bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of species and trait‐based approaches for describing sagebrush steppe response to range management
Authors: Kachergis Emily , Rocca Monique E. , Fernandez‐Gimenez Maria E. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractQuestionIs valuable information lost when plant trait group composition is used, rather than species composition, to describe plant community response to range management?LocationElkhead Watershed, Colorado, US.MethodsCurrent model‐building efforts use species composition to define changes in ecosystem state, but plant traits may offer a faster and more broadly applicable alternative. We (1) compare states defined by species composition to those defined by trait‐based groups of differing complexity and (2) determine how management and environmental site characteristics relate to species‐ and trait group‐defined states. We sampled 72 plots with different grazing and chemical shrub treatment histories on two soil types. We measured plant species composition in each plot and categorized species into trait groups using three classification schemes, which represented increasing numbers of traits and levels of classification complexity. The classifications employed easily measured traits that affect plant response to range management: life form, life history, resprouting ability, height, vegetative reproduction and N‐fixation. Using hierarchical cluster analysis, we identified states with similar species or trait group composition. We explored relationships between each set of potential states and management history and environmental factors using logistic regression.ResultsTrait‐based group composition and species composition identified many of the same potential states and responses to grazing and chemical shrub treatment. Relationships between species and trait group composition and management and environmental characteristics differed on the two soil types. Species composition was sensitive to more different management practices, on average, than trait group composition. Trait group composition revealed some relationships to management and environmental drivers that were not detected using species composition.ConclusionThis study confirms that species composition is a more sensitive indicator of sagebrush steppe response to range management, and some information is lost with a trait‐based approach. However, traits also add to depth of understanding by revealing additional community patterns related to different drivers. Using the most complex trait grouping scheme that is feasible in a particular study, and also looking for patterns based on simpler trait groups, will provide the most complete understanding of sagebrush steppe response to range management.
HbA1c as a diagnostic tool for diabetes and pre‐diabetes: the Bangladesh experience
Authors: Bhowmik B. , Diep L. M. , Munir S. B. , Rahman M. , Wright E. , Mahmood S. , Afsana F. , Ahmed T. , Khan A. K. A. , Hussain A. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimsTo evaluate HbA1c as a tool for the diagnosis of diabetes and pre‐diabetes (impaired glucose tolerance and/or impaired fasting glucose) and to identify the optimal cut‐off values suitable for a Bangladeshi population.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional survey in a rural community, 2293 randomly selected individuals aged ≥ 20 years without prior history of diabetes were included. HbA1c and other clinical covariates necessary for the diagnosis of diabetes were recorded. Diabetes and pre‐diabetes were defined according to the World Health Organization 1999 criteria. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the performance of HbA1c.ResultsThe prevalences of diabetes and pre‐diabetes were 7.9 and 8.6%, respectively. Based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, an HbA1c cut‐off value of ≥ 42 mmol/mol (≥ 6.0%) gave an optimal sensitivity of 86.2% and specificity of 93.3%, with an area under the curve of 0.949 to predict diabetes using the oral glucose tolerance test as the gold standard; a cut‐off value of ≥ 38 mmol/mol (≥ 5.6%) gave an optimal sensitivity of 68.0% and specificity of 66.4%, with an area under the curve of 0.714 to predict pre‐diabetes. In subjects at high risk of diabetes, HbA1c ≥ 42 mmol/mol (≥ 6.0%) showed higher sensitivity than fasting plasma glucose ≥ 7.0 mmol/l, 2‐h plasma glucose ≥ 11.1 mmol/l and HbA1c ≥ 48 mmol/mol (≥ 6.5%).ConclusionsAn HbA1c cut‐off value of ≥ 42 mmol/mol (≥ 6.0%) was highly sensitive and specific in diagnosing diabetes mellitus. This optimal cut‐off level may be suitable as a diagnostic criterion for diabetes in a Bangladeshi population.
