bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alien invasive species at the Romanian Black Sea coast - Present and perspectives
Authors: Skolka Marius , Preda Cristina 
Published: March 2011

Alien invasive species at the Romanian Black Sea coast - Present and perspectives
Using literature data and personal field observations we present an overview of aquatic animal alien invasive species at the Romanian Black Sea coast, including freshwater species encountered in this area. We discuss records, pathways of introduction, origin and impact on native communities for some of these alien invasive species. In perspective, we draw attention on the potential of other alien species to become invasive in the study area.
Dynamics of Asio otus L., 1758 (Aves: Strigiformes) winter-spring trophic regime in Western Plain (Romania)
Authors: Benedek Ana , Sîrbu Ioan 
Published: March 2011

Dynamics of Asio otus L., 1758 (Aves: Strigiformes) winter-spring trophic regime in Western Plain (Romania)
The trophic regime of Asio otus is dominated by Microtus arvalis. In both areas the proportion of this species in the long-eared owl's food presents an important seasonal variation. In winter it moves usually through tunnels under the snow, thus being less frequently hunted. When the main prey is scarce, alternative food resources are exploited, in these areas mice, which become dominant as a group. A significant variation is recorded also by the mean biomass of preys of Asio otus from Satu Mare. The average body mass increases with one third from January to March, when the efficiency of hunt is maximum.
Ecological aspects of bat hibernacula in temperate climate zone of Central Europe
Authors: Kłys Grzegorz , Wołoszyn Bronisław 
Published: March 2011

Ecological aspects of bat hibernacula in temperate climate zone of Central Europe
In temperate climate zone, undergrounds (caves) are the main place for bat hibernation. It is possible to distinguish three kinds of usage of caves by bats: caves used as a hibernaculum, where bats spend the winter period, caves used as shelters for reproductive colonies during the summer period, and caves used as temporary shelters during transitional period (spring and fall) and also as places for food. Caves used as hibernaculum must offer a suitable microclimate for bats. Several important physical factors decide on the selection by bats of a refugee for a period of hibernation. The hibernaculum should have a zone of total darkness. During hibernation bats pay special attention to air circulation, humidity and temperature. These factors are also of significance in forming the microclimate condition inside cave system. Throughout the influence above mentioned factors, a connection between microclimatic condition and topoclimate appears in the cave system and, as a consequence, a refugioclimate forms.
A phylogenetic basis for species–area relationships among three Pacific Island floras
Authors: Price Jonathan P. , Wagner Warren L. 
Published: March 2011

•Premise of the study: The angiosperm floras of the Hawaiian, Society, and Marquesas archipelagoes are remarkably comparable ecologically and evolutionarily, a result of similar geologic history, climate, and isolation.•Methods: We characterized variation in species richness among islands and whole archipelagoes by analyzing species–area relationships (SARs). By partitioning each flora into putative phylogenetic lineages each derived from a given colonization event, we explored several ways in which speciation contributes to SARs.•Key results: Specifically, these groups exhibit expected island SARs and a whole archipelago SAR characterized by a steep slope. The number of species added by net cladogenesis increases with area much more quickly than the number contributed by net colonization from outside. In each of the three archipelagoes, most colonists do not speciate, while many species occur in a few diverse colonist lineages. Colonization events that are unique to a given archipelago are in more prone to speciation than lineages with close relatives in the other archipelagoes. Most lineages with relatives in all three archipelagoes have one species in each, suggesting a similar tendency not to diversify. On the other hand, a correlation between lineage size in one archipelago and that of related lineages in other archipelagoes suggests a consistent tendency among diverse groups to speciate extensively. Lineages with multiple species in each archipelago also tend to have far more species in the largest archipelago, the Hawaiian Islands.•Conclusions: The most diverse lineages exhibit a strong response to archipelago area. These diverse, area‐sensitive lineages contribute substantially to the slope of the inter‐archipelago SAR. Regional species pools elsewhere may exhibit similar steep‐sloped SARs; thus, these findings may inform how the behavior of lineages with different responses to increasing shapes these patterns.
Genome‐specific SCAR markers help solve taxonomy issues: A case study with Sinapis arvensis (Brassiceae, Brassicaceae)
Authors: Pankin Artem A. , Khavkin Emil E. 
Published: March 2011

