bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Economic burden of injuries in children: Cohort study based on administrative data in a northwestern Italian region
Authors: Petrinco Michele , Di Cuonzo Daniela , Berchialla Paola , Gilardetti Marco , Foltran Francesca , Scarinzi Cecilia , Costa Giuseppe , Gregori Dario 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground:  The aims of the present study were to identify which types of injuries are responsible for the major component of the health burden and to estimate the relative costs in a cohort of Italian children.Methods:  All children (0–14 years) residing in the Piedmont region, who were hospitalized for an injury (ICD‐9‐CM codes 800–995, excluding late effects from injury and allergies) between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2003, were considered. The cohort was linked by a unique identifier to: all the hospitalizations, all the day‐hospital care, and all the prescribed medicines. Outcome was defined as the difference in health service use in the 12 months following the injury, and was compared to the year preceding the injury occurrence. Total number of hospital admissions for each individual, cumulative length of stay, day‐hospital care, and prescribed medicines were calculated for the two periods. The cost of additional inpatient days and of additional outpatient care was calculated.Results:  The three most common injury categories were: intracranial injury (27.6%), fracture of upper limb (18.7%); and fracture of lower limb (9.07%); they were responsible for the major part of the additional inpatient days (55%) and outpatient care (70%). The additional expense for the National Health System during the year following an injury is approximately 1700€ for children aged 0–14.Conclusions:  This is the first Italian study to attempt to quantify the injury economic burden in a cohort of children: the costs imposed on society by injuries, suggest how important it is to commit resources to injury prevention.
Ampicillin versus penicillin in the empiric therapy of extremely low‐birthweight neonates at risk of early onset sepsis
Authors: Metsvaht Tuuli , Ilmoja Mari‐Liis , Parm Ülle , Merila Mirjam , Maipuu Lea , Müürsepp Piia , Julge Kadri , Sepp Epp , Lutsar Irja 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground:  There are no comparative data on the impact of different empiric antibiotic regimens on early bowel colonization as well as on clinical efficacy in extremely low‐birthweight (ELBW) neonates at risk of early onset sepsis (EOS).Methods:  A subgroup analysis was carried out of ELBW neonates recruited into a two‐center, prospective, cluster randomized study comparing ampicillin and penicillin both combined with gentamicin, within the first 72 h of life. A composite primary end‐point (need for change of antibiotics within 72 h and/or 7 day all‐cause mortality) and the rate and duration of colonization by opportunistic aerobic microorganisms were assessed using hierarchical models corrected for study center and period.Results:  In the ampicillin (n= 36) and penicillin (n= 39) groups change of antibiotics, 7 day mortality and the composite end‐point occurred at similar rates. Neonatal intensive care unit mortality for infants with gestational age <26 weeks was lower in the ampicillin group. Ampicillin treatment was associated with a higher colonization rate by Klebsiella pneumoniae, including ampicillin‐resistant strains.Conclusion:  Preliminary data indicate an urgent need for adequately powered studies of early antibiotic therapy in the subpopulation of ELBW neonates at risk of EOS.
The life history and decline of the threatened Australian frog,Litoria raniformis
Authors: HEARD GEOFFREY W. , SCROGGIE MICHAEL P. , MALONE BRIAN S. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractA popular idea amongst ecologists last century was that animals which exploit dynamic environments often display ‘fast’ life history strategies (high fecundity, rapid growth and maturation, and low or variable adult survival rates) relative to those which occupy more stable environments. Whilst the underlying theory has been discredited, the categorization remains of interest, because species with ‘fast’ life history traits are thought to be more robust to human‐induced environmental change than those with ‘slow’ life history traits. We examined the life history traits of the endangered Australian frogLitoria raniformis, to determine whether it displays ‘fast’ life history traits (like its sister speciesL. aureaandL. castanea),and to assess the role of these traits in the decline of this species. Mark‐recapture data confirmed thatL. raniformisdisplays rapid growth and maturation. The data also suggest thatL. raniformisdisplays relatively low adult survival rates. We propose that the ‘fast’ life history traits of this species are adaptive to metapopulation dynamics. In turn, we suggest that the rapid decline ofL. raniformismay have resulted from metapopulation collapse, driven ultimately by habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation, and proximately by severe stochastic perturbations.
