bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of hepatic portoenterostomy on liver transplantation for the treatment of biliary atresia: Early failure adversely affects outcome
Authors: Alexopoulos Sophoclis P. , Merrill Melanie , Kin Cindy , Matsuoka Lea , Dorey Fred , Concepcion Waldo , Esquivel Carlos , Bonham Andrew 
Published: April 2012

Alexopoulos SP, Merrill M, Kin C, Matsuoka L, Dorey F, Concepcion W, Esquivel C, Bonham A. The impact of hepatic portoenterostomy on liver transplantation for the treatment of biliary atresia: Early failure adversely affects outcome.Abstract:  The most common indication for pediatric LTx is biliary atresia with failed HPE, yet the effect of previous HPE on the outcome after LTx has not been well characterized. We retrospectively reviewed a single‐center experience with 134 consecutive pediatric liver transplants for the treatment of biliary atresia from 1 May 1995 to 28 April 2008. Of 134 patients, 22 underwent LTx without prior HPE (NPE), while 112 patients underwent HPE first. HPE patients were grouped into EF, defined as need for LTx within the first year of life, and LF, defined as need for LTx beyond the first year of life. NPE and EF groups differed significantly from the LF group in age, weight, PELD, and ICU status (p < 0.05) with NPE having the highest PELD and ICU status. Patients who underwent salvage LTx after EF following HPE had a significantly higher incidence of post‐operative bacteremia and septicemia (p < 0.05), and subsequently lower survival rates. One‐year patient survival and graft survival were as follows: NPE 100%, EF 81%, and LF 96% (p < 0.05); and NPE 96%, EF 79%, and LF 96% (p < 0.05). Further investigation into the optimal treatment of biliary atresia should focus on identifying patients at high risk of EF who may benefit from proceeding directly to LTx given the increased risk of post‐LTx bacteremia, sepsis, and death after failed HPE.
Parallel reduction in expression of the eye development gene hedgehog in separately derived cave populations of the amphipod Gammarus minus
Authors: ASPIRAS A. C. , PRASAD R. , FONG D. W. , CARLINI D. B. , ANGELINI D. R. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractCaves provide excellent settings to examine evolutionary questions. Subterranean environments are characterized by similar and consistent conditions. Cave‐adapted species often share characteristics such as diminished pigmentation, elongated limbs and reduced or absent eyes. Relatively little is known about the evolution and development of troglomorphic traits in invertebrates. In this study, we compare expression of the eye development genes hedgehog, pax6, sine oculis and dachshund in individuals from multiple independently derived cave populations of the amphipod Gammarus minus. hedgehog expression was significantly reduced in cave populations, compared to genetically related surface populations. Interestingly, no differences were found in pax6, sine oculis or dachshund expression. Because hedgehog‐related genes are also involved in eye reduced in Astyanax mexicanus, these genes may be consistent targets of evolution during cave adaptation. These results provide support for the hypothesis of genomic ‘hotspots’ of evolution and allow comparison of adaptive mechanisms among diverse animals in subterranean environments.
Geographic variation in corticosterone response to chronic predator stress in tadpoles
Authors: DAHL E. , ORIZAOLA G. , WINBERG S. , LAURILA A. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractChronic stress often affects growth and development negatively, and these effects are often mediated via glucocorticoid hormones, which elevate during stress. We investigated latitudinal variation in corticosterone (CORT) response to chronic predator stress in Rana temporaria tadpoles along a 1500‐km latitudinal cline in Sweden tadpoles, in a laboratory experiment. We hypothesized that more time‐constrained high‐latitude populations have evolved a lower CORT response to chronic stress to maintain higher growth under stressful conditions. Southern tadpoles had higher CORT content in response to predators after 1 day of exposure, whereas there was no increase in CORT in the northern populations. Two weeks later, there were no predator‐induced CORT elevations. Artificially elevated CORT levels strongly decreased growth, development and survival in both northern and southern tadpoles. We suggest that the lower CORT response in high‐latitude populations can be connected with avoidance of CORT‐mediated reduction in growth and development, but also discuss other possible explanations.