Preventive Evolutionary Medicine of Cancers
Authors: Hochberg Michael E. , Thomas Frédéric , Assenat Eric , Hibner Urszula 
Published: December 2012

AbstractEvolutionary theory predicts that once an individual reaches an age of sufficiently low Darwinian fitness, (s)he will have reduced chances of keeping cancerous lesions in check. While we clearly need to better understand the emergence of precursor states and early malignancies as well as their mitigation by the microenvironment and tissue architecture, we argue that lifestyle changes and preventive therapies based in an evolutionary framework, applied to identified high‐risk populations before incipient neoplasms become clinically detectable and chemoresistant lineages emerge, are currently the most reliable way to control or eliminate early tumours. Specifically, the relatively low levels of (epi)genetic heterogeneity characteristic of many if not most incipient lesions will mean a relatively limited set of possible adaptive traits and associated costs compared to more advanced cancers, and thus a more complete and predictable understanding of treatment options and outcomes. We propose a conceptual model for preventive treatments and discuss the many associated challenges.
Infection control professionals' information‐seeking preferences
Authors: Mortensen Heidi J. , Alexander Jeffrey L. , Nehrenz Guy M. , Porter Cynthia 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectivesThe aims of this study were to: 1) establish whether infection control professionals (ICPs) who had access to and utilised medical librarian services for evidence‐based medicine (EBM) research perceived this assistance to be useful and 2) to establish whether ICPs who used electronic or hard copy resources for EBM research perceived that those resources had a significant impact on their work.MethodsConvenience sampling was used to collect quantitative data via a questionnaire. Study participants were members of South‐west and Western chapters of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. There were 264 questionnaires distributed in this study; 179 participants completed the questionnaire. The response rate for eligible respondents was 59.5% (157).ResultsResults indicated 56.7% (51) of the ICPs with librarian access reported requesting assistance from their work facility librarian. In reference to locating infection control information, 77.9% (95), 87.3% (124) and 93.3% (138) of ICPs found textbooks, journals and the Internet ‘very useful’ or ‘useful’, respectively.ConclusionStudy results indicated ICPs who used the assistance of medical librarians and/or hard copy or electronic resources for EBM research perceived such sources to be valuable for obtaining infection control information.
16th IHIW: Extending the number of resources and bioinformatics analysis for the investigation of HLA rare alleles
Authors: Gonzalez‐Galarza F. F. , Mack S. J. , Hollenbach J. , Fernandez‐Vina M. , Setterholm M. , Kempenich J. , Marsh S. G. E. , Jones A. R. , Middleton D. ,   the HLA Rare Allele Consortium
Published: December 2012

SummaryContinuing a project presented at the 15th International HLA and Immunogenetics Workshop (IHIWS) on the rarity of HLA alleles, we sought to expand the number of data sources and bioinformatics tools available in the Allele Frequencies Net Database website (AFND, www.allelefrequencies.net). In this 16th IHIWS Rare Alleles project, HLA alleles described in the latest IMGT/HLA Database (release 3.8.0) were queried against different sources including data from registries (stem cell) and from 74 different laboratories around the world. We demonstrated that approximately 40% of the alleles officially named in the IMGT/HLA Database have been reported only once across all different sources. To facilitate the large‐scale analysis of rare alleles, we have produced an online tool called the Rare Allele Detector that simplifies the detection of alleles that are considered to be ‘very rare’, ‘rare’ or ‘frequent’. Tools and associated data can be accessed via the www.allelefrequencies.net website.
