bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soluble Vascular Endothelial‐Cadherin Levels in Patients With Sepsis Treated With Direct Hemoperfusion With a Polymyxin B‐immobilized Fiber Column
Authors: Ebihara Itaru , Hirayama Kouichi , Nagai Miho , Koda Megumi , Gunji Masanobu , Okubo Yuki , Katayama Taisuke , Sato Chihiro , Usui Joichi , Yamagata Kunihiro , Kobayashi Masaki 
Published: October 2015

AbstractCapillary permeability is a tightly regulated feature of microcirculation in all organ beds; however, in sepsis this feature is fundamentally altered. Several molecules are investigated as associated factors with capillary permeability and vascular endothelial (VE)‐cadherin internalization by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐induced signaling through VEGF receptors leads to increased vascular endothelial cell detachment and trans‐endothelial permeability. We investigated serum soluble VE‐cadherin levels in septic patients. An enzyme‐linked immunoassay was used to measure serum soluble VE‐cadherin levels in 47 septic patients treated by direct hemoperfusion with a polymyxin B‐immobilized fiber column (DHP‐PMX). The serum soluble VE‐cadherin level of septic patients before PMX‐DHP was 3424.1 ± 2033.0 ng/mL, which was significantly lower than that of the controls (5862.0 ± 1521.2 ng/mL; P < 0.0001). The time course of serum soluble VE‐cadherin levels remained unchanged during PMX‐DHP therapy. There was no significant difference in serum soluble VE‐cadherin levels before PMX‐DHP therapy between survivors and non‐survivors, and there was no significant difference in those levels between the groups at any time after the initiation of PMX‐DHP therapy. There was no correlation between soluble VE‐cadherin levels and clinical data, except white blood cell count (r = −0.277, P = 0.0009). There was no correlation between soluble VE‐cadherin levels and the levels of angiopoietin 1 and 2. In summary, the relationship between VE‐cadherin and capillary permeability in sepsis could not be demonstrated. Soluble VE‐cadherins are not reflected in the balance between intercellular junction plasticity and integrity, but VE‐cadherin stabilization by its phosphorylation or internalization may be associated with capillary permeability.
Indicators of success for smart law enforcement in protected areas: A case study for Russian Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) reserves
Authors: HÖTTE Michiel H. H. , KOLODIN Igor A. , BEREZNUK Sergei L. , SLAGHT Jonathan C. , KERLEY Linda L. , SOUTYRINA Svetlana V. , SALKINA Galina P. , ZAUMYSLOVA Olga Y. , STOKES Emma J. , MIQUELLE Dale G. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAlthough considerable conservation resources have been committed to develop and use law enforcement monitoring and management tools such as SMART, measures of success are ill‐defined and, to date, few reports detail results post‐implementation. Here, we present 4 case studies from protected areas with Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) in Russia, in which indicators of success were defined and evaluated at each. The ultimate goal was an increase in tiger numbers to 1 individual/100 km2 at each site. We predicted that improvements in law enforcement effectiveness would be followed by increases in prey numbers and, subsequently, tiger numbers. We used short‐term and long‐term indicators of success, including: (i) patrol team effort and effectiveness; (ii) catch per unit effort indicators (to measure reductions in threats); and (iii) changes in target species numbers. In addition to implementing a monitoring system, we focused on improving law enforcement management using an adaptive management process. Over 4 years, we noted clear increases in patrol effort and a partial reduction in threats. Although we did not detect clear trends in ungulate numbers, tiger populations remained stable or increased, suggesting that poaching of tigers may be more limiting than prey depletion. Increased effectiveness is needed before a clear reduction in threats can be noted, and more time is needed before detecting responses in target populations. Nonetheless, delineation of concrete goals and indicators of success provide a means of evaluating progress and weaknesses. Such monitoring should be a central component of law enforcement strategies for protected areas.
