bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of antibacterial prophylaxis for patients with neutropenia
Authors: Slavin M. A. , Lingaratnam S. , Mileshkin L. , Booth D. L. , Cain M. J. , Ritchie D. S. , Wei A. , Thursky K. A. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe use of oral prophylactic antibiotics in patients with neutropenia is controversial and not recommended by this group because of a lack of evidence showing a reduction in mortality and concerns that such practice promotes antimicrobial resistance. Recent evidence has demonstrated non‐significant but consistent, improvement in all‐cause mortality when fluoroquinolones (FQs) are used as primary prophylaxis. However, the consensus was that this evidence was not strong enough to recommend prophylaxis. The evidence base for FQ prophylaxis is presented alongside current consensus opinion to guide the appropriate and judicious use of these agents. Due consideration is given to patient risk, as it pertains to specific patient populations, as well as the net effect on selective pressure from antibiotics if FQ prophylaxis is routinely used in a target population. The potential costs and consequences of emerging FQ resistance, particularly among Escherichia coli, Clostridium difficile and Gram‐positive organisms, are considered. As FQ prophylaxis has been advocated in some chemotherapy protocols, specific regard is given to whether FQ prophylaxis should be used to support these regimens. The group also provides recommendations for monitoring and surveillance of emerging resistance in those centres that have adopted FQ prophylaxis.
An Australian survey of clinical practices in management of neutropenic fever in adult cancer patients 2009
Authors: Lingaratnam S. , Slavin M. A. , Mileshkin L. , Solomon B. , Burbury K. , Seymour J. F. , Sharma R. , Koczwara B. , Kirsa S. W. , Davis I. D. , Prince M. , Szer J. , Underhill C. , Morrissey O. , Thursky K. A. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractBackground:  An abundance of new evidence regarding treatment strategies for neutropenic fever is likely to contribute to variability in practice across institutions and clinicians alike.Aims:  To describe current clinical practices in Australia, by surveying haematologists, oncologists and infectious diseases physicians involved in cancer care.Methods:  Clinician members from Australian professional associations, accounting for the vast majority of Australian cancer specialists, were invited to participate in an electronic survey, comprising of a clinical case‐based questionnaire. Clinical practice areas explored were: use of risk‐assessment and empiric antibiotic strategies across various treatment settings; use of anti‐bacterial prophylaxis; and use of granulocyte‐colony stimulating factors for established neutropenic fever and for secondary prophylaxis.Results:  A total of 252 clinicians returned responses (approximately 30% response rate). The majority (>70%) were representative of practices in public, major city, tertiary referral hospitals. Less than half of clinicians were aware of risk‐assessment tools and less than quarter currently used ambulatory care strategies. If adequate resources were made available, more than 80% were willing to use risk‐assessment tools and 60% more clinicians were likely to use ambulatory care strategies. Most clinicians prescribed dual therapy parenteral antibiotics, even for clinically stable patients (53% haematologists, 56% oncologists). Granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor was used frequently as secondary prophylaxis in the breast cancer case (91%), follicular lymphoma case (59%) and non‐small cell lung cancer case (31%). Fluoroquinolone prophylaxis was infrequently prescribed (19% oncologists, 30% haematologists).Conclusions:  Evidence–practice gaps were identified around the use of risk‐assessment‐based empiric therapy, and help to inform better clinical guidance.
