bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of fine‐scale homogenization and differentiation of native freshwater fish faunas in a Mediterranean Basin: implications for conservation
Authors: Hermoso Virgilio , Clavero Miguel , Kennard Mark J. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAim  Increasing threats to freshwater biodiversity are rapidly changing the distinctiveness of regional species pools and local assemblages. Biotic homogenization/differentiation processes are threatening the integrity and persistence of native biodiversity patterns at a range of spatial scales and pose a challenge for effective conservation planning. Here, we evaluate the extent and determinants of fine‐scale alteration in native freshwater fish assemblages among stream reaches throughout a large river basin and consider the implications of these changes for the long‐term conservation of native fishes.Location  Guadiana River basin (South‐Western Iberian Peninsula).Methods  We quantified the magnitude of change in compositional similarity between observed and reference assemblages and its potential effect on natural patterns of compositional distinctiveness. Reference assemblages were defined as the native species expected to occur naturally (in absence of anthropogenic alterations) and were reconstructed using a multivariate adaptive regression splines predictive model. We also evaluated the role of habitat degradation and introduced species as determinants of biotic homogenization/differentiation.Results  We found a significant trend towards homogenization for native fish assemblages. Changes in native fish distributions led to the loss of distinctiveness patterns along natural environmental gradients. Introduced species were the most important factor explaining the homogenization process. Homogenization of native assemblages was stronger in areas close to reservoirs and in lowland reaches where introduced species were more abundant.Main conclusions  The implementation of efficient conservation for the maintenance of native fish diversity is seriously threatened by the homogenization processes. The identification of priority areas for conservation is hindered by the fact that the most diverse communities are vanishing, which would require the selection of broader areas to adequately protect all the species. Given the principal role that introduced species play in the homogenization process and their relation with reservoirs, special attention must be paid to mitigating or preventing these threats.
Broad wintering range and intercontinental migratory divide within a core population of the near‐threatened pallid harrier
Authors: Terraube J. , Mougeot F. , Cornulier T. , Verma A. , Gavrilov A. , Arroyo B. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAim  To identify the migration routes and wintering grounds of the core populations of the near‐threatened pallid harrier, Circus macrourus, and highlight conservation needs associated with these phases of the annual cycle.Location  Breeding area: north‐central Kazakhstan; Wintering areas: Sahel belt (Burkina Faso to Ethiopia) and north‐west India.Methods  We used ring recovery data from Kazakhstan and satellite tracking data from 2007 to 2008 on six adults breeding in north‐central Kazakhstan to determine migration routes and locate wintering areas. In addition, one first‐year male was tagged in winter 2007–2008 in India.Results  Data evidenced an intercontinental migratory divide within the core pallid harrier population, with birds wintering in either Africa or India. The six individuals tagged in north‐central Kazakhstan followed a similar route (west of the Caspian Sea and Middle East) towards east Africa, before spreading along the Sahel belt to winter either in Sudan, Ethiopia, Niger or Burkina Faso. Spring migration followed a shorter, more direct route, with marked interindividual variation. The bird tagged in India spent the summer in central Kazakhstan. Half of the signal losses (either because of failure or bird mortality) occurred on the wintering areas and during migration.Main conclusions  Our study shows that birds from one breeding area may winter over a strikingly broad range within and across continents. The intercontinental migratory divide of pallid harriers suggests the coexistence of distinct migratory strategies within the core breeding population, a characteristic most likely shared by a number of threatened species in central Asia. Conservation strategies for species like the pallid harrier, therefore, require considering very large spatial scales with possibly area‐specific conservation issues. We highlight urgent research priorities to effectively inform the conservation of these species.
Predicting patch occupancy in fragmented landscapes at the rangewide scale for an endangered species: an example of an American warbler
Authors: Collier Bret A. , Groce Julie E. , Morrison Michael L. , Newnam John C. , Campomizzi Andrew J. , Farrell Shannon L. , Mathewson Heather A. , Snelgrove Robert T. , Carroll Raymond J. , Wilkins Robert N. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAim  Our objective was to identify the distribution of the endangered golden‐cheeked warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia) in fragmented oak–juniper woodlands by applying a geoadditive semiparametric occupancy model to better assist decision‐makers in identifying suitable habitat across the species breeding range on which conservation or mitigation activities can be focused and thus prioritize management and conservation planning.Location  Texas, USA.Methods  We used repeated double‐observer detection/non‐detection surveys of randomly selected (n = 287) patches of potential habitat to evaluate warbler patch‐scale presence across the species breeding range. We used a geoadditive semiparametric occupancy model with remotely sensed habitat metrics (patch size and landscape composition) to predict patch‐scale occupancy of golden‐cheeked warblers in the fragmented oak–juniper woodlands of central Texas, USA.Results  Our spatially explicit model indicated that golden‐cheeked warbler patch occupancy declined from south to north within the breeding range concomitant with reductions in the availability of large habitat patches. We found that 59% of woodland patches, primarily in the northern and central portions of the warbler’s range, were predicted to have occupancy probabilities ≤0.10 with only 3% of patches predicted to have occupancy probabilities >0.90. Our model exhibited high prediction accuracy (area under curve = 0.91) when validated using independently collected warbler occurrence data.Main conclusions  We have identified a distinct spatial occurrence gradient for golden‐cheeked warblers as well as a relationship between two measurable landscape characteristics. Because habitat‐occupancy relationships were key drivers of our model, our results can be used to identify potential areas where conservation actions supporting habitat mitigation can occur and identify areas where conservation of future potential habitat is possible. Additionally, our results can be used to focus resources on maintenance and creation of patches that are more likely to harbour viable local warbler populations.