Antioxidant Effects of Herbal Tea Leaves from Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) on Multiple Free Radical and Reducing Power Assays, Especially on Different Superoxide Anion Radical Generation Systems
Authors: Sugahara Shintaro , Ueda Yuto , Fukuhara Kumiko , Kamamuta Yuki , Matsuda Yasushi , Murata Tatsuro , Kuroda Yasuhiro , Kabata Kiyotaka , Ono Masateru , Igoshi Keiji , Yasuda Shin 
Published: October 2015

AbstractYacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius), a native Andean plant, has been cultivated as a crop and locally used as a traditional folk medicine for the people suffering from diabetes and digestive/renal disorders. However, the medicinal properties of this plant and its processed foods have not been completely established. This study investigates the potent antioxidative effects of herbal tea leaves from yacon in different free radical models and a ferric reducing model. A hot‐water extract exhibited the highest yield of total polyphenol and scavenging effect on 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical among four extracts prepared with hot water, methanol, ethanol, and ethylacetate. In addition, a higher reducing power of the hot‐water extract was similarly demonstrated among these extracts. Varying concentrations of the hot‐water extract resulted in different scavenging activities in four synthetic free radical models: DPPH radical (EC50 28.1 μg/mL), 2,2′‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) cation radical (EC50 23.7 μg/mL), galvinoxyl radical (EC50 3.06 μg/mL), and chlorpromazine cation radical (EC50 475 μg/mL). The yacon tea‐leaf extract further demonstrated superoxide anion (O2−) radical scavenging effects in the phenazine methosulfate‐NADH‐nitroblue tetrazolium (EC50 64.5 μg/mL) and xanthine oxidase assay systems (EC50 20.7 μg/mL). Subsequently, incubating human neutrophilic cells in the presence of the tea‐leaf extract could suppress the cellular O2− radical generation (IC50 65.7 μg/mL) in a phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate‐activated cell model. These results support yacon tea leaves may be a good source of natural antioxidants for preventing O2− radical‐mediated disorders.
The Genetic Impact of the Lake Chad Basin Population in North Africa as Documented by Mitochondrial Diversity and Internal Variation of the L3e5 Haplogroup
Authors: Podgorná Eliška , Soares Pedro , Pereira Luísa , Černý Viktor 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThe presence of sub‐Saharan L‐type mtDNA sequences in North Africa has traditionally been explained by the recent slave trade. However, gene flow between sub‐Saharan and northern African populations would also have been made possible earlier through the greening of the Sahara resulting from Early Holocene climatic improvement. In this article, we examine human dispersals across the Sahara through the analysis of the sub‐Saharan mtDNA haplogroup L3e5, which is not only commonly found in the Lake Chad Basin (∼17%), but which also attains nonnegligible frequencies (∼10%) in some Northwestern African populations. Age estimates point to its origin ∼10 ka, probably directly in the Lake Chad Basin, where the clade occurs across linguistic boundaries. The virtual absence of this specific haplogroup in Daza from Northern Chad and all West African populations suggests that its migration took place elsewhere, perhaps through Northern Niger. Interestingly, independent confirmation of Early Holocene contacts between North Africa and the Lake Chad Basin have been provided by craniofacial data from Central Niger, supporting our suggestion that the Early Holocene offered a suitable climatic window for genetic exchanges between North and sub‐Saharan Africa. In view of its younger founder age in North Africa, the discontinuous distribution of L3e5 was probably caused by the Middle Holocene re‐expansion of the Sahara desert, disrupting the clade's original continuous spread.
Influence of the modifiable life‐style factors body mass index and smoking on the outcome of hysterectomy
Authors: Bohlin Katja S. , Ankardal Maud , Stjerndahl Jan‐Henrik , Lindkvist Håkan , Milsom Ian 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study was to study the impact of body mass index (BMI) and smoking on the outcome of hysterectomy and whether effects of these factors vary between abdominal, laparoscopic and vaginal hysterectomy.Material and methodsPre‐, per‐ and postoperative (8 weeks) data were retrieved from the Swedish National Register for Gynecological Surgery on 28 537 hysterectomies performed because of a benign indication between 2004 and 2013. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent factors affecting the rate of complications, presented as adjusted odds ratios (adjOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsOverweight and obesity had the strongest impact on complications in the abdominal hysterectomy group. In women with a BMI ≥ 30 an increased adjOR could be seen for bleeding >1000 mL (2.90; 95% CI 2.23–3.77), peroperative complications (1.54; 95% CI 1.26–1.88), operation time >120 min (2.67; 95% CI 2.33–3.03), postoperative complications (1.21; 95% CI 1.08–1.34) and postoperative infections (1.73; 95% CI 1.50–1.99). With vaginal hysterectomy, the effect of BMI ≥ 30 could be seen in relation to excessive bleeding >500 mL (1.63; 95% CI 1.22–2.17) and operative time >120 min (2.00; 95% CI 1.60–2.50). With laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH), a BMI ≥ 30 had a higher adjOR for prolonged surgery (1.71; 95% CI 1.30–2.26). Smokers had an increased risk of postoperative infection in the abdominal hysterectomy (1.23; 95% CI 1.07–1.40) and vaginal hysterectomy groups (1.21; 95% CI 1.02–1.43) but not in the LH group.ConclusionsBody mass index and smoking had a negative effect with all hysterectomy approaches but to a lesser extent in vaginal and laparoscopic hysterectomies. This should be taken into consideration in advance of surgery to improve outcome.
