bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial Use in Outpatient Hemodialysis Units
Authors: Snyder Graham M. , Patel Priti R. , Kallen Alexander J. , Strom James A. , Tucker J. Kevin , D'Agata Erika M. C. 
Published: February 2013

Objective.To quantify and characterize overall antimicrobial use, including appropriateness of indication, among patients receiving chronic hemodialysis.Design.Retrospective and prospective observational study.Setting.Two outpatient hemodialysis units.Patients.All patients receiving chronic hemodialysis.Methods.The rate of parenteral antimicrobial use (number of doses per 100 patient-months) was calculated retrospectively from September 2008 through July 2011. Indication and appropriateness of antimicrobial doses were characterized prospectively from August 2010 through July 2011. Inappropriate administration was defined as occasions when criteria for infection based on national guidelines were not met, failure to choose a more narrow-spectrum antimicrobial on the basis of culture data, or occasions when indications for surgical prophylaxis were not met.Results.Over the 35-month retrospective study period, the rate of parenteral antimicrobial use was 32.9 doses per 100 patient-months. Vancomycin was the most commonly prescribed antimicrobial, followed by cefazolin and third- or fourth-generation cephalosporins. Over the 12-month prospective study, 1,003 antimicrobial doses were prescribed. Among the 926 (92.3%) doses for which an indication for administration was available, 276 (29.8%) were classified as inappropriate. Of these, a total of 146 (52.9%) did not meet criteria for infection, 74 (26.8%) represented failure to choose a more narrow-spectrum antimicrobial, and 56 (20.3%) did not meet criteria for surgical prophylaxis. The most common inappropriately prescribed antimicrobials were vancomycin and third- or fourth- generation cephalosporins.Conclusions.Parenteral antimicrobial use was extensive, and as much as one-third was categorized as inappropriate. The findings of this study provide novel information toward minimizing inappropriate antimicrobial use.
Recent progress in the study of the next generation Internet in China
Authors: Liu Ying , Wu Jianping , Wu Qian , Xu Ke 
Published: February 2013

The Internet has become a major part of the global communications infrastructure supporting modern-day socio-economic development, social progress and technological innovation. Invented 30 years ago, today the Internet is facing severe challenges. Many countries have funded research projects on the new-generation Internet, such as GENI, FIND, FIRE and CNGI, in an effort to solve these challenges. In addition, over the past few years, the networking research community has engaged in an ongoing conversation about how to move the Internet forward, and there are now two different approaches towards Internet research. The first approach is based on using the existing Internet architecture to solve the major technical challenges—this is called ‘evolutionary’ research. The other, which is called the ‘clean slate’, involves the design of an entirely new Internet architecture. In the first part of this paper, the basic features of the next generation Internet and its principal contradictions are analysed. Then a survey of recent progress in the study of the next generation Internet in China is discussed. Finally, the focus and direction for the next step in research are presented as based on fundamental research into the international next generation Internet architecture, and the many new innovative demands placed on Internet architecture in recent years.
Major similarities in the bacterial communities associated with lesioned and healthy Fungiidae corals
Authors: Apprill Amy , Hughen Konrad , Mincer Tracy 
Published: February 2013

SummaryCultivation‐based studies have demonstrated that yellow‐band disease (YBD), a lesion‐producing ailment affecting diverse species of coral, is caused by a consortium of Vibrio spp. This study takes the first cultivation‐independent approach to examine the whole bacterial community associated with YBD‐like lesioned corals. Two species of Fungiidae corals, Ctenactis crassa and Herpolitha limax, displaying YBD‐like lesions were examined across diverse reefs throughout the Red Sea. Using a pyrosequencing approach targeting the V1–V3 regions of the SSU rRNA gene, no major differences in bacterial community composition or diversity were identified between healthy and lesioned corals of either species. Indicator species analysis did not find Vibrio significantly associated with the lesioned corals. However, operational taxonomic units belonging to the Ruegeria genus of Alphaproteobacteria and NS9 marine group of Flavobacteria were significantly associated with the lesioned corals. The most striking trend of this dataset was that reef location was found to be the most significant influence on the coral–bacterial community. It is possible that more pronounced lesion‐specific bacterial signatures might have been concealed by the strong influence of environmental conditions on coral–bacteria. Overall, this study demonstrates inconsistencies between cultivation‐independent and cultivation‐based studies regarding the role of specific bacteria in coral diseases.