New anticoagulants for the prevention of stroke in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Höchtl Thomas , Huber Kurt 
Published: September 2011

AbstractOral anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation is obligatory to lower the risk of spontaneous cerebrovascular and systemic thromboembolism. For this purpose, vitamin K antagonists (coumarins) have been recommended as the most effective drugs for a long time. However, problems with the practical use of these agents, e.g. the need for frequent and regular coagulation controls, the inter‐individual differences in maintaining a stable therapeutic range, as well as drug or food interactions, have led to the search and investigation of alternative compounds characterized by a more simple use (e.g. without regular controls of therapeutic levels), high efficacy, as well as low risk of bleeding. The direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran and the direct factor Xa inhibitors rivaroxaban and apixaban have recently been investigated to prove whether they fulfill the high expectancy of an ideal anticoagulant with respect to a more favorable efficacy/safety profile and without the need for coagulation controls, thereby improving quality of life. Dabigatran (RE‐LY) achieved an impressive reduction in stroke and non‐central nervous system (non‐CNS) embolism (110 mg: 1.5%/year; 150 mg: 1.1%/year) in contrast to warfarin (1.7%/year; P = 0.34 and P < 0.001) with a favorable action on bleeding hazards. The results of rivaroxaban which were obtained in the ROCKET AF study (on treatment analysis: stroke and non‐CNS embolism: 1.7%/year vs. 2.15%/year with warfarin; P = 0.015; primary safety endpoint major and minor bleeding: 14.91 vs. 14.52%; P = 0.442) point in the same direction. And finally, compared to aspirin, apixaban reduced the combined primary efficacy endpoint by 52% with comparable rates of bleeding (AVERROES). This review gives a summary of the current knowledge about these agents and their potential future importance.
Pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics of thienopyridines: clinically relevant?
Authors: Close Sandra L. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractPharmacogenetics have been touted as the future of personalized medicine where genetic biomarkers will guide therapeutic approach. The currently approved thienopyridines, prasugrel and clopidogrel, are prodrugs requiring conversion to active metabolite through the cytochrome P450 system. Genetic variation has been associated with the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and clinical response to clopidogrel, but not to prasugrel. This review aims to summarize the recent pharmacogenetic findings associated with the response to thienopyridine treatment. Additionally, considerations for the incorporation of genetic biomarkers into clinical practice will be discussed in the context of thienopyridines.
Using Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fs/QCA) to Explore the Relationship between Medical “Homeness” and Quality
Authors: Marcus Thygeson Nels , Solberg Leif I. , Asche Stephen E. , Fontaine Patricia , Gregory Pawlson Leonard , Scholle Sarah Hudson 
Published: September 2011

ObjectiveDetermine, using fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fs/QCA), the relationship between patient‐centered medical home (PCMH) systems and quality in 21 NCQA recognized medical homes.Data Sources/Study SettingPrimary data collected in 2009, including measures of optimal diabetes care (ODC), preventive services up‐to‐date (PSUTD), patient experience (PEX), survey data assessing PCMH capabilities (PPC‐RS), and other clinic characteristics.Study DesignCross‐sectional study identifying associations between PPC‐RS domains, demographic, socioeconomic, and co‐morbidity measures, and quality outcomes.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsPPC‐RS scores were obtained by surveying clinic leaders. PSUTD and ODC scores were obtained from provider performance data. PEX data were obtained from patient surveys. Demographic, socioeconomic, and co‐morbidity data were obtained from EMR and census data.Principal Findingsfs/QCA identified associations between all three outcomes and PCMH capabilities: ODC and team‐based care; PSUTD and preventive services systems; and all three outcomes and provider performance reporting systems. Previous statistical analysis of this data had failed to identify these relationships.Conclusionsfs/QCA identified important associations that were overlooked using conventional statistics in a small‐N health services data set. PCMH capabilities are associated with quality outcomes.
