bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The global invasion success of Central European plants is related to distribution characteristics in their native range and species traits
Authors: Pyšek Petr , Jarošík Vojtěch , Pergl Jan , Randall Rod , Chytrý Milan , Kühn Ingolf , Tichý Lubomír , Danihelka Jiří , Chrtek jun Jindřich , Sádlo Jiří 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAim Determining which traits predispose a species to become invasive is a fundamental question of invasion ecology, but traits affect invasiveness in concert with other factors that need to be controlled for. Here, we explore the relative effects of biological traits of plant species and their distributional characteristics in the native range on invasion success at two stages of invasion.Location Czech Republic (for native species); and the world (for alien species).Methods The source pool of 1218 species of seed plants native to Central Europe was derived from the flora of the Czech Republic, and their occurrence in 706 alien floras all over the world was recorded, distinguishing whether they were listed as an ‘alien’ or a ‘weed’ in the latest version of Randall’s ‘Global compendium of weeds’ database. The latter type of occurrence was considered to indicate species ability to invade and cause economic impact, i.e. a more advanced stage of invasion. Using the statistical technique of regression trees, we tested whether 19 biological traits and five distributional characteristics of the species in their native range can be used to predict species success in two stages of invasion.Results The probability of a species becoming alien outside its native distribution range is determined by the size of its native range, and its tolerance of a wide range of climates acquired in the region of origin. Biological traits play only an indirect role at this stage of invasion via determining the size of the native range. However, the ability of species to become a weed is determined not only by the above characteristics of native distribution, but also directly by biological traits (life form and strategy, early flowering, tall stature, generative reproduction, number of ploidy levels and opportunistic dispersal by a number of vectors). Species phylogenetic relatedness plays only a minor role; it is more important at the lowest taxonomic levels and at the later stage of invasion.Main conclusion The global success of Central European species as ‘weeds’ is determined by their distributional characteristics in the native ranges and by biological traits, but the relative importance of these determinants depends on the stage of invasion. Species which have large native ranges and are common within these ranges should be paid increased attention upon introductions, and the above biological traits should be taken into account in screening systems applied to evaluate deliberate introductions of alien plants to new regions.
Quercitrin, a bioflavonoid improves glucose homeostasis in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic tissues by altering glycolytic and gluconeogenic enzymes
Authors: Babujanarthanam Ranganathan , Kavitha Purushothaman , Pandian Moses Rajasekara 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe present study is an investigation into the role of quercitrin on carbohydrate metabolism in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats. Administration of STZ leads to a significant increase (P < 0.05) in fasting plasma glucose and a decrease in insulin levels. The content of glycogen is significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in liver and muscle, but increased in the kidney. The activity of hexokinase decreased whereas the activities of glucose 6‐phosphatase and fructose 1,6‐bisphosphatase significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the tissues. Oral administration of quercitrin (30 mg/kg) to diabetic rats for a period of 30 days resulted in significant (P < 0.05) alterations in the parameters studied but not in normal rats. A decrease of plasma glucose and increase in insulin levels were observed along with the restoration of glycogen content and the activities of carbohydrate metabolic enzymes in quercitrin‐treated diabetic rats. The histopathological study of the pancreas revealed the protective role of quercitrin. There was an expansion of the islets and decreased fatty infiltrate of the islets in quercitrin treated diabetic rats. In normal rats treated with quercitrin, we could not observe any significant change in all the parameters studied. Combined, these results show that quercitrin plays a positive role in carbohydrate metabolism and antioxidant status in diabetic rats.
Source‐Critical Methodologies in Recent Scholarship on the Khārijites
Authors: Gaiser* Adam 
Published: August 2009

AbstractMany of the difficulties involved in researching the Khārijites come from the lack of primary Khārijite sources, and the subsequent need for scholars to rely on problematic non‐Khārijite sources such as heresiography. This article will devote considerable attention to recent source‐critical scholarship in English on the early medieval Khārijites (khawārij), excluding the Ibāiyya, as well as the use of the appellation ‘Khārijite’ as a modern phenomenon.
