bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional gene diversity of oolitic sands from Great Bahama Bank
Authors: Diaz M. R. , Van Norstrand J. D. , Eberli G. P. , Piggot A. M. , Zhou J. , Klaus J. S. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractDespite the importance of oolitic depositional systems as indicators of climate and reservoirs of inorganic C, little is known about the microbial functional diversity, structure, composition, and potential metabolic processes leading to precipitation of carbonates. To fill this gap, we assess the metabolic gene carriage and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) development in microbial communities associated with oolitic carbonate sediments from the Bahamas Archipelago. Oolitic sediments ranging from high‐energy ‘active’ to lower energy ‘non‐active’ and ‘microbially stabilized’ environments were examined as they represent contrasting depositional settings, mostly influenced by tidal flows and wave‐generated currents. Functional gene analysis, which employed a microarray‐based gene technology, detected a total of 12 432 of 95 847 distinct gene probes, including a large number of metabolic processes previously linked to mineral precipitation. Among these, gene‐encoding enzymes for denitrification, sulfate reduction, ammonification, and oxygenic/anoxygenic photosynthesis were abundant. In addition, a broad diversity of genes was related to organic carbon degradation, and N2 fixation implying these communities has metabolic plasticity that enables survival under oligotrophic conditions. Differences in functional genes were detected among the environments, with higher diversity associated with non‐active and microbially stabilized environments in comparison with the active environment. EPS showed a gradient increase from active to microbially stabilized communities, and when combined with functional gene analysis, which revealed genes encoding EPS‐degrading enzymes (chitinases, glucoamylase, amylases), supports a putative role of EPS‐mediated microbial calcium carbonate precipitation. We propose that carbonate precipitation in marine oolitic biofilms is spatially and temporally controlled by a complex consortium of microbes with diverse physiologies, including photosynthesizers, heterotrophs, denitrifiers, sulfate reducers, and ammonifiers.
A salt on the bioenergy and biological invasions debate: salinity tolerance of the invasive biomass feedstock Arundo donax
Authors: Nackley Lloyd L. , Kim Soo‐Hyung 
Published: March 2014

AbstractArundo donax L., commonly known as giant reed, is promising biomass feedstock that is also a notorious invasive plant in freshwater ecosystems around the world. Heretofore, the salt tolerance of A. donax had not been quantified even though anecdotal evidence suggests halophytic qualities. To test whole‐plant and leaf level responses, we established a pot experiment on 80 scions propagated from an A. donax population that has naturalized on the shore of the San Francisco Bay Estuary. To quantify growth and physiological responses to salinity (NaCl), A. donax scions were divided into eight treatments and grown for 60 days across a range of salinities (0–42 dS m−1). Classic growth analysis showed >80% reduction in overall growth at the highest salinities. Yet, there was zero mortality indicating that A. donax is able to tolerate high levels of salt. Declining photosynthesis rates were strongly correlated (R2 > 0.97) with decreasing stomatal conductance, which was in turn closely related to increasing salinity. Leaf gas exchange revealed that stomata and leaf limitations of carbon dioxide were three times greater at high salinities. Nonetheless, even when salinities were 38–42 dS m−1 A. donax was able to maintain assimilation rates 7–12 μmol m−2 s−1. Further, by maintaining 50% relative growth at salinities ~12 dS m−1 A. donax can now be classified as ‘moderately salt tolerant’. A. donax leaf gas exchange and whole‐plant salt tolerance are greater than many important food crops (i.e. maize, rice), the bioenergy feedstock Miscanthus × giganteus, as well as some uncultivated plant species (i.e. Populus and Salix) that are indigenous in regions A. donax currently invades. The results of this study have implications for both agronomists wishing to expand A. donax to fields dominated by saline soils, and for others who are concerned about the spread of A. donax with altered stream hydrology or sea‐level rise.