Feasibility of spiral enteroscopy in Japanese patients: Study in two tertiary hospitals
Authors: Yamada Atsuo , Watabe Hirotsugu , Oka Shiro , Kogure Hirofumi , Imagawa Hiroki , Kobayashi Yuka , Suzuki Hirobumi , Watari Ikue , Aoyama Taiki , Isayama Hiroyuki , Yamaji Yutaka , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Tanaka Shinji , Koike Kazuhiko 
Published: December 2012

Background and AimDespite recent advances in enteroscopy, such as balloon enteroscopy, accessing the small intestine remains challenging. Spiral enteroscopy is a novel technique in which an endoscope is fitted with a rotating overtube that has a soft spiral fin at the tip. Whereas spiral enteroscopy is beginning to be carried out in Western countries, it is not common in many Asian countries. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of spiral enteroscopy in Japanese patients.MethodsWe prospectively conducted spiral enteroscopy in patients with suspected or known small bowel disease. All procedures were carried out using a spiral overtube. The main outcome measurements of the study were diagnosis rate, endoscopic intervention rate, and complication rate.ResultsThirty‐two patients underwent spiral enteroscopy. Spiral enteroscopy diagnosed 16 patients (50%) with small intestinal lesions, including six malignant lymphomas (19%), three erosions or ulcers (9%), three polyps (9%), two angioectasias (6%), one carcinoma (3%), and one submucosal tumor (3%). Additionally, four patients underwent endoscopic interventions (13%). Mallory‐Weiss syndrome occurred in one patient (3%). No perforation occurred in any patient (0%).ConclusionsOur initial experience of spiral enteroscopy suggests that it can be introduced safely, but it is relatively invasive and technically demanding. More experience is needed to conduct spiral enteroscopy easily and safely.
Verification of Real‐Time PCR Methods for Qualitative and Quantitative Testing of Genetically Modified Organisms
Authors: Del Gaudio S. , Cirillo A. , Di Bernardo G. , Galderisi U. , Cipollaro M. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis article reports the experience of a university laboratory in accreditation of molecular biology methods for genetically modified (GM) organisms detection according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)/International Electrotechnical Commission 17025 standard. Verification studies were performed for one screening (35S promoter), one construct‐specific (p35S/Chloroplast Transit Peptides‐5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase [CTP‐EPSPS]) and one event‐specific (Bt11 maize) real‐time polymerase chain reaction methods. Our procedures were performed as described in the ISO 21570 2005, except for the analysis done through a DNA Engine Opticon 2 MJ research instrument. The following method–performance characteristics were evaluated: amplification efficiency, linearity, dynamic range, limit of detection, limit of quantification, precision and trueness. Comparison of the performance results obtained for quantitative methods with the values of inter‐laboratory ring trials, coordinated by the European Union Reference Laboratory for GM Food and Feed, confirmed that the laboratory is able to fulfill the published criteria.Practical ApplicationsThis article illustrates the experience of a university laboratory with the International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission 17025 accreditation for genetically modified organisms testing. In‐house verification has been carried out for one screening (35S promoter), one construct‐specific (p35S/Chloroplast Transit Peptides‐5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase [CTP‐EPSPS]) and one event‐specific (Bt11 maize) real‐time polymerase chain reaction methods. We reported for the first time validation data obtained through a DNA Engine Opticon 2 MJ Research instrument. The described experimental procedure could represent a pattern for researchers interested in setting up verification of validated methods for genetically modified organism quantitative and qualitative testing.
Effects of tobacco on cytokine expression from human endothelial cells
Authors: Allam E , DelaCruz K , Ghoneima A , Sun J , Windsor LJ 
Published: December 2012

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of nicotine and cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) exposure on cytokine expression from human endothelial cells in order to identify one possible mechanism that smoking plays in the pathogenesis of both periodontal disease (PDD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD).MethodsHuman endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to different concentrations of nicotine and CSC to examine the effects that they have on cell proliferation and cytotoxicity. Non‐toxic levels were then used to examine cytokine expression using cytokine protein arrays.ResultsExposure to nicotine caused significant down‐regulation in the expression of IL‐10 (P = 0.046), growth‐regulated oncogene (GRO)α (P = 0.036), MCP‐1 (P = 0.046), and GMCSF (P = 0.004) compared with the control untreated HUVECs. Exposure to CSC caused significant down‐regulation in the expression of GRO (P = 0.04), GROα (P = 0.01), IL‐6 (P = 0.03), and MCP‐1 (P = 0.04) compared with the control untreated HUVECs.ConclusionsExposure of HUVECs to nicotine or CSC affects the levels of cytokine expression including reduction in anti‐inflammatory and chemoattractant cytokines. This may subsequently affect the host defensive mechanisms of the tissues. The action of toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke on endothelial cells is a potential pathogenic mechanism that may in part explain the association between tobacco, PDD, and CVD.