Accuracy of Data Entry of Patient Race/Ethnicity/Ancestry and Preferred Spoken Language in an Ambulatory Care Setting
Authors: Azar Kristen M.J. , Moreno Maria R. , Wong Eric C. , Shin Jessica J. , Soto Christy , Palaniappan Latha P. 
Published: September 2011

ObjectiveTo describe data collection methods and to audit staff data entry of patient self‐reported race/ethnicity/ancestry and preferred spoken language (R/E/A/L) information.Data Source/Study SettingLarge mixed payer outpatient health care organization in Northern California, June 2009.Study DesignSecondary analysis of an audit planned and executed by the Department of Clinical Services.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsWe analyzed concordance between patient written responses and staff data entry.Principal FindingsThe data entry accuracy rate across questions was high, ranging from 92 to 97 percent. Inaccuracies were due to human error (62 percent), flaws in system design (2 percent), or some combination of both (35 percent).ConclusionsThis study highlights the high accuracy of patient self‐reported R/E/A/L data entry and identifies some areas for improvement in staff training and technical system design to facilitate further progress.
Relationship between Patient Safety and Hospital Surgical Volume
Authors: Hernandez‐Boussard Tina , Downey John R. , McDonald Kathryn , Morton John M. 
Published: September 2011

ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between hospital volume and in‐hospital adverse events.Data SourcesPatient safety indicator (PSI) was used to identify hospital‐acquired adverse events in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database in abdominal aortic aneurysm, coronary artery bypass graft, and Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass from 2005 to 2008.Study DesignIn this observational study, volume thresholds were defined by mean year‐specific terciles. PSI risk‐adjusted rates were analyzed by volume tercile for each procedure.Principal FindingsOverall, hospital volume was inversely related to preventable adverse events. High‐volume hospitals had significantly lower risk‐adjusted PSI rates compared to lower volume hospitals (p < .05).ConclusionThese data support the relationship between hospital volume and quality health care delivery in select surgical cases. This study highlights differences between hospital volume and risk‐adjusted PSI rates for three common surgical procedures and highlights areas of focus for future studies to identify pathways to reduce hospital‐acquired events.
β2‐Adrenoceptors increase translocation of GLUT4 via GPCR kinase sites in the receptor C‐terminal tail
Authors: Dehvari Nodi , Hutchinson Dana S , Nevzorova Julia , Dallner Olof S , Sato Masaaki , Kocan Martina , Merlin Jon , Evans Bronwyn A , Summers Roger J , Bengtsson Tore 
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE β‐Adrenoceptor stimulation induces glucose uptake in several insulin‐sensitive tissues by poorly understood mechanisms.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We used a model system in CHO‐K1 cells expressing the human β2‐adrenoceptor and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) to investigate the signalling mechanisms involved.KEY RESULTS In CHO‐K1 cells, there was no response to β‐adrenoceptor agonists. The introduction of β2‐adrenoceptors and GLUT4 into these cells caused increased glucose uptake in response to β‐adrenoceptor agonists. GLUT4 translocation occurred in response to insulin and β2‐adrenoceptor stimulation, although the key insulin signalling intermediate PKB was not phosphorylated in response to β2‐adrenoceptor stimulation. Truncation of the C‐terminus of the β2‐adrenoceptor at position 349 to remove known phosphorylation sites for GPCR kinases (GRKs) or at position 344 to remove an additional PKA site together with the GRK phosphorylation sites did not significantly affect cAMP accumulation but decreased β2‐adrenoceptor‐stimulated glucose uptake. Furthermore, inhibition of GRK by transfection of the βARKct construct inhibited β2‐adrenoceptor‐mediated glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation, and overexpression of a kinase‐dead GRK2 mutant (GRK2 K220R) also inhibited GLUT4 translocation. Introducing β2‐adrenoceptors lacking phosphorylation sites for GRK or PKA demonstrated that the GRK sites, but not the PKA sites, were necessary for GLUT4 translocation.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Glucose uptake in response to activation of β2‐adrenoceptors involves translocation of GLUT4 in this model system. The mechanism is dependent on the C‐terminus of the β2‐adrenoceptor, requires GRK phosphorylation sites, and involves a signalling pathway distinct from that stimulated by insulin.
EuroSDR And Its Role In Developing Links Between Science And National Mapping
Authors: Woodsford Peter A. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis paper describes the process of transfer of technology from research to its employment by national mapping agencies. Starting with the activities in photogrammetry of OEEPE it leads on to the current wider remit of EuroSDR in spatial data provision, management and delivery. It also reflects on current research challenges in imagery from an information management perspective and summarises the contribution to OEEPE/EuroSDR of Professor Ian Dowman.
