bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A hierarchical classification of freshwater mussel diversity in North America
Authors: Haag Wendell R. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAim  North America harbours the most diverse freshwater mussel fauna on Earth. This fauna has high endemism at the continental scale and within individual river systems. Previous faunal classifications for North America were based on intuitive, subjective assessments of species distributions, primarily the occurrence of endemic species, and do not portray continent‐wide patterns of faunal similarity. The aim of this study is to provide an analytical portrayal of patterns of mussel diversity in a hierarchical framework that informs the biogeographical history of the fauna.Location  The study considered the mussel fauna of North America from the Rio Grande system northwards.Methods  Patterns of mussel faunal similarity in 126 river systems or lake watersheds across North America were examined. The dataset was developed from the literature and consisted of recent species presence/absence (282 species) in each drainage unit; subspecies were not included. Patterns of mussel diversity were examined with hierarchical cluster analysis, based on a pairwise distance matrix between all drainage units.Results  Cluster analysis revealed 17 faunal provinces within four major faunal regions: Mississippian, Atlantic, Eastern Gulf and Pacific. The Mississippian Region dominates the North American fauna with 11 provinces, including five not recognized by previous classifications: Mississippi Embayment, Upper Mississippi, Great Plains, Ohioan and Pontchartrain–Pearl–Pascagoula. Within the Eastern Gulf Region (containing three provinces), the Escambia–Choctawhatchee Province is distinctive from the Apalachicolan Province, under which it was previously subsumed. Patterns of diversity in the Atlantic Region (two provinces) and Pacific Region (one province) were similar to previous classifications.Main conclusions  The classification proposed in this study largely corroborates earlier schemes based on the occurrence of endemic species but identifies additional heterogeneity that reflects unique assemblages of widely distributed species. The study proposes a hierarchical structure that illustrates relationships among these provinces. Although some provinces in the Mississippian Region have high endemism, all Mississippian provinces share a group of widely distributed species. The Atlantic and Eastern Gulf regions have distinctive, endemic faunas suggesting limited past connectivity with the Mississippian Region. The Pacific Region is the most distinct fauna in North America and bears close affinity to the Eurasian mussel fauna.
Mycorrhizal community resilience in response to experimental plant functional type removals in a woody ecosystem
Authors: Urcelay Carlos , Díaz Sandra , Gurvich Diego E. , Chapin III F. Stuart , Cuevas Elvira , Domínguez Laura S. 
Published: September 2009

Summary1. Dominant plant functional types (PFTs) are expected to be primary determinants of communities of other above‐ and below‐ground organisms. Here, we report the effects of the experimental removal of different PFTs on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) communities in a shrubland ecosystem in central Argentina.2. On the basis of the biomass‐ratio hypothesis and plant resource use strategy theory, we expected the effect of removal of PFTs on AMF colonization and spores to be proportional to the biomass removed and to be stronger when more conservative PFTs were removed. The treatments applied were: undisturbed control (no plant removed), disturbed control (mechanical disturbance),no shrub(removal of deciduous shrubs),no perennial forb(removal of perennial forbs),no graminoid(removal of graminoids) andno annual forb(removal of annual forbs). AMF colonization was assessed after 5, 17 and 29 months. Total density of AMF spores, richness and evenness of morphotaxa, and AMF functional groups were quantified after 5, 17, 29, 36 and 39 months.3. Five months after the initial removal we found a significant reduction in total AMF colonization in all plots subjected to PFT removals and in the disturbed control plots, as compared with the undisturbed controls. This effect disappeared afterwards and no subsequent effect on total colonization and colonization by arbuscules was observed. In contrast, a significant increase in colonization by vesicles was observed in months 17 and 29, mainly inno graminoidplots. In general, treatments did not significantly affect AMF spores in the soil. On the other hand,no annual forbpromoted transient (12–18 months) higher ammonia availability, andno shrubpromoted lower nitrate availability in the longer term (24–28 months).4. Synthesis.Our experiment, the first to investigate the effects of the removal of different PFTs on AMF communities in natural ecosystems, indicates that AMF communities are resilient to changes in the soil and in the functional composition of vegetation. Furthermore, it does not provide consistent evidence in support of the biomass‐ratio hypothesis or differential trait‐based direct or indirect effects of different PFTs on AMF in this particular system.