Central auditory processing in elderly with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Rahman Tomader Taha Abdel , Mohamed Somaia Tawfeek , Albanouby Mohamed Hasan , Bekhet Hanaa Farag 
Published: January 2011

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to assess if central auditory processing affected patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or not and to assess sensitivity and specificity of central auditory processing tests in detection of MCI.Methods:  This was a case–control study conducted at the Geriatrics Department and Audiology Unit, Ain Shams University Hospital. Participants were 150 elderly diagnosed as MCI compared with 150 normal subjects, based on a neuropsychological diagnostic test battery, the Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG), and who were matched for age, sex and average threshold of hearing. Both cases and control groups were subjected to otological examination, immittancemetry, pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry and central auditory processing assessment by the use of a selective auditory attention test, dichotic digits test, auditory fusion test, pitch pattern sequences test and auditory memory battery of Goldman–Fristoe–Woodcock.Results:  The MCI group scored significantly lower than the control group in central auditory processing tests (P < 0.05). Sensitivity of dichotic digit test, pitch pattern sequence test and recognition memory test were 76.6%, 71.7% and 70.4%, respectively, while specificity were 56.2%, 81.2% and 92.2%, respectively. When the previous three tests were used together the sensitivity and specificity were 82.8% and 93.2%, respectively.Conclusion:  Central auditory processing was affected in MCI patients. The dichotic digit test, pitch pattern sequence test and recognition memory test can be used in detection of MCI with high sensitivity and specificity. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2011; 11: 304–308.
Dietary folate intakes and effects of folic acid supplementation on folate concentrations among Japanese pregnant women
Authors: Kondo Atsuo , Asada Yoshimasa , Shibata Kanemitsu , Kihira Masamichi , Ninomiya Keiu , Suzuki Masatoshi , Oguchi Hidenori , Hayashi Yoshihiko , Narita Osamu , Watanabe Junichiro , Shimosuka Yoichi 
Published: January 2011

AbstractAim:  To quantify the consumed amount of dietary folate and to evaluate effects of folic acid and balanced diets on serum folate concentrations.Material & Methods:  Food records collected from 641 pregnant women were assessed to quantify the consumed amount of dietary folate for a 6‐year period from 2003 to 2008. Changes in serum folate concentrations were evaluated among 80 pregnant women who either took folic acid tablets or consumed balanced diets in 2008.Results:  Though the dietary folate intake averaged 331 µg daily, 200 women in the 1st trimester consumed the least amount of dietary folate, 294 µg daily. It was observed that 42% of the 200 women either consumed at least 440 µg of dietary folate daily or took 400 µg folic acid supplements daily, but that 58% of them neither consumed dietary folate of 440 µg nor took folic acid supplements. Intakes of 400 µg folic acid supplements for 5 weeks resulted in a significant increase in serum folate concentrations but the consumption of balanced diets had no effect on increasing folate concentrations.Conclusions:  The average intake of dietary folate did not fulfill the Recommended Dietary Allowance of 440 µg. Serum folate concentration significantly increased only among pregnant women who took folic acid supplements. Recommendations to consume balanced diets do not seem effective to decrease the incidence of neural tube defects.
Extensive uterovaginal prolapse during labor
Authors: Yousaf Shumaila , Haq Bushra , Rana Tabinda 
Published: January 2011

AbstractUterovaginal prolapse complicating pregnancy is an extremely rare event. Obstetricians should be familiar with the condition as early recognition and close follow up is essential in order to avoid possible fetomaternal risks.We report a case of 35‐year‐old lady who presented to the emergency with complaints of labor pains, absent fetal movements and huge uterine cervical prolapse in active phase of labor. She was conservatively treated with bedrest, blood transfusions and irrigation of prolapsed cervix. A dead female fetus was delivered vaginally. Ring pessary was placed postnatally. We believe that an extensive uterovaginal prolapse needs close surveillance and can be managed conservatively.
Understanding congenital heart defects through abdominal fetal electrocardiography: Case reports and clinical implications
Authors: Velayo Clarissa , Sato Naoaki , Ito Takuya , Chisaka Hiroshi , Yaegashi Nobuo , Okamura Kunihiro , Kimura Yoshitaka 
Published: January 2011

AbstractAims:  Congenital heart defects are the most common fetal structural anomalies of which a significant number remain unrecognized during postnatal life. Fetal electrocardiography (FECG) is an ideal clinical tool to complement ultrasonography for the screening and management of these cases where early and accurate diagnoses would allow definite rather than palliative treatment. The objective of this report was to correlate the particular FECG results found with the different types of congenital heart defects involved and to further demonstrate the usefulness of FECG in clinical settings.Material & Methods:  This is a report of four cases of prenatally diagnosed congenital heart defects seen at a university hospital in Sendai, Japan. Their complete and thorough evaluation included, among other tests, abdominal FECG analysis.Results:  The presence of premature ventricular contractions, a prolonged pre‐ejection period (PEP > 75 msec), and prolonged QTc intervals (QTc > 440 msec) served as markers of hemodynamic alteration but were unlikely determinants of disease severity precluding further investigation.Conclusions:  In practice, similar findings found on FECG should raise the index of suspicion for the presence of congenital heart disease and prompt a targeted ultrasound scan.
