bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolution of an organic‐rich lake basin – stratigraphy, climate and tectonics: Piceance Creek basin, Eocene Green River Formation
Authors: TÄNAVSUU‐MILKEVICIENE KATI , FREDERICK SARG J. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe Piceance Creek basin formed as a continental foreland basin ca 53 to 48 Ma in the early to middle Eocene. On a global basis, the basin contains one of the richest oil shale resources known, where the profundal oil shale deposits, kerogen‐rich mudstones (clay and carbonate), exist over most of the basin. Despite its economic importance, the evolution of the Piceance Creek basin is still somewhat unclear. Based on facies association analysis, depositional trends, and gamma ray and Fischer assay data, six evolutionary lake stages are recognized: (i) fresh lake; (ii) transitional lake; (iii) highly fluctuating lake; (iv) rising lake; (v) high lake; and (vi) closing lake. Lake stages are composed of depositional units and characterize large‐scale changes in sedimentological patterns, depositional trends and fluctuations in the oil shale richness related to changes in climate and tectonics. Lake stage evolution is also consistent with the global Eocene climate trend. Stage 1 formed prior to the Eocene climate optimum. At the beginning of the Eocene climate optimum, a saline‐restricted lake formed (Stage 2) and evolved into the highly fluctuating lake (Stage 3) indicating rapid climate changes during the peak of the Eocene climate optimum. This stage was followed by the rising and high lakes (Stages 4 and 5) after the climate optimum and during a change to a more humid climate. The closing of the lake (Stage 6) was caused by increased sand input from the north, indicating the influence of both tectonics and climate. Based on depositional trends and climate evolution, it is suggested that, during the arid climate, laterally heterogeneous highly cyclic depositional units dominate, whereas, during the humid climate, depositional units form laterally continuous sediments that can be traced over long distances.
Strategies for the management of intermittent allergic rhinitis: an Australian study
Authors: Smith Lorraine , Brown Lin , Saini Bandana , Seeto Celina 
Published: February 2012

AbstractObjective  Allergic rhinitis is increasing globally despite treatment focussed on pharmacotherapy. This study aimed to (i) examine the range and proportion of symptoms and triggers experienced by patients with intermittent allergic rhinitis (IAR); (ii) conduct a qualitative analysis of strategies devised to control symptoms and triggers; and (iii) measure medication adherence.Methods  A qualitative and observational study of data drawn from a randomized controlled trial on patients with IAR. Strategies collaboratively devised by participants and pharmacist staff to minimize symptoms and triggers were analysed thematically. In the 10‐day observational study, the participants recorded all symptoms and triggers of IAR along with use of medications and these were analysed descriptively.Results  Number of 124 participants recorded 620 symptoms and identified 357 triggers of IAR. To minimize these, 579 strategies were devised in consultation with pharmacy staff. The frequency and type of strategy varied according to whether the goals were aimed at controlling symptoms or triggers. Adherence to a course of antihistamines over the 10‐day trial was self‐reported by participants with 36% indicating full adherence.Conclusion  A large number and range of symptoms and triggers were identified, and individualized strategies were devised to minimize symptoms and triggers. Medication adherence was poor.Practice implications  Patients with IAR can be assisted to identify their symptoms and triggers and develop relevant strategies to manage these. This approach has the potential to facilitate patient self‐management of a chronic and incapacitating condition.
Segmental regeneration in right‐lobe liver grafts in adult living donor liver transplant
Authors: Chen Hsiu‐Ling , Tsang Leo Leung‐Chit , Concejero Allan M. , Huang Tung‐Liang , Chen Tai‐Yi , Ou Hsin‐You , Yu Chun‐Yen , Chen Chao‐Long , Cheng Yu‐Fan 
Published: February 2012