Do pathways lead to better organized care processes?
Authors: Vanhaecht Kris , De Witte Karel , Panella Massimiliano , Sermeus Walter 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAim  Clinical pathways are used worldwide to (re)organize care processes. They are used by multidisciplinary teams in their search towards excellence. The goal of this study is (1) to assess differences in the perception of health professionals in their evaluation of care processes; (2) to assess whether care processes supported by clinical pathways perform better than those not supported by clinical pathways; and (3) to assess the sensitivity and specificity of clinical pathways in predicting well‐organized care processes.Methods  A cross‐sectional, multi‐centre study was performed comprising 309 healthcare workers, 103 care processes and 49 hospitals. The Care Process Self Evaluation Tool (CPSET) was used to score care processes according to their organization. Processes were also scored according to the level of pathway implementation.Results  (1) Significant differences between healthcare professionals were found on two of five CPSET subscales. No significant differences were found among the overall CPSET scores. (2) Care processes supported by pathways had the highest CPSET scores. Nonetheless, continuous follow‐up is necessary. (3) Clinical pathways have significant impact on the coordination of care (odds ratio: 8.92), follow‐up (odds ratio: 6.65) and overall CPSET score (odds ratio: 4.26). Clinical pathways have a positive impact on the organization of care processes. Not all pathways have high CPSET scores, and care processes without pathways can also be well organized. Continuous evaluation is essential. This is the first study to analyse how healthcare teams perceive the organization of care processes with respect to clinical pathways. Our findings are important for other quality improvement methods.
First‐trimester Down syndrome screening in women younger than 35 years old and cost‐effectiveness analysis in Taiwan population
Authors: Chou Ching‐Yu , Hsieh Fon‐Jou , Cheong Mei‐Leng , Lee Fa‐Kung , She Bo‐Quing , Tsai Ming‐Song 
Published: September 2009

SummaryObjectives  Outcome of the first‐trimester Down syndrome screening in younger population was less reported before. We present the outcome of this screening in Taiwanese women younger than 35 years old. We also test whether or not the first‐trimester Down syndrome screening of women <35 years of age and women >35 years old routinely receiving amniocentesis is cost‐effective compared with all pregnant women screened with this test in the setting of increased maternal age.Methods  From 1999 to 2007, the first‐trimester Down syndrome screening including nuchal thickness, pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A and free β‐hCG are provided to 10 811 singleton women <35 years of age with the cut‐off of 1/270. A cost‐effectiveness analysis of young women receiving this screening and older women undergo amniocentesis versus all women undergo this screening was performed in Taiwan population from 1987 to 2006, in which advanced age pregnancies increased from 2.8% to 11.6% of total pregnancies.Results  Detection rates of trisomy 21, trisomy 18, Turner syndrome and other chromosome anormalies in women <35 years of age are 87.5% (14/16), 50% (2/4), 80% (8/10) and 63% (12/19), respectively, with a false‐positive rate of 5.5% (590/10 811). As advanced age pregnancies reached 11.6%, the average cost per one case averted for all women screened ranged from $77 204 to $98 421, while the cost ranged from $99 647 to $116 433 for only women <35 years of age receiving this screening.Conclusions  In an aging population, the first‐trimester Down syndrome screening should be implemented for all pregnant women when it is available.
Health promotion as a systems science and practice
Authors: Norman Cameron D. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractRationale  Health promotion is where clinical practice and prevention science intersect to address complex or ‘wicked’ problems that have multiple sources and require a broad perspective to address. This means focusing on the social determinants of health and the complex individual, community and environmental interactions that influence health and wellbeing. Health promotion research and practice recognizes that social change is not linear and involves multiple communities of interest working together in a coordinated manner in order to address health problems. An approach that acknowledges this non‐linear system of interaction in its data gathering, strategic planning, and program implementation is necessary to addressing this complexity in practice.Methods  Concepts such as chaos theory, self‐organization, social emergence can inform how health promotion is practiced at multiple levels. Evaluation approaches such as social network analysis, system dynamics modeling combined with social organizing strategies like communities of practice and unconferences provide opportunities to leverage social capital effectively to promote health in complex environments with diverse populations.Conclusion  Health promotion's focus on the multi‐layered, complex interactions that create or limit health and wellbeing require knowledge and action that match this complexity. Approaches to engagement and evaluation that are based on systems theories and methodologies provide the means of addressing this complexity, while framing health promotion as a systems science and practice.