• Premise of the study: Traditional taxonomy and nomenclature of Brassiceae (Brassicaceae) species do not reflect their phylogeny. Revision of the species and generic limits supported by extensive molecular data seems crucial.• Methods and Results: Genome‐specific polymorphisms extracted from non‐coding and coding sequences were used to develop 14 sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers specific for the Brassica B genome. These SCARs were verified against 77 accessions of six U‐triangle Brassica species and used to screen 23 accessions of seven wild Brassiceae species to test for their cross‐species amplification. SCARs were found in all B‐genome Brassica species and also in Sinapis arvensis.• Conclusions: SCAR markers can be employed for discerning B‐genome chromosomes in Brassica species and S. arvensis to reliably identify B‐genome species and their natural hybrids. The combined molecular evidence supports the suggestion to revise the generic limits of Brassica and Sinapis.
Microsatellite markers in the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Cucurbitaceae)
Authors: Liao Hui , Zhao Yao , Zhou Yin , Wang Yuguo , Wang Xiaofan , Lu Fan , Song Zhiping 
Published: March 2011

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed for Gynostemma pentaphyllum, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, to investigate its population genetic diversity.• Methods and Results: Using the Microsatellite Sequence Enrichment protocol, 14 polymorphic primers sets were identified in four Chinese Gynostemma pentaphyllum populations. The primers amplified di‐ and trinucleotide repeats with 1–6 alleles per locus, and the observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.000 to 1.000 per population.• Conclusions: These markers will facilitate further studies on genetic structure and gene flow of Gynostemma pentaphyllum populations.
Characterization of microsatellite loci in Yucca brevifolia (Agavaceae) and cross‐amplification in related species
Authors: Flatz Ramona , Yoder Jeremy B. , Lee‐Barnes Edyth , Smith Christopher I. 
Published: March 2011

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were characterized in Yucca brevifolia for use in population genetic studies and, particularly, analyses of gene flow between varieties.• Methods and Results: We characterized 12 microsatellite loci polymorphic in Yucca brevifolia by screening primers that were developed using an SSR‐enriched library or which were previously described in Yucca filamentosa. Genetic analysis of four populations resulted in the mean number of alleles per locus ranging from 10.25 to 14.58 and mean expected heterozygosity from 0.78 to 0.88. Cross‐amplification of all 12 loci was attempted in six additional yucca species.• Conclusions: These loci should prove useful for population genetic research in Yucca brevifolia, and cross‐amplification of these loci in related species suggests that they may be useful in studies of hybridization and introgression between species.
Role of Regulatory T-Cells in Immunization Strategies Involving a Recombinant Alphavirus Vector System
Authors: Walczak Mateusz , Regts Joke , van Oosterhout Antoon JM , Boon Louis , Wilschut Jan , Nijman Hans W , Daemen Toos 
Published: March 2011

Background Regulatory T-cells (Treg) hamper immune responses elicited by cancer vaccines. Therefore, depletion of Treg is being used to improve the outcome of vaccinations. Methods We studied whether an alphavirus vector-based immunotherapeutic vaccine changes the number and/or activity of Treg and if Treg depletion improves the efficacy of this vaccine against tumours. The vaccine is based on a Semliki Forest virus (SFV). The recombinant SFV replicon particles encode a fusion protein of E6 and E7 from human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 (SFVeE6,7). Results We demonstrated that SFVeE6,7 immunization did not change Treg levels and their suppressive activity. Depletion of Treg in mice, using the novel anti-folate receptor 4 antibody, did not enhance the immune response induced by SFVeE6,7 immunization. Both the priming and the proliferation phases of the HPV-specific response elicited with SFVeE6,7 were not affected by the immune-suppressive activity of Treg. Moreover, Treg depletion did not improve the therapeutic antitumour response of SFVeE6,7 in a murine tumour model. Conclusions The efficacy of the SFVeE6,7 vaccine was not hampered by Treg. Therefore, SFVeE6,7 seems a very promising candidate for the treatment of HPV-induced disease, as it may not require additional immune interventions to modulate Treg activity.
A survey of hand-washing facilities in the outpatient department of a tertiary care teaching hospital in India
Authors: Devnani Mahesh , Kumar Rajiv , Sharma Rakesh Kumar , Gupta Anil Kumar 
Published: March 2011

