bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Divergent Effects of Nitrogen Addition on Soil Respiration in a Semiarid Grassland
Authors: Zhu Cheng , Ma Yiping , Wu Honghui , Sun Tao , La Pierre Kimberly J. , Sun Zewei , Yu Qiang 
Published: September 2016

AbstractNitrogen (N) deposition has been steadily increasing for decades, with consequences for soil respiration. However, we have a limited understanding of how soil respiration responds to N availability. Here, we investigated the soil respiration responses to low and high levels of N addition (0.4 mol N m−2 yr−1 vs 1.6 mol N m−2 yr−1) over a two-year period in a semiarid Leymus chinensis grassland in Inner Mongolia, China. Our results show that low-level N addition increased soil respiration, plant belowground biomass and soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC), while high-level N additions decreased them. Soil respiration was positively correlated with plant belowground biomass, MBC, soil temperature and soil moisture. Together plant belowground biomass and MBC explained 99.4% of variation in mean soil respiration, with plant belowground biomass explaining 63.4% of the variation and soil MBC explaining the remaining 36%. Finally, the temperature sensitivity of soil respiration was not influenced by N additions. Overall, our results suggest that low levels of N deposition may stimulate soil respiration, but large increases in N availability may decrease soil respiration, and that these responses are driven by the dissimilar responses of both plant belowground biomass and soil MBC.
The fungicide triadimefon affects beer flavor and composition by influencing Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolism
Authors: Kong Zhiqiang , Li Minmin , An Jingjing , Chen Jieying , Bao Yuming , Francis Frédéric , Dai Xiaofeng 
Published: September 2016

AbstractDespite the fact that beer is produced on a large scale, the effects of pesticide residues on beer have been rarely investigated. In this study, we used micro-brewing settings to determine the effect of triadimefon on the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and beer flavor. The yeast growth in medium was significantly inhibited (45%) at concentrations higher than 5 mg L−1, reaching 80% and 100% inhibition at 10 mg L−1 and 50 mg L−1, respectively. There were significant differences in sensory quality between beer samples fermented with and without triadimefon based on data obtained with an electronic tongue and nose. Such an effect was most likely underlain by changes in yeast fermentation activity, including decreased utilization of maltotriose and most amino acids, reduced production of isobutyl and isoamyl alcohols, and increased ethyl acetate content in the fungicide treated samples. Furthermore, yeast metabolic profiling by phenotype microarray and UPLC/TOF-MS showed that triadimefon caused significant changes in the metabolism of glutathione, phenylalanine and sphingolipids, and in sterol biosynthesis. Thus, triadimefon negatively affects beer sensory qualities by influencing the metabolic activity of S. cerevisiae during fermentation, emphasizing the necessity of stricter control over fungicide residues in brewing by the food industry.
Transient exposure to calcium ionophore enables in vitro fertilization in sterile mouse models
Authors: Navarrete Felipe A. , Alvau Antonio , Lee Hoi Chang , Levin Lonny R. , Buck Jochen , Leon Patricia Martin-De , Santi Celia M. , Krapf Dario , Mager Jesse , Fissore Rafael A. , Salicioni Ana M. , Darszon Alberto , Visconti Pablo E. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractMammalian sperm acquire fertilizing capacity in the female tract in a process called capacitation. At the molecular level, capacitation requires protein kinase A activation, changes in membrane potential and an increase in intracellular calcium. Inhibition of these pathways results in loss of fertilizing ability in vivo and in vitro. We demonstrated that transient incubation of mouse sperm with Ca2+ ionophore accelerated capacitation and rescued fertilizing capacity in sperm with inactivated PKA function. We now show that a pulse of Ca2+ ionophore induces fertilizing capacity in sperm from infertile CatSper1 (Ca2+ channel), Adcy10 (soluble adenylyl cyclase) and Slo3 (K+ channel) KO mice. In contrast, sperm from infertile mice lacking the Ca2+ efflux pump PMACA4 were not rescued. These results indicate that a transient increase in intracellular Ca2+ can overcome genetic infertility in mice and suggest this approach may prove adaptable to rescue sperm function in certain cases of human male infertility.
APMP key comparison for the measurement of air kerma for 60Co (APMP.RI(I)-K1.1)
Authors: Webb D V , Lee J -H , Budiantari C T , Laban J , Saito N , Srimanoroth S , Khaled N E 
Published: September 2016