Levels of Dendritic Cell Populations and Regulatory T Cells Vary Significantly Between Two Commonly Used Mouse Strains
Authors: Vogelsang Petra , Hovden Arnt‐Ove , Jonsson Roland , Appel Silke 
Published: September 2009

AbstractDendritic cells (DC) are a heterogeneous group of professional antigen‐presenting cells (APC) involved in both initiating immune responses and maintaining tolerance. Roughly, DC can be divided into plasmacytoid DC (pDC) and conventional DC (cDC). By controlling regulatory T cells (Treg), DC can influence the outcome of both immunity and autoimmunity. Since the use of mice as in vivo models became a practical tool for researchers studying pathological events in all kind of human diseases, we decided to compare levels of cDC, pDC and Treg in both spleen and blood between two inbred mouse strains. Here we show that two commonly used mouse strains, BALB/c and C57BL/10J mice, have significantly different levels of distinct CD11c+/CD4–/CD8a+, CD11c+/CD4+/CD8a– and CD11c+/CD4–/CD8a– cDC populations, pDC and Treg. Therefore, we emphasize the importance of considering the proper model when comparing data sets from different mouse strains.
High resolution definition of HLA‐DRB haplotypes by a simplified microsatellite typing technique
Authors: Doxiadis G. G. M. , De Groot N. , Dauber E. ‐M. , Van Eede P. H. , Fae I. , Faner R. , Fischer G. , Grubic Z. , Lardy N. M. , Mayr W. , Palou E. , Swelsen W. , Stingl K. , Doxiadis I. I. N. , Bontrop R. E. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIn humans, the region configurations DR1, DR8, DR51, DR52 and DR53 are known to display copy number as well as allelic variation, rendering high resolution typing of HLA‐DRB haplotypes cumbersome. Advantage was taken of microsatellite D6S2878, present in all DRB genes/pseudogenes with an intact exon 2‐intron 2 segment. This DRB‐STR is highly polymorphic in composition and length. Recently, it was proven that all exon 2 sequences could be linked to a certain DRB‐STR that segregates with the respective DRB allele. Because haplotypes show differential copy numbers and compositions of exon 2‐positive DRB genes/pseudogenes, unique DRB‐STR patterns could be described that appear to be specific for a particular DRB haplotype. The aim of this workshop project was to approve and to qualify this simple typing protocol in a larger panel covering different European populations. All participants succeeded in correctly defining the DRB‐STR amplicons varying from 135 to 222 base pair (bp) lengths. The panel of 101 samples covered 50 DRB alleles distributed over 37 different haplotypes as defined by exon 2 sequence‐based typing. These haplotypes could be refined into 105 haplotypes by DRB‐STR typing. Thus, discrimination of exon 2‐identical DRB alleles was feasible, as well as the exact description of three different crossing‐over events that resulted in the generation of hybrid DR region configurations. This typing procedure appears to be a quick and highly robust technique that can easily be performed by different laboratories, even without experience in microsatellite typing; thus, it is suitable for a variety of researchers in diverse research areas.