Introduction: Inadequate hand-washing facilities have been reported as a barrier to hand washing. This study aimed to evaluate the availability and accessibility of hand-washing facilities and supplies of hand-washing agents in the outpatient department (OPD) complex of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Methodology: A checklist containing 13 variables was prepared and all rooms of direct patient care in the OPD were assessed on one occasion. Results: Out of 211 rooms surveyed, a hand-washing facility was available in 209 (99.05%) rooms. Among these, 206 (98.56%) sinks were easily accessible and were placed close to users. Almost all sinks (99.5%) had hand-operated taps. Thirty-five (16.75%) sinks had no soap stand, and at 21 (10.5%) sinks, soap stands were found to be broken. At 14 (6.70%) sinks, soap bars were not available, while an antiseptic agent was available at 6 (2.87%) sinks. Four (1.91%) sinks had no towel stand, and at 8 (3.83%) sinks the towel stands were broken. At 43 (20.57%) sinks no towel was available, and at 23 (11%) sinks the towels provided were dirty. No sink drain was found to be blocked. No sink had hand-washing instructions displayed demonstrating the correct technique of hand washing. Conclusion: Physical facilities required for hand washing were adequate though not perfect. There is a need to shift from hand-operated taps to non-manual taps and from cloth towels to paper towels. Hospital managers in developing countries should continuously strive to provide the best possible hand-washing facilities within their financial resources.
Fatal 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) in a bone marrow transplant recipient
Authors: Abdo Anselmo , Alfonso Carlos , Diaz Guillermo , Wilford Mario , Rocha Maykel , Verdecia Niurka 
Published: March 2011

Conditions characterized by immunosuppression have been recently reported as risk factors for severe novel swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus (S-OIV) infection during the current 2009 pandemic. We report clinical and virological findings, antiviral therapy, and post-mortem study of S-OIV in an adult bone marrow transplant recipient. The viral genome was amplified by real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from a nasopharyngeal swab specimen. The patient developed acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock, and eventually succumbed with a severe pulmonary haemorrhage. To the best of our knowledge, the entire clinical/therapy management and pathological examination in a transplant recipient infected with the S-OIV has not been previously documented. The fatal ending in this bone marrow transplant recipient supports recommendations that call for education measures, S-OIV vaccination, early diagnosis and aggressive treatment in the transplant population.
Microarray analysis of virulence gene profiles in Salmonella serovars from food/food animal environment
Authors: Zou Wen , Al-Khaldi Sufian F , Branham William S , Han Tao , Fuscoe James C , Han Jing , Foley Steven L , Xu Joshua , Fang Hong , Cerniglia Carl E , Nayak Rajesh 
Published: March 2011

Introduction: Rapid, accurate and inexpensive analysis of the disease-causing potential of foodborne pathogens is an important consideration in food safety and biodefense, particularly in developing countries. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the use of a robust and inexpensive microarray platform to assay the virulence gene profiles in Salmonella from food and/or the food animal environment, and then use ArrayTrackTM for data analysis. Methodology: The spotted array consisted of 69 selected Salmonella-specific virulence gene probes (65bp each). These probes were printed on poly-L-lysine-coated slides. Genomic DNA was digested with Sau3AI, labeled with Cy3 dye, hybridized to the gene probes, and the images were captured and analyzed by GenePix 4000B and ArrayTrackTM, a free software developed by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) researchers. Results: Nearly 58% of the virulence-associated genes tested were present in all Salmonella strains tested. In general, genes belonging to inv, pip, prg, sic, sip, spa or ttr families were detected in more than 90% of the isolates, while the iacP, avrA, invH, rhuM, sirA, sopB, sopE or sugR genes were detected in 40 to 80% of the isolates. The gene variability was independent of the Salmonella serotype. Conclusions: This hybridization array presents an accurate and cost-effective method for evaluating the disease-causing potential of Salmonella in outbreak investigations by targeting a selective set of Salmonella-associated virulence genes.
Kracauer et les images du politique
Authors: Vassort Patrick 
Published: March 2011

