bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of fire history on small mammal distributions: insights from a 100‐year post‐fire chronosequence
Authors: Kelly Luke T. , Nimmo Dale G. , Spence‐Bailey Lisa M. , Haslem Angie , Watson Simon J. , Clarke Michael F. , Bennett Andrew F. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAim  Fire affects the structure and dynamics of ecosystems world‐wide, over long time periods (decades and centuries) and at large spatial scales (landscapes and regions). A pressing challenge for ecologists is to develop models that explain and predict faunal responses to fire at broad temporal and spatial scales. We used a 105‐year post‐fire chronosequence to investigate small mammal responses to fire across an extensive area of ‘tree mallee’ (i.e. vegetation characterized by small multi‐stemmed eucalypts).Location  The Murray Mallee region (104,000 km²) of semi‐arid Australia.Methods  First, we surveyed small mammals at 260 sites and explored the fire responses of four species using nonlinear regression models. Second, we assessed the predictive accuracy of models using cross‐validation and by testing with independent data. Third, we examined our results in relation to an influential model of animal succession, the habitat accommodation model.Results  Two of four study species showed a clear response to fire history. The distribution of the Mallee Ningaui Ningaui yvonneae, a carnivorous marsupial, was strongly associated with mature vegetation characterized by its cover of hummock grass. The occurrence of breeding females was predicted to increase up to 40–105 years post‐fire, highlighting the extensive time periods over which small mammal populations may be affected by fire. Evaluation of models for N. yvonneae demonstrated that accurate predictions of species occurrence can be made from fire history and vegetation data, across large geographical areas. The introduced House Mouse Mus domesticus was the only species positively associated with recently burnt vegetation.Main conclusions  Understanding the impact of fire over long time periods will benefit ecological and conservation management. In this example, tracts of long‐unburnt mallee vegetation were identified as important habitat for a fire‐sensitive native mammal. Small mammal responses to fire can be predicted accurately at broad spatial scales; however, a conceptual model of post‐fire change in community structure developed in temperate Australia is not, on its own, sufficient for small mammals in semi‐arid systems.
Screening for diabetes in optometry practices: acceptability to users
Authors: Howse Jennifer H , Jones Steve , Hungin A Pali S 
Published: March 2011

Citation information: Howse JH, Jones S & Hungin APS. Screening for diabetes in optometry practices: acceptability to users. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2011, 31, 367–374. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2011.00826.xAbstractPurpose:  Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness in the working age population. While optometrists have an established role in screening people with known diabetes for eye disease, their role in screening for diabetes has not been evaluated. For diabetes screening in optometry practices to be successful it must be acceptable to both optometrists and to the public. The purpose of this study was to determine acceptability to people attending optometry practices of using random capillary blood glucose (rCBG) tests to detect raised blood glucose levels in optometry practices.Methods:  A screening service offering people with risk factors or symptoms of diabetes rCBG tests was piloted in five high street opticians’ practices in North East England. One thousand and two people used the screening service during a 20 week period. Each was given a questionnaire to complete and return following a rCBG test.Results:  Nine hundred and thirty‐nine questionnaires were returned (return rate 93.7%). The mean age of participants was 54.5 years, 63.3% were female and 75.0% had not been screened for diabetes previously. 99.1% agreed or strongly agreed that the location was convenient for them and 98.0% would recommend others to use the screening service. 83.8% of the participants would not have gone elsewhere to have any tests done and 148 (16.2%) responded that they would have sought a test elsewhere; 14.2% at the GP, 0.8% at a pharmacy and 0.5% elsewhere. Only 3.2% reported that the test procedure was uncomfortable.Conclusions:  To those attending opticians’ practices, screening using rCBG tests is acceptable in terms of convenience and test comfort, and they would recommend the test to others. Screening in optometry practices provides an opportunity to identify people at risk of diabetes in a hitherto unutilised setting.