Prevalence of rhinitis‐related symptoms in Latin American children – Results of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) phase three
Authors: Solé Dirceu , Mallol Javier , Camelo‐Nunes Inês C , Wandalsen Gustavo F ,   Latin American ISAAC Study Group
Published: September 2009

Solé D, Mallol J, Camelo‐Nunes IC, Wandalsen GF, Latin American ISAAC Study Group. Prevalence of rhinitis‐related symptoms in Latin American children – Results of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) phase three. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: e127–e136. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/SThe aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of rhinitis‐related symptoms among children living in different parts of Latin America (LA) considering all centers involved in ISAAC Phase Three (Ph3). 93,851 children (6–7 yr‐old) from 35 centers in 14 LA countries and 165,917 adolescents (13–14 yr‐old) from 56 centers in 17 LA countries were enrolled. The mean prevalence rate of current rhinoconjunctivitis was 12.7% and ranged from 5.5% in Rosario City (Argentina) to 21.2% in Caracas (Venezuela) for the schoolchildren. The mean prevalence rate of current rhinoconjunctivitis was 18.5% and ranged from 7.1% in Cuernavaca (México) to 45.1% in Asunción (Paraguay) for the adolescents. These indexes were among the higher observed during ISAAC Ph3. In general the prevalence of rhinitis‐related symptoms was higher among the Spanish speaking centers. Environmental risk factors must be evaluated in order to explain the differences observed even in centers from the same country.
Storage of buffy‐coat‐derived platelets in additive solutions: in vitro effects on platelets stored in reformulated PAS supplied by a 20% plasma carry‐over
Authors: Sandgren P. , Mayaudon V. , Payrat J.‐M. , Sjödin A. , Gulliksson H. 
Published: September 2009

Background and Objectives  Platelet additive solutions (PAS) have been shown to be suitable for extended platelet (PLT) storage. Depending on the PAS formulation, the percentage of plasma carry‐over contributes to success. Improving PLT quality by optimizing the composition of PAS may allow a reduction to be made in the amount of plasma carried over to the final unit. Reducing the proportion of plasma carried over would probably decrease transfusion of unwanted antibodies and make greater amounts of plasma available for other needs.Study Design and Methods  Platelets from eight pools of 25 buffy coats were aliquoted and prepared for storage in plasma and different PAS units: InterSol and three alternate PAS named PSM1, PSM2 and PSM3. All PAS units were supplied with a 20% plasma carry‐over and stored at room temperature with agitation for 9 days with in vitro testing for metabolic, cellular and activation parameters.Results  During storage, PLTs stored in InterSol displayed significantly lower glucose concentration (P < 0·01), lower adenosine triphosphate levels (P < 0·01), a higher mean PLT volume (P < 0·01), a lower response to hypotonic shock response activity (P < 0·01) and a higher CD62P expression (P < 0·01) when compared with PLTs stored in plasma and PSM1–3 solutions. pH was maintained at > 6·8 (day 9) and swirling remained at the highest level (score = 2) for all units throughout storage.Conclusion  Our results suggest that PLTs stored in PAS with addition of magnesium, potassium and glucose (PSM2 and PSM3) and 20% plasma carry‐over maintained metabolic and cellular characteristics, equivalent to PLTs stored in 100% plasma during 9 days of storage. Our results also suggest that presence of potassium in addition to magnesium or alternatively the concentration of phosphate as well as the supply of additional glucose to normal plasma levels improve in vitro data of PLTs stored in PAS.
Spatial scale and habitat‐dependent diversity patterns in nematode communities in three seepage related sites along the Norwegian Sea margin
Authors: Van Gaever Saskia , Raes Maarten , Pasotti Francesca , Vanreusel Ann 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAssessing the relative contribution of local diversity to regional biodiversity may be the key to understanding large‐scale and even global patterns in species diversity. Here, the contribution of habitat heterogeneity of cold seeps at three spatial scales [micro‐scale (ms), macro‐scale (10 to 100s of ms), and mega‐scale (10 to 100s of km)] to the total nematode biodiversity (genus level) along the Norwegian continental margin is evaluated. Due to the development of higher resolution bathymetry and increased bottom sampling in recent years, continental margins, once regarded as monotonous landscapes, are now acknowledged to have a high degree of habitat complexity and diversity. By calculating the additive partitioning of gamma diversity in alpha and beta fractions, we examined to what extent habitat diversity of seep sites significantly increases the nematode genus composition and diversity at different spatial scales. Siboglinidae patches and control sediments yielded comparably high levels of nematode genus richness. They exhibited low turnover rates within and across the different seep sites. In contrast, the bacterial mats at Håkon Mosby Mud Volcano (HMMV) and the reduced sediments at the Nyegga pockmarks harboured genus‐poor nematode communities with an equally high dominance of one or two species, which were different for each seep. Different habitats, in particular at the HMMV, contributed significantly to the seep nematode richness. This study demonstrates that the presence of distinct habitat types within multiple seep sites contributes to the high diversity of nematode communities inhabiting the seeps in the Norwegian deep sea.