The results are reported for an APMP.R(I)-K1.1 comparison that extends the regional comparison of standards for air kerma APMP.R(I)-K1 to several laboratories unable to participate earlier. The comparison was conducted with the goal of supporting the relevant calibration and measurement capabilities (CMCs) planned for publication by the participant laboratories.
The comparison was conducted by the pilot laboratory, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (ARPANSA), Australia, supported by the Institute of Nuclear Energy Research (INER), Taiwan, in a modified ring-shaped arrangement from September 2009 to November 2010, in parallel with an APMP.R(I)-K4 comparison being piloted by the INER. The laboratories that took part in the comparison were the ARPANSA, the Centre of Technology of Radiation Safety and Metrology (PTKMR-BATAN), Indonesia, the Division of Radiation and Medical Devices (DMSC), Thailand, the INER, the National Centre for Radiation Science (NCRS), New Zealand, the National Institute for Standards (NIS), Egypt and the National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ/AIST), Japan. The two primary laboratories, ARPANSA and NMIJ, were chosen as the linking laboratories.
Three ionization chambers were used as transfer instruments to be calibrated in terms of air kerma in 60Co radiotherapy beams. The comparison result is based on the ratio between the air kerma calibration coefficients (NK
) determined by the participants and the mean of the results of the linking laboratories.
The mean comparison ratio was found to be within 0.5 % of the key comparison reference value KCRV. The largest deviation between any two comparison ratios for the three chambers in terms of air kerma was 2.0 %. An analysis of the participant uncertainty budgets enabled the calculation of degrees of equivalence (DoE) in terms of the deviations of the results and their associated uncertainties. As a result of this APMP comparison, the BIPM key comparison database (KCDB) should include three new entries since neither the PTKMR-BATAN nor the NCRS have yet been declared designated institutes and consequently their results cannot be entered.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.
The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Spinal Epidural Abscess in Adults: A 10-Year Clinical Experience at a Tertiary Care Academic Medical Center
Authors: Artenstein Andrew W. , Friderici Jennifer , Holers Adam , Lewis Deirdre , Fitzgerald Jan , Visintainer Paul 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Background.  Delayed recognition of spinal epidural abscess (SEA) contributes to poor outcomes from this highly morbid and potentially lethal infection. We performed a case-control study in a regional, high-volume, tertiary care, academic medical center over the years 2005–2015 to assess the potential changing epidemiology, clinical and laboratory manifestations, and course of this disorder and to identify factors that might lead to early identification of SEA.
Methods.  Diagnostic billing codes consistent with SEA were used to identify inpatient admissions for abstraction. Subjects were categorized as cases or controls based on the results of spinal imaging studies. Characteristics were compared using Fisher's exact or Kruskal-Wallis tests. All P values were 2-sided with a critical threshold of &lt;.05.
Results.  We identified 162 cases and 88 controls during the study period. The incidence of SEA increased from 2.5 to 8.0 per 10 000 admissions, a 3.3-fold change from 2005 to 2015 (P &lt; .001 for the linear trend). Compared with controls, cases were significantly more likely to have experienced at least 1 previous healthcare visit or received antimicrobials within 30 days of admission; to have comorbidities of injection drug use, alcohol abuse, or obesity; and to manifest fever or rigors. Cases were also more likely to harbor coinfection at a noncontiguous site. When available, inflammatory markers were noted to be markedly elevated in cases. Focal neurologic deficits were seen with similar frequencies in both groups.
Conclusions.  Based on our analysis, it appears that selected factors noted at the time of clinical presentation may facilitate early recognition of SEA.
A Comparison of Usage and Outcomes Between Nurse Practitioner and Resident-Staffed Medical ICUs
Authors: Scherzer Rachel , Dennis Marie P. , Swan Beth Ann , Kavuru Mani S. , Oxman David A. 
Published: September 2016

Objective:
To compare usage patterns and outcomes of a nurse practitioner–staffed medical ICU and a resident-staffed physician medical ICU.