Microbial diversity associated with four functional groups of benthic reef algae and the reef‐building coral Montastraea annularis
Authors: Barott Katie L. , Rodriguez‐Brito Beltran , Janouškovec Jan , Marhaver Kristen L. , Smith Jennifer E. , Keeling Patrick , Rohwer Forest L. 
Published: January 2011

SummaryThe coral reef benthos is primarily colonized by corals and algae, which are often in direct competition with one another for space. Numerous studies have shown that coral‐associated Bacteria are different from the surrounding seawater and are at least partially species specific (i.e. the same bacterial species on the same coral species). Here we extend these microbial studies to four of the major ecological functional groups of algae found on coral reefs: upright and encrusting calcifying algae, fleshy algae, and turf algae, and compare the results to the communities found on the reef‐building coral Montastraea annularis. It was found using 16S rDNA tag pyrosequencing that the different algal genera harbour characteristic bacterial communities, and these communities were generally more diverse than those found on corals. While the majority of coral‐associated Bacteria were related to known heterotrophs, primarily consuming carbon‐rich coral mucus, algal‐associated communities harboured a high percentage of autotrophs. The majority of algal‐associated autotrophic Bacteria were Cyanobacteria and may be important for nitrogen cycling on the algae. There was also a rich diversity of photosynthetic eukaryotes associated with the algae, including protists, diatoms, and other groups of microalgae. Together, these observations support the hypothesis that coral reefs are a vast landscape of distinctive microbial communities and extend the holobiont concept to benthic algae.
Demethylation of methylarsonic acid by a microbial community
Authors: Yoshinaga Masafumi , Cai Yong , Rosen Barry P. 
Published: January 2011

SummaryArsenic is one of the most widespread environmental carcinogens and has created devastating human health problems worldwide, yet little is known about mechanisms of biotransformation in contaminated regions. Methylarsonic acid [MAs(V)], extensively utilized as an herbicide, is largely demethylated to more toxic inorganic arsenite, which causes environmental problems. To understand the process of demethylation of methylarsenicals, soil samples commonly used on Florida golf courses were studied. Several soil extracts were found to demethylate MAs(V) to inorganic arsenite [As(III)]. From these extracts, a bacterial isolate was capable of reducing MAs(V) to MAs(III) but not of demethylating to As(III). A second bacterial isolate was capable of demethylating MAs(III) to As(III) but not of reducing MAs(V). A mixed culture could carry out the complete process of reduction and demethylation, demonstrating that demethylation of MAs(V) to As(III) is a two‐step process. Analysis of the 16S ribosomal DNA sequences of the two organisms identified the MAs(V)‐reducing and the MAs(III)‐demethylating isolates as belong to Burkholderia and Streptomyces species respectively. This is the first report of a novel pathway of degradation of a methylarsenical herbicide by sequential reduction and demethylation in a microbial soil community, which we propose plays a significant role in the arsenic biogeocycle.