Résumé Le travail sur le cinéma est significatif des orientations et de la pensée de Siegfried Kracauer, marquées par la période crépusculaire du pré-nazisme ou du nazisme. Son analyse est à contextualiser dans l'observation du développement technique, scientifique et urbain de l'avant Seconde Guerre mondiale mais, plus généralement, du capitalisme. C'est pourquoi le lieu d'observation privilégié de Kracauer est la ville avec ses flux, ses spectacles ou ses « ornements », ses dominations, dont le film est l'un des analyseurs. Il ne s'agit pas pour l'auteur de voir dans le développement cinématographique le reflet de la société, de ses peurs, de ses idéologies mais de le concevoir en tant qu'idéologie s'adaptant aux besoins de la clientèle et la modelant. De la société ornementale, liée au « culte de la distraction », à la technique cinématographique comme analyseur de la forme politique, voilà l'ambitieux projet analytique de Kracauer.
A trial of inpatient indication based prescribing during computerized order entry with medications commonly used off-label
Authors: Galanter W.L. , Rosencranz H. , Meltzer D. , Stafford R.S. , Tiryaki F. , Sarne D. , Walton S.M. 
Published: March 2011

Summary
Background: Requiring indications for inpatient medication orders may improve the quality of prescribing and allow for easier placement of diagnoses on the problem list. Indications for inpatient medication orders are also required by some regulators.
Objective: This study assessed a clinical decision support (CDS) system designed to obtain indications and document problems during inpatient computerized physician order entry (CPOE) of medications frequently used off-label.
Methods: A convenience sample of three medications frequently used off-label were selected: the PPI lansoprazole; intravenous immune globulin, and recombinant Factor VIIa. Alerts triggered when a medication was ordered without an FDA approved indication in the problem list. The alerts prompted clinicians to enter either a labeled or off-label indication for the order. Chart review was used as the gold standard to assess the accuracy of clinician entered information.
Results: The PPI intervention generated 873 alerts during 60 days of operation; IVIG 55 alerts during alerts during 93 days; Factor VIIa 25 alerts during 175 days. Agreement between indications entered and chart review was 63% for PPI, 49% for IVIG, and 29% for Factor VIIa. The alerts for PPI, IVIG and Factor VIIa alerts produced accurate diagnoses for the problem list 9%, 16% and 24% respectively. Rates of off-label use measured by chart review were 87% for PPI, and 100% for IVIG and factor VIIa, which were higher than if measured using the ordering clinicians’ indications.
Conclusion: This trial of indication-based prescribing using CDS and CPOE produced less than optimal accuracy of the indication data as well as a low yield of accurate problems placed on the problem list. These results demonstrate the challenge inherent in obtaining accurate indication information during prescribing and should raise concerns over potential mandates for indication based prescribing and motivate further study of appropriate mechanisms to obtain indications during CPOE.
Ropivacaina 0.5% vs Levobupivacaina 0.5 Endoscopic Urological Surgery
Authors: Fasciolo Alessandro , Baldini Claudio 
Published: March 2011