Molecular Tolerance of Voltage‐Gated Calcium Channels is Evident After Short Exposures to Alcohol in Vasopressin‐Releasing Nerve Terminals
Authors: Pietrzykowski Andrzej Z. , Ortiz‐Miranda Sonia , Knott Thomas K. , Custer Edward , Puig Sylvie , Lemos José R. , Treistman Steven N. 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundVoltage‐gated calcium channels (VGCCs) in rat neurohypophysial terminals exhibit molecular tolerance to alcohol, including desensitization to the drug and increased current density, after 3 weeks of alcohol drinking. Moreover, after this time, terminals from drinking rats exhibit diminished alcohol inhibition of vasopressin (AVP) release.MethodsWe took advantage of organotypic cultures (explants) of the hypothalamo‐neurohypophysial system (HNS) to extend our analysis of molecular tolerance to 2 classes of the VGCC. The isolated HNS explant allows much finer temporal resolution of molecular tolerance than do voluntary drinking paradigms. After exposure of the HNS explant to alcohol, terminals are isolated by mechanical treatment and plated in a dish. Patch clamp recording techniques are used to obtain VGCC currents, and immunohistochemistry is used to determine VGCC distribution. A release assay is used to provide functional readout of AVP release.ResultsWe show that even a brief, 1‐hour exposure to a clinically relevant concentration of alcohol is sufficient to evoke similar changes to those observed after several weeks of exposure. Acute ethanol (EtOH) exposure inhibits high K+‐induced AVP release from naïve terminals. However, terminals pre‐exposed to 20 mM EtOH for 1 hour become tolerant to EtOH, and subsequent exposure has significantly less effect on high K+‐induced AVP release. Electrophysiological recordings indicate that among different types of VGCCs present in the neuronal terminal, the L‐type is the most affected by alcohol. The current density of L‐type current is significantly increased (approximately 50%), while its responsiveness to alcohol is significantly diminished (approximately 50%), after brief alcohol exposure. Fluorescent imaging results were consistent with the electrophysiology and suggest that the increased current density of VGCCs after brief exposure is attributable to combined synthesis of 1.2 and 1.3 subtypes of the L‐type VGCC and redistribution of channel protein into terminal plasma membrane.ConclusionsThese data indicate that a brief alcohol exposure affects subsequent alcohol sensitivity of VGCCs and neuropeptide release from presynaptic terminals.
The Rationale for Probiotics Improving Reproductive Health and Pregnancy Outcome
Authors: Reid Jennifer N. S. , Bisanz Jordan E. , Monachese Marc , Burton Jeremy P. , Reid Gregor 
Published: February 2013

ProblemMedical problems of most importance to reproductive health of women differ to some extent between the developed world and resource‐disadvantaged countries. Nevertheless, many share a common link in microbial involvement.Method of studyA review of the peer‐reviewed literature on microbiota, probiotics, and reproductive health.ResultsIndigenous and probiotic lactobacilli express properties antagonistic to pathogens, but complementary to host immunity. These organisms are associated with conception, reducing the risk of infection, as well as potentially lowering the risk of a number of complications of pregnancy that otherwise lead to maternal and infant mortality and morbidity.ConclusionsThe ability to manipulate the microbiome and to improve immunity through probiotics holds much promise. The lack of improvements over the past 40 years in managing urogenital infections in women is incomprehensible. Support for innovative diagnostic and treatment options is needed, including testing and implementing probiotic therapies, especially for women with poor access to healthcare and good nutrition.