Waterlogging and Hypoxia have Permanent Effects on Wheat Root Growth and Respiration
Authors: Araki H. , Hossain M. A. , Takahashi T. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractWaterlogging causes long‐lasting damage to wheat (Triticum aestivum). Root growth and respiration were investigated after heading in waterlogged, pot‐grown, wheat plants and also in hydroponically grown, wheat seedlings exposed to a hypoxic treatment. In the pot experiment, plants were subjected to 8 days of waterlogging after heading. This period of waterlogging resulted in reduced shoot and root growth through to maturity. The root CO2 emission rates of previously waterlogged and well‐drained plants were about 220 and 140 nmol g−1 per s, respectively, with the rate differences persisting from 10 days after anthesis through to maturity. In the hydroponic experiments, seedlings (Feekes stage 2.0) were exposed to root‐zone, hypoxic treatment for 10–19 days. The roots showed 27 % higher CO2 emission rates and 37 % higher O2 consumption rates, compared with untreated roots. In whole root systems, the high respiration rates found during hypoxic treatment disappeared during recovery under aerated conditions as a result of the appearance of newly initiated roots. However, measurements of the respiration of the previously hypoxic roots showed abnormally high respiration rates. In roots exposed to hypoxic treatment, total sugar concentrations were 3.6‐times higher than in untreated roots indicating that this elevation of sugar may be responsible for the continued high respiration rate. This study shows that roots exposed to waterlogging or to hypoxic treatments do not increase their weights and thus recover from the metabolic disturbances resulting from these treatments.
Defining Plant Resistance to Phytophthora cinnamomi: A Standardized Approach to Assessment
Authors: Allardyce Jane A. , Rookes James E. , Cahill David M. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractPhytophthora cinnamomi is a soil‐borne plant pathogen that causes devastating disease in agricultural and natural systems worldwide. While a small number of species survive infection by the pathogen without producing disease symptoms, the nature of resistance, especially under controlled conditions, remains poorly understood. At present, there are no standardized criteria by which resistance or susceptibility to P. cinnamomi can be assessed, and we have used five parameters consisting of plant fresh weight, root growth, lesion length, relative chlorophyll content of leaves and pathogen colonization of roots to analyse responses to the pathogen. The parameters were tested using two plant species, Zea mays and Lupinus angustifolius, through a time course study of the interactions and resistance and susceptibility defined 7 days after inoculation. A scoring system was devised to enable differentiation of these responses. In the resistant interaction with Z. mays, there was no significant difference in fresh weight, root length and relative chlorophyll content in inoculated compared with control plants. Both lesion size and pathogen colonization of root tissues were limited to the site of inoculation. Following inoculation L. angustifolius showed a significant reduction in plant fresh weight and relative leaf chlorophyll content, cessation of root growth and increased lesion lengths and pathogen colonization. We propose that this technique provides a standardized method for plant–P. cinnamomi interactions that could be widely used to differentiate resistant from susceptible species.
Treatment cost of invasive fungal disease (Ifd) in patients with acute myelogenous leukaemia (Aml) or myelodysplastic syndrome (Mds) in German hospitals
Authors: Rieger C. T. , Cornely O. A. , Hoppe‐Tichy T. , Kiehl M. , Knoth H. , Thalheimer M. , Schuler U. , Ullmann A. J. , Ehlken B. , Ostermann H. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryInvasive fungal disease (IFD) causes increasing morbidity and mortality in haematological cancer patients. Reliable cost data for treating IFD in German hospitals is not available. Objective of the study was to determine the institutional cost of treating the IFD. Data were obtained by retrospective chart review in German hospitals. Patients had either newly diagnosed or relapsed acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Direct medical cost was calculated from hospital provider’s perspective. A total of 108 patients were enrolled at 5 tertiary care hospitals, 36 IFD patients and 72 controls. The vast majority of IFD patients (74%) were diagnosed with invasive aspergillosis. On average, the hospital stay for IFD patients was 12 days longer than in control patients. All patients in the IFD group and 89% of patients in the control group received antifungal drugs. Mean direct costs per patient were €51 517 in the IFD group and €30 454 in the control group. Incremental costs of €21 063 were dominated by cost for antifungal drugs (36%), hospital stay (32%) and blood products (23%). From the perspective of hospitals in Germany the economic burden of IFD in patients with AML or MDS is substantial. Therefore, prevention of IFD is necessary with respect to both clinical and economic reasons.
