bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The EASTR Study: indications for transfusion and estimates of transfusion recipient numbers in hospitals supplied by the National Blood Service
Authors: Wells A. W. , Llewelyn C. A. , Casbard A. , Johnson A. J. , Amin M. , Ballard S. , Buck J. , Malfroy M. , Murphy M. F. , Williamson L. M. 
Published: September 2009

summary.This study provides data on National Blood Service (NBS) red blood cell (RBC, n = 9142), platelet (PLT, n = 4232) and fresh frozen plasma (FFP, n = 3584) recipients independently sampled by monthly quota from 29 representative hospitals over 12 months in 2001–2002. Hospitals were stratified by size according to total yearly RBC issues. Transfusion indications were chosen from diagnostic and procedural codes, and recipients grouped into Epidemiology and Survival of Transfusion Recipients Case‐mix Groups (E‐CMGs). The main E‐CMGs were digestive [19% of RBC recipients; including 5% gastrointestinal (GI) bleeds and 3% colorectal surgery], musculoskeletal (15%; 12% hip and knee replacement), haematology (13%) and obstetrics and gynaecology (10%). Renal failure, fractured neck of femur, cardiac artery by‐pass grafting (CABG) and paediatrics, each accounted for 3–4% recipients. FFP recipients: the main E‐CMGs were digestive (21% of FFP recipients; including 7% GI bleeds and 3% colorectal surgery), hepatobiliary (15%; 7% liver disease and 2% liver transplant), cardiac (12%) and paediatrics (9%) The renal, paediatrics, vascular and haematology E‐CMGs each had 6–7% of recipients. PLT recipients: the main E‐CMGs were haematology (27% of PLT recipients; including 9% lymphoma and 8% acute leukaemia), cardiac (17%), paediatrics (13%), hepatobiliary (10%) and digestive (9%). Back‐weighting gave national estimates of 433 000 RBC, 57 500 FFP and 41 500 PLT recipients/year in England and North Wales, median age 69, 64 and 59 years, respectively. Digestive and hepatobiliary indications emerged as the top reason for transfusion in RBC and FFP recipients, and was also a frequent indication in PLT recipients.
A study of blood loss from phlebotomy in renal medical inpatients
Authors: Pabla L. , Watkins E. , Doughty H. A. 
Published: September 2009

SUMMARY.The objective of the study was to assess phlebotomy loss in renal medical in‐patients in order to minimise an iatrogenic cause of anaemia. Phlebotomy has been shown to be a significant cause of iatrogenic blood loss in critical care. However, there has been limited research in patients with renal disease, at risk from anaemia. A prospective observational study was conducted of 70 consecutive patients admitted to an acute renal medicine ward in a tertiary care hospital over a period of four months. Inclusion criteria included adult patients with acute or chronic renal failure. Patients actively bleeding were excluded. Blood loss due to phlebotomy was determined from the patient's computerised records. The mean patient age was 61.5 ± 16.5 years; the mean length of hospital stay was 23.1 ± 19.8 days. The mean admission Hb was 9.8 ± 2.0 g dL−1 and 9.5 ± 1.5 g dL−1 on discharge. The total mean blood loss from phlebotomy during hospitalisation was 215.8 ± 166 mL with a mean weekly blood loss of 55.7 ± 11.23 mL. Losses were highest in the first week (mean of 76.8 mL), declining in subsequent weeks. Samples were taken for biochemistry (38%), FBC (36%), transfusion (13%) and others (13%). 46% of patients were transfused (mean 4.8 ± 3.6 units). Blood loss was lower than in previous studies conducted in intensive care and general medicine but clinical staff should be aware of the cumulative blood loss from phlebotomy. Losses should be managed by optimising the frequency and volume of blood drawn for diagnostic laboratory tests.
Toxicity of first‐line drugs for treatment of tuberculosis in children: review
Authors: Frydenberg Alexis R. , Graham Stephen M. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryObjective To determine the frequency and manifestations of adverse events associated with recommended first‐line anti‐TB drugs in children.Method Literature review.Results Overall, children tolerate anti‐TB drugs very well when using currently recommended dosages. Serious adverse events are rare and even mild symptoms such as nausea or vomiting are uncommon. There are occasional case reports of severe hepatotoxicity.Conclusions Surveillance and reporting of adverse events will need to be improved when recommended dosages of the main first‐line anti‐TB therapy for children are increased. Co‐morbidities such as HIV infection and severe malnutrition may affect the incidence and complicate the management of possible adverse events to anti‐TB therapy.
Longevity of seeds of four annual grass and two dicotyledon weed species as related to placement in the soil and straw disposal technique
Authors: JENSEN P K 
Published: September 2009