Trophic ecology of parabiotic ants: Do the partners have similar food niches?
Authors: MENZEL FLORIAN , STAAB MICHAEL , CHUNG ARTHUR Y. C. , GEBAUER GERHARD , BLÜTHGEN NICO 
Published: September 2011

AbstractOrganisms associated with another species may experience both costs and benefits from their partner. One of these costs is competition, which is the more likely if the two species are ecologically similar. Parabioses are associations between two ant species that share a nest and often attend the same food sources. Albeit parabioses are probably mutualistic, parabiotic partners may compete for food. We therefore investigated feeding niches and dietary overlap of two parabiotically associated ants in Borneo using cafeteria experiments and stable isotope analyses. The two species strongly differed in their food choices. While Crematogaster modiglianii mostly foraged at carbohydrate‐rich baits, Camponotus rufifemur preferred urea‐rich sources. Both species also consumed animal protein. The 15N concentration in Ca. rufifemur workers was consistently lower than in Cr. modiglianii. Camponotus rufifemur but not Cr. modiglianii possesses microbial endosymbionts, which can metabolize urea and synthesize essential amino acids. Its lower 15N signature may result from a relatively higher intake of plant‐based or otherwise 15N‐depleted nitrogen. Isotopic signatures of the two partners in the same parabiosis showed strongly parallel variation across nests. As we did not find evidence for spatial autocorrelation, this correlation suggests an overlap of food sources between the two ant species. Based on model simulations, we estimated a diet overlap of 22–66% for nitrogen sources and 45–74% for carbon sources. The overlap may arise from either joint exploitation of the same food sources or trophallactic exchange of food. This suggests an intense trophic interaction and potential for competition between the parabiotic partners.
Can differences in the structure of larval, juvenile and adult coral‐reef fish assemblages be detected at the family level?
Authors: CARASSOU LAURE , WANTIEZ LAURENT , PONTON DOMINIQUE , KULBICKI MICHEL 
Published: September 2011

AbstractProcesses occurring at the end of the larval stage are of major importance in shaping spatial structure of fish assemblages in coral reefs. However, because of the difficulty in identifying larvae to species, many studies dealing with these stages are limited to the family level. It remains unknown if variation in the spatial structure of coral‐reef fish assemblages across life stages can be detected at such a coarse taxonomic level. Two different surveys conducted in a similar area of New Caledonia, Southwest Pacific, provided the opportunity to compare the structure of coral‐reef fish assemblages collected as pre‐settlement larvae, juveniles and adults along a coast to barrier reef gradient. Adult and juvenile fish were sampled using underwater visual counts (UVC) during the warm seasons of 2004 and 2005. Pre‐settlement larvae were sampled with light‐traps during the same seasons. In order to standardize data between sampling methods, analyses were conducted on the relative abundance (for larvae) and density (for juveniles and adults) of 21 families commonly collected with both methods. Relative abundances/densities of families were analysed as a function of life stage (larvae, juveniles or adults), large‐scale spatial location (coast, lagoon or barrier) and years (2004, 2005) using non‐parametric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (permanova). Kruskal–Wallis tests were then used to examine differences among life stages and locations for individual families. Different levels of spatial and temporal variability characterized fish assemblages from different life stages, and differences among life stages were detected at all locations and years. Differences among life stages were also significant at the level of individual families. Overall results indicate that studies conducted at the family level may efficiently reveal changes in coral‐reef fish spatial structure among successive life stages when large spatial scales are considered.