Recording and automated analysis of naturalistic bioptic driving
Authors: Luo Gang , Peli Eli 
Published: March 2011

Citation information: Luo G & Peli E. Recording and automated analysis of naturalistic bioptic driving. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2011, 31, 318–325. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2011.00829.xAbstractPurpose:  People with moderate central vision loss are legally permitted to drive with a bioptic telescope in 39 US states and the Netherlands, but the safety of bioptic driving remains highly controversial. There is no scientific evidence about bioptic use and its impact on safety. We propose searching for evidence by recording naturalistic driving activities in patients’ cars.Methods:  In a pilot study we used an analogue video system to record two bioptic drivers’ daily driving activities for 10 and 5 days, respectively. In this technical report, we also describe our novel digital system that collects vehicle manoeuvre information and enables recording over more extended periods, and discuss our approach to analyzing the vast amount of data.Results:  Our observations of telescope use by the pilot subjects were quite different from their reports in a previous survey. One subject used the telescope only seven times in nearly 6 h of driving. For the other subject, the average interval between telescope use was about 2 min, and Mobile (cell) phone use in one trip extended the interval to almost 5 min. We demonstrate that computerized analysis of lengthy recordings based on video, GPS, acceleration, and black box data can be used to select informative segments for efficient off‐line review of naturalistic driving behaviours.Conclusions:  The inconsistency between self reports and objective data as well as infrequent telescope use underscores the importance of recording bioptic driving behaviours in naturalistic conditions over extended periods. We argue that the new recording system is important for understanding bioptic use behaviours and bioptic driving safety.
Levofloxacin Susceptibility Testing for Helicobacter pylori in China: Comparison of E‐Test and Disk Diffusion Method
Authors: Yu Chaohui , Li Lan , Chen Wenguo , Jiao Yangwen , Yang Ningmin , Yang En , Zhang Jianzhong , Chen Lihua , Li Youming 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackground:  The aims of this study were to compare disk diffusion with E‐test method for levofloxacin susceptibility testing of Helicobacter pylori and standardized breakpoints for disk diffusion as a stable and reliable method for determining qualitative levofloxacin susceptibility.Materials and Methods:  We determined the levofloxacin susceptibility of 45 H. pylori strains isolated from Chinese patients by the E‐test method. Disk diffusion was evaluated as an alternative method to determine susceptibility and compared with the E‐test results by linear regression analysis.Results:  The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values tested by E‐test method ranged from 0.047 to 32 μg/mL. Resistance to levofloxacin was detected in 16 (35.6%) isolates. The levofloxacin disk zone sizes obtained by disk diffusion method correlated well (r2 = .877) with the MICs obtained by E‐test method. As a consequence of regression analysis, isolates with inhibition diameters <12 mm were considered resistant to levofloxacin. There was 100% agreement between the two methods for levofloxacin, applying the regression‐based breakpoints.Conclusions:  The disk diffusion method is equivalent to the E‐test method for testing levofloxacin susceptibility of H. pylori strains; it is more practical and inexpensive, and it is suitable for the analysis of a small number of isolates compared with the E‐test method.
The Association Between Helicobacter pylori Infection and Insulin Resistance: A Systematic Review
Authors: Polyzos Stergios A. , Kountouras Jannis , Zavos Christos , Deretzi Georgia 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackground:  Helicobacter pylori infection has been associated with diverse extradigestive morbidity, including insulin resistance (IR) syndrome. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the epidemiologic evidence concerning the association between H. pylori infection and IR quantitative indexes.Materials and Methods:  A computerized literature search in PubMed electronic databases and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was performed.Results:  Nine studies reporting data on 2120 participants were finally eligible for this systematic review. Seven of them were cross‐sectional studies and two were nonrandomized, open‐label, controlled trials investigating the effect of H. pylori eradication on IR. Homeostatic model of assessment insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) was used in all studies to quantify IR. There seems to be a trend toward a positive association between H. pylori infection and HOMA‐IR, strengthened by regression analysis in one study. However, there was significant heterogeneity between studies regarding the method(s) of H. pylori infection diagnosis based on and the study populations. The studies for the effect of H. pylori eradication on HOMA‐IR revealed conflicting results.Conclusions:  Although data seem to indicate a potential association between H. pylori infection and IR, further studies are needed to strengthen this association and to clarify whether there is a causative link between them. If a causal link is confirmed in the future, this may have a major impact on the pathophysiology and management of IR syndrome, including type 2 diabetes mellitus and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Is There a Benefit to Extending the Duration of Helicobacter pylori Sequential Therapy to 14 Days?