Cyclic Stretch Augments Production of Neutrophil Chemokines and Matrix Metalloproteinases‐1 (MMP‐1) from Human Decidual Cells, and the Production was Reduced by Progesterone
Authors: Zhao Yin , Koga Kaori , Osuga Yutaka , Izumi Gentaro , Takamura Masashi , Harada Miyuki , Hirata Tetsuya , Hirota Yasushi , Yoshino Osamu , Inoue Satoshi , Fujii Tomoyuki , Kozuma Shiro 
Published: February 2013

ProblemThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of mechanical stretch caused by uterine contraction and progesterone (P4) on decidual cells (DC), neutrophil chemokines, and MMP‐1 expression.Method of studyDC were cultured, and cyclic stretch was applied using a computer‐operated cell stretch system. Interleukin (IL)‐8, growth‐regulated oncogene (GRO) α, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐1, and mRNA and/or protein expression/activity was measured using RT‐PCR and ELISA. Neutrophil chemotactic activity in conditioned media was evaluated using migration assays. The effect of P4 was also studied.ResultsCyclic mechanical stretch increased IL‐8, GROα, mRNA and protein, and MMP‐1 production and activity level. Supernatant from stretched cells induced neutrophil chemotactic activity significantly. P4 suppressed the effect of stretch.ConclusionThe current study demonstrates that cyclic mechanical stretch stimulates the production of neutrophil chemokines and MMP‐1 from human decidual cells, and the production was reduced by progesterone. These findings suggest that decidual cells are responding to mechanical and endocrine signals and induce biochemical factors and thereby contribute to the regulation of human labor.
Sleep patterns of Japanese preschool children and their parents: implications for co‐sleeping
Authors: Iwata Sachiko , Iwata Osuke , Matsuishi Toyojiro 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to investigate the direct relationship of sleep schedule and sleep quality variables between healthy preschool children and their parents, focusing on the influence of the difference in bedtime between each other.MethodsForty‐seven Japanese 5‐year‐old children and their primary parent were studied. The parents completed questionnaires including the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The children wore an actigraph for one week.ResultsAlthough sleep patterns of children were generally independent of their parents, late sleep end time and bedtime of children were associated with parents' late sleep end time on weekends. For 87% of children and parents who shared a bedroom, sleep quality was negatively affected by a shorter difference in bedtimes between child and parent, but not by co‐sleeping.ConclusionSleep behaviours of parents can influence those of their children. For parents and children who share a bedroom, the timing of bedtime rather than co‐sleeping may be a key factor in modulating sleep patterns. Trying to get children asleep and subsequently falling asleep at a similar time may disturb parents' sleep quality, which may subsequently affect that of their children.
Efficacy or convenience? Model‐based approaches to phylogeny estimation using morphological data
Authors: Spencer Marc R. , Wilberg Eric W. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractModel‐based approaches (e.g. maximum likelihood, Bayesian inference) are widely used with molecular data, where they might be more appropriate than maximum parsimony for estimating phylogenies under various models of molecular evolution. Recently, there has been an increase in the application of model‐based approaches with morphological (mainly fossil) data; however, there is some doubt as to the effectiveness of the model of morphological evolution. The input parameters (prior probabilities) for the model are unclear, particularly when concerned with unobserved character states. Despite this, some systematists are suggesting superiority of these model‐based methods over maximum parsimony based on, for example, increased resolution or, in the current study, the preferred phylogenetic placement of an iconic taxon. Here, we revisit a recently published analysis implying such superiority and document the discrepancies between parsimony‐based and model‐based approaches to phylogeny estimation. We find that although some taxa are shifted back to their “traditional” phylogenetic placement, other clades are disturbed. The model‐based phylogenies are better resolved; however, due to the lack of an appropriate model of morphological evolution, the increase in resolving power is probably not meaningful. Similarly, some of the preferred phylogenetic positions of taxa, particularly of labile taxa such as Archaeopteryx, are based solely on analyses employing maximum parsimony as the optimality criterion. Poor resolution and labile taxa indicate a need for further examination of the morphology and not a change in method.