SummaryPersistence of seeds of the four winter annual grass species, Alopecurus myosuroides, Bromus sterilis, Bromus hordeaceus and Vulpia myuros, were studied under field conditions. The studies also included the two dicotyledon species, Tripleurospermum inodorum and Galium aparine. Seed samples were stored in the field at different depths in the plough layer for a year. Following germination, seedling emergence was taken as an indicator of field persistence. In a supplementary investigation, seed samples were placed on the soil surface or buried at 2 cm for a month and then tested for viability. Persistence of the two Bromus species was very short, irrespective of depth and duration of burial. Persistence of the other species was positively correlated with incorporation of seeds to a few centimetres depth. Increasing the depth of incorporation below 2 cm had a variable influence on persistence. Persistence of seeds placed directly on the soil surface was short, whether they were left there for a year or a month. Whether seeds at the soil surface were left uncovered or covered with chopped straw had limited influence on seed persistence. However, straw cover significantly increased persistence of A. myosuroides seeds and there was the same tendency with T. inodorum.
How widespread is Parthenium hysterophorus and its biological control agent Zygogramma bicolorata in South Asia?
Authors: DHILEEPAN K , WILMOT SENARATNE K A D 
Published: September 2009

Summary Parthenium hysterophorus is a weed of global significance causing severe economic, environmental, human and animal health problems in Asia, Africa, Australia and the Pacific. In South Asia, P. hysterophorus occurs in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal. A host‐specific leaf‐feeding beetle Zygogramma bicolorata from México was introduced into India in 1984, as a biological control agent for P. hysterophorus. In this study, a GIS‐based distribution map of P. hysterophorus and its biological control agent Z. bicolorata in South Asia based on meta‐analysis is presented. The map highlights the limited published information on P. hysterophorus incidence in many of the states and territories in India, as well as in neighbouring Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Pakistan. Incidence of Z. bicolorata was recorded as three distinct clusters, covering many states in India. In Pakistan, Z. bicolorata was recorded in the Punjab region bordering India. A CLIMEX model based on the current distribution of Z. bicolorata in India suggests that the geographic range of this agent in India and Pakistan can extend to other P. hysterophorus‐infested areas in the region. The CLIMEX model also suggests that all of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and parts of Nepal are climatically suitable for Z. bicolorata.
Identifying key components of weed beet management using sensitivity analyses of the GeneSys‐Beet model in GM sugar beet
Authors: TRICAULT Y , DARMENCY H , COLBACH N 
Published: September 2009

SummaryGenetically‐modified (GM) sugar beet varieties tolerant to non‐selective herbicides would be useful for managing weed beet, an annual form of Beta vulgaris impossible to eliminate with herbicides in sugar beet. However, it is highly probable that the herbicide‐tolerance transgene would be transmitted to the weed through pollen flow. It is therefore essential to study how weed beet. particularly Herbicide‐Tolerant (HT) populations, develop in cropping systems and how to optimise crop succession and management for controlling these weeds. As multiple interactions and long‐term effects make field experiments impractical, we carried out a simulation study with a deterministic and mechanistic model, GeneSys‐Beet, which quantifies weed beet dynamics and gene flow in cropping systems with interactions with climate, soil structure and hydro‐thermal conditions. The sensitivity analysis consisted of 250 000 random combinations of input variables to rank cropping system components according to their effect on both total and GM weed beet infestations. Frequency of sugar beet crops, crop succession, manual and mechanical weeding and tillage were identified as the most important variables. Several cultivation techniques must be combined to efficiently control weed beet. Our recommendations are complex, but a delayed return of sugar beet in the rotation. Harvest should be followed as soon as possible by a shallow tilling; tillage should always be as shallow and as early as possible, except before sugar beet where mouldboard ploughing is advisable. If possible, sowing dates should be delayed. Sugar beet should be weeded mechanically and/or manually, aiming at late and efficient, rather than early or frequent operations. Herbicides should be applied whenever possible and target all weed beet stages and genotypes. Set‐aside must be cut as frequently and as late as possible.
Natural killer T cells expressing IFN‐γ and IL‐4 in lesional skin of atopic eczema
Authors: Simon D. , Kozlowski E. , Simon H.‐U. 
Published: September 2009