Authors: Hsu Ping I. , Wu Deng‐Chyang , Wu Jeng‐Yih , Graham David Y. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Ten‐day sequential therapy with a proton‐pump inhibitor (PPI) and amoxicillin followed by a PPI, clarithromycin, and an imidazole typically achieves Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication rates between 90 and 94% (i.e., Grade B success). It has been suggested that prolonging the duration of therapy might improve the treatment success. We tested whether prolonging treatment duration to 14‐days would improve the results to 95% or greater eradication.Methods:  This was a multi‐center, single site, pilot study in which H. pylori‐infected patients received a 14‐day sequential therapy (esomeprazole and amoxicillin for 7 days followed by esomeprazole, clarithromycin, and metronidazole for 7 days). H. pylori status was assessed 8 weeks after therapy. Success was defined as achieving 95% or greater eradication by per‐protocol (PP) analysis.Results:  One hundred and twenty‐three subjects received the 14‐day sequential therapy. The eradication rate was 93.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 89.5–98.3%) by PP and 91.9% (95% CI, 87.1–96.7%) by intention‐to‐treat analysis. Adverse events were experienced by 21.1%; compliance of 90% or greater was 95.9%.Conclusions:  Extending sequential therapy to 14 days did not result in improving the treatment outcome to 95% or greater.
The Role of Helicobacter pylori in Patients with Hypothyroidism in Whom Could Not be Achieved Normal Thyrotropin Levels Despite Treatment with High Doses of Thyroxine
Authors: Bugdaci Mehmet Sait , Zuhur Sayid Shafi , Sokmen Mehmet , Toksoy Buket , Albayrak Banu , Altuntas Yüksel 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackground:  Helicobacter pylori infection is a most frequent cause of chronic gastritis. H. pylori may decrease absorption of oral thyroxine by decreasing gastric acid secretion in the stomach. In this study, we aimed to investigate the change in thyroid function tests of the cases after H. pylori eradication who were not responding to high doses of thyroxine treatment before H. pylori eradication.Methods:  Hypothyroid cases who were not responding to high doses of thyroxine among the ones presented to Endocrinology and Gastroenterohepatology Clinics of Sisli Etfal Training and Research Hospital between 2009 and 2010 were included in the study. Thyroid function tests were performed two times in all cases before and after H. pylori eradication. Duodenal, antral and corporal biopsies, and jejunal aspirates and biopsies were taken during upper gastrointestinal system endoscopies performed in all patients. Cases without intestinal pathology were included in the study.Results:  Serum thyrotropin (TSH), free T3, and free T4 values before H. pylori eradication were 30.5 ± 28.8 IU/mL, 2.64 ± 0.56 pg/mL, and 0.92 ± 0.32 ng/mL, respectively, and after eradication were found to be 4.2 ± 10.6 IU/mL, 3.02 ± 0.61 pg/mL, and 1.3 ± 0.34 ng/mL, respectively (p values <.001, .002, and <.001, respectively). After H. pylori eradication treatment, TSH decreased in all of the cases, factitious thyrotoxicosis developed in % 21 of these cases.Conclusion:  In hypothyroid cases, H. pylori gastritis may be responsible for an inadequate response to the treatment. H. pylori eradication in the cases receiving high doses of thyroxine has a risk for thyrotoxicosis.
Quantitative Sensory Testing May Predict Response to Sphenopalatine Ganglion Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment in Cluster Headaches: A Case Series
Authors: Chua Nicholas H.L. , Vissers Kris C. , Wilder‐Smith Oliver H. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractPulsed radiofrequency treatment has been described as a nonablative alternative to radiofrequency thermocoagulation for the management of certain chronic pain syndromes. We present our first three patients with long‐standing cluster headaches who were treated with pulsed radiofrequency to the sphenopalatine ganglion. All three patients have had cluster headaches for more than 10 years' duration and experienced minimal relief with conservative treatment. An excellent midterm effect was achieved in two of the three patients and a partial effect in one. No neurological side effects or complications were reported. Quantitative sensory testing consisting of allodynia testing, pressure–pain thresholds, electrical pain thresholds, and conditioned pain modulation (CPM) response testing were used to monitor their sensory processing changes before and after the procedure. From this case series, it might be that cluster headache patients with an impaired CPM response with or without signs of allodynia will respond less favorably to interventional treatment. Further studies are required to validate this hypothesis.