Roadside connectivity does not increase reptile abundance or richness in a fragmented mallee landscape
Authors: WILLIAMS JOEL R. , DRISCOLL DON A. , BULL C. MICHAEL 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe effect of isolation and the importance of dispersal in establishing and maintaining populations in fragments of remnant habitat remain poorly understood. Nevertheless, environmental connectivity is likely to be important for ensuring the long‐term preservation of biodiversity in extensively cleared landscapes. In this study, we compared reptile communities in large conservation parks with those in small woodland remnants 6.5–12 km from the parks, on the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia, Australia. We assessed the impact of fragmentation on the abundance, richness and habitat preferences of reptiles, and examined whether connection to linear roadside vegetation altered reptile communities in small woodland remnants. Of the 31 reptile species, 12 were restricted to conservation parks and six to habitat fragments in farmland. There was a substantial reduction in reptile species richness and abundance in farmland fragments. Direct connection of remnant vegetation to roadside corridors did not affect abundance of common species in the farmland fragments, although species richness was lower in isolated remnants in one of our two study regions. The habitat preference of the scincid lizard Menetia greyii differed between farmland fragments, where they were regularly found on dunes and roadsides, and conservation parks, where they were rare and not detected on dunes. We suggest that habitat fragmentation may have altered interspecific interactions, enabling an expansion of habitat use in the farming landscape. Significantly lower abundance of four common species in farmland settings compared with reserves indicated that existing corridors and small fragments provide inadequate connectivity over larger distances. To counter this effect, large reserves may need to be less than 10 km apart.
Water column dynamics of Vibrio in relation to phytoplankton community composition and environmental conditions in a tropical coastal area
Authors: Asplund Maria E. , Rehnstam‐Holm Ann‐Sofi , Atnur Vijay , Raghunath Pendru , Saravanan Vasudevan , Härnström Karolina , Collin Betty , Karunasagar Indrani , Godhe Anna 
Published: September 2011

SummaryVibrio abundance generally displays seasonal patterns. In temperate coastal areas, temperature and salinity influence Vibrio growth, whereas in tropical areas this pattern is not obvious. The present study assessed the dynamics of Vibrio in the Arabian Sea, 1–2 km off Mangalore on the south‐west coast of India, during temporally separated periods. The two sampling periods were signified by oligotrophic conditions, and stable temperatures and salinity. Vibrio abundance was estimated by culture‐independent techniques in relation to phytoplankton community composition and environmental variables. The results showed that the Vibrio density during December 2007 was 10‐ to 100‐fold higher compared with the February–March 2008 period. High Vibrio abundance in December coincided with a diatom‐dominated phytoplankton assemblage. A partial least squares (PLS) regression model indicated that diatom biomass was the primary predictor variable. Low nutrient levels suggested high water column turnover rate, which bacteria compensated for by using organic molecules leaking from phytoplankton. The abundance of potential Vibrio predators was low during both sampling periods; therefore it is suggested that resource supply from primary producers is more important than top‐down control by predators.
Development of bioreporter assays for the detection of bioavailability of long‐chain alkanes based on the marine bacterium Alcanivorax borkumensis strain SK2
Authors: Kumari Rekha , Tecon Robin , Beggah Siham , Rutler Rebecca , Arey J. Samuel , van der Meer Jan Roelof 
Published: September 2011

SummaryLong‐chain alkanes are a major component of crude oil and therefore potentially good indicators of hydrocarbon spills. Here we present a set of new bacterial bioreporters and assays that allow to detect long‐chain alkanes. These reporters are based on the regulatory protein AlkS and the alkB1 promoter from Alcanivorax borkumensis SK2, a widespread alkane degrader in marine habitats. Escherichia coli cells with the reporter construct reacted strongly to octane in short‐term (6 h) aqueous suspension assays but very slightly only to tetradecane, in line with what is expected from its low water solubility. In contrast, long‐term assays (up to 5 days) with A. borkumensis bioreporters showed strong induction with tetradecane and crude oil. Gel‐immobilized A. borkumensis reporter cells were used to demonstrate tetradecane and crude oil bioavailability at a distance from a source. Alcanivorax borkumensis bioreporters induced fivefold more rapid and more strongly when allowed physical contact with the oil phase in standing flask assays, suggesting a major contribution of adhered cells to the overall reporter signal. Using the flask assays we further demonstrated the effect of oleophilic nutrients and biosurfactants on oil availability and degradation by A. borkumensis. The fluorescence signal from flask assays could easily be captured with a normal digital camera, making such tests feasible to be carried out on, e.g. marine oil responder vessels in case of oil accidents.