Chen H‐L, Tsang LL‐C, Concejero AM, Huang T‐L, Chen T‐Y, Ou H‐Y, Yu C‐Y, Chen C‐L, Cheng Y‐F. Segmental regeneration in right‐lobe liver grafts in adult living donor liver transplant.Abstract: Our aim is to evaluate the relationship and impact of right‐lobe (RL) liver grafts procured with or without the middle hepatic vein (MHV) trunk and MHV tributary reconstruction on segmental regeneration of these grafts in adult living donor liver transplantation (ALDLT). Patients underwent primary ALDLT using a RL liver graft were divided into three groups according to graft type: with MHV tributary reconstruction (group I), without MHV tributary reconstruction (group II), and with inclusion of the MHV trunk (group III). The overall graft volume and the volumes of the anterior and posterior segments of the grafts six months post‐transplant, evaluated using computed tomography, were calculated as the regeneration indices. Optimal regeneration of the RL liver graft was achieved in the three groups of patients. There was no significant difference in the regeneration indices between groups I (149.4%) and III (143.6%). However, in group II (112.4%) without MHV or tributary reconstruction, the anterior regenerative index was lower than the other two groups and exhibited transient prolonged hyperbilirubinemia. Segmental graft regeneration is maximized by adequate venous drainage. Inclusion of the MHV trunk or MHV tributary reconstruction influences segmental liver regeneration and preclude transient hyperbilirubinemia in the early post‐liver transplant phase.
Alder rust, Melampsoridium hiratsukanum Ito, identified from Wales, UK and British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Hantula J. , Nigel Stringer R. , Lilja A. , Kurkela T. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryAn epidemic rust, Melampsoridium hiratsukanum, originating from East Asia has spread to Europe over the last two decades. We report the first observation of this rust in the British Isles on leaves of Alnus incana and A. glutinosa. In addition to M. hiratsukanum, a native M. betulinum–like rust co‐occurred on the same leaves as a mixed infection. We also confirm that a rust on A. rubra in Western Canada is identical to M. hiratsukanum present in East Asia and Europe.
The prevalence and predictors of airway hyperresponsiveness in sarcoidosis
Authors: YOUNG LISA M. , GOOD NICHOLA , MILNE DAVID , ZENG IRENE , KOLBE JOHN , WILSHER MARGARET L. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Obstructive airflow limitation is the most common physiological impairment in sarcoidosis. This study determined the prevalence of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in sarcoidosis, the correlation between responses to direct (using histamine) and indirect (using hypertonic saline) bronchial challenge, and the clinical, physiological and radiological predictors of AHR.Methods:  Subjects with sarcoidosis and a baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) >35% predicted underwent hypertonic and histamine challenge, lung function testing and high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest. AHR was defined as a 15% fall in FEV1 to hypertonic saline and a 20% fall in FEV1 to histamine.Results:  The 52 subjects had well‐preserved lung function (FEV1 = 2.8 ± 0.7 L, 87% predicted). AHR was detected in 5/47 (11%) to hypertonic saline and 19/43 (44%) to histamine challenge. On univariate analysis, response to histamine challenge was predicted by conglomerate fibrosis (P = 0.02) and reticular pattern (P = 0.03) on HRCT. The baseline % predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s was significantly inversely associated with AHR on univariate (P = 0.004) and multivariate analysis (P = 0.01) when adjusted by HRCT patterns.Conclusions:  The higher prevalence of AHR using histamine challenge than hypertonic saline challenge and the association with baseline % predicted FEV1 suggest that the AHR in sarcoidosis may reflect the consequences of airway remodelling following inflammation.
Neonatal administration with dexmedetomidine does not impair the rat hippocampal synaptic plasticity later in adulthood
Authors: Tachibana Kaori , Hashimoto Toshikazu , Kato Rui , Uchida Yosuke , Ito Ryoko , Takita Koichi , Morimoto Yuji 
Published: February 2012

SummaryBackground and objective:  The use of dexmedetomidine (DEX), a selective alpha‐2 agonist, in pediatric practice is expanding as a result of its desirable properties. To clarify the long‐term neurological consequences of neonatal administration of DEX, we investigated the long‐term effects of neonatal administration of DEX on hippocampal synaptic activity.Methods:  The rat pups received a bolus intraperitoneal injection of either 5 or 10 μg·kg−1 DEX, or an equivalent volume of vehicle on postnatal day 7 (P7). Nine weeks after administration, evoked potentials (population spike, PS) and long‐term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampal CA1 region of rats were studied in vivo.Results:  Dexmedetomidine had a considerable sedative effect at these doses with little respiratory depression on P7. Nine weeks after administration of DEX, the amplitude of PS in the two treated groups was similar to that in the control group. DEX‐treated rats showed no impairment in the induction of LTP. Furthermore, the response in PS to the paired stimuli was not impaired by neonatal administration of DEX.Conclusion:  These findings demonstrate that a single administration of DEX to rats on P7 preserves hippocampal synaptic plasticity as well as synaptic transmission later in life. In view of the some evidence that have demonstrated the permanent detrimental impact of commonly used anesthetics on neurological outcomes after neonatal exposure, our findings may suggest the relative safety of DEX administered as a sedative agent to neonatal animals with regard to the development of hippocampal synaptic functions.
The life history of a gall‐inducing mite: summer phenology, predation and influence of gall morphology in a sugar maple canopy
Authors: Patankar Rajit , Beaulieu Frédéric , Smith Sandy M. , Thomas Sean C. 
Published: February 2012

