter‐rater (r = 0·5886–0·9932) reliability of the scale. Following these studies it was decided to include a depiction of normal clear urine among the three colours depicting hydration status and the four depiction of macroscopic haematuria. A urine colour rating scale was developed and refined through repeated trials of efficacy and usability which may facilitate objective communication between patients, carers, nurses and doctors concerning the colour of urine (it also serves an educational function, giving prompts about the other factors likely to be of significance when management decisions are made). This scale can be used by healthcare workers and patients/carers when describing urine colour, especially during phone conversations to inform decisions concerning treatment.
Progression of KRAS mutant pancreatic adenocarcinoma during vemurafenib treatment in a patient with metastatic melanoma
Authors: Grey A. , Cooper A. , McNeil C. , O'Toole S. , Thompson J. , Grimison P. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractVemurafenib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of BRAF that prolongs survival in patients with BRAF V600‐mutant metastatic melanoma. Secondary cutaneous malignancies are a well‐documented toxicity of vemurafenib, thought to be mediated by enhanced ERK signalling in BRAF wild‐type, RAS‐mutant cells. Vemurafenib could also promote growth of non‐cutaneous secondary malignancies by a similar mechanism. We present a case of an individual who received vemurafenib for metastatic melanoma and experienced rapid growth of a pre‐existing KRAS‐mutant pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Renal drug dosing recommendations: evaluation of product information for brands of the same drug
Authors: Khanal A. , Peterson G. M. , Castelino R. L. , Jose M. D. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo review the product information (PI) for various brands of the same generic drugs and investigate the extent to which information is currently available on dosing in renal impairment and the concordance between the dosing recommendations for the same generic drug.MethodThe Monthly Index of Medical Specialities (MIMS) was examined for 28 generic drugs recommended to be used with caution in renal impairment. For each generic drug all available brands listed as having solid oral dosage form were recorded. For each identified brand, the current PI was consulted and data referring to renal impairment was collated. The dissimilarity between these PI regarding the renal dosage recommendation was determined.ResultsThere was generally a lack of detailed information in the PI on the use of drugs in patients with renal impairment. The majority of PI documents (88 of 155 PI; 57%) provided quantitative dosage recommendations, but this was often not detailed enough to help users to make an informed decision. For 37 PI documents (24%), an altered dosage regimen was proposed without a quantifiable measure of renal function reported in the dose recommendation. The renal function severity category terms used and the associated quantitative values were also not consistent. It was observed that the recommendations varied among different brands of hydromorphone, morphine, oxycodone, tramadol, metformin and topiramate.ConclusionThe reporting of renal function quantification methods, and associated dosage recommendations, in PI requires standardisation to ensure optimal drug dosing. Regularly updating of PI is also necessary.
Gastrointestinal amyloidosis in Australian Indigenous patients
Authors: Frommer D. J. , Fernandes D. , Pawar G. , Goud R. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis study documents the symptoms, racial distribution, pathological findings and outcomes of patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal amyloidosis in Alice Springs Hospital. In a 4 year retrospective survey. 9 patients, all indigenous, 7F/2M, had biopsy proven gastrointestinal amyloidosis. Four out of four patients tested were found to have AA amyloidosis. Presenting symptoms included diarrhoea, bloody in some, vomiting and abdominal pain. All but one had diabetes mellitus, type 2. Multiple infections were common and most patients had low serum albumin and transferrin concentrations but high serum ferritin concentrations. Five of the patients died, and the gastrointestinal symptoms of the remaining 4 remitted. Gastrointestinal amyloidosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of indigenous patients presenting with chronic diarrhoea, vomiting or abdominal pain. It carries a grave prognosis, is probably secondary to chronic infections but is potentially reversible.
Sperm DNA integrity testing: big halo is a good predictor of embryo quality and pregnancy after conventional IVF
Authors: Tandara M. , Bajić A. , Tandara L. , Bilić‐Zulle L. , Šunj M. , Kozina V. , Goluža T. , Jukić M. 