Background:  The inflammation of atopic eczema (AE) is orchestrated not only by T cells predominantly but also B cells, eosinophils and dendritic cells. Recently, a role of invariant natural killer T (NKT) cells has been reported in bronchial asthma and allergy. Natural killer T cells express a restricted repertoire of T‐cell receptor α/β and produce interferon (IFN)‐γ and/or interleukin (IL)‐4 upon activation.Aim of the study:  To determine the presence of NKT cells in lesional AE skin in comparison with other eczematous disorders and to analyse their cytokine expression.Methods:  Immunofluorescence stainings were carried out using antibodies recognizing NKT cells, CD3+ and CD4+ cells, IFN‐γ and IL‐4.Results:  Natural killer T cells have been detected in small numbers in the majority of AE specimens as well as in atopy patch test (APT) reactions, allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and irritant contact dermatitis (ICD). In AE, the proportion of NKT cells among CD3+ cells was approximately 5%. NKT cells expressed both IFN‐γ and IL‐4 in AE, APT and ACD but predominantly IFN‐γ in ICD.Conclusion:  Natural killer T cells are part of the inflammatory infiltrate of AE as well as APT, ACD and ICD, suggesting a pathogenic role of NKT cells in eczematous skin disorders. The pattern of IFN‐γ and IL‐4 cytokine expression by NKT cells varied depending on the type of eczematous disease.
Allergic rhinitis: prevalence and possible risk factors in a Gulf Arab population
Authors: Alsowaidi S. , Abdulle A. , Shehab A. , Zuberbier T. , Bernsen R. 
Published: September 2009

To cite this article: Alsowaidi S, Abdulle A, Shehab A, Zuberbier T, Bernsen R. Allergic rhinitis: prevalence and possible risk factors in a Gulf Arab population. Allergy 2010; 65: 208–212 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398‐9995.2009.02123.x.AbstractBackground:  Epidemiological studies mainly from Europe, the USA and Asia indicate a high prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) in modern societies. However, little is known about AR among the heterogeneous population of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of AR and its independent risk factors in Al‐Ain City, UAE.Methods:  We used a validated, self‐administered questionnaire modified from the ISAAC study to collect data from a two stage randomly selected sample of 10 000 school children. Overall, 7550 subjects (aged 13 years and above, siblings, and their parents) responded. We assessed the prevalence of AR (both crude and standardized prevalence of previous 12 months) as well as the independent relationship of AR with age, gender, education, nationality and family history by means of logistic regression.Results:  The response rate was 76%. A total of 6543 subjects (median age 30 years) were included in the final analysis. Self‐reported prevalence of AR (having symptoms in the past 12 months) was 36%, while adjusted values for sex/age yielded a prevalence of 32%. Regression analysis revealed that AR was independently associated with family history, Arab origin, younger age, female gender and higher education.Conclusions:  The relatively high prevalence of AR found in this study may be attributable to modernization and genetic factors. Further studies on the impact of rapid environmental and cultural changes on AR in the Arab countries are needed and currently planned in conjunction with GA2LEN (Global Allergy and Asthma European Network).
Central venous oxygen saturation for the diagnosis of low cardiac output in septic shock patients
Authors: PERNER A. , HAASE N. , WIIS J. , WHITE J. O. , DELANEY A. 
Published: September 2009