Direct infusion of fenoldopam into the renal arteries to protect against contrast‐induced nephropathy in patients at increased risk
Authors: Talati Sapan , Kirtane Ajay J , Hassanin Ahmed , Mehran Roxana , Leon Martin B , Moses Jeffrey W , Weisz Giora 
Published: April 2012

Summary

Fenoldopam is a dopamine‐like receptor agonist that selectively increases renal medullary blood flow. Despite promising pathophysiology, randomized controlled trials have failed to show a benefit with intravenous infusion of fenoldopam in preventing contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN).
The aims of the present study were to examine the efficacy of intrarenal (i.r.) fenoldopam in preventing CIN in high‐risk patients undergoing coronary angiograms and percutaneous revascularization.
The present study was a single centre, retrospective observational matched cohort study that included 52 patients at risk of developing CIN to whom i.r. fenoldopam was given during catheter‐based coronary procedures. For each patient treated, a control patient was identified on basis of an identical Mehran score. Observed rates of CIN and in‐hospital dialysis were compared between the i.r. fenoldopam and control groups.
Direct comparison of the 52 patients treated with i.r. fenoldopam and the 52 matched controls revealed that the two groups had similar baseline clinical characteristics and creatinine levels (2.4 ± 0.7 vs. 2.2 ± 0.6 mg/dL; P = 0.12). In the i.r. fenoldopam group, six patients (11.5%) developed CIN, compared with 16 patients in the control group (30.8%; risk ratio 0.38; 95% confidence interval 0.16–0.88; P = 0.012).
None of the patients in the fenoldopam group needed in‐hospital dialysis, compared with three patients in the control group.
A larger prospective randomized study is needed to prove the effectiveness of this protective approach.
Morphological and anatomical analyses of rheophytic Rhododendron ripense Makino (Ericaceae)
Authors: UEDA RYOSUKE , MINAMIYA YUKIO , HIRATA AYA , HAYAKAWA HIROSHI , MURAMATSU YUKO , SAITO MICHIHIRO , FUKUDA TATSUYA 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe comparative morphology and anatomy of the leaves of the rheophytic Rhododendron ripense and the closely related inland species Rhododendron macrosepalum were examined. The leaf of R. ripense is thinner than that of R. macrosepalum, with leaf length to width ratios (leaf index) of 2.92 and 1.91, respectively. Moreover, the leaf of R. ripense consists of fewer cells than the leaf of R. macrosepalum, suggesting stenophyllization of R. ripense caused by the decreased number of cells. In addition, leaf thickness and the number of stomata per leaf of R. ripense were significantly greater than those of R. macrosepalum, but the density of the short glandular pilose hairs on the leaf of R. ripense was lower. The observed morphological differences between the two species may be explained by certain aspects of the riparian environment, such as high irradiation and frequent flooding after heavy rainfall, to which R. ripense is exposed.
Floral traits and reproduction of Avicennia schaueriana Moldenke (Acanthaceae): a generalist pollination system in the Lamiales
Authors: NADIA TARCILA DE LIMA , DE MENEZES NANUZA LUIZA , MACHADO ISABEL CRISTINA 
Published: April 2012

AbstractPollination systems may vary in their degree of specialization from generalist to specialist and this is associated with the frequency and efficiency of pollinators. Self‐compatibility and a generalist pollination system appear to be adaptations that enhance the ability for colonizing new areas, which is typical of mangrove species. Avicennia schaueriana is a western mangrove species included in Acanthaceae, Lamiales, an order known to have specialized pollination. We aimed to describe the floral morphology and analyze the pollination and reproductive systems of A. schaueriana in a mangrove area on the northern coast of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, to analyze the possible adaptations of this species to the environment. Avicennia schaueriana is self‐compatible; however, pollination activity is essential because there is no spontaneous formation of fruit. Reproductive efficacy was high, indicating pollinator efficiency. Some floral attributes of A. schaueriana suggest specialization; however, the broad spectrum of pollinators observed suggests that it has a generalist pollination system. The way in which pollinators interact with flowers and the environmental conditions may have exerted a selective force on the floral attributes of A. schaueriana, characterizing an adaptive generalized pollination system, which is somewhat specialized.