Published: June 2014

SummarySperm DNA integrity is a sperm functional parameter of male fertility evaluation. Two parameters of sperm DNA integrity were observed: DNA damage expressed as DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and percentage of the DNA undamaged spermatozoa expressed as big halo. Halosperm test was used for sperm DNA integrity determination. The aim of this study was to evaluate which DNA integrity parameter is better as an embryo quality and pregnancy prognostic parameter after the conventional IVF. We evaluated two embryo groups (positive and negative group) according to the 3rd day cumulative embryo score. Big halo and DFI, as we expected, showed good correlation (r = −0.69; p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses show that DFI and big halo are significant (p < 0.001) as prognostic parameters of embryo quality. ROC curves comparison of DFI and big halo revealed the AUC value for big halo to be significantly higher (DFI AUC = 0.71 vs. big halo AUC = 0.83; p = 0.025) than for DFI. Big halo was found to be the only independent predictor of embryo quality. Sperm DNA integrity both parameters are good prognostic parameters of embryo quality after the conventional IVF where big halo seems to be better. ROC analyses show DFI and big halo as significant prognostic parameters for achieved pregnancy (AUC ± SE for DFI was 0.67 ± 0.06 and 0.75 ± 0.06 for big halo). To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating the correlation between sperm DNA undamaged rate expressed as big halo parameter and semen characteristics as well as the influence on fertilization rate, embryo quality and pregnancy in conventional IVF.
In Vitro Evaluation of Ice‐Cold Saline Irrigation During Catheter Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: SQUARA FABIEN , MAEDA SHINGO , ALDHOON BASHAR , MARGINIERE JULIE , SANTANGELI PASQUALE , CHIK WILLIAM W. , MICHELE JOHN , ZADO ERICA , MARCHLINSKI FRANCIS E. 
Published: June 2014

In Vitro Evaluation of Ice‐Cold Saline IrrigationIntroductionIrrigated radiofrequency (RF) catheters allow tissue‐electrode interface cooling, decreasing thrombus risk while enabling higher RF power delivery. The impact of irrigation with ice‐cold saline (ICS) instead of conventional ambient‐temperature saline (ATS) on lesion formation is unknown.Methods and ResultsWe performed 120 RF ablations in vitro on porcine left ventricles, using ICS (<5 °C) or ATS (21 °C) irrigation. For ICS irrigation, the irrigation circuit was cooled externally to maintain delivery of cooled saline at the catheter's tip. We applied 20 g of contact force, and delivered 20 W (irrigation 8 or 17 mL/min) or 30 W (irrigation 17 or 30 mL/min) RF power. Temperatures at tissue‐electrode interface and 3‐mm depth were assessed by fluoroptic probes. Lesion dimensions were assessed. ICS irrigation cooled the tissue‐electrode interface better than ATS (53.9 ± 9.6 °C vs. 63 ± 11.4 °C, P < 0.001). Temperatures at 3‐mm depth were similar at 30 W using ICS and ATS (104.2 ± 9.3 °C vs. 105.8 ± 7.3 °C, P = 0.5), but were cooler at 20 W using ICS (71.3 ± 11.6 °C vs. 100.2 ± 11.9 °C, P < 0.001). This translated into smaller lesions at 20 W with ICS versus ATS. At 30 W with 17 mL/min flow rate, lesions had the same depth with ICS and ATS (4.9 ± 0.8 mm vs. 5.4 ± 0.7 mm, P = 0.13) but were narrower with ICS (7.7 ± 0.8 mm vs. 9.3 ± 1.2 mm, P = 0.001). At 30 mL/min, lesions had the same dimensions. Steam pop rate was similar using ICS or ATS irrigation.ConclusionICS irrigation more effectively cools tissue‐electrode interface than ATS. This may improve RF safety by potentially decreasing thrombus formation, thus facilitating safe ablation at a low saline volume load. However at lower RF power, ICS reduced lesion size compared to ATS.
Does Stock Liquidity Enhance or Impede Firm Innovation?
Authors: FANG VIVIAN W. , TIAN XUAN , TICE SHERI 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTWe aim to tackle the longstanding debate on whether stock liquidity enhances or impedes firm innovation. This topic is of interest because innovation is crucial for firm‐ and national‐level competitiveness and stock liquidity can be altered by financial market regulations. Using a difference‐in‐differences approach that relies on the exogenous variation in liquidity generated by regulatory changes, we find that an increase in liquidity causes a reduction in future innovation. We identify two possible mechanisms through which liquidity impedes innovation: increased exposure to hostile takeovers and higher presence of institutional investors who do not actively gather information or monitor.