Background: Simple diagnostic tests are needed to screen septic patients for low cardiac output because intervention is recommended in these patients. We assessed the diagnostic value of central venous oxygen saturation in the superior vena cava (ScvO2) for detecting low cardiac output in patients with septic shock.Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study in three general intensive care units (ICUs) of adult patients with septic shock, who were to have a catheter inserted for thermodilution measurement of cardiac index (CITD). Paired measurements of CITD and central venous oximetry values were obtained when the clinician first measured CITD.Results: We included 56 patients with septic shock and a mean sequential organ failure assessment score of 12 (range 3–20). Baseline CITD was 3.5 l/min/m2 (1.0–6.2) and ScvO2 of 70% (33–87). The best cut‐off of ScvO2 for CITD>2.5 l/min/m2 (n=42) was a value ≥64% with positive and negative predictive values of 91% (95% confidence interval 79–98) and 91% (59–100), respectively. The diagnostic values were not improved by using instead central venous O2 tension or the difference between arterial and central venous O2 saturation.Conclusions: This prospective, observational study found that a ScvO2 measurement of ≥64% indicated CITD>2.5 l/min/m2 in ICU patients with septic shock.
Single stimulation of the posterior cord is superior to dual nerve stimulation in a coracoid block
Authors: RODRÍGUEZ J. , TABOADA M. , OLIVEIRA J. , ULLOA B. , BÁRCENA M. , ÁLVAREZ J. 
Published: September 2009

Background: Both multiple injection and single posterior cord injection techniques are associated with extensive anesthesia of the upper limb after an infraclavicular coracoid block (ICB). The main objective of this study was to directly compare the efficacy of both techniques in terms of the rates of completely anesthetizing cutaneous nerves below the elbow.Methods: Seventy patients undergoing surgery at or below the elbow were randomly assigned to receive an ICB after the elicitation of either a single radial nerve‐type response (Radial group) or of two different main nerve‐type responses of the upper limb, except for the radial nerve (Dual group). Forty milliliters of 1.5% mepivacaine was given in a single or a dual dose, according to group assignment. The sensory block was assessed in each of the cutaneous nerves at 10, 20 and 30 min. Block performance times and the rates of complete anesthesia below the elbow were also noted.Results: Higher rates of sensory block of the radial nerve were found in the Radial group at 10, 20 and 30 min (P<0.05). The rates of sensory block of the ulnar nerve at 30 min were 97% and 75% in the Radial and in the Dual groups, respectively (P<0.05). The rate of complete anesthesia below the elbow was also higher in the Radial group at 30 min (P<0.05).Conclusions: Injection of a local anesthetic after a single stimulation of the radial nerve fibers produced more extensive anesthesia than using a dual stimulation technique under the conditions of our study.
Effects of xenon on ischemic spinal cord injury in rabbits: a comparison with propofol
Authors: YAMAMOTO Y. , KAWAGUCHI M. , KURITA N. , KAKIMOTO M. , INOUE S. , FURUYA H. 
Published: September 2009

Background: Xenon has been shown to reduce cellular injury after cerebral ischemia. However, the neuroprotective effects of xenon on ischemic spinal cord are unknown. The authors compared the effects of xenon and propofol on spinal cord injury following spinal cord ischemia in rabbits.Methods: Thirty‐two male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly assigned to one of three groups. In the xenon and propofol group, 70% of xenon and 0.8 mg/kg/min of propofol were administered 30 min before an aortic occlusion and maintained until the end of the procedure. The aortic occlusion was performed for 15 min. In the sham group, the aorta was not occluded. After an assessment of the hind limb motor function using the Tarlov score (0=paraplegia, 4=normal) at 48 h after reperfusion, gray and white matter injuries were evaluated based on the number of normal neurons in the anterior spinal cord and the percentage areas of vacuolation in the white matter, respectively.Results: In the xenon and propofol groups, the Tarlov score and the number of normal neurons were significantly lower than those in the sham group, whereas the percentage areas of vacuolation were similar among the three groups. There were no significant differences in Tarlov scores and the number of normal neurons between the xenon and the propofol groups.Conclusion: The results indicated that 70% of xenon has no additional neuroprotective effects on ischemic spinal cord injury in rabbits compared with propofol.
Surface vs. aortic flush cooling during cardiac arrest in pigs
Authors: SCHRATTER A. , WEIHS W. , JANATA A. , BAYEGAN K. , HOLZER M. , STERZ F. , BEHRINGER W. 
Published: September 2009