Exploring the City: Perceiving Istanbul through its Cultural Productions
Authors: SENOVA BASAK 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThis essay explores the role of Istanbul's ‘cultural productions’ as components of the city's structure and texture. Istanbul is a city of tensions, generated by its countless conflicting and divergent flows which are constantly influenced by socio‐economic, political and cultural fusions and confusions. It is constantly expanding, both horizontally and vertically, as evidenced by its central and peripheral settlements, illegal dwellings and squatted lands. With each and every new inhabitant, further cumulative cultural input is added to the city, which also blends social exclusion and transgression (together with axiomatic de facto regulations). The city ‘operates’ as a jumbled mode of excessive information; the repetitive collapse and replenishment of this information overload opens up diverse ‘realities’. Within this picture, ‘cultural productions’ of the city have emerged as indicators of inhabitants' reactions, exposing ways of coping with/surviving in the city. These cultural productions are locally, temporarily and spontaneously produced. Consequently, this essay investigates how such cultural productions have been processed by the inhabitants of the city since the 1980s, and specifically focuses on the latest research and project models, navigating through projects undertaken by academics, artists and architects who correspond and have connections with international institutions — most notably in the field of contemporary art.Résumé Cet essai examine le rôle des ‘productions culturelles’ d'Istanbul en tant que composantes de la structure et de la texture urbaines. Cette ville est faite de tensions générées par un nombre infini de flux contradictoires et divergents, influencés en permanence par des fusions et confusions socio‐économiques, politiques et culturelles. Elle ne cesse de se développer tant au plan horizontal que vertical, comme le montrent ses implantations centrales et périphériques, ses habitats illégaux et ses terrains squattés. Chaque nouvel habitant apporte une contribution culturelle cumulative à la ville qui mélange également exclusion sociale et transgression (ainsi que des règles axiomatiques de fait). La ville ‘fonctionne’ comme un enchevêtrement d'informations excessives: l'effondrement et la reconstitution réitérés de cette surcharge d'informations révèlent diverses ‘réalités’. Dans cette représentation, les ‘productions culturelles’ de la ville sont apparues comme des indicateurs des réactions des habitants, traduisant leurs manières d'affronter la ville et d'y survivre. Les modalités de ces productions sont locales, temporaires et spontanées. L'étude s'intéresse donc au traitement de ces productions culturelles par les habitants depuis les années 1980, et porte en particulier sur les modèles de recherches et de projets les plus récents, en passant par des travaux d'universitaires, d'artistes ou d'architectes qui correspondent et ont des liens avec des institutions internationales, notamment dans le domaine de l'art contemporain.
The ALS8‐associated mutant VAPBP56S is resistant to proteolysis in neurons
Authors: Gkogkas Christos , Wardrope Caroline , Hannah Matthew , Skehel Paul 
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 117, 286–294.AbstractVAMP/synaptobrevin associated proteins A and B (VAPA and VAPB), are type IV membrane proteins enriched on ER and Golgi membranes. Both VAPA and B interact with cytoplasmic lipid transport proteins and cytoskeletal elements to maintain the structure and composition of ER and Golgi membranes. Truncated forms of both proteins are present in some tissues but the functional significance of this is not clear. In rodents processing of VAPA occurs in most tissues, however, truncated forms of VAPB have only been reported in brain tissue. It is demonstrated here that the extent of VAPB processing in rat increases during postnatal development and that it is restricted to neurons. The C‐terminal polypeptide generated by this cleavage reaction remains associated with cell membranes, but its subcellular distribution is distinct from the full‐length protein. A mutant form of VAPB is associated with a familial form of neurodegenerative disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis type 8. The mutant protein, VAPBP56S, is resistant to truncation in primary neuronal cultures, although remains sensitive to some form of proteolysis when over‐expressed in HEK293 cells. These data suggest that neuronal cells have a particular requirement for VAPB proteolysis and that reduced levels of processed polypeptides may contribute to the neurodegeneration associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis type 8.
Management of black Vertisols characterized by pot‐holes in the Chambal region, India
Authors: Somasundaram J. , Singh R. K. , Prasad S. N. , Sethy B. K. , Kumar A. , Ramesh K. , Lakaria B. L. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractCrop yields in rainfed areas are primarily dependent on the rainfall pattern and stored soil moisture. High smectite clay causes the formation of cracks, which are a striking feature of black Vertisols which are also distinguished by the presence of pot‐holes. Soil water is recharged during the rainy season via these cracks, which also results in pot‐hole formation. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of different conservation measures on pot‐holes. Length, width and depth were measured during dry spells after the onset of the monsoon under various field treatments. The results indicate that uncultivated fields have a greater volume of pot‐holes (573 m3/ha) than cultivated ones due to unbroken gentle slopes, which would have caused silt‐laden runoff to travel longer distances to form pot‐holes. The results show that among the cultivated fields, a control plot had the maximum volume of pot‐holes (450 m3/ha), followed by a conservation bench terrace (CBT) (231 m3/ha), residue incorporated (RI) fields (142 m3/ha) and contour furrow areas (CF) (119 m3/ha). The CBT field treatment had a higher volume of pot‐holes despite a high percentage of micro‐aggregates and high total porosity.