Eriophyoid mites are among the most ubiquitous gall‐inducing arthropods, and are adapted species‐specifically to a broad diversity of plants, although their life histories remain poorly studied outside agricultural systems.
We examined the seasonal phenology of a leaf‐galling eriophyid mite, the maple spindle gall mite Vasates aceriscrumena (MSGM), in naturally occurring stands of sugar maple Acer saccharum in south‐central Ontario in 2007 and 2008.
Galls were first induced in spring (mid‐May) and were devoid of mites by late August. In the study region, MSGM appears to have at least two generations, with overwintering, deutogyne females that initiate galls in spring (mid‐May) after leaf flush, giving rise to a generation of protogyne (primary) females and a few morphologically similar males (<1 for every 10 females) and, subsequently, to a new generation of deutogyne females in mid‐July to early August. In July, some galls can be highly crowded, with 50–200 individuals per gall.
In addition, a tarsonemid mite, Tarsonemus acerbilis, was found in approximately 40% of MSGM galls examined. As much as 95.4% of galls in 2007 and 97.4% in 2008 that contained tarsonemid larvae did not contain MSGM eggs (by contrast, only 2.3% of tarsonemid‐free galls contained no MSGM eggs), suggesting that these juveniles feed, at least opportunistically, on MSGM eggs.
Gall ostiole morphology appeared to influence both MSGM and Tarsonemus densities within galls, with ‘open’ ostioles (versus ‘closed’) being much more susceptible to invasion by the tarsonemid. The latter is likely to be an important regulator of MSGM populations. We hypothesize that the two ostiole types are the result of selection pressures on the gall inducer, favouring closed gall entrances for increased protection, and possibly also on the host tree, favouring open galls to increase predator access.
Early growth response‐1 transcription factor promotes hepatic fibrosis and steatosis in long‐term ethanol‐fed Long‐Evans rats
Authors: Derdak Zoltan , Villegas Kristine A. , Wands Jack R. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies demonstrated that the Long‐Evans (LE) rats exhibited liver injury and lipid metabolic abnormalities after 8 weeks of ethanol feeding.AimsThe goal of this study was to investigate if the LE rats develop more advanced hepatic abnormalities (e.g., fibrosis) after long‐term feeding with an ethanol‐containing Lieber–DeCarli diet. In addition, the contribution of early growth response‐1 (EGR1) transcription factor to these pathological changes was assessed.MethodsLong‐Evans rats were fed an ethanol‐containing or isocaloric control liquid diet for 18 months. Livers were processed for histological analyses, studies of fibrosis‐related gene expression, cell fractionation and triglyceride measurement. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were assessed. DNA binding activities of p53 and the sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1c (SREBP1c) were analysed. The abundance of EGR1 and enzymes involved in fatty acid synthesis were determined. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was employed to study EGR1 binding to the SREBP1c promoter region.ResultsEthanol feeding generated steatosis, chicken wire fibrosis and ALT elevations in the LE rats. Fibrosis was associated with the upregulation of EGR1 and its downstream target genes. EGR1 upregulation was associated with enhanced p53 activity and an increase in the cellular p66shc abundance. Steatosis was linked to the activation of SREBP1c. Importantly, EGR1 upregulation paralleled the expression and transcriptional activity of SREBP1c. Finally, EGR1 was shown to bind to the SREBP1c promoter region.ConclusionsLong‐term ethanol feeding promoted steatosis and fibrosis in LE rats via EGR1 activation. The highly abundant EGR1 bound to the SREBP1c promoter and contributed to the steatosis observed in the LE rat model.
Estimated prevalence of dengue viremia in Puerto Rican blood donations, 1995 through 2010
Authors: Petersen Lyle R. , Tomashek Kay M. , Biggerstaff Brad J. 
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: Dengue virus (DENV) nucleic acid amplification testing of blood donations during epidemics in endemic locations, including Puerto Rico, has suggested possible sizable transfusion transmission risk. Estimates of the long‐term prevalence of DENV viremic donations will help evaluate the potential magnitude of this risk in Puerto Rico.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Estimates of the prevalence of DENV viremia in the Puerto Rican population at large from 1995 through 2010 were derived from dengue case reports and their onset dates obtained from islandwide surveillance, estimates of case underreporting, and extant data on the duration of DENV viremia and the unapparent‐to‐apparent dengue infection ratio. Under the assumptions that viremia prevalence in blood donors was similar to that of the population at large and that symptomatic persons do not donate, statistical resampling methods were used to estimate the prevalence of dengue viremia in blood donations.RESULTS: Over the 16‐year period, the maximum and mean daily prevalences of dengue viremia (per 10,000) in blood donations in Puerto Rico were estimated at 45.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], 36.5‐55.4) and 7.0 (95% CI, 3.9‐10.1), respectively. Prevalence varied considerably by season and year.CONCLUSION: These data suggest a substantial prevalence of DENV viremia in Puerto Rican blood donations, particularly during outbreaks.
The Impact of Intra‐Aortic Balloon Pump Weaning Protocols on In‐Hospital Clinical Outcomes
Authors: MANOHAR VINAYAK A. , LEVIN ROBERT N. , KARADOLIAN SEVAN S. , USMANI AIMEN , TIMMIS RYAN M. , DERY MEGAN E. , DIXON SIMON R. 
Published: February 2012