Annual net greenhouse gas balance in a halophyte (Helianthus tuberosus) bioenergy cropping system under various soil practices in Southeast China
Authors: Liu Shuwei , Zhao Chun , Zhang Yaojun , Hu Zhiqiang , Wang Cong , Zong Yajie , Zhang Ling , Zou Jianwen 
Published: March 2014

AbstractA full accounting of net greenhouse gas balance (NGHGB) and greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) was examined in an annual coastal reclaimed saline Jerusalem artichoke‐fallow cropping system under various soil practices including soil tillage, soil ameliorant, and crop residue amendments. Seasonal fluxes of soil carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) were measured using static chamber method, and the net ecosystem exchange of CO2 (NEE) was determined by the difference between soil heterotrophic respiration (RH) and net primary production (NPP). Relative to no‐tillage, rotary tillage significantly decreased the NPP of Jerusalem artichoke while it had no significant effects on the annual RH. Rotary tillage increased CH4 emissions, while seasonal or annual soil N2O emissions did not statistically differ between the two tillage treatments. Compared with the control plots, soil ameliorant or straw amendment enhanced RH, soil CH4, and N2O emissions under the both tillage regimes. Annual NGHGB was negative for all the field treatments, as a consequence of net ecosystem CO2 sequestration exceeding the CO2‐equivalents released as CH4 and N2O emissions, which indicates that Jerusalem artichoke‐fallow cropping system served as a net sink of GHGs. The annual net NGHGB and GHGI were estimated to be 11–21% and 4–8% lower in the NT than in RT cropping systems, respectively. Soil ameliorant and straw amendments greatly increased NPP and thus significantly decreased the negative annual net NGHGB. Overall, higher NPP but lower climatic impacts of coastal saline bioenergy production would be simultaneously achieved by Jerusalem artichoke cultivation under no‐tillage with improved saline soil conditions in southeast China.
Validation of the Spanish version of the oral health impact profile to assess an association between quality of life and oral health of elderly Chileans
Authors: León Soraya , Bravo‐Cavicchioli Daniel , Giacaman Rodrigo A. , Correa‐Beltrán Gloria , Albala Cecilia 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveTo validate the Spanish version of the OHIP‐49 among elderly population.BackgroundOral health, as a predictor of quality of life, can be evaluated using validated instruments. One of the most commonly used instruments worldwide is the Oral Health Impact Profile‐49 (OHIP‐49). This instrument has not yet been validated in Chilean older adults.Materials and methodsInterviews and clinical exams were performed in a convenience sample of eighty‐five elderly participants aged 60 or more years (mean 69.02 ± 7.82 years). Socio‐demographic and clinical variables were analysed: number of teeth, caries, periodontal and prosthetic treatment needs and prosthetic functionality.ResultsHigh internal consistency values were obtained for both the OHIP‐49 Sp instrument (0.990) and all of its dimensions (0.875–0.995). The average score of the OHIP‐49 Sp was 62.54 ± 43.73. Significantly higher OHIP‐49 Sp scores were observed in participants with caries (p = 0.01), in those needing complex periodontal treatment (p = 0.0001) and those in need of dental prostheses (p ≤ 0.0001).ConclusionThe OHIP‐49 Sp proved to be a valid tool to assess oral health‐related quality of life, when tested in Chilean older adults.
Feasibility of Shortening 14‐day Hybrid Therapy While Maintaining an Excellent Helicobacter pylori Eradication Rate
Authors: Wu Jeng‐Yih , Hsu Ping‐I , Wu Deng‐Chyang , Graham David Y. , Wang Wen‐Ming 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe need for new effective Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy has focused efforts on the development and optimization of regimens with excellent eradication rates such as 14‐day hybrid therapy. This study evaluated whether the duration of hybrid therapy could be reduced while maintaining a high eradication rate and to examine the effect of antibiotic resistance on outcome.Materials and MethodsThree separate multicenter pilot studies were carried out concurrently. To reduce selection bias, eligible subjects were randomized to 10‐day, 12‐day, or 14‐day hybrid therapy consisting of esomeprazole 40 mg and amoxicillin 1 gm twice daily for 10, 12, or 14 days plus clarithromycin 500 mg, and metronidazole 500 mg twice daily for the final 7 days. The primary outcome was H. pylori eradication per‐protocol assessed at least 8 weeks after therapy.ResultsA total of 220 subjects were entered. The per‐protocol analyses contained 60, 61, 61 subjects in the 10‐, 12‐ and 14‐day therapy studies, respectively. The eradication rates, per‐protocol, were similar: 95% (95% confidence interval (CI); 89.5–100%) for 10‐day, 95.1% (95% CI; 89.7–100%) for 12‐day, and 93.4% (95% CI; 87.2–99.7%) for 14‐day hybrid therapies. Antibiotic resistance was infrequent; however, all metronidazole or clarithromycin resistances were cured with 12‐ and 14‐day therapies.ConclusionThese results suggest that in regions of moderate to low clarithromycin and/or metronidazole resistance it may be feasible to shorten hybrid therapy to 10 or 12 days. Further study is needed to compare hybrid and concomitant therapy in regions with moderate‐to‐high clarithromycin and/or metronidazole resistance.