Tranexamic acid for preventing postpartum blood loss after cesarean delivery: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Simonazzi Giuliana , Bisulli Maria , Saccone Gabriele , Moro Elisa , Marshall Ariela , Berghella Vincenzo 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIntroductionThere are several published clinical trials of the use of tranexamic acid (TXA) in an obstetric setting, but no consensus on its use or guidelines for management.Material and methodsThe aim of this meta‐analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of TXA in reducing blood loss when given prior to cesarean delivery. We performed a systematic search in electronic databases. We included all randomized controlled trials comparing the use of TXA prior to cesarean delivery with controls (either placebo or no treatment).ResultsNine trials with 2365 women were included in the analysis. Women who received TXA had significantly less postpartum blood loss, a lower drop in hemoglobin and a lower incidence of postpartum hemorrhage and severe postpartum hemorrhage compared with controls. Moreover, the number of women who needed additional uterotonic agents was significantly lower in the TXA group than in controls. The percentage of women who required blood transfusions at, or immediately after, cesareans was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the controls. There was no difference in the incidence of thromboembolic events in the two groups.ConclusionsProphylactic TXA given before cesarean skin incision in women undergoing cesarean delivery, under spinal or epidural anesthesia, significantly decreases blood loss, including postpartum hemorrhage and severe postpartum hemorrhage, in addition to the standard prophylactic oxytocin given after delivery of the neonate. The effect of TXA on thromboembolic events and mortality as well as its use in high‐risk women should be investigated further.
Epigenetics and assisted reproductive technologies
Authors: Pinborg Anja , Loft Anne , Romundstad Liv B. , Wennerholm Ulla‐Britt , Söderström‐Anttila Viveca , Bergh Christina , Aittomäki Kristiina 
Published: October 2015

AbstractEpigenetic modification controls gene activity without changes in the DNA sequence. The genome undergoes several phases of epigenetic programming during gametogenesis and early embryo development, coinciding with assisted reproductive technologies (ART) treatments. Imprinting disorders have been associated with ART techniques, but disentangling the influence of the ART procedures per se from the effect of the reproductive disease of the parents is a challenge. Epidemiological human studies have shown altered birthweight profiles in ART compared with spontaneously conceived singletons. Conception with cryopreserved/thawed embryos results in a higher risk of large‐for‐gestational‐age babies, which may be due to epigenetic modification. Further animal studies have shown altered gene expression profiles in offspring conceived by ART related to altered glucose metabolism. It is controversial whether human adolescents conceived by ART have altered lipid and glucose profiles and thereby a higher long‐term risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This commentary describes the basic concepts of epigenetics and gives a short overview of the existing literature on the association between imprinting disorders, epigenetic modification and ART.
Shoulder dystocia in primary midwifery care in the Netherlands
Authors: Kallianidis Athanasios F. , Smit Marrit , Van Roosmalen Jos 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIntroductionIn the Netherlands, low‐risk pregnancies are managed by midwives in primary care. Despite strict definitions of low risk, obstetric complications can occur. Midwives seldom encounter uncommon labour complications, but are sufficiently trained to manage these. We assessed neonatal and maternal outcome after management of shoulder dystocia in primary midwifery care.Materials and methodsIn this 2‐year prospective cohort study from April 2008 to April 2010, primary‐care midwives, who participated in an obstetric emergency course, reported all obstetric complications. Main outcome was neonatal and maternal outcome.ResultsIn sixty‐four cases of shoulder dystocia McRoberts was the first maneuver in 42/64 (65.6%) cases with a success rate of 23.8%. All‐fours maneuver was most frequently used as the second maneuver (24/45; 53.3%). No neonatal mortality occurred, none of the infants suffered from hypoxic ischemic injury, two (3.1%) had transient brachial plexus injuries, two (3.1%) had fractured clavicles and one (1.6%) had a fractured humerus. Eight (12.5%) neonates were successfully resuscitated because of birth asphyxia. All infants fully recovered. In neonates with immediate adverse outcome significantly more maneuvers were used compared with those without adverse neonatal outcome (p = 0.02). Postpartum hemorrhage occurred in 2/64 (3.1%) women, deep vaginal lacerations in 2/64 (3.1%), perineal tears in 23/64 (35.9%). No anal sphincter injuries occurred.ConclusionsMcRoberts and all‐fours maneuvers are widely used by primary‐care midwives in the management of shoulder dystocia. Low rates of adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes were observed in cases of shoulder dystocia up to 6 weeks postpartum.