Evaluation of initial plasma lactate values as a predictor of gastric necrosis and initial and subsequent plasma lactate values as a predictor of survival in dogs with gastric dilatation‐volvulus: 84 dogs (2003–2007)
Authors: Green Tiffany I. , Tonozzi Caroline C. , Kirby Rebecca , Rudloff Elke 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjective –To test whether an initial plasma lactate≥6.0 mmol/L is associated with the presence of macroscopic gastric wall necrosis and overall survival in dogs presenting with gastric dilatation‐volvulus (GDV). Additionally, if no association was identified we sought to identify a different predictive initial plasma lactate concentration and to examine whether serial plasma lactate concentrations provide better prediction of survival.Design –Retrospective study over a 5‐year period (2003–2007).Setting –Urban private referral small animal teaching hospital.Animals –Eighty‐four client‐owned dogs with a diagnosis of GDV and plasma lactate measurements.Interventions –None.Measurements and Main Results –There was no statistically significant relationship found between survival and the presence of macroscopic gastric wall necrosis with the initial plasma lactate≥6 mmol/L. There was a significant relationship between the initial plasma lactate >2.9 mmol/L for predicting necrosis and <4.1 mmol/L for predicting survival to discharge. Forty dogs that had an increased initial plasma lactate (>2.5 mmol/L) also had a subsequent plasma lactate measured within 12 hours of presentation, with 37/40 dogs surviving and 70% of these surviving dogs having the subsequent lactate decrease by≥50% within 12 hours. The 3/40 that died failed to decrease their plasma lactate by≥50% from the initial blood lactate.Conclusion –The results of this study indicate that an initial presenting plasma lactate concentration≥6.0 mmol/L is not predictive of macroscopic gastric wall necrosis or survival in dogs presenting with GDV. A decrease in plasma lactate concentrations≥50% within 12 hours may be a good indicator for survival. Limitations to the study include its retrospective nature, the small number of patients, and the number of dogs that were euthanized rather than allowed to progress to a natural outcome.
Intranasal versus intravenous lorazepam for control of acute seizures in children: A randomized open‐label study
Authors: Arya Ravindra , Gulati Sheffali , Kabra Madhulika , Sahu Jitendra K. , Kalra Veena 
Published: January 2011

SummaryPurpose:  Intravenous lorazepam is considered the drug of first choice for control of acute convulsive seizures. However, resource or personnel constraints necessitate the study of alternative routes and medications. This study compared the efficacy and adverse effects of intranasal versus intravenous lorazepam in children aged 6–14 years who presented with acute seizures.Methods:  This was a randomized open‐label study conducted at an Indian hospital from August 2008 to April 2009. One hundred forty‐one consecutive children aged 6–14 years who presented convulsing to the emergency room were included. After stabilization, the children were randomized to receive either intravenous or intranasal lorazepam (0.1 mg/kg, maximum 4 mg). The primary outcome measure was clinical seizure remission within 10 min of drug administration. The study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00735527).Key Findings:  Seventy patients were randomized to receive intravenous and 71 to receive intranasal lorazepam. The patients in the two groups were comparable at baseline. Clinical seizure remission within 10 min of drug administration was found in 80% of the intravenous group as compared to 83.1% of intranasal group. The lower limit of 95% confidence interval for effect size was approximately −9.7%, with an a priori cutoff for noninferiority of −10%.Significance:  Intranasal administration of lorazepam is not found to be inferior to intravenous administration for termination of acute convulsive seizures in children.