Helicobacter pylori Recurrence after First‐ and Second‐Line Eradication Therapy in Korea: The Problem of Recrudescence or Reinfection
Authors: Kim Seung Young , Hyun Jong Jin , Jung Sung Woo , Koo Ja Seol , Yim Hyung Joon , Lee Sang Woo 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundRecurrence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is the result of either recrudescence or reinfection. Annual recurrence rates per patient‐year of follow‐up have been reported to vary across countries. The aim of this study was to analyze recurrence rates of H. pylori after first‐line and second‐line eradication therapies in Korea.Materials and MethodsFrom 2007 to 2010, 2691 patients with H. pylori infection received first‐line therapy and 573 patients who failed to respond to first‐line therapy received second‐line therapy. H. pylori infection and the success of eradication were assessed by endoscopic biopsy and rapid urease test or 13C‐urea breath test. All patients were advised to undergo 13C‐urea breath test or esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy or rapid urease test 6 months after eradication, with annual follow‐up thereafter.ResultsThe eradication rate of the first‐line therapy was 79.9% (1283/1605) and that of the second‐line therapy was 90.4% (394/436) by per protocol analysis. Annual recurrence rates sharply declined after 2‐year follow‐up. Annual recurrence rates within and after 2‐year follow‐up were 9.3 and 2.0% after first‐line therapy and those of second‐line therapy were 4.5 and 2.9%, respectively.ConclusionsAnnual recurrence rates of H. pylori showed a sharp decline after 2‐year follow‐up after eradication in Korean adults, which is not higher than that of Western countries. Enough time interval after treatment (i.e., 2 years) is necessary to confirm eradication, and it would not be easy to distinguish between recurrence and recrudescence before 2 years without identifying H. pylori strains.
Students' Perception of Case‐Based Continuous Assessment and Multiple‐Choice Assessment in a Small Animal Surgery Course for Veterinary Medical Students
Authors: Sample Susannah J. , Bleedorn Jason A. , Schaefer Susan L. , Mikla Amy , Olsen Christopher W. , Muir Peter 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveTo determine the relationship between students' perceptions of 2 assessment methods and academic performance.Study DesignA 2‐year prospective survey study in a 4‐year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) curriculum.Sample PopulationYear 3 DVM students (n = 44).MethodsAn assessment of learning gain questionnaire was used to investigate students' perceptions regarding multiple‐choice examination (MCE) versus take‐home case‐based continuous assessment (CA) in a 3rd year small animal surgery lecture course. Academic performance and student assessment of learning gain in the 2 course components were compared. Relationships between student perceptions and academic performance were examined. A follow‐up survey was conducted during clinical rotations in 4th year to determine change in student perceptions over time.ResultsAcademic performance in 3rd year was significantly enhanced by use of CA, particularly for students with weaker grades. Academic performance in 4th year clinical rotations was not closely related to 3rd year performance. Many students preferred an instructional approach with provision of comprehensive notes and assessment with multiple‐choice questions based on the notes. However, students recognized that feedback on work submitted for CA grading significantly facilitated learning. Student assessment of learning gain was correlated with academic performance in the 3rd year course component examined by CA, but not the component assessed using MCE.ConclusionOur data suggest that perceptions of learning gain, academic accomplishment, and clinical performance in 4th year are weakly correlated. Teachers should better explain to veterinary students that learning to be a clinician is more than replication of knowledge.