Aim Subarachnoid anaesthesia has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in elderly patients. Isobaric Ropivacaine 0.5% has been recently introduced for subarachnoid anaesthesia: aim of our trial is to compare this drug with 0.5 Levobupivacaine in elderly patients scheduled for endoscopic urological surgery. Methods Premedication: Atropine 0.5 mg + Fenotiazine 50 mg im. Lumbar intrathecal anaesthesia, Group L (n=25) receiving Levobupivacaine 15 mg, Group R (n=25) receiving Ropivacaine 18.05 mg (relative motor blocking potency ratio Ropivacaine / Levobupivacaine = 0.83). Statistical analisys: Bonferroni test and variance analisys. Results NO statistically relevant differences between the 2 groups in terms of antropometric characteristics, onset time and duration of sensitive and motor block, perioperative complications, postoperative analgesic consumption and customer satisfaction. Large presence of comorbidities in the studied population. Discussion The presence of cases of subtotal anaesthetic coverage (with necessity to recur to general anaesthesia), and others with good anaesthetic coverage, but difficultly treatable hypotensions show that the best dosage of these local anaesthetics is to be found yet. The indications to use a standard dosage for every patient have to be re-evalutated. As positive point, very important the postoperative fast recovery from under limb motor block. A longer recovery time (typical with hyperbaric local anaesthetics) was frequently cause of cognitive alterations in a population of elderly patients.
Transrectal Ultrasound Assessment of Anastomosis after Videolaparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy: Our Experience
Authors: Franzoso Francesco , Confalonieri Silvia , Scuzzarella Salvatore , Piacentini Igor , Fortuna Flavio , Bianchi Achille , Colapaoli Luca 
Published: March 2011

Background Trans-Rectal UltraSound (TRUS) has proved to be an accurate procedure comparable to that of Fluoro-cystography (FC) to assess vesicourethral anastomosis after radical prostatectomy, with the advantages of lower costs, no radiation exposure and no dependence on the radiology department. Methods 60 Video Laparoscopic Radical Prostactomies (VLRP) were performed at our institution between September 2008 and January 2010. All patients underwent anatomosis assessment on postoperative day 6 with TRUS (Aloka A7 US ma-chine with endorectal end-fire probe). 200 ml of sterile saline was manually instilled into the bladder by an assistant, while TRUS visualization of anastomosis was carried out by an urologist. The test was considered positive if any expanding anechoic shadow developed beside the anastomosis. In case of negative test the catheter was removed. In case of positive test the catheter was left in place and reassessment was performed every 5–7 days with both TRUS and FC, until negative result. Results At the initial TRUS assessment we had 4 positive and 56 negative tests. Three out of the four patients with a positive test had a second assessment on p.o. day 14, which gave a negative result. The 4th positive case had a positive second assessment on p.o. day 14 and a third negative one on p.o. day 21. In a total of 20 assessments both TRUS and FC were performed. The results of the two procedures were always in accordance. Conclusions We have introduced TRUS assessment of vesicourethral anastomosis after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy as a routine procedure in our department. We are planning a comparative study, using FC as the gold standard, for validation purposes.
Penile Flexiflate® Surgitek Prosthesis Explant and Simultaneous Three-Component Hydraulic Titan® Alpha 1 Prosthesis Implantation, with Double Incision Technique in a Patient with Kidney and Pancreas Transplant
Authors: Pavone Carlo , Abbadessa Daniela , Leto Gioacchino , Giaimo Rosa Maria , Ascoli Riccardo , Usala Manuela , Caruana Giovanni 
Published: March 2011

Introduction and Objectives We treated a 45 years old patient, suffering from diabetes mellitus since childhood, with retinal, neurovascular and kidney complications. In 1988, for erectile dysfunction (ED) resistant to medical injective treatment, the patient underwent ligation of the dorsal vein of the penis without any result. In 1989 a Flexiflate® hydraulic prosthesis was implanted with resolution of ED. In 2005 the patient underwent simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplant with a trans-laparotomic approach for end stage renal disease and diabetes mellitus. In 2009, because of the Flexiflate® Surgitek malfunction, the patient underwent explantation of the Flexiflate® prosthesis and simultaneous implantation of a Titan® Alpha 1 prosthesis with a double surgical approach. Material and Methods After a penoscrotal incision and the explant of the Flexiflate® Surgitek, a Titan® Alpha 1 prosthesis was implanted with a double incision technique. The placement of two inflatable cylinders and the pump was performed by penoscrotal approach. Instead, the prosthesis’ reservoir was placed with a separate infra-pubic incision to avoid possible injury from a single trans-inguinal approach, due to the previous laparotomy. Results After follow-up at 9 months and 1 year the prosthesis was working well and the patient satisfied. Conclusions We couldn't find any related paper in the literature and as far as we know this is the only report on a simultaneous explant/implant of penile prosthesis with a double surgical approach in a patient with kidney and pancreas transplant.