Background:

Current literature recommends weaning intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) support prior to discontinuation. To date, no studies have compared various weaning strategies for safety or efficacy. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of weaning on in‐hospital clinical outcomes.
Methods:

From 5/1/07 through 5/1/09 429 patients receiving IABP therapy were retrospectively identified using CPT1 billing codes. The study population and clinical outcomes analysis were stratified by use of weaning protocols versus immediate discontinuation of the IABP. In a subset analysis the patients receiving weaning protocols prior to IABP discontinuation were stratified for further analysis of clinical outcomes by whether they had received 1:3 ratio counterpulsation during their wean or whether they only received 1:2 counterpulsation prior to IABP discontinuation. These groups were analyzed for differences in primary and secondary end‐points.
Results:

Of the 429 patients identified, 344 (80.2%) were weaned prior to IABP discontinuation and 85 (19.8%) of the patients had their IABP abruptly discontinued. Patients not weaned had a lower heart rate after IABP discontinuation than those weaned, but no difference in systolic and mean blood pressure or urine output. There was no significant difference in mortality. Weaning was associated with a nonsignificant trend toward increased length of stay.
Conclusions:

This study suggests that weaning protocols offer no hemodynamic benefits or improvement in in‐hospital mortality rates. Weaning is associated with trend toward increased length of stay. We conclude that weaning offers no advantage over direct device removal and would advocate that balloon pumps be directly withdrawn when counterpulsation is terminated. (J Interven Cardiol 2012;25:140–146)
Educational needs in the field of detection of domestic violence and neglect: the opinion of a population of French dentists
Authors: Drigeard C. , Nicolas E. , Hansjacob A. , Roger‐Leroi V. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractObjectives:  The attitude of French dentists concerning domestic abuse has hardly ever been documented upon so far. The purpose of this study is to investigate the attitudes, knowledge and practices of a population of French general dental practitioners towards the prevention and detection of signs of neglect and abuse in order to determine the educational needs both during undergraduate curriculum and continuing education sessions.Methods:  A total of 418 general dental practitioners all practising in the French area of Puy de Dôme were invited to participate in the study. The survey was conducted with questionnaires including multiple‐choice or open questions and VAS scales.Results:  The response rate was 54% (228/418). Only 5.7% of the practitioners systematically look for signs of neglect or abuse when treating their patients. 36% declare having already come across one or several cases of abuse and 48% having suspected at least one. The patients concerned were mainly women (54%). Only 28% would adopt an attitude in compliance with the French legislation if confronted with a case of abuse or domestic violence. 75.9% of the practitioners would like more training and assistance in the detection and care of abused patients and particularly as regards signs of abuse and the legal framework.Conclusions:  More information and training concerning abuse and domestic violence is required in the French undergraduate dental curriculum in order to help practitioners deal with such patients.
CONTROL OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES IN RECYCLED CHILL BRINE USING ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT AND ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