Investigation of Incidence and Risk Factors for Surgical Glove Perforation in Small Animal Surgery
Authors: Hayes Galina M. , Reynolds Deborah , Moens Noel M.M. , Singh Ameet , Oblak Michelle , Gibson Thomas W.G. , Brisson Brigitte A. , Nazarali Alim , Dewey Cate 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveTo identify incidence and risk factors for surgical glove perforation in small animal surgery.Study DesignObservational cohort study.Sample PopulationSurgical gloves (n = 2132) worn in 363 surgical procedures.MethodsAll gloves worn by operative personnel were assessed for perforation at end‐procedure using a water leak test. Putative risk factors were recorded by a surgical team member. Associations between risk factors and perforation were assessed using multivariable multi‐level random‐effects logistic regression models to control for hierarchical data structure.ResultsAt least 1 glove perforation occurred in 26.2% of procedures. Identified risk factors for glove perforation included increased surgical duration (surgery >1 hour OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.12–2.86), performing orthopedic procedures (OR = 1.88; 95% CI = 1.23–2.88), any procedure using powered instruments (OR = 1.93; 95% CI = 1.21–3.09) or surgical wire (OR = 3.02; 95% CI = 1.50–6.05), use of polyisoprene as a glove material (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.05–2.39), and operative role as primary surgeon (OR = 2.01; 95% CI = 1.35–2.98). The ability of the wearer to detect perforations intraoperatively was poor, with a sensitivity of 30.8%.ConclusionsThere is a high incidence of unrecognized glove perforations in small animal surgery.
Evaluation of Steam Penetration and Sterilization of Natural Latex Wraps
Authors: Rossanese Matteo , Gasson James , Barker Colin , Bowlt Kelly 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of steam and ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization of Vetrap™ bandages.Study DesignProspective experimental study.Sample PopulationVetrap™ bandages (n = 70; 35 as supplied by the manufacturer, 35 unwound and tightly rewound).MethodsVetrap™ bandage rolls (n = 60) marked with a 1 cm square were inoculated with 0.1 mLGeobacillus stearothermophilusspores, packaged in a pouch together with independent sterilization indicators and assigned into 3 sub‐groups for sterilizer type: dynamic air removal, gravity displacement, and bench‐top pre‐vacuum and further sub‐divided into 2 sterilization temperatures. Vetrap™ bandages rolls (n = 10) were inoculated with 0.1 mLBacillus atrophaeusspores in the same manner and underwent EtO sterilization. After sterilization, the 1 cm marked square was aseptically resected to the level of the cardboard tube and enriched in a flask containing 10 mL tryptic soy broth for 24 hours at 60°C forG. stearothermophilusand 37°C forB. atrophaeus. Aliquots were subsequently plated on a Petri dish of tryptic soy agar and incubated at 60°C forG. stearothermophilusand 37°C forB. atrophaeusfor 24 hours. Samples were scored positive if colonies of indicator organism were present on the nutrient agar after 24 hours.ResultsThree Vetrap™ bandages yielded post‐sterilization growth ofG. stearothermophilus: 2 from the dynamic air removal sterilizer at 134°C for 3.5 minutes, and 1 from the bench‐top pre‐vacuum sterilizer at 121°C for 15 minutes. After EtO sterilization, no positive samples were detected.ConclusionsSteam sterilization may be incomplete for Vetrap™ bandages whereas EtO showed complete destruction of resistant bacterial spores.
Accuracy of Tibial Osteotomy Placement Using 2 Different Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy Jigs
Authors: Tan Christopher J. , Bergh Mary Sarah , Schembri Mark A. , Johnson Kenneth A. 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveTo report the accuracy of osteotomy position in dogs undergoing tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and to evaluate the effect of 2 different TPLO jig and saw systems on tibial osteotomy position.Study DesignRetrospective case series.AnimalsDogs (n = 124; 134 TPLO).MethodsMedical records (2004–2005; 2008–2011) and stifle radiographs of 2 groups of dogs that had TPLO to treat cranial cruciate ligament disease were reviewed. One group had a TPLO performed using an alignment jig system alone (Slocum group), whilst in the other group, an alignment jig system combined with a saw guide (Synthes group) was used. Postoperative radiographs were examined and the distance and direction of the centroid of the osteotomy was compared to the intended osteotomy position.ResultsThe absolute distance of eccentricity (DOE) in the Slocum group (5.6 ± 2.5 mm) was significantly greater than that of the Synthes group (3.4 ± 1.8 mm; P < .01). DOE was caudal and distal in 79% of cases.ConclusionsMost tibial osteotomies were centered at a point distal and caudal to the intended osteotomy position. Use of a TPLO system with a saw guide was associated with more accurate placement of the osteotomy and more accurate leveling of the tibial plateau.