Thyroid dysfunction in patients with chronic hepatitis C receiving a combined therapy of interferon and ribavirin: Incidence, associated factors and prognosis
Authors: Kee Kwong‐Ming , Lee Chuan‐Mo , Wang Jing‐Houng , Tung Hung‐Da , Changchien Chi‐Sin , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Wang Pei‐Wen 
Published: September 2009

Abstract Background and Aims:  Interferon (IFN) plus ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) virus infection has been associated with thyroid dysfunction. The goal of our current study was to elucidate predictive factors of: (i) thyroid dysfunction associated with combination therapy; and (ii) long‐term reversibility of thyroid dysfunction.Methods:  In total, 461 patients with CHC and normal baseline thyroid functions were enrolled. All patients received IFN‐α‐2b, 3 or 5 million units thrice weekly, or pegylated (PEG)‐IFN‐α‐2b 80 or 100 µg weekly combined with ribavirin 1–1.2 g daily for 24–48 weeks. Assays for serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine were performed.Results: By the end of the treatment, thyroid dysfunction (TSH <0.1 or >5 mU/L) had developed in 58 patients (12.6%). Female gender was significantly associated with thyroid dysfunction (P < 0.001 odds ratio (OR) = 2.85; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.6–5.1). The incidence of thyroid dysfunction was similar for standard IFN and PEG‐IFN‐treated patients (49/391 vs 9/70; P = 1.00). Under a nested case‐control design, detailed laboratory assessment was carried out on frozen serum samples from patients and age‐ (± 5 years) and sex‐matched controls (n = 58). Multivariate analysis revealed significant association between higher positive rates of pretreatment TMA and patients who developed thyroid dysfunction (OR = 5.8, 95% CI = 1.2–27.9). Ten patients (∼2%) remained thyroid dysfunctional at the end of follow up (median, 26.5 months). For these patients, no risk factor can predict the reversibility of thyroid function.Conclusions:  Female gender and pretreatment TMA positivity are associated with thyroid dysfunction. Long‐term thyroid dysfunction may persist in a small group of patients (∼2%).
Identification of high‐risk dementia cohorts in a community sample of Japanese elderly
Authors: Shinagawa Shunichiro , Nakamura Shiori , Iwamoto Makoto , Tsuno Norifumi , Shigeta Masahiro 
Published: September 2009

Aim:  The aim of this study was to develop a simple diagnostic procedure for subjects at high risk of developing dementia using the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), which is applicable to community‐based activities.Methods:  This study divided 252 community‐dwelling elderly with a CDR score of 0.5 into two groups based on the presence or absence of cognitive decline within the previous one year of the baseline, as assessed by a semi‐structured interview. One hundred subjects were in the ‘previously progressive group’ (PP group) and 152 subjects were in the ‘previously stable group’ (PS group). After 6 years of observation, a total of 111 subjects were assessed in the follow‐up investigation.Results:  Among the 39 subjects from the PP group (82.9 ± 6.8 years old, 11 male, 28 female), 34 developed dementia (87%). Among the 72 subjects from the PS group (84.4 ± 6.0 years old, 22 male, 50 female), 44 developed dementia (61%). The relative risk of developing dementia for the PP group versus the PS group was 1.43. The rate of conversion to dementia was 12.9% per 100 person‐years in the PP group, and 9.8% in the PS group. In the PP group, the Mini‐Mental State Examination score was significantly lower and the CDR score was significantly higher than in the PS group.Conclusion:  Although there have been many attempts to identify subjects with high risk of dementia, this preliminary study suggests that information about temporal changes in cognitive function is useful when performing community‐based surveys.