Using a large international sample to investigate epilepsy in Rett syndrome
Authors: Bao Xinhua , Downs Jenny , Wong Kingsley , Williams Simon , Leonard Helen 
Published: February 2013

AimThe aim of this study was to identify characteristics of epilepsy in Rett syndrome (RTT), and relationships between epilepsy and genotype.MethodInformation on 685 females with RTT recruited to the international Rett syndrome database (InterRett) with a pathogenic MECP2 mutation was obtained from family and clinician questionnaires. Individuals with RTT were aged 1 year 4 months to 54 years 2 months (mean 11y 1mo; SD 9y 4mo).ResultsAmong them, 61% had epilepsy, with half diagnosed by the age of 5 years. Those with a large deletion had the earliest median age at epilepsy onset and those with p.R133C the latest age at onset. The highest rate of active epilepsy (54%) was in those aged 12 to 17 years. Compared with those with a p.R133C mutation, active seizures were more likely to be reported in those with a large deletion (odds ratio 3.71; 95% confidence interval 1.13–12.17) or p.T158M (odds ratio 2.92; 95% confidence interval 1.04–8.20). Commonly used medicines included valproate (47%), carbamazepine (39%), lamotrigine (30%), levetiracetam (24%), and topiramate (19%).InterpretationGenotype influences the age at onset and severity of epilepsy in RTT. Large sample sizes as available through InterRett assist in understanding the complexity of epilepsy in RTT in relation to genotype.
Results of upper airway radiography and ultrasonography predict dynamic laryngeal collapse in affected horses
Authors: Fjordbakk C. T. , Chalmers H. J. , Holcombe S. J. , Strand E. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studyThe pathogenesis of dynamic bilateral laryngeal collapse (DLC) associated with poll flexion is unknown. Diagnosis is dependent upon exercise endoscopy while replicating the flexed head position harness racehorses experience during racing.ObjectivesTo describe the effects of poll flexion on rostrocaudal laryngeal positioning and laryngeal lumen width in resting horses diagnosed withDLCcompared to controls, and to establish diagnostic criteria forDLCby use of diagnostic imaging.Study designCase‐control study.MethodsFifty harness racehorses were prospectively included in the study: 25 cases diagnosed withDLCby treadmill endoscopy and 25 controls in which treadmill endoscopy revealed no abnormal findings. Laryngeal radiography and ultrasonography were obtained in neutral and flexed head positions. Laryngeal positioning and laryngohyoid conformation were compared between the groups and head positions.ResultsPoll flexion induced a greater rostral advancement of the larynx in relation to the hyoid apparatus in resting harness racehorses affected withDLCcompared to controls (P= 0.007). At the level of the vocal folds, poll flexion resulted in a smaller laryngeal lumen width in horses affected withDLCcompared to controls (P= 0.04). Horses were significantly more likely to be affected withDLCwhen the thyrohyoid bone to thyroid cartilage distance was ≥12 mm in poll flexion (odds ratio 21.3, 95% confidence interval 3.65–124.8,P= 0.004) and when laryngeal lumen width at the level of the vocal folds was less in poll flexion than in the neutral head position (odds ratio 8.4; 95% confidence interval 1.6–44.1,P= 0.012).Conclusions and potential relevanceInDLChorses, poll flexion advanced the larynx more rostrally and resulted in a decreased airway lumen width compared to control horses. Laryngeal ultrasound and radiography may facilitate the diagnosis ofDLCat rest.