Mutation Analysis Ion Channel Genes Ventricular Fibrillation Survivors with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: NOVOTNY TOMAS , KADLECOVA JITKA , RAUDENSKA MARTINA , BITTNEROVA ALEXANDRA , ANDRSOVA IRENA , FLORIANOVA ALENA , VASKU ANNA , NEUGEBAUER PETR , KOZAK MILAN , SEPSI MILAN , KRIVAN LUBOMIR , GAILLYOVA RENATA , SPINAR JINDRICH 
Published: March 2011

Background: Observations from population‐based studies demonstrated a strong genetic component of sudden cardiac death. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that ion channel genes mutations are more common in ventricular fibrillation (VF) survivors with coronary artery disease (CAD) compared to controls.
Methods: The entire coding sequence of KCNQ1, KCNH2, SCN5A, KCNE1, and KCNE2 genes was analyzed in 45 (five females) CAD individuals—survivors of documented VF and in 90 matched healthy controls. In another control group of 141 matched patients with CAD without malignant arrhythmias, the exons containing rare coding variants found in the VF survivors were sequenced.
Results: The carrier frequency of all the rare sequence variants was significantly higher in the VF survivors (8/45, 17.8%) than in CAD controls (3/141, 2.2%, P = 0.001). In VF survivors, four coding variants in eight individuals were found. Three in KCNH2 gene: R148W and GAG186del are novel; P347S was previously related to long QT syndrome. In SCN5A gene, P2006A variant was found in five unrelated males. This variant has been demonstrated previously to have small effect on sodium channel kinetics. No rare coding variants were found in the healthy controls. The P2006A variant was found in three CAD controls.
Conclusion: The prevalence of selected, rare coding variants in five long QT genes was significantly higher in cases versus controls, confirming a mechanistic role for these genes among a subgroup of patients with coronary disease and VF. (PACE 2011; 742–749)
Psychological Effects of Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator Leads under Advisory
Authors: HEATHERLY STEVEN J. , SIMMONS TONY , FITZGERALD DAVID M. , MITCHELL MARK 
Published: March 2011

Background: Automatic implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) are standard therapy for patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death. Device implantation is a stressful event that has been associated with patient and anticipatory anxiety. While the psychological effects of normally functioning ICDs are known, only a dearth of literature evaluates how a warning about the potential for malfunction of an ICD lead, related to a device advisory, influences the degree of psychological distress. These effects are evaluated in a patient population with the Medtronic Sprint Fidelis defibrillation lead 6949 (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA).
Methods: A sample of 413 patients were studied. Groups included 158 with an advisory Medtronic 6949 and 255 with an ICD that had no current advisories. Patients were administered a validated disease‐specific metric assessing concerns over ICDs, as well as a demographics questionnaire. The primary outcome was the total score on the ICD concerns (ICDC). Analysis was with one‐way Analysis of Variance with preplanned orthogonal contrasts and multivariate regression.
Results: The advisory group tended to have higher numbers of high school and college graduates. The average length of device implant in the nonadvisory group was higher at 4.29 years versus 3.99 years in the advisory group (t = 0.901, P ≤ 0.5). A higher percentage of those with an advisory experienced more shocks (39% vs 32%; z =−1.51, P ≤ 0.5). Average ICDC scores in the advisory group with previous shock were significantly higher than in the nonadvisory group with prior shock ([27.7 standard deviation (SD) ± 14.5] vs [18.5 SD ± 12.5], P = 0.0001)
. Average ICDC score in the advisory group without shock was also significantly elevated compared to the nonadvisory group (18.5 SD ± 14.5 vs 10.8, SD ± 12.5, P = 0.0001). There was a significant effect of having an advisory on total ICDC scores (F = 21.32, P ≤ 0.0001). History of shock also significantly increased total ICDC scores (F = 20.07, P ≤ 0.0001). In multivariate regression, presence of Fidelis lead and history of shock were predictors for increased ICDC scores (R2= 0.158, F = 38.88, P = 0.0001). When controlling for shock history, presence of Fidelis lead remained an independent predictor of elevated ICDC scores (R2= 0.125, F = 59.30, P ≤ 0.0001).