Design:
Retrospective chart review of 1,157 medical ICU admissions from March 2012 to February 2013.

Setting:
Large urban academic university hospital.

Subjects:
One thousand one hundred fifty-seven consecutive medical ICU admissions including 221 nurse practitioner-staffed medical ICU admissions (19.1%) and 936 resident-staffed medical ICU admissions (80.9%).

Interventions:
None.

Measurements and Main Results:
Data obtained included age, gender, race, medical ICU admitting diagnosis, location at time of ICU transfer, code status at ICU admission, and severity of illness using both Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores and a model for relative expected mortality. Primary outcomes compared included ICU mortality, in-hospital mortality, medical ICU length of stay, and post-ICU discharge hospital length of stay. Patients admitted to the nurse practitioner–staffed medical ICU were older (63 ± 16.5 vs 59.2 ± 16.9 yr for resident-staffed medical ICU; p = 0.019), more likely to be transferred from an inpatient unit (52.0% vs 40.0% for the resident-staffed medical ICU; p = 0.002), and had a higher severity of illness by relative expected mortality (21.3 % vs 17.2 % for the resident-staffed medical ICU; p = 0.001). There were no differences among primary outcomes except for medical ICU length of stay (nurse practitioner-resident-staffed 7.9 ± 7.5 d vs resident-staffed medical ICU 5.6 ± 6.5 d; p = 0.0001). Post-hospital discharge to nonhome location was also significantly higher in the nurse practitioner–ICU (31.7% in nurse practitioner–staffed medical ICU vs 23.9% in resident-staffed medical ICU; p = 0.24).

Conclusions:
We found no difference in mortality between an nurse practitioner–staffed medical ICU and a resident-staffed physician medical ICU. Our study adds further evidence that advanced practice providers can render safe and effective ICU care.
Pediatric Patients With Solid or Hematological Tumor Disease: Vancomycin Population Pharmacokinetics and Dosage Optimization
Authors: Guilhaumou Romain , Marsot Amélie , Dupouey Julien , Galambrun Claire , Boulamery Audrey , Coze Carole , Simon Nicolas , André Nicolas 
Published: September 2016

Background:
In pediatric cancer patients, determination of optimal vancomycin dosage is essential because of high risk of inadequate concentrations and bacterial resistance. The aim of this study was to determine vancomycin pharmacokinetic parameters in this population and propose dosage optimization to achieve optimal concentration.

Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed the use of vancomycin in pediatric cancer patients with febrile neutropenia (hematological or solid tumor disease). Vancomycin was administered by continuous infusion, and dosages were adapted according to therapeutic drug monitoring results. Blood cultures were performed before the first dose of antibiotic. Vancomycin pharmacokinetic population parameters were determined using NONMEM software, and dosage simulations were performed according to the target concentration (20–25 mg/L).

Results:
One hundred twenty-one patients were included in this study, representing 301 vancomycin concentrations. Blood cultures were positive in 37.5% of patients, and observed pathogens were mainly Staphylococcus spp. (43.8% methicillin resistant). Volume of distribution (95% confidence interval) was 34.7 L (17.3–48.0), and total apparent clearance (CL) (95% confidence interval) was correlated to body weight, tumor disease, and cyclosporine coadministration: CL = θCL × (WT/70)0.75 L/h with θCL = 3.49 (3.02–3.96), 4.66 (3.98–5.31), and 4.97 (4.42–5.41) in patients managed for hematological malignancies with or without cyclosporine coadministration and for solid malignancies, respectively. Based on simulation results, vancomycin dosage (milligram per kilogram) should be adapted to each child on the basis of its body weight and cyclosporine coadministration.

Conclusions:
Our results highlight the requirement to adapt vancomycin dosage in cancer pediatric population. Simulations have allowed to describe new dosage schedules, and a chart was created for clinicians to adapt vancomycin dosage.
Cetuximab Pharmacokinetics Influences Overall Survival in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Pointreau Yoann , Azzopardi Nicolas , Ternant David , Calais Gilles , Paintaud Gilles 
Published: September 2016

Background:
A retrospective study was conducted to analyze interindividual variability of cetuximab pharmacokinetics and its influence on survival (progression-free survival and overall survival [OS]) in a cohort of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods:
Thirty-four patients received cetuximab as an infusion loading dose of 400 mg/m2 followed by weekly infusions of 250 mg/m2. Twenty-one patients had locally advanced HNSCC, and 13 had metastatic/recurrent HNSCC. Cetuximab concentrations were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and its pharmacokinetics was analyzed by a population approach. Survivals were analyzed with the log-rank test.