Detecting unknown sequences with DNA microarrays: explorative probe design strategies
Authors: Dugat‐Bony Eric , Peyretaillade Eric , Parisot Nicolas , Biderre‐Petit Corinne , Jaziri Faouzi , Hill David , Rimour Sébastien , Peyret Pierre 
Published: September 2011

SummaryDesigning environmental DNA microarrays that can be used to survey the extreme diversity of microorganisms existing in nature, represents a stimulating challenge in the field of molecular ecology. Indeed, recent efforts in metagenomics have produced a substantial amount of sequence information from various ecosystems, and will continue to accumulate large amounts of sequence data given the qualitative and quantitative improvements in the next‐generation sequencing methods. It is now possible to take advantage of these data to develop comprehensive microarrays by using explorative probe design strategies. Such strategies anticipate genetic variations and thus are able to detect known and unknown sequences in environmental samples. In this review, we provide a detailed overview of the probe design strategies currently available to construct both phylogenetic and functional DNA microarrays, with emphasis on those permitting the selection of such explorative probes. Furthermore, exploration of complex environments requires particular attention on probe sensitivity and specificity criteria. Finally, these innovative probe design approaches require exploiting newly available high‐density microarray formats.
High‐resolution 2D and 3D cryo‐TEM reveals structural adaptations of two stalk‐forming bacteria to an Fe‐oxidizing lifestyle
Authors: Comolli Luis R. , Luef Birgit , Chan Clara S. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryAerobic neutrophilic Fe‐oxidizing bacteria (FeOB) thrive where oxic and iron‐rich anoxic waters meet. Here, iron microbial mats are commonly developed by stalk‐forming Fe‐oxidizers adapted to these iron‐rich gradient environments, somehow avoiding iron encrustation. Few details are known about FeOB physiology; thus, the bases of these adaptations, notably the mechanisms of interactions with iron, are poorly understood. We examined two stalked FeOB: the marine Zetaproteobacterium Mariprofundus ferrooxydans and a terrestrial Betaproteobacterium Gallionella‐like organism. We used cryo‐transmission electron microscopy and cryo‐electron tomography to provide unprecedented ultrastructural data on intact cell‐mineral systems. Both FeOB localize iron mineral formation at stalk extrusion sites, while avoiding surface and periplasmic mineralization. The M. ferrooxydans cell surface is densely covered in fibrils while the terrestrial FeOB surface is smooth, suggesting a difference in surface chemistry. Only the terrestrial FeOB exhibited a putative chemotaxis apparatus, which may be due to differences in chemotaxis mechanisms. Both FeOB have a single flagellum, which alone is insufficient to account for cell motion during iron oxidation, suggesting that stalk extrusion is a mechanism for motility. Our results delineate the physical framework of iron transformations and characterize possible structural adaptations to the iron‐oxidizing lifestyle. This study shows ultrastructural similarities and differences between two distinct FeOB, setting the stage for further (e.g. genomic) comparisons that will help us understand functional differences and evolutionary history.
Impact of early reoperation after resection for colorectal cancer on long‐term oncological outcomes
Authors: Khoury W. , Lavery I. C. , Kiran R. P. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAim  Whether reoperation in the postoperative period adversely affects oncologic outcomes for colorectal cancer patients undergoing resection has not been well characterized. The aim of this study was to determine whether long‐term oncological outcomes are affected for patients who undergo repeat surgery in the early postoperative period.Method  From a prospective colorectal cancer database, patients who underwent resection for colorectal cancer between 1982 and 2008 and were reoperated within 30 days after surgery (group A) were matched for age (± 5 years), gender, year of surgery (± 2 years), American Society of Anesthesiology score, tumor site (colon or rectum), cancer stage and differentiation with patients who did not undergo reoperation (group B). The two groups were compared for overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS) and local recurrence (LR).Results  In total, 89 reoperated patients (45 rectal, 44 colon cancer) were matched to an equal number of non‐reoperated patients. Anterior resection (39.2%) and right hemicolectomy (19.1%) were predominant primary operations. Indications for reoperation were anastomotic leak/abscess (n = 40, 45%), massive bleeding (n = 15, 16.9%), bowel obstruction (n = 11, 12.4%), wound complications (n = 9, 10.1%) and other indications (n = 14, 15.6%). Group A had significantly greater overall morbidity (100%vs 27%, P = 0.001) and required more blood transfusions (20.2%vs 7.9%, P = 0. 045). Adjuvant therapy use, on the other hand, was more common in group B (23.6%vs 12.3%, P = 0.1). The 5‐year OS and DFS were lower in the reoperated group (OS 55.3%vs 66.4%, P = 0.02; DFS 50.8%vs 60.8%, P = 0.06, respectively). Five‐year LR was slightly lower in the reoperated group (2.9%vs 6.3%, P = 0.34).Conclusions  Compared with non‐reoperated patients matched for patient, tumour and operative characteristics, patients reoperated in the early postoperative period have worse long‐term oncological outcomes. Adoption of strategies to reduce the risk of reoperation may be associated with the additional advantage of improved oncological outcomes in addition to the short‐term advantages.