Authors: PARIKH PRITI P. , WILLIAMS ROBERT C. , MALLIKARJUNAN PARAMESWARAKUMAR , EIFERT JOSEPH D. , MARCY JOSEPH E. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTPostprocessing contamination of the products in a processing plant has been identified as one of the major reasons for food contamination with Listeria; brining is one such postprocessing area. Our previous study has shown that the combinations of UV and antimicrobials reduces the number of this organism significantly in fresh brine, but brine is usually recycled from days to weeks depending on its use. Therefore, this study is focused on the reduction of L. monocytogenes in recycled chill brine (obtained from a frankfurter processor) using the combinations of UV and antimicrobial agents, such as citric acid (CA), hydrogen peroxide (HP) and dimethyl dicarbonate (DMDC). Results show that the combinations of UV and 2000 ppm and 4000 ppm HP were the most effective treatments in reducing the Listeria population with the total processing time of 120 min. Both of these treatments were found to be more effective than UV or HP alone. Additionally, all other treatments, such as the combinations of UV and CA (0.2 and 0.5%) and UV and DMDC (250 and 500 ppm) were comparatively less effective. This may be due to the presence of organic matter in spent brine, which may have reduced the penetration of UV and availability of antimicrobials for microbial interaction.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe brine solutions are generally recycled in industries for up to 4 weeks as per United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guide. Thus, it is very important to study various treatments to process recycled brine that was used to process ready‐to‐eat (RTE) meat products to prevent foodborne diseases or outbreaks. The use of UV light and antimicrobial agents to control L. monocytogenes in recycled brines to product cooling in the RTE meat industry is described. The study provides information on exposure time to UV light and level of antimicrobial agent that result in inactivation of the pathogen. Industry may benefit from our research in their validation efforts to control L. monocytogenes for recycled brine in recirculating chill brine systems through the use of UV light and antimicrobial agents.
Stent Design Lowers Angiographic but Not Clinical Adverse Events in Stenting of Symptomatic Intracranial Stenosis – Results of a Single Center Study with 100 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Rohde S. , Seckinger J. , Hähnel S. , Ringleb P. A. , Bendszus M. , Hartmann M. 
Published: February 2012

Background and aims Comparing safety and technical success of balloon-expandable stents and self-expanding stents for intracranial angioplasty and stenting in medically refractory intracranial atherosclerotic disease in a single center series. Methods Fifty-four self-expanding stents and 46 balloon-expandable stents were implanted in 100 consecutive patients (mean age 64 years, 74% male) from April 2000 to September 2009. All patients had symptomatic intracranial stenosis (anterior circulation, n = 40; posterior circulation, n = 60), presenting with recurrent transient ischemic attack or stroke under antithrombotic treatment. Mean degree of stenosis before treatment was 83 ± 13%. We assessed safety, defined as any stroke or death during the procedure and at 30 days follow-up, and technical success, defined as accurate delivery of the stent at the site of the target lesion. Results Safety – periprocedural stroke or hemorrhage occurred in 11 patients treated with balloon-expandable stent, and in 14 of the patients treated with a self-expanding stent. One patient with a balloon-expandable stent died because of acute vessel rupture during treatment. One balloon-expandable stent and one self-expanding stent patient developed a severe reperfusion hemorrhage that resulted in death. Overall, the combined stroke and death rate at 30-day follow-up was 250% (23·9% for balloon-expandable stent group and 25·9% for the self-expanding stent group, P = 0·84). Technical success – intracranial angioplasty and stenting was technically successful in 96·3% of the self-expanding stent and 89·1% of the balloon-expandable stent patients ( P = 0·31). Vascular complications were significantly less frequent in patients treated with a self-expanding stent (11·1%) than with a balloon-expandable stent (36·9%, P = 0002). Conclusion Despite a high technical success, the rate of clinical adverse events at 30 days after intracranial angioplasty and stenting is high independently of the stent design. Thus, further development of intracranial stent systems and careful patient selection are mandatory.