Results:
Cetuximab pharmacokinetics was best described using a 2-compartment model with both first-order and saturable (zero-order) eliminations. Estimated pharmacokinetic parameters (%CV) were central volume of distribution V1 = 3.18 L (6%), peripheral volume of distribution V2 = 5.4 L (42%), elimination clearance CL = 0.57 L/d (31%), distribution clearance Q = 0.64 L/d, and zero-order elimination rate k0 = 6.72 mg/d (29%). Both V1 and V2 increased with the body surface area. Adjunction of chemotherapy reduced CL and increased k0. OS was inversely related with cetuximab global clearance (P = 0.007) and was higher in patients with severe radiation dermatitis (P = 0.005).

Conclusions:
Cetuximab pharmacokinetics in patients with HNSCC can be described using a 2-compartment model combining linear and nonlinear mechanisms of elimination. OS is associated with both cetuximab global clearance and severe radiation dermatitis.
RETINAL MANIFESTATIONS OF SPINOCEREBELLAR ATAXIA TYPE 7 IN TWO CONSECUTIVE GENERATIONS
Authors: Yip Gary , Henao Martha , Huang Lynn L. 
Published: September 2016

Purpose:
To report a diagnosis of spinocerebellar ataxia Type 7 (SCA-7) first diagnosed in the daughter followed by the father, with proven genetic testing and display of progressive anticipation of disease penetrance.

Methods:
A 5-year-old African American female admitted for failure to thrive underwent full ocular examination and fundus photography, with genetic confirmation of SCA-7. The father carried a previous diagnosis of possible solar retinopathy; however, with further genetic testing, he was also found to have SCA-7.

Results:
The patient was admitted for failure to thrive with suspicion of ataxia neurodegenerative disorder. Visual acuity was hand motion. Fundus examination showed retinal pigment epithelium pigmentary changes in the macula and peripheral retina. Further genetic workup revealed 96 CAG repeat expansion compared with a normal of <20 repeats. Ocular examination of patient's father displayed a milder form of retinopathy with genetic testing showing 47 CAG repeat expansion. Diagnosis of SCA-7 was made displaying genetic anticipation.

Conclusion:
Spinocerebellar ataxia Type 7 is a disease of expanded CAG repeats showing genetic anticipation. Patients display progressive cerebellar ataxia, dysarthria dysphagia, slow saccadic eye movements, and cone photoreceptor loss leading to progressive vision loss. CAG repeat length tends to expand with transmission resulting in dramatic symptoms in offspring sometimes resulting in diagnosis before parents' diagnosis. Awareness of this condition may help in earlier diagnosis and unnecessary testing resulting in more effective counseling for the patient and their family.
Robotic Resection of 3 Cm and Larger Thymomas is Associated with Low Perioperative Morbidity and Mortality
Authors: Wilshire Candice L. , Vallières Eric , Shultz Dale , Aye Ralph W. , Farivar Alexander S. , Louie Brian E. 
Published: September 2016