Finding one's place in someone else's place: The tentative encounter between newcomers and long‐time residents in rural Quebec
Authors: Guimond Laurie , Gilbert Anne , Simard Myriam 
Published: March 2014

RésuméLorsque les nouveaux ruraux rencontrent les résidents de longue date, surviennent des défis de cohabitation. D'une part, les premiers doivent « faire leur place » dans des milieux déjà habités, d'autre part, l'espace social des seconds est remodelé par l'arrivée des premiers. Dans ce contexte, cet article s'interroge sur la rencontre d'individus nouvellement installés avec les populations plus anciennes. Son matériel empirique consiste en des entrevues menées auprès de ces deux groupes dans deux municipalités régionales de comté (MRC) contrastées au Québec : Brome‐Missisquoi et Arthabaska. La méthode d'analyse est qualitative et l'approche est axée sur les représentations des populations rurales nouvelles et anciennes quant à ce qui les éloigne ou les rapproche l'une de l'autre. La contribution de l'article réside dans son analogie à la métaphore théâtrale de Goffman, en insistant toutefois sur le milieu géographique modulant la rencontre. Il en ressort que cette dernière est généralement timide, les rapports entre les nouveaux ruraux et les résidents de longue étant souvent superficiels et réservés à l'espace public.
The Effects of Public Reporting on Physical Restraints and Antipsychotic Use in Nursing Home Residents with Severe Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Konetzka R. Tamara , Brauner Daniel J. , Shega Joseph , Werner Rachel M. 
Published: March 2014

ObjectivesTo assess whether reductions in physical restraint use associated with quality reporting may have had the unintended consequence of increasing antipsychotic use in nursing home (NH) residents with severe cognitive impairment.DesignRetrospective analysis of NH clinical assessment data from 1999 to 2008 comparing NHs subject to public reporting of physical restraints with nonreporting NHs.SettingMedicare‐ and Medicaid‐certified NHs in the United States.ParticipantsObservations (N = 3.9 million) on 809,645 residents with severe cognitive impairment in 4,258 NHs in six states.InterventionPublic reporting of physical restraint use rates.MeasurementsUse of physical restraints and antipsychotic medications.ResultsPhysical restraint use declined significantly from 1999 to 2008 in NH residents with severe cognitive impairment. The decline was larger in NHs that were subject to reporting of restraints than in those that were not (–8.3 vs –3.3 percentage points, P < .001). Correspondingly, antipsychotic use in the same residents increased more in NHs that were subject to public reporting (4.5 vs 2.9 percentage points, P < .001). Approximately 36% of the increase in antipsychotic use may be attributable to public reporting of physical restraints.ConclusionThis analysis suggests that public reporting of physical restraint use had the unintended consequence of increasing use of antipsychotics in NH residents with severe cognitive impairment.
Associations Between Urine Excretion of Isoflavonoids and Cognition in Postmenopausal Women in the Women's Isoflavone Soy Health Clinical Trial
Authors: John Jan A. St. , Henderson Victor W. , Hodis Howard N. , Kono Naoko , McCleary Carol A. , Franke Adrian A. , Mack Wendy J. 
Published: March 2014

ObjectivesTo determine effect of change in urine excretion of isoflavonoids on cognitive change.DesignPost hoc analysis of isoflavonoid exposure (mean 2.7 years) during the randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind Women's Isoflavone Soy Health trial.SettingGeneral community.ParticipantsHealthy postmenopausal women (N = 350).InterventionTwenty‐five grams of isoflavone‐rich soy protein (91 mg of aglycone weight isoflavones: 52 mg genistein, 36 mg daidzein, 3 mg glycitein) or milk protein‐matched placebo provided daily.MeasurementsOvernight urine excretion, fasting plasma levels of isoflavonoids, and cognitive function measured at baseline and endpoint.ResultsThree hundred women (age: mean 61, range 45–92) completed both cognitive assessments and did not use hormone replacement therapy during the trial. Mean on‐trial change from baseline in urine excretion of isoflavonoids was not significantly associated with change in a composite score of global cognition (P = .39). Secondary analyses indicated that change in urine excretion of isoflavonoids was inversely associated with change in a factor score representing general intelligence (P = .02) but not with factor scores representing verbal or visual episodic memory. Mean differences in this general intelligence factor score between women in the lowest and highest quartiles of isoflavonoid change were equivalent to an approximate 4.4‐year age‐associated decline. Analyses based on plasma isoflavonoid levels yielded similar but attenuated results.ConclusionIn healthy postmenopausal women, long‐term changes in isoflavonoids are not associated with global cognition, supporting clinical trial results, although greater isoflavonoid exposure from dietary supplements is associated with decrements in general intelligence but not memory; this finding requires confirmation in future studies.