Predictors of Interleukin‐6 Elevation in Older Adults
Authors: Zhu Shuhan , Patel Kushang V. , Bandinelli Stefania , Ferrucci Luigi , Guralnik Jack M. 
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the characteristics of older adults who develop high interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) levels at 3‐year follow‐up.DESIGN: Population‐based study of adults living in Tuscany, Italy.SETTING: Community.PARTICIPANTS: Adults aged 65 and older and were selected for this study. Of 1,155 baseline participants aged 65 and older, 741 had IL‐6 measurements at baseline and 3‐year follow‐up.MEASUREMENTS: The uppermost quartile of IL‐6 was used as the threshold for defining high IL‐6 (≥4.18 pg/mL). Serum IL‐6 levels were assessed using enzyme immunoassay.RESULTS: Of the 581 participants with IL‐6 levels less than 4.18 pg/mL at baseline, 106 (18.2%) had developed high IL‐6 at follow‐up. Although women had lower IL‐6 levels at baseline than men, the risk of developing high IL‐6 did not differ according to sex. High adiposity, defined as a body mass index of 30.0 kg/m2 or higher (odds ratio (OR)=2.63, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.40–4.96), and large waist circumference, defined as 102 cm or greater for men and 88 cm or greater for women (OR=2.05, 95% CI=1.24–3.40), were significant predictors of developing high IL‐6 at follow‐up. Other significant predictors were presence of three or more chronic diseases (OR=3.66, 95% CI=1.54–8.70), higher baseline IL‐6 (OR=1.82, 95% CI=1.39–2.38) and higher white blood cell count (OR=1.24, 95% CI=1.06–1.45). Faster walking speed associated with decreased risk of progressing to elevated IL‐6 (OR=0.83, 95% CI=0.74–0.92).CONCLUSION: Older age, greater adiposity, slower walking speed, higher disease burden, and higher white blood cell count were associated with greater risk of IL‐6 elevation over a 3‐year period. Future research should target older adults with these characteristics to prevent progression to a proinflammatory state.
A Quality Improvement Intervention to Facilitate the Transition of Older Adults from Three Hospitals Back to Their Homes
Authors: Dedhia Param , Kravet Steve , Bulger John , Hinson Tony , Sridharan Anirudh , Kolodner Ken , Wright Scott , Howell Eric 
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVES: To study the feasibility and effectiveness of a discharge planning intervention.DESIGN: Quasi‐experimental pre–post study design.SETTING: General medicine wards at three hospitals: an academic medical center, a community teaching hospital, and a community‐based nonteaching hospital.PARTICIPANTS: All patients aged 65 and older admitted to the hospitalist services.INTERVENTION: The intervention toolkit had five core elements: admission form with geriatric cues, facsimile to the primary care provider, interdisciplinary worksheet to identify barriers to discharge, pharmacist–physician collaborative medication reconciliation, and predischarge planning appointments.MEASUREMENTS: Thirty‐day readmission and return to emergency department rates and patient satisfaction with discharge. Odds ratios were determined, and site effects were examined accordig to interaction terms and Breslow Day statistics.RESULTS: Two hundred thirty‐seven patients were followed during the preintervention period, and 185 were exposed to the intervention. Patients characteristics were similar across the two time periods. The proportion of patients with high‐quality transitions home, measured according to Coleman's Care Transition Measures, increased from 68% to 89% (odds ratio (OR)=3.49, 95% confidence interval (CI)=2.06–5.92). Return to the emergency department within 3 days of discharge was lower in the intervention period (10% vs 3%, OR=0.25, 95% CI=0.10–0.62). At 30 days, there was a lower rate of readmission (22% vs 14%, OR=0.59, 95% CI=0.34–0.97) and fewer visits to the emergency department (21% vs 14%, OR=0.61, 95% CI=0.36–1.03) (P=.06).CONCLUSION: When hospitalized elderly patients are treated with consideration of their specific needs, healthcare outcomes can be improved.