Background: To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of earlier induction of hypothermia already during the ‘no‐flow’ period of cardiac arrest with non‐invasive surface cooling or invasive aortic flush cooling.Methods: This was a prospective randomized experimental study that included 14 pigs, Large White breed (30–38 kg), with ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest plus blanket surface and an invasive cold saline flush cooling. The endpoint was a decline in brain temperature (Tbr) at 35 min after cardiac arrest.Results: With surface cooling, Tbr decreased from 38.7±0.2 °C to 37.4±0.8 °C (P=0.02) and with invasive cooling Tbr decreased from 38.8±0.13 °C to 19.0±2.8 °C within 216±23 s (P=0.02) and increased back to 33.0±0.6 °C at 35 min of cardiac arrest (P=0.02 vs. Tbr at 15 min, P=0.002 vs. Tbr at 35 min in the surface cooling groups).Conclusion: Invasive cooling by aortic flush with cold saline rapidly induces deep cerebral hypothermia, whereas non‐invasive surface cooling only marginally decreases brain temperature.
Long distance dispersal and the fate of a gene from the colonization front
Authors: FAYARD J. , KLEIN E. K. , LEFÈVRE F. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThere is an increasing recognition that long distance dispersal (LDD) plays a key role in establishing spatial genetic structure during colonization. Recent works, focused on short distance dispersal, demonstrated that a neutral mutation arising at the colonization front can either ‘surf’ with the wave front and reach high frequencies or stay near its place of origin at low frequencies. Here, we examine how LDD, and more generally the shape of the dispersal kernel, modifies this phenomenon and how the width of the colonization corridor affects the fate of the mutation. We demonstrate that when LDD events are more frequent, the ‘surfing phenomenon’ is less frequent, probably because any alleles can get far ahead from the colonization front and preclude the invasion by others alleles, thus leading to an attenuation of the diversity loss. We also demonstrate that the width of the colonization corridor influences the fate of the mutation, wide spaces decreasing the probability of invasion. Overall, the genetic structure of diversity resulted not only from LDD but also particularly from the shape of the dispersal kernel.
Sperm competition and brain size evolution in mammals
Authors: LEMAÎTRE J.‐F. , RAMM S. A. , BARTON R. A. , STOCKLEY P. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe ‘expensive tissue hypothesis’ predicts a size trade‐off between the brain and other energetically costly organs. A specific version of this hypothesis, the ‘expensive sexual tissue hypothesis’, argues that selection for larger testes under sperm competition constrains brain size evolution. We show here that there is no general evolutionary trade‐off between brain and testis mass in mammals. The predicted negative relationship between these traits is not found for rodents, ungulates, primates, carnivores, or across combined mammalian orders, and neither does total brain mass vary according to the level of sperm competition as determined by mating system classifications. Although we are able to confirm previous reports of a negative relationship between brain and testis mass in echolocating bats, our results suggest that mating system may be a better predictor of brain size in this group. We conclude that the expensive sexual tissue hypothesis accounts for little or none of the variance in brain size in mammals, and suggest that a broader framework is required to understand the costs of brain size evolution and how these are met.
Shared and unique features of morphological differentiation between predator regimes inGambusia caymanensis
Authors: LANGERHANS R. B. , MAKOWICZ A. M. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractWhen multiple groups of organisms experience similar environmental gradients, their patterns of differentiation might exhibit both shared and unique features. Here, we investigated the relative importance of three factors in generating body shape variation in a livebearing fish,Gambusia caymanensis, inhabiting the Cayman Islands: (i) shared patterns of divergent selection between predator regimes (presence/absence of piscivorous fish) driving replicated morphological differentiation, (ii) historical island effects yielding different morphologies across the three islands and (iii) unique effects of predation on morphological differentiation within each island. Shared effects of predation proved much more important than historical or unique effects. Populations coexisting with piscivorous fish exhibited larger caudal regions and smaller heads than conspecifics found in the absence of predatory fish. These results matcha prioripredictions, and mirror recent findings in a number of fish species, suggesting predation might often drive predictable morphological trends in disparate fishes. However, interestingly, the sexes achieved this morphological pattern through different means: head depth, caudal peduncle length and depth in males; head length, caudal peduncle depth in females. InG. caymanensis, we quantitatively confirmed that predation intensity represents a primary driver of body shape differentiation.