Recon
Authors: Fryer Daniel , Sun Kuei , Mahmood Rahat , Cheng Tinghao , Benjamin Shaun , Goel Ashvin , Brown Angela Demke 
Published: December 2012

File system bugs that corrupt metadata on disk are insidious. Existing reliability methods, such as checksums, redundancy, or transactional updates, merely ensure that the corruption is reliably preserved. Typical workarounds, based on using backups or repairing the file system, are painfully slow. Worse, the recovery may result in further corruption.
We present Recon, a system that protects file system metadata from buggy file system operations. Our approach leverages file systems that provide crash consistency using transactional updates. We define declarative statements called consistency invariants for a file system. These invariants must be satisfied by each transaction being committed to disk to preserve file system integrity. Recon checks these invariants at commit, thereby minimizing the damage caused by buggy file systems.
The major challenges to this approach are specifying invariants and interpreting file system behavior correctly without relying on the file system code. Recon provides a framework for file-system specific metadata interpretation and invariant checking. We show the feasibility of interpreting metadata and writing consistency invariants for the Linux ext3 file system using this framework. Recon can detect random as well as targeted file-system corruption at runtime as effectively as the offline e2fsck file-system checker, with low overhead.
Surface Electromyography Recording of Spontaneous Eyeblinks
Authors: Frigerio Alice , Brenna Stefano , Cavallari Paolo 
Published: December 2012

ObjectiveWe are designing an implantable neuroprosthesis for the treatment of unilateral facial paralysis. The envisioned biomimetic device paces artificial blinks in the paretic eyelid when activity in the healthy orbicularis oculi (orbicularis) muscle is detected. The present article focuses on electromyography (EMG)–based eyeblink detection.Study DesignA pilot clinical study was performed in healthy volunteers who were intended to represent individuals with facial paralysis. Spontaneous eyeblinks were detected by a surface EMG recording. Blink detection accuracy was tested at rest and during voluntary smiling and chewing.SettingFifteen participants were asked to wear surface recording electrodes on the left side of their face, detecting the orbicularis oculi, the masseter, and the zygomatic muscle EMG activity.Subjects and MethodsParticipants were asked to look ahead, voluntarily smile, and chew according to an experimental protocol. Custom software was designed with the purpose of selectively filtering the multichannel EMG recordings and triggering a digital output.ResultsThe software filter allowed elimination of spurious artificial eyeblinks and thus increased the accuracy of the EMG recording apparatus for the spontaneous blinking.ConclusionOrbicularis oculi EMG recording worked as a real‐time eyeblink‐detecting system. Moreover, the multichannel EMG recording coupled to a proper digital signal processing was very effective in specifically detecting the spontaneous blinking during other facial muscle activities. With regard to closed‐loop biomimetic devices for the pacing of the eyeblink, the EMG signal represents a valid option for the recording side.