Urinary di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate metabolites in athletes as screening measure for illicit blood doping: a comparison study with patients receiving blood transfusion
Authors: Monfort Núria , Ventura Rosa , Latorre Ana , Belalcazar Viviana , López Mercè , Segura Jordi 
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: Subjects submitted to intravenous (IV) blood transfusions for medical reasons or blood doping to increase athletic performance are potentially exposed to the plasticizer di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) found in IV bags. Exposure to DEHP has been evaluated by measuring DEHP metabolites in selected groups of subjects.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Urinary DEHP metabolites, mono‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate, mono‐(2‐ethyl‐5‐hydroxyhexyl)phthalate (MEHHP), and mono‐(2‐ethyl‐5‐oxohexyl)phthalate (MEOHP) were measured in a control group with no explicit known exposure to DEHP (n = 30), hospitalized patients receiving blood transfusions (n = 25), nontransfused hospitalized patients receiving other medical care involving plastic materials (n = 39), and athletes (n = 127). Patients were tested in the periods 0 to 24 and 24 to 48 hours after exposition.RESULTS: Urinary concentrations of all three DEHP metabolites were significantly higher in patients receiving blood transfusion than in nontransfused patients and the control group, except for MEHHP and MEOHP in the period 24 to 48 hours. Samples from four athletes showed increased concentrations of DEHP metabolites comparable to urinary concentrations of patients receiving blood transfusion.CONCLUSION: Elevated concentrations of urinary DEHP metabolites represent increased exposure to DEHP. High concentrations of DEHP metabolites present in urine collected from athletes may suggest illegal blood transfusion and can be used as a qualitative screening measure for blood doping.
A noninvasive near infrared system for detection of platelet components contaminated with bacteria
Authors: Saranwong Sirinnapa , Ezuki Shoji , Kawabata Kinuyo , Kawano Sumio , Ohto Hitoshi 
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: Platelet (PLT) transfusion–associated bacterial sepsis has remained a substantial patient risk, primarily due to lacking effective and point‐of‐issue measures to detect bacterial contamination. This study describes near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to examine inoculated PLTs without sampling within a few seconds.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This study evaluated apheresis PLTs inoculated with low concentrations of Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, comparing with sterile bags. Short‐wavelength NIR spectra over the range from 700 to 1100 nm in the transmittance mode were obtained using research (NIRS6500, Foss NIRSystems) and portable (NIRGun, Shizuoka Shibuya Seiki) instruments at 6‐hour intervals from 0 to 72 hours after inoculation (HAI).RESULTS: The sensitivity of the NIRS6500 was 100% (43/43) and 98% (50/51) after incubating PLTs inoculated with B. cereus for 42 HAI or more and with S. epidermidis for 54 HAI or more, respectively. Difference spectra calculated by subtracting the NIR spectra of stored PLTs with that of the same PLTs measured at 0 HAI improved the discrimination results compared with conventional second derivative spectra.CONCLUSION: The NIRS6500 system can provide a PLT monitoring system based on difference spectra. The chemical components of PLTs that were influenced by bacterial metabolism seemed to play an important role in the calibration structure. Further studies should examine samples spiked with various species of prevalent bacteria.
Reconstructing and Registering Three‐Dimensional Rotational Angiogram of Left Atrium during Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: TANG MIN , KRIATSELIS CHARALAMPOS , YE GANG , NEDIOS SOTIRIS , ROSER MATHIAS , SOLOWJOWA NATALIA , FLECK ECKARD , GERDS‐LI JIN‐HONG 
Published: August 2009

Background: Three‐dimensional (3D) image of left atrium (LA) can greatly facilitate ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Reconstructing method using computed tomography (CT) has certain limitations. The 3D image of LA can be intraprocedurally reconstructed by a rotational angiography technique.