Impaired renal function in morbid obese patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Machado Mariana V. , Gonçalves Sara , Carepa Fátima , Coutinho João , Costa Adília , Cortez‐Pinto Helena 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIntroduction and aims:Obesity is a common risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). NAFLD and CKD have been associated in many epidemiological studies. We hypothesize that more severe liver disease, namely nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is related with further renal impairment. We aimed to evaluate if changes in renal function were present in morbid obese patients with NAFLD.MethodsProspective and consecutive recruitment of morbid obese patients with biopsy proven NAFLD obtained during bariatric surgery. Renal function was evaluated with CKD‐Epidemiology Collaboration estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Plasmatic adiponectin, leptin and active ghrelin concentrations were determined.ResultsOne hundred and forty‐eight patients were included of whom 25% had NASH and 75% simple steatosis. NASH patients were older, with higher body mass index and had more frequently metabolic syndrome and lower eGFR (97 ± 22 vs 106 ± 16 ml/min/1.732, P = 0.035). NASH conferred an odds ratio (OR) 3.0 (1.3–7.0) for eGFR < 90 and OR 9.7 (1.0–96.4) for eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.732. eGFR < 90 ml/min/1.732 associated with aspartate aminotransferase [OR 2.9 (1.1–7.6)] and γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase elevation [OR 3.0 (1.3–7.2)], NASH [OR 3.0 (1.3–7.0)], any lobular inflammatory activity [OR 3.0 (1.3–7.0)] and severe fibrosis [OR 3.4 (1.1–10.8)]. Neither eGFR nor liver histology was associated with adipokines levels.ConclusionsIn morbid obese patients, NASH, particularly lobular inflammation and advanced fibrosis, associates with mild decreases in eGFR, suggesting a common inflammatory link between liver and renal lesion.
Dyeing of cotton yarn with the aqueous extract of the leaves of Eupatorium odoratum L. in Thailand and associated extract toxicity studies
Authors: Chairat Montra , Darumas Udomsak , Bremner John B , Bangrak Phuwadol 
Published: September 2011

Flavonoid constituents from the aqueous extract of the leaves of Eupatorium odoratum, an invasive weed in Thailand, have potential use as dyestuffs for cotton dyeing. It was found that cotton yarn, which was pretreated with a chitosan solution (with and without a crosslinking glyoxal solution), followed by dyeing with E. odoratum extract in the presence of the inorganic mordant, alum, provided better depth of shade (K/S) and also gave better fastness to light and washing than the untreated cotton yarn. Pretreated cotton yarn with the biomordant solution from Memecylon scutellatum leaves gave relatively poor light and wash fastness of the resultant dyed cotton in the presence of alum. From the toxicity studies, the aqueous extract of the leaves of E. odoratum before and after dyeing showed a high toxicity level to the earthworm (Diplocardia communis) and the guppy fish (Poecilia reticulate). Therefore, it is strongly suggested that E. odoratum aqueous extract after dyeing should be significantly diluted before discharged into the environment.
Thrombectomy of Prosthetic Dialysis Grafts Using Mechanical Plus “No‐Wait Lysis” Approach Requires Less Procedure Time and Radiation Exposure
Authors: Almehmi Ammar , Broce Mike , Wang Shouwen 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIn spite of the existence of various strategies, dialysis graft thrombectomy remains time‐consuming and requires substantial radiation exposure. The authors report a new approach for graft thrombectomy, “no‐wait lysis”, with the objective to examine its effect on procedure time and radiation exposure. Based on the use of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), the 88 retrospectively reviewed graft thrombectomies were divided into “no‐tPA” group (n = 35) and “no‐wait lysis” group (n = 53). Fogarty thrombectomy and balloon angioplasty were used similarly in both groups. In the “no‐wait lysis” group, small‐dose tPA was added directly into the graft during the procedure. Comparing the “no‐wait lysis” group with the “no‐tPA” group, the procedure time was reduced: 27.2 ± 10.2 vs. 55.5 ± 19.9 minutes (p < 0.0001), and the radiation exposure time was decreased correspondingly: 159.4 ± 61.6 vs. 243.9 ± 101.9 seconds (p < 0.0001). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the use of “no‐wait lysis” approach was the major significant predictor for shorter procedure time and radiation exposure time. In conclusion, our data support that the use of “no‐wait lysis” approach for dialysis graft thrombectomy substantially reduces procedure time and radiation exposure, and it may serve as an efficient and economical alternative to other existing approaches.
Decolonization to Prevent Infections with Staphylococcus aureus in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Review of Current Evidence
Authors: Kallen Alexander J. , Jernigan John A. , Patel Priti R. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractStaphylococcus aureus infections remain common in patients undergoing hemodialysis, and the consequences of these infections are potentially severe. Although a number of evidence‐based practices have been shown to decrease the healthcare‐associated infections that this organism can cause, many questions remain about the utility of decolonization as a mechanism to prevent these infections. This brief review describes the current epidemiology of S. aureus infections in patients undergoing hemodialysis and reviews the evidence surrounding decolonization as an infection prevention strategy.