Distortion‐Product Otoacoustic Emission Tests Evaluate Cochlear Function and Differentiate Cochlear and Vestibular Schwannoma
Authors: Kagoya Ryoji , Shinogami Masanobu , Kohno Michihiro , Yamasoba Tatsuya 
Published: December 2012

Objectives(1) To investigate cochlear function in patients with acoustic neuroma by distortion‐product otoacoustic emission tests and (2) to evaluate the utility of this method for identifying the nerve origin of acoustic neuroma.Study DesignDiagnostic test assessment.SettingCommunity hospital.MethodsThe study included 196 patients with unilateral acoustic neuroma who were surgically treated in our hospital between April 2008 and March 2011. In all patients, pure‐tone audiometry and distortion‐product otoacoustic emission tests were conducted before surgery, and tumor size was measured on magnetic resonance imaging.ResultsSuperior vestibular schwannoma (n = 112), inferior vestibular schwannoma (n = 80), and cochlear schwannoma (n = 4) were observed. Positive results of distortion‐product otoacoustic emission tests were observed in 11 patients with superior vestibular schwannoma, 14 with inferior vestibular schwannoma, and 3 with cochlear schwannoma. They were predictive of cochlear schwannoma, with 75.0% sensitivity (95% confidence interval [CI], 30.6‐95.4) and 87.0% specificity (95% CI, 86.1‐87.4). Retrocochlear hearing loss was detected in 5 patients with inferior vestibular schwannoma and 1 with cochlear schwannoma. It was also predictive of cochlear schwannoma. This criterion showed 25.0% sensitivity (95% CI, 4.7‐66.1) and 97.4% specificity (95% CI, 97.0‐98.3).ConclusionPercentages of patients with positive results on distortion‐product otoacoustic emission tests and those with retrocochlear hearing loss differed by nerve origin. Distortion‐product otoacoustic emission tests can be of some assistance in differentiating cochlear and vestibular schwannoma.
The Systemic Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection
Authors: Wasterlain Amy S. , Braun Hillary J. , Harris Alex H.S. , Kim Hyeon-Joo , Dragoo Jason L. 
Published: December 2012

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous blood product used to treat acute and chronic tendon, ligament, and muscle injuries in over 86,000 athletes in the United States annually. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) banned intramuscular PRP injections in competitive athletes in 2010 because of concerns that it may increase performance-enhancing growth factors. The ban on PRP was removed in 2011 because of limited evidence for a systemic ergogenic effect of PRP, but the growth factors within PRP remain prohibited. Purpose: To quantify the effect of PRP injection on systemic growth factors with performance-enhancing effects and to identify molecular markers to detect treated athletes. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Six ergogenic growth factors monitored by WADA—human growth hormone (hGH), insulin-like growth factor–1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor binding protein–3 (IGFBP-3), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF or FGF-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and platelet-derived growth factor–BB (PDGF-BB)—were measured in 25 patients before (baseline) and at 0.25, 3, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after intratendinous leukocyte-rich PRP injection. Eating and exercise were prohibited for 3 hours before testing. Growth factors were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the change relative to each patient’s baseline was calculated. Results: Relative to serum, PRP contained significantly more bFGF (226 vs 5 pg/mL), VEGF (1426 vs 236 pg/mL), and PDGF-BB (26,285 vs 392 pg/mL), but IGF-1 and hGH were not elevated. Serum levels increased significantly for IGF-1 at 24 and 48 hours, for bFGF at 72 and 96 hours, and for VEGF at 3, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after PRP injection. Additionally, VEGF was increased in all 25 patients after PRP treatment. Conclusion: Serum IGF-1, VEGF, and bFGF levels are significantly elevated after PRP injection, supporting a possible ergogenic effect of PRP. An indirect marker for hGH doping, the product of IGFBP-3 × IGF-1, also significantly increased after PRP. Platelet-rich plasma appears to trigger an increase in circulating growth factors through activating biological pathways rather than by serving as a vehicle for the direct delivery of presynthesized growth factors. Elevated VEGF was observed in all patients after PRP, and ≥88% of patients had elevated VEGF at each time point from 3 to 96 hours after PRP, suggesting that VEGF may be a sensitive molecular marker to detect athletes recently treated with PRP. Clinical Relevance: This is the first and only adequately powered study of the systemic effects of PRP. We present evidence that PRP contains and may trigger systemic increases in substances currently banned in competitive athletes. Finally, we provide evidence that VEGF could serve as a useful molecular marker to detect athletes treated with PRP.