Genetic and Molecular Mapping of Stripe Rust Resistance Genes in Wheat Cultivar Zhongliang 12
Authors: Ma Dongfang , Peng Fei , Fang Zhengwu , Chao Kaixiang , Jing Jinxue , Zhang Changqing 
Published: June 2014

AbstractStripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici (Pst), is one of the most widespread and destructive diseases of wheat worldwide. Resistance breeding is constantly pursued for decades to tackle the variations of prevalent Pst races. Zhongliang 12 has strong resistance to abiotic stresses, wide adaptability, higher resistance to stripe rust and excellent biological characteristics. To identify the resistance gene(s) against stripe rust, Zhongliang 12 was crossed with stripe rust susceptible genotype Mingxian 169, and F1, F2, F2 : 3 and BC1 progenies were tested with Chinese Pst race CYR30 and CYR31 in seedling stage in greenhouse. Zhongliang 12 possessed different dominant genes for resistance to each race. Linkage maps were constructed with four simple sequence repeats (SSRs) markers, Xwmc695, Xcfd20, Xbarc121 and Xbarc49, for the gene on wheat chromosome 7AL conferring resistance to CYR30 (temporarily designated as Yrzhong12‐1) with genetic distance ranging from 3.1 to 10.8 cM and four SSR markers, Xpsp3003, Xcfd2129, Xwmc673 and Xwmc51, for the gene on wheat chromosome 1AL conferring resistance to CYR31 (temporarily designated as Yrzhong12‐2) with genetic distance ranging from 3.9 cM to 9.3 cM. The molecular markers closely linked to each gene should be useful in marker‐assisted selection in breeding programmes for against stripe rust.
Rapid evolutionary divergence of an invasive weed from its crop ancestor and evidence for local diversification
Authors: BURGER Jutta C. , ELLSTRAND Norman C. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractFeral rye is an invasive North American weed that evolved from domesticated rye in the last century. In order to determine how this weed diverged from its cultivated ancestor and whether it has evolved regional differences across its new range in the western United States, we planted both feral rye from different regions and its progenitor in three common garden sites spanning the North‐South axis of that range (eastern Washington, northern California, and southern California, respectively). We measured seedling emergence, survival, vegetative growth, flowering phenology, and reproductive output concurrently across sites over a single growing season. All traits were found to be genetically based. All feral populations were typically shattering contrasting with domesticated rye's typically non‐shattering seed head. They also flowered later, tillered more, grew shorter, and produced smaller seeds in at least one population. Near the center and proposed origin of its introduced range, all feral rye populations produced significantly more seed than cultivars. Northern feral populations flowered later than southern populations and cultivars. Shifts were not symmetrical: southern populations performed well at all sites. But northern populations showed more evidence of local adaptation, faring poorly in southern California. Clearly, feral rye has evolved from its cultivated progenitor by more than just acquiring shattering. Furthermore, it has diverged regionally, although not all populations are fully locally adapted. Notably, feral rye populations exhibited a greater range of phenotypes than rye cultivars, suggesting that its evolution is not simply due to selection acting on existing variation within individual cultivars.
Lower serum fibroblast growth factor‐23 levels may suggest malnutrition in maintenance haemodialysis patients
Authors: Mizuiri Sonoo , Nishizawa Yoshiko , Yamashita Kazuomi , Ono Kyoka , Oda Maya , Usui Kohji , Shigemoto Kenichiro 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAimIt is reported that high serum fibroblast growth factor‐23 (FGF‐23) levels are associated with increased mortality in haemodialysis patients, and can be caused by hyperphosphataemia and loss of residual renal function. However, hypophosphataemia is also associated with increased mortality in maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) patients. We studied the determinants of the serum FGF‐23 levels in MHD patients, focusing on nutritional status and residual renal function.MethodsA total of 332 Japanese MHD patients with a median age of 69 years, and median dialysis vintage of 66 months, were studied. The serum levels of intact FGF‐23, albumin, phosphate, and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), corrected serum calcium (Ca) levels, urine volume, (creatinine clearance + urea clearance)/2, phosphate clearance, Kt/Vurea, body mass index (BMI), normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR), normalized protein equivalent of nitrogen appearance (nPNA), geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), and the prescribed dosages of active vitamin D and phosphate binders were assessed.ResultsThe significant independent factors for InFGF‐23 by multivariate analysis were age, GNRI, serum phosphate, Ca, iPTH levels and dosage of active vitamin D in patients without residual renal function (P < 0.05). Among all MHD patients, the lowest BMI, nPNA, nPCR, GNRI, serum albumin, creatinine, phosphate, Ca, Ca x P product and iPTH values were seen in the lowest serum FGF‐23 quartile (FGF‐23 < 311 pg/mL).ConclusionsThe determinants of the serum FGF‐23 level in MHD patients without residual renal function were age, serum phosphate, Ca, iPTH levels, the active vitamin D dose and the GNRI. The lower serum FGF‐23 levels may suggest malnutrition in MHD patients.