AutismPro system in supporting treatment of children with autism in Poland
Authors: Waligórska Anna , Pisula Ewa , Waligórski Michał , Letachowicz Maciej 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackground:  The efficacy of early intervention programs for children with autism has been emphasized in many studies. However, access for people with autism to professional services in Poland is very limited and the burden of supporting a child's development often falls on parents, especially in families with low socioeconomic status and families living far away from big cities. Using Internet resources in planning and delivering individualized intervention may be useful. This study examined the effects of a home program of intervention based on the AutismPro system with elements of consultative therapy.Methods:  Ten families of children with a diagnosis of autism participated in the project; nine of them completed the 6‐month program of intervention. Parents were taught to use the AutismPro system and implement the intervention techniques in a home setting. Modification of the intervention program to suit individual children's needs and evaluations of children's progress were performed during consultation meetings with therapists. The pre‐ and post‐treatment measurement of child development was performed using the Psychoeducational Profile – Revised (PEP‐R).Results:  Children involved in the study progressed in total PEP‐R scores and on the PEP‐R subtest of fine motor, gross motor, non‐verbal and verbal cognitive skills and eye–hand integration. Parents expressed positive opinions on the program.Conclusions:  The results suggest that an intervention which combines the use of the Internet support tool and professional consultations may provide benefits to the children with autism. There are, however, methodological limitations of the study to be taken into account when interpreting the results.
Outcome of fetal echocardiography: A 17 year single‐institution experience in Japan
Authors: Matsumoto Ayumi , Aoyagi Yoshimichi , Mitomo Masaki , Endo Kisei , Mochizuki Izumi , Kaneko Mariko , Fukuda Yutaka , Momoi Nobuo , Hosoya Mitsuaki 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackground:  The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the influence of prenatal diagnosis on perinatal outcomes of congenital heart disease (CHD) over a 17 year period at a single center.Methods:  The perinatal outcome of CHD in 146 patients diagnosed on fetal echocardiography between 1994 and 2010 were reviewed. The characteristics of 193 neonatal inpatients with CHD treated at the authors’ department between 2001 and 2010 were also analyzed; among the inpatients, 61 were diagnosed before birth (prenatal group) and 132 were diagnosed after birth (postnatal group).Results:  Among the 146 patients prenatally diagnosed with CHD, the prenatal mortality, including abortion and stillbirth, decreased from 1994 to 2010. Among the 193 neonatal inpatients, the prenatal group had lower gestational age and bodyweight than the postnatal group. Further, the prenatal group had lower blood pH at admission, but no patient in that group experienced ductal shock, although six patients in the postnatal group did. The average dose of prostaglandin E1 used in duct‐dependent CHD was significantly lower in the prenatal group than in the postnatal group (3.4 vs. 4.6 ng/kg per min; P = 0.015).Conclusions:  Prenatal diagnosis of CHD enables planned labor, prevents ductal shock, and reduces prostaglandin E1 side‐effects and medical expenditure.