Conclusions: Our study attempts to address some of the psychological differences between participants with advisory and nonadvisory leads. Higher scores on the ICDC were found in our advisory group. While statistically significant, it is entirely unclear if these scale elevations are clinically significant or if directed counseling at this stage may reduce these elevations. This raises the suspicion that directed counseling be undertaken for patients with future advisories. (PACE 2011; 694–699)
Pyridostigmine in the Treatment of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia: A Single‐Center Experience
Authors: KANJWAL KHALIL , KARABIN BEVERLY , SHEIKH MUJEEB , ELMER LAWRENCE , KANJWAL YOUSUF , SAEED BILAL , GRUBB BLAIR P. 
Published: March 2011

Background:
The long‐term efficacy of pyridostigmine, a reversible acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor, in the treatment of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) patients remains unclear. We report our retrospective, single‐center, long‐term experience regarding the efficacy and adverse effect profile of pyridostigmine in the treatment of POTS patients.
Methods:
This retrospective study included an extensive review of electronic charts and data collection in regards to patient demographics, orthostatic parameters, side‐effect profile, subjective response to therapy, as well as laboratory studies recorded at each follow‐up visit to our institution's Syncope and Autonomic Disorders Center. The response to pyridostigmine therapy was considered successful if patient had both symptom relief in addition to an objective response in orthostatic hemodynamic parameters (heart rate [HR] and blood pressure). Three hundred patients with POTS were screened for evaluation in this study. Of these 300, 203 patients with POTS who received pyridostigmine therapy were reviewed. Of these 203 patients, 168 were able to tolerate the medication after careful dose titration. The mean follow‐up duration in this group of patients was 12 ± 3 (9–15) months. Pyridostigmine improved symptoms of orthostatic intolerance in 88 of 203 (43%) of total patients or 88 of 172 (51%) who were able to tolerate the drug. The symptoms that improved the most included fatigue (55%), palpitations (60%), presyncope (60%), and syncope (48%). Symptom reduction correlated with a statistically significant improvement in upright HR and diastolic blood pressure after treatment with pyridostigmine as compared to their baseline hemodynamic parameters (standing HR 94 ± 19 vs 82 ± 16, P < 0.003, standing diastolic blood pressure 71 ± 11 vs 74 ± 12, P < 0.02). Gastrointestinal problems were the most common adverse effects (n = 39, 19%) reported. The overall efficacy of pyridostigmine in our study was seen in 42% of total patients or 52% of patients who could tolerate taking the drug.
Conclusion:
The subgroup of POTS patients who can tolerate oral pyridostigmine may demonstrate improvement in their standing HR, standing diastolic blood pressure, and clinical symptoms of orthostatic intolerance. (PACE 2011; 750–755)
Combined Treatment with Intravenous Abciximab and Intraarterial tPA Yields High Recanalization Rate in Patients with Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion
Authors: Barlinn Kristian , Becker Ulf , Puetz Volker , Dzialowski Imanuel , Kunz Alexander , Kepplinger Jessica , von Kummer Rüdiger , Gahn Georg 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThe best therapeutic approach in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) remains unclear. We report the results of a combined treatment approach with intravenous (IV) abciximab and intraarterial (IA) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in these patients.METHODSWe prospectively studied patients with acute BAO on CT‐angiography or MR‐angiography. We treated patients with IV abciximab followed by IA thrombolysis with tPA. Primary outcome was partial or complete recanalization according to thrombolysis in myocardial infarction 2 to 3 flow grades on catheter angiography. Secondary outcomes were favorable functional outcome (mRS score ≤3) and mortality at 90 days.RESULTSOf 20 patients, mean age was 62 ± 13 years, median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score 25.5 (IQR 12‐28), and median Glasgow Coma Scale score 7 (IQR 6‐11). Mean time to IA treatment was 7 ± 2.8 hours. We achieved partial or complete recanalization in 17/20 patients (85%). At 3 months, 3/20 patients (15%) had a favorable functional outcome and 9/20 patients (45%) were deceased.CONCLUSIONSCombined treatment with IV abciximab and IA tPA yielded a high recanalization rate in patients with BAO. However, functional outcomes were poor, potentially due to late initiation of treatment. Early treatment might improve functional outcome.J Neuroimaging 2012;22:167–171.