Methods: Forty‐six patients undergoing AF ablation were included in this study. Preprocedural CT imaging and intraprocedural reconstructing 3D rotational angiogram (3DRA) of LA were performed in all the patients. Rapid ventricular pacing (RVP, 300 ms) was used to inhibit the drainage of atrium. During RVP, contrast medium was injected into the LA, and rotational angiography was performed. The 3DRA was reconstructed and was registered with the live fluoroscopy. The 3DRA was evaluated in comparison to the CT image. In the navigation of the registered 3DRA, the ablation of AF was performed.
Results: Forty‐four 3DRAs (95.7%) were successfully reconstructed and registered with the live fluoroscopy. The LA anatomy was delineated in the 3DRA in comparison to a CT image. AF ablation was successfully performed in the 44 patients in the navigation of the registered 3DRA. There were good correlations in the PV ostial diameter and the LA volume as assessed by 3DRA in comparison to a CT image (r >= 0.87). The radiation exposure in rotational angiography was substantially less than that in CT scanning (2.7 ± 0.9 mSv vs. 24.9 ± 3.1 mSv, P < 0.001).
Conclusions: It is feasible to reconstruct and register the 3DRA with live fluoroscopy using the RVP method during the ablation of AF.
Single and Combined Diagnostic Value of Clinical Features and Laboratory Tests in Acute Appendicitis
Authors: Laméris Wytze , Van Randen Adrienne , Go Peter M.N.Y.H. , Bouma Wim H. , Donkervoort Sandra C. , Bossuyt Patrick M.M. , Stoker Jaap , Boermeester Marja A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjectives:  The objective was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of clinical features and laboratory test results in detecting acute appendicitis.Methods:  Clinical features and laboratory test results were prospectively recorded in a consecutive series of 1,101 patients presenting with abdominal pain at the emergency department (ED) in six hospitals. Likelihood ratios (LRs) and the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were calculated for the individual features. Variants of clinical presentation, based on different combinations of clinical features, were investigated and the accuracies of combinations of clinical features were evaluated.Results:  The discriminative power (AUC) of the individual features in patients with suspected appendicitis ranged from 0.50 to 0.65. For five of the 23 predictor sets, the accuracy for appendicitis was more than 85%. This accuracy was only found in male patients. The relative frequency of these predictor sets ranged from 2% to 13% of patients with suspected appendicitis. A combination of the clinical features migration of pain to the right lower quadrant (RLQ), and direct tenderness in the RLQ, was present in only 28% (120/422) of clinically suspected patients, of whom no more than 85 patients had appendicitis (71%). A “classical” presentation (combination of migration of pain to the RLQ, tenderness in the RLQ, and rigidity) occurred in only 6% (25/422) of patients with suspected appendicitis and yielded an accuracy of 100% in males but only 46% in females.Conclusions:  The discriminative power (AUC) of individual clinical features and laboratory test results for appendicitis was weak in patients with suspected appendicitis. Combinations of clinical features and laboratory tests with high diagnostic accuracy are relatively infrequent in patients with suspected appendicitis.
The Business of Emergency Medicine: A Nonclinical Curriculum Proposal for Emergency Medicine Residency Programs
Authors: Falvo Thomas , McKniff Sueanne , Smolin Gregory , Vega David , Amsterdam James T. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractOver the course of their postgraduate medical education, physicians are expected not only to acquire an extensive knowledge of clinical medicine and sound procedural skills, but also to develop competence in their other professional roles as communicator, collaborator, mediator, manager, teacher, and patient advocate. Although the need for physicians to develop stronger service delivery skills is well recognized, residency programs may underemphasize formal training in nonclinical proficiencies. As a result, graduates can begin their professional careers with an incomplete understanding of the operation of health care systems and how to utilize system resources in the manner best suited to their patients’ needs. This article proposes the content, educational strategy, and needs assessment for an academic program entitled The Business of Emergency Medicine (BOEM). Developed as an adjunct to the (predominantly) clinical content of traditional emergency medicine (EM) training programs, BOEM is designed to enhance the existing academic curricula with additional learning opportunities by which EM residents can acquire a fundamental understanding of the nonclinical skills of their specialty.