Role of the Dinaric Karst (western Balkans) in shaping the phylogeographic structure of the threatened crayfish Austropotamobius torrentium
Authors: KLOBUČAR GÖRAN I. V. , PODNAR MARTINA , JELIĆ MIŠEL , FRANJEVIĆ DAMJAN , FALLER MATEJ , ŠTAMBUK ANAMARIA , GOTTSTEIN SANJA , SIMIĆ VLADICA , MAGUIRE IVANA 
Published: February 2013

Summary1. This study examines phylogeography and phylogeny of the threatened stone crayfish, Austropotamobius torrentium, in order to elucidate the role of the Dinaric Karst geology in shaping the evolutionary history and genetic diversity of aquatic fauna in the western Balkans. Mitochondrial 16S rRNA and COI genes were partially sequenced from 188 and 159 crayfish, respectively, sampled from 70 localities. Phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed using four methods of phylogenetic inference. Divergence times between phylogroups were estimated in a Bayesian framework, and their demographic history was examined using neutrality tests and mismatch distribution analysis.2. Seven geographically localised phylogroups separated by pronounced genetic gaps were found. Five of them have a distribution range within the northern‐central Dinaric (NCD) region, while the remaining two include populations from the southern Balkans (SB) and central and south‐eastern Europe (CSE). The oldest divergence event separated two NCD lineages from the rest of populations in the Late Miocene or Early Pliocene. Divergences amongst the five NCD phylogroups and SB + CSE occurred in the Pliocene. The most recent split separated SB and CSE phylogroups during the Late Pliocene. For both genes, uncorrected pairwise divergences between most of the phylogroups (4.1–8.7% for COI and 1.6–4.8% for 16S rRNA) were of the same range as, or higher than, some of the interspecific distances previously reported for the genus Austropotamobius.3. Geographically isolated and deeply divergent cryptic monophyletic phylogroups within A. torrentium in the NCD region arose in the course of intensification of Neotectonic movements during the Pliocene and the beginning of the Pleistocene and the development of karstification that has heavily fragmented the palaeohydrography of the area. The results confirm a gradual north–south expansion of stone crayfish during the pre‐Pleistocene that preceded the rapid northward post‐glacial re/colonisation of central Europe (CSE phylogroup) through the Danube drainage.4. Austropotamobius torrentium comprises morphologically cryptic but molecularly distinct taxa. Considering the relatively small geographical areas they inhabit, the NCD phylogroups of stone crayfish should be given the highest conservation priority.
Floods in a Changing Climate
Authors: Andersen Theresa K. , Marshall Shepherd J. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAtmospheric warming and associated hydrological changes have implications for regional flood intensity and frequency. Climate models and hydrological models have the ability to integrate various contributing factors and assess potential changes to hydrology at global to local scales through the century. This survey of floods in a changing climate reviews flood projections based on sources of precipitation, ice and snow melt, and coastal inundation. Topographic and anthropogenic influences that exacerbate or reduce flood risks by altering surface runoff, infiltration, storage, and precipitation development are also considered. Flood mitigation and adaptation strategies for infrastructure, agriculture, public health, and local communities are explored along with uncertainties and challenges in flood research. Recent and upcoming datasets to help with future flood monitoring and prediction include satellite missions, advanced radar, and in‐situ networks.
Predictors for positive surgical margins after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy: A single surgeon's series in Japan
Authors: Hashimoto Takeshi , Yoshioka Kunihiko , Gondo Tatsuo , Takeuchi Hisashi , Nakagami Yoshihiro , Nakashima Jun , Tachibana Masaaki 
Published: February 2013

ObjectivePositive surgical margin after radical prostatectomy has been shown to be an independent predictive factor for biochemical and local recurrence in patients with prostate cancer. The present study was undertaken to identify predictive factors for positive surgical margin after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy in Japanese patients.MethodsBetween August 2006 and September 2011, a cohort of 244 men underwent robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy carried out by a single surgeon. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify clinical covariates significantly associated with an increased positive surgical margin. The preoperative variables included age, body mass index, prostate‐specific antigen level, prostate‐specific antigen density, clinical T stage, prostate volume, surgeon volume, number of positive cores and percentage of positive cores.ResultsIn the univariate analyses, serum prostate‐specific antigen level, prostate‐specific antigen density and surgeon volume were significantly associated with positive surgical margin. In the multivariate analysis, prostate‐specific antigen density (hazard ratio 3.13, 95% confidence interval 1.57–6.24; P = 0.001) and surgeon volume (hazard ratio 2.15, 95% confidence interval 1.06–4.35; P = 0.034) were independent predictive factors for positive surgical margin. Using these two independent factors, we divided the patients into four groups and calculated the predictive probability of positive surgical margin. The predictive probability for positive surgical margin in each group was well correlated with the rates at 10.8% and 10.2%, 19.8% and 20.0%, 26.4% and 26.4%, an 43.5% and 43.3%, respectively.ConclusionProstate‐specific antigen density and surgeon volume are independent predictors of positive surgical margin after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy. A combination of these two factors can provide useful information about positive surgical margins.