Application of a standardized anatomical classification in a Chinese partial nephrectomy series
Authors: Kong Wen , Zhang Jin , Dong Baijun , Chen Yonghui , Xue Wei , Liu Dongming , Huang Yiran 
Published: April 2012

Objective:  Preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical classification is a standardized system to assess the anatomical complexity of renal tumors and its impact on perioperative outcomes of partial nephrectomy. The objective is to apply the preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical classification in a series of Chinese patients undergoing open or laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.Methods:  A total of 195 consecutive renal tumors treated with open partial nephrectomy or laparoscopic partial nephrectomy between June 2008 and May 2011 were included in this analysis. All the preoperative images and clinical records were retrospectively evaluated. Complication rate, warm ischemia time, operation time and degree of blood loss were compared among different risk groups (low risk: preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical score 6–7; intermediate risk: preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical score 8–9; high risk: preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical score ≥10). The original preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical score system was modified by replacing rim location with hilar vasculature involvement and tested for prediction of overall complications.Results:  The median preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical score was 8. Overall complication rate was 17.9%. Preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical score was an independent predictor for perioperative complications. Intermediate and high‐risk patients had a four‐ and 37‐fold higher risk of complications respectively (P = 0.012, P < 0.001). Higher preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical score predicted longer operation time (P = 0.007), warm ischemia time (P < 0.001) and higher degree of blood loss (P = 0.003) in open partial nephrectomy patients. In laparoscopic partial nephrectomy patients, preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical score was also a predictor for warm ischemia time (P = 0.033); however, it was not significant for operation time and degree of blood loss (P = 0.325, P = 0.302). The modified preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical score was an independent predictor for overall complications (P < 0.001); however, its superiority could not be verified (P = 0.847).Conclusions:  The preoperative aspects and dimensions used for an anatomical classification predicts the risk of overall complications in Chinese patients undergoing nephron‐sparing surgery. Replacing the rim location with hilar vasculature involvement might be a promising modification of this scoring system.
Clinical and imaging overview of functional adrenal neoplasms
Authors: Low Gavin , Sahi Kamal 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAdrenal adenoma, adrenocortical carcinoma, pheochromocytoma and neuroblastoma are four discrete adrenal neoplasms that have the potential for functional activity. Functional adrenal neoplasms can secrete cortisol, aldosterone, sex hormones or catecholamines. These heterogeneous groups of tumors show varied biological behavior and clinical outcomes. These neoplasms are encountered with increasing clinical frequency as a result of an expansion in the volume of medical imaging carried out. The clinical presentation, including prognosis and treatment options, and the imaging features of these neoplasms are discussed. The key radiological observations of each of these neoplasms are shown using multimodality images. Familiarity with the clinical and imaging features of these neoplasms improves diagnosis, and facilitates appropriate clinical decision‐making and patient management.
Prediction of functional disability by depressive state among community‐dwelling elderly in Japan: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Yamazaki Sachiko , Nakano Kyoko , Saito Emiko , Yasumura Seiji 
Published: April 2012

Aim:  We carried out a prospective cohort study to evaluate the risk factors of functional disability by depressive state.Methods:  A total of 783 men and women, aged 70 years and over, participated in this study. We followed the participants in terms of the onset of functional disability by using a public long‐term care insurance database. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was used to measure depressive state. Age, sex, history of chronic disease, living alone, fall experience, cognitive impairment, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), the Motor Fitness Scale (MFS), frequency of going out and social support at baseline were used as the main covariates. The Cox regression analysis was used to examine the difference in functional disability stratified according to depressive state.Results:  The incidence of functional disability was 38 persons in the non‐depression group and 42 persons in the depression group (RR 2.34; 95% CI 1.46–3.79). The results of the depression group showed a significant difference in cognitive impairment (HR 3.51; 95% CI 1.39–8.85), MFS (HR 5.60; 95% CI 1.32–23.81) and IADL (HR 3.37; 95% CI 1.65–6.85). The results of the non‐depression group showed a significant difference in MFS (HR 2.97; 95% CI 1.47–6.96), and frequency of going out (HR 3.21; 95% CI 1.47–6.96).Conclusions:  In conclusion, risk factors for functional disability were found to differ on the basis of whether or not community‐dwelling elderly individuals experience depressive state. The type of support offered must be based on whether or not depressive state is present. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; ••: ••–••.