Six‐year follow‐up of an intervention to improve the management of preschool children with asthma
Authors: Hederos Carl‐Axel , Janson Staffan , Hedlin Gunilla 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAims:  In a randomized controlled study involving 60 preschool children with asthma, an intervention with extra information and support to parents in the form of group discussions was performed. An earlier follow‐up after 18 months revealed an improved adherence and a reduction of exacerbation days. This is a 6‐year follow‐up.Methods:  Fifty‐four children performed clinical examinations, blood tests, measurements of exhaled nitric oxide, spirometry, bronchial provocation with dry air and skin prick tests. Data from the patients’ records and questionnaires were obtained.Results:  Twenty‐nine per cent had no current signs of asthma, whereas 43% exhibited persistent and 28% intermittent asthma. The burden on the healthcare system was minimal. Intermittent inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy was used by 81%. The intervention group (IG) had fewer contacts with nurses. Their parents had a better quality of life. Interviewing children separately contributed in identification of children needing treatment. More children in the IG had to restart ICS as they had signs of worse asthma control.Conclusion:  Straightforward and timely support to parents of children with asthma can have long‐term positive effects by strengthening the ability of parents to treat their children at home, although parents may also develop an underestimation of mild symptoms. It is important to directly ask children about their disease and to maintain regular follow‐up visits.
Inconclusive Cystic Fibrosis neonatal screening results: long‐term psychosocial effects on parents
Authors: Perobelli Sandra , Zanolla Luisa , Tamanini Anna , Rizzotti Paolo , Maurice Assael Baroukh , Castellani Carlo 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAim:  Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Newborn Screening occasionally identifies neonates where a CF diagnosis can neither be confirmed nor excluded. To assess how parents of these infants cope with this ambiguous situation.Methods:  Parents of 11 children with Ambiguous Diagnosis (group AD) were compared with parents of 11 children diagnosed with CF through neonatal screening [group Cystic Fibrosis Diagnosis (CFD)] and with parents of 11 Healthy Control children (group HC) matched for gender and age.Results:  The emotional reaction to the inconclusive result was less pronounced in AD than in CFD (p = 0.003), and AD parents considered their infants as healthy as controls. Parents’ anxiety about their child’s health is stronger in CFD than in AD (p < 0.05) and HC (p < 0.001). Long‐term emotional distress was rated similarly in AD and CFD, and greater than in HC (p = 0.0003). The parent/child relationship was less influenced in AD than in the CF group (p = 0.03). Seven AD and CFD parents changed their family planning projects.Conclusion:  Inconclusive neonatal screening results appear to be understood and associated with lower anxiety levels than CF diagnosis. Concern about the child’s health is similar to healthy controls and lower than in parents of CF children.
The occurrence of primary nocturnal enuresis and associated factors in 5‐year‐old outpatients in Slovenia
Authors: Semolič N , Ravnikar A , Meglič A , Japelj‐Pavešić B , Kenda RB 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAim:  To determine the occurrence of primary nocturnal enuresis in 5‐year‐old outpatients in Slovenia and the possible correlations with different factors.Methods:  The epidemiological study was conducted in Slovenia between 2005 and 2007. A special questionnaire was distributed randomly among the parents of 1846 5‐year olds in children’s outpatient clinics in all regions of Slovenia.Results:  The response rate was on average 71.0%, which means that 7% of all Slovenian 5‐year olds were included in the study. The occurrence of primary nocturnal enuresis was 8.7% and was higher in families with many siblings (χ2 test, p < 0.01). The boy:girl ratio was 1.4 (Student t‐test, p = 0.024). Parents were found to be more disturbed by the problem than their children (χ2 test, p < 0.01). The maternal and paternal education levels of children with primary nocturnal enuresis did not differ from the Slovenian adult population (χ2 test, p > 0,05).Conclusion:  The occurrence of primary nocturnal enuresis in 5‐year‐old outpatients in Slovenia is comparable with data from other countries. Primary nocturnal enuresis is more frequent in boys than in girls, with higher occurrence in families with more siblings, and parents are more disturbed by the problem than their children.