A longitudinal study of maternal endothelial function, inflammatory response and uterine artery blood flow during the second half of pregnancy
Authors: Flo Kari , Blix Egil S. , Husebekk Anne , Thommessen Anders , Uhre Andreas T. , Wilsgaard Tom , Vårtun Åse , Acharya Ganesh 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe objective of this study was to investigate serial changes in maternal endothelial function, inflammatory response and uterine artery blood flow in normal pregnancy, and to explore their inter‐relation.Material and methodsIn this prospective longitudinal observational study, 53 women with uncomplicated pregnancies were examined at 4‐weekly intervals (248 observations) during 22–40 weeks of gestation. Uterine artery blood flow was measured using Doppler ultrasonography. Maternal endothelial function was assessed by flow‐mediated vasodilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery. Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC), defined as CD34+ CD133+ VEGFR2+ cells, were quantified by flow cytometry. Biomarkers of inflammation, such as leptin and high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), were measured in plasma samples. Multilevel modeling was used to investigate gestational‐age‐associated serial changes.ResultsThe EPC increased from 6.5 to 12.3 per million mononuclear cells (p < 0.01) and FMD decreased from 16.3 to 13.4% (p = 0.20). Leptin increased from 18 to 22 ng/mL (p < 0.01), and hsCRP did not change significantly (p = 0.61). There was no significant association between FMD and EPC (p = 0.66). FMD was significantly associated with hsCRP (p = 0.002) and leptin (p = 0.003), but the EPC were not. Neither FMD nor EPC were significantly associated with uterine artery blood flow.ConclusionChanges in FMD were significantly associated with inflammatory biomarkers, suggesting that the reduced nitric oxide‐dependent vasodilatation in late gestation is related to maternal inflammatory response. As EPC and FMD did not correlate, mechanisms other than mobilization of EPC to repair endothelial damage must be responsible for the gestational‐age‐associated increase in EPC.
Health‐related quality of life in very low birth weight children at nearly eight years of age
Authors: Huhtala Mira , Korja Riikka , Rautava Liisi , Lehtonen Liisa , Haataja Leena , Lapinleimu Helena , Rautava Päivi ,   PIPARI Study Group
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimThis study examined the impact of prematurity‐related morbidity on the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of premature children at eight years of age, compared to term born controls of same age.MethodsWe focused on 155 premature, very low birth weight (VLBW) infants weighing up to 1500 g who were born from 2001 to 2006 in Turku University Hospital, Finland, and compared them with 129 full‐term controls. Cognitive development and length was assessed at five years of age and the children self‐reported 17 dimensions of HRQoL at eight years of age. The VLBW group was subdivided into healthy children and those with prematurity‐related morbidities.ResultsOur findings showed that 64.5% of the VLBW children did not have prematurity‐related morbidities. The HRQoL of the healthy preterm VLBW children was very good and did not differ significantly from the controls. However, the VLBW children with one or more morbidities had significantly lower scores in nine of the 17 HRQoL dimensions than the children in the control group.ConclusionThe majority of the VLBW children survived without prematurity‐related morbidities, and their HRQoL was very good and similar to the control children. The main goal of neonatal care for preterm infants should be to prevent long‐term morbidities.