Intra‐operative oxygen delivery in infusion volume‐optimized patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery within an enhanced recovery programme: the effect of different analgesic modalities
Authors: Levy B. F. , Fawcett W. J. , Scott M. J. P. , Rockall T. A. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAim  Patients undergoing major open surgery who have an indexed oxygen delivery (DO2I) > 600 ml/min/m2 have been shown to have a lower incidence of morbidity and mortality compared with those whose DO2I is below this level. Laparoscopy and Trendelenburg positioning cause a reduction in DO2I. We aimed to quantify the effect of the type of analgesia on DO2I and to correlate the DO2I achieved with the incidence of anastomotic leakage in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery.Method  Following ethical approval, patients were randomized to receive spinal anaesthesia (Group S), epidural analgesia (Group E) or intravenous morphine (Group P) followed by postoperative patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA). In addition to standard monitoring, oesophageal Doppler monitoring of the stroke volume allowed directed intravenous fluid therapy. The mean DO2I was compared with the anastomotic leakage rate.Results  Seventy‐five patients were recruited (Group S, 27; Group E, 23; Group P, 25). The mean (range) DO2I for all patients was 490 (230‐750) ml/min/m2. The analgesic modality had no effect on DO2I. Of the 18 patients with a DO2I of < 400 ml/min/m2, four (22%) developed anastomotic leakage compared with one (%) of the 57 patients with a DO2I of > 400 ml/min/m2 (P = 0.01).Conclusion  The analgesic modality used had no effect on the DO2I achieved. Anastomotic leakage was significantly higher in patients with a DO2I of < 400 ml/min/m2. A further study assessing the outcome after raising the DO2I with inotropes is required.
The ileo neo‐rectal anastomosis in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis: a prospective case series with long‐term follow up
Authors: de Zeeuw S. , Heikens J. T. , Gooszen H. G. , van Laarhoven C. J. H. M. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAim  In patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), removal of the colonic mucosa is essential to reduce the lifetime risk of developing cancer). For this purpose, ileo‐pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) has been the gold standard, but morbidity related to the dissection of the pelvis remains substantial. In an attempt to reduce the procedure‐related complications of pelvic dissection, ileoneo‐rectal anastomosis (INRA) has been developed. In this case series of FAP patients, the long‐term functional results, morbidity and quality of life (QoL) of the INRA procedure were evaluated and compared with its early outcome.Method  Long‐term follow up of a consecutive group of eight FAP patients with an INRA procedure (between 1998 and 2005) was undertaken. Data on functional results, complications, manometry and endoscopy were recorded prospectively.Results  Eight patients with FAP underwent the INRA procedure. The median number of defaecations over 24 h was five. No pelvic sepsis or bladder dysfunction occurred. One patient, in whom concomitant Crohn’s disease was diagnosed in retrospect, was converted to IPAA. In the INRA patients, no sexual dysfunction occurred. Endoscopic examination showed normal mucosa without any evidence of polyp formation.Conclusion  Restorative surgery by means of the INRA procedure yields good functional results in FAP patients, without any pelvic dissection‐related morbidity or regrowth of polyps in the neo‐rectum.