Objective The approach to thymoma resection has usually been determined by tumor size, although established guidelines do not exist. Minimally invasive approaches have been limited to tumors smaller than 5 cm, although 3 cm has been the suggested cutoff for performing an adequate oncologic procedure. No study has compared the perioperative outcomes of patients with 3 cm or larger tumors resected robotically versus sternotomy. Methods We reviewed patients who underwent resection of 3 cm or larger thymomas from 2004 to 2014. Patients were divided based on approach: robotic and open thymectomy/thymomectomy. Results Forty patients with tumors ranging from 3 to 13 cm were evaluated, 23 robotic and 17 open. Patient and tumor characteristics were similar. An R0 resection was primarily achieved: robotic, 91% (21/23); and open, 88% (15/17); P = 0.832. Adjuvant radiation rates were statistically equivalent: robotic, 17% (4/23) versus open, 41% (7/17); P = 0.191. Major postoperative complications were comparable: robotic, 4% (1/23) versus open, 29% (4/17); P = 0.184. Median chest tube duration was shorter for robotic (1 day) versus open (3 days); P = 0.001. The robotic approach had a shorter median intensive care unit stay compared to open (0 days vs 1day); P = 0.024. The median hospital stay was shorter for robotic (2 days) versus open (5 days); P < 0.001. Conclusions In 3 cm or larger thymomas, robotic thymectomy is feasible based on the ability to achieve a complete resection with similar adjuvant radiation therapy rates. Perioperatively, robotic thymectomy is associated with lower morbidity; and shorter chest tube duration, intensive care unit stay, and hospital stay compared to open. However, on-cologic outcomes are immature and require prolonged surveillance.
Behavioral Toxicity Revisited
Authors: Fava Giovanni A. , Cosci Fiammetta , Offidani Emanuela , Guidi Jenny 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
In 1968, DiMascio and Shader provided a conceptual framework for behavioral toxicity of psychotropic drugs (ie, the pharmacological actions of a drug that, within the dose range in which it has been found to possess clinical utility, may produce alterations in mood, perceptual, cognitive, and psychomotor functions that limit the capacity of the individual or constitute a hazard to one's well-being). A drug effect such as sedation or motor stimulation may be considered adverse for one patient and yet therapeutic and desired for another patient; within the same patient, it may be of value at one stage of one's illness and adverse at a later stage. The concept of behavioral toxicity encompasses adverse events that may be limited to the period of drug administration and/or persist long after their discontinuation. These latter phenomena can be subsumed under the rubric of iatrogenic comorbidity. Behavioral toxicity may ensue with any type of medical drug. Examples related to antidepressant drug use (onset of suicidality and aggression, switching from unipolar to bipolar course, withdrawal phenomena upon discontinuation, postwithdrawal persistent disorders) are discussed. Consideration of potential vulnerability to adverse events including behavioral toxicity should be placed in the context of the benefits that treatment may entail.
Intracranial Pressure Monitoring in Infants and Young Children With Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Dixon Rebecca R. , Nocera Maryalice , Zolotor Adam J. , Keenan Heather T. 
Published: September 2016

Objective:
To examine the use of intracranial pressure monitors and treatment for elevated intracranial pressure in children 24 months old or younger with traumatic brain injury in North Carolina between April 2009 and March 2012 and compare this with a similar cohort recruited 2000–2001.

Design:
Prospective, observational cohort study.

Setting:
Twelve PICUs in North Carolina.

Patients:
All children 24 months old or younger with traumatic brain injury, admitted to an included PICU.

Interventions:
None.

Measurement and Main Results:
The use of intracranial pressure monitors and treatments for elevated intracranial pressure were evaluated in 238 children with traumatic brain injury. Intracranial pressure monitoring (risk ratio, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.5–9.3) and intracranial pressure therapies were more common in children with Glasgow Coma Scale less than or equal to 8 compared with Glasgow Coma Scale greater than 8. However, only 17% of children with Glasgow Coma Scale less than or equal to 8 received a monitoring device. Treatments for elevated intracranial pressure were more common in children with monitors; yet, some children without monitors received therapies traditionally used to lower intracranial pressure. Unadjusted predictors of monitoring were Glasgow Coma Scale less than or equal to 8, receipt of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, nonwhite race. Logistic regression showed no strong predictors of intracranial pressure monitor use. Compared with the 2000 cohort, children in the 2010 cohort with Glasgow Coma Scale less than or equal to 8 were less likely to receive monitoring (risk ratio, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3–1.0), although the estimate was not precise, or intracranial pressure management therapies.

Conclusion:
Children in the 2010 cohort with a Glasgow Coma Scale less than or equal to 8 were less likely to receive an intracranial pressure monitor or hyperosmolar therapy than children in the 2000 cohort; however, about 10% of children without monitors received therapies to decrease intracranial pressure. This suggests treatment heterogeneity in children 24 months old or younger with traumatic brain injury and a need for better evidence to support treatment recommendations for this group of children.