Incidence and outcomes of cytomegalovirus in pancreas transplantation with steroid‐free immunosuppression
Authors: Shah Ashesh P. , Chen Jeanne M. , Fridell Jonathan A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractCytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common opportunistic infection encountered after pancreas transplantation. The records of 407 pancreas transplant recipients (226 simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant (SPK), 101 pancreas transplant after kidney (PAK), and 97 pancreas transplants alone [PTA]) performed at a single center with at least 1‐yr follow‐up were reviewed. Immunosuppression included rabbit antithymocyte globulin induction, steroid withdrawal, and maintenance therapy of tacrolimus and sirolimus (± mycophenolate). In addition, PTA recipients received a single dose of rituximab. All recipients received valganciclovir prophylaxis. Donor (D)+/recipient (R)− recipients received 6 months of prophylaxis; all others received 3 months. The overall CMV infection rate was 12%. The cumulative incidences of CMV infection at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after transplant were 0.25%, 3%, 7%, and 8%, respectively. CMV infection rates were 20.2% in the D+/R− group, 16.5% in the D+/R+ group, 5.0% in the D−/R+ group, and 2.8% in the D−/R− group. Infections were less common in SPK recipients. Most infections developed at least 3 months post‐transplant, and 24% demonstrated tissue‐invasive disease. Immunosuppression was NOT reduced in 72% of patients with infections. Ganciclovir‐resistant CMV occurred in four patients. No patients died or lost their allografts due to CMV‐related infection; one graft was lost due to chronic rejection associated with a reduction in immunosuppression. In many cases, CMV infections may be treated in pancreas transplant recipients without necessarily reducing immunosuppression.
Conservation in Brazil needs to include non‐forest ecosystems
Authors: Overbeck Gerhard E. , Vélez‐Martin Eduardo , Scarano Fabio R. , Lewinsohn Thomas M. , Fonseca Carlos R. , Meyer Sebastian T. , Müller Sandra C. , Ceotto Paula , Dadalt Letícia , Durigan Giselda , Ganade Gislene , Gossner Martin M. , Guadagnin Demetrio L. , Lorenzen Katrin , Jacobi Claudia M. , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Pillar Valério D. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn the past decades, Brazil made important progress in the conservation of forest ecosystems. Non‐forest ecosystems (NFE), in contrast, have been neglected, even though they cover large parts of the country and have biodiversity levels comparable to forests. To avoid losing much of its biodiversity and ecosystem services, conservation and sustainable land use policies in Brazil need to be extended to NFE. A strategy for conservation of Brazil's NFE should encompass the following elements: (1) creation of new large protected areas in NFE; (2) enforcement of legal restrictions of land use; (3) extension of subsidy programs and governance commitments to NFE; (4) improvement of ecosystem management and sustainable use in NFE; and (5) improvement of monitoring of land use change in NFE. If Brazil managed to extend its conservation successes to NFE, it not only would contribute significantly to conservation of its biodiversity, but also could take the lead in conservation of NFE world‐wide.
Socioeconomic Rights: A Dialogue With Islam
Authors: Etzioni Amitai 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThere are some who believe that there will be an inevitable “clash of civilizations” between the Muslim world and the West. By contrast, this article contends that there are many opportunities for constructive dialogue between the two that can bridge the cultural divide. Specifically, the article proposes a cross‐cultural dialogue on social justice as a promising starting point for productive intercultural engagement. The article discusses the rich tradition of social justice in the Muslim world, and the ways in which these Islamic tenets are implemented by a range of Islamist political parties, including Turkey's Justice and Development Party (AKP), Morocco's Justice and Development Party (PJD), and Tunisia's Ennahda Movement. Given the West's relative dearth of mainstream social justice parties, the article proposes that, on this count, it has much to learn from the Muslim world.
Defining the Role of Service Design in Healthcare
Authors: Teso Giulia , Ceppi Giulio , Furlanetto Annarita , Dario Claudio , Scannapieco Gianluigi 
Published: October 2015

Developments in information technology, as well as the need to conserve resources, are resulting in healthcare systems that place increased value on the patient's input. In Italy, the national health service has taken notice.The national healthcare service: It's hard to think of a system in which good service design could be more important.
Design‐Driven Service Innovation at Korea Telecom
Authors: Kim Bo‐Young , Kang Lee‐Hwan , Lim Jae‐Hee 
Published: October 2015

A telecommunications company sells services, of course, but adding tangible products not only rewards customers but also differentiates the company's offerings.A good service product identifies profitable service space, packages it in a productized form, and delivers it to the market.