bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring local climate change response capacity and bridging gaps between local action plans and land use plans
Authors: Tang Zhenghong , Wang Zijia , Koperski Thomas 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to measure local climate change response capacity and identify the existing gaps between local climate change action plans and land use plans.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses content analysis method to statistically analyze 40 pioneering local jurisdictions' climate change action plans and land use plans.FindingsThe results show significant gaps in the two types of plans. Local climate change action plans have a higher quality of plan components including factual basis, targets, coordination, and communication than local land use plans. However, local land use plans have an even higher quality of policy plan components than action plans.Originality/valueThis study has extended established climate change concepts and practices by incorporating climate change considerations into the existing framework of local decision making.
Hafnia alvei pyelonephritis in a renal transplant recipient: case report and review of an under‐recognized nosocomial pathogen
Authors: Cardile A.P. , Forbes D. , Cirigliano V. , Stout B. , Das N.P. , Hsue G. 
Published: February 2011

A.P. Cardile, D. Forbes, V. Cirigliano, B. Stout, N.P. Das, G. Hsue. Hafnia alvei pyelonephritis in a renal transplant recipient: case report and review of an under‐recognized nosocomial pathogen. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 407–410. All rights reservedAbstract: We describe the first case to our knowledge of Hafnia alvei pyelonephritis in a renal transplant recipient. Clinicians should consider this under‐recognized pathogen when clinically evaluating immunosuppressed patients with a history of invasive procedures.
Ofloxacin: new applications for the prevention of urinary tract infections in renal graft recipients
Authors: Rafat C. , Vimont S. , Ancel P.Y. , Xu‐Dubois Y.C. , Mesnard L. , Ouali N. , Denis M. , Vandewalle A. , Rondeau E. , Hertig A. 
Published: February 2011

C. Rafat, S. Vimont, P.Y. Ancel, Y.C. Xu‐Dubois, L. Mesnard, N. Ouali, M. Denis, A. Vandewalle, E. Rondeau, A. Hertig. Ofloxacin: new applications for the prevention of urinary tract infections in renal graft recipients Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 344–352. All rights reservedAbstract: Background. Urinary tract infections (UTIs), the most common form of bacterial infection in kidney transplant recipients, recently have been demonstrated to be detrimental for long‐term graft outcome. Therefore, reinforcing antibiotic prophylaxis might be vital, in addition to basic hygiene recommendations, surgical care, and prophylaxis by trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole.Methods. In 2006, a Legionella pneumophila contamination of our department's water pipes meant that all the patients undergoing renal transplantation underwent a 1‐month regimen of ofloxacin (OFLO) (200 mg every other day). We took this opportunity to measure the incidence of UTI, including acute pyelonephritis (APN), in 100 consecutive patients transplanted before (n=50) and after (n=50) this treatment decision was reached. We also studied the antimicrobial resistance profiles in our department and in the rest of the hospital.Results. No patient developed Legionnaire's disease. A dramatic decrease in the incidence of UTI (−63%) was also seen in patients undergoing OFLO treatment. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the use of OFLO was independently associated with a reduction in UTI (odd ratio [OR]=0.31%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.11–0.84, P=0.02) and APN (OR=0.21%, 95% CI 0.07–0.98, P=0.045). This protection was sustained during the whole first year post transplantation. As for resistance rates, we observed a decrease in the susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to ciprofloxacin in our nephrology department, compared with that observed in the rest of the hospital. The incidence of multi‐resistant bacteria was stable.Discussion. Our unintentional extension of prophylactic antibiotherapy with OFLO gave rise to a dramatic decrease in the 1‐year incidence of UTI and APN in kidney recipients. Emergence of resistant strains is, however, a major concern.
Influence of EARLI1‐like genes on flowering time and lignin synthesis of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Shi Y. , Zhang X. , Xu Z.‐Y. , Li L. , Zhang C. , Schläppi M. , Xu Z.‐Q. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract EARLI1 encodes a 14.7 kDa protein in the cell wall, is a member of the PRP (proline‐rich protein) family and has multiple functions, including resistance to low temperature and fungal infection. RNA gel blot analyses in the present work indicated that expression of EARLI1‐like genes, EARLI1, At4G12470 and At4G12490, was down‐regulated in Col‐FRI‐Sf2 RNAi plants derived from transformation with Agrobacterium strain ABI, which contains a construct encoding a double‐strand RNA targeting 8CM of EARLI1. Phenotype analyses revealed that Col‐FRI‐Sf2 RNAi plants of EARLI1 flowered earlier than Col‐FRI‐Sf2 wild‐type plants. The average bolting time of Col‐FRI‐Sf2 and Col‐FRI‐Sf2 RNAi plants was 39.7 and 19.4 days, respectively, under a long‐day photoperiod. In addition, there were significant differences in main stem length, internode number and rosette leaf number between Col‐FRI‐Sf2 and Col‐FRI‐Sf2 RNAi plants. RT‐PCR showed that EARLI1‐like genes might delay flowering time through the autonomous and long‐day photoperiod pathways by maintaining the abundance of FLC transcripts. In Col‐FRI‐Sf2 RNAi plants, transcription of FLC was repressed, while expression of SOC1 and FT was activated. Microscopy observations showed that EARLI1‐like genes were also associated with morphogenesis of leaf cells in Arabidopsis. Using histochemical staining, EARLI1‐like genes were found to be involved in regulation of lignin synthesis in inflorescence stems, and Col‐FRI‐Sf2 and Col‐FRI‐Sf2 RNAi plants had 9.67% and 8.76% dry weight lignin, respectively. Expression analysis revealed that cinnamoyl‐CoA reductase, a key enzyme in lignin synthesis, was influenced by EARLI1‐like genes. These data all suggest that EARLI1‐like genes could control the flowering process and lignin synthesis in Arabidopsis.
Fully‐covered, self‐expandable metal stents (CSEMS) in malignant distal biliary strictures: Mid‐term evaluation
Authors: Bakhru Mihir , Ho Henry C , Gohil Vishal , Wang Andrew Y , Ellen Kristi , Sauer Bryan G , Shami Vanessa M , Kahaleh Michel 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Limited data exist regarding fully‐covered, self‐expandable metal stents (CSEMS) with anchoring fins for the management of malignant distal biliary strictures. The aim of this study is to evaluate their safety and patency.Methods:  Over a period of 2 years, 70 patients (45 males, 66 ± 13 years) underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with placement of a 10‐mm (67 patients) or 8‐mm diameter (3 patients) CSEMS for the palliation of distal malignant biliary obstruction (pancreatic [53] or other [17]). Data were collected prospectively for survival and stent patency; complications were evaluated retrospectively.Results:  After CSEMS placement, 17 patients proceeded to surgery, and 53 patients were deemed unresectable. Mean survival for non‐surgical candidates was 180 days (range: 15–1091), and 170 days (range: 9–589) for patients who underwent surgical management. CSEMS were left in place and remained patent for a mean of 163 days (range: 15–1091) in non‐surgical candidates, and a mean of 55 days (range: 5–126) in surgical candidates. Complications during placement included wire perforations (4) and proximal deployment requiring repositioning (4), one of which was complicated by a bile leak. Post‐procedure complications were observed in 24 cases (34%) and included post‐ERCP pancreatitis (8, with 2 of them severe), post‐procedure pain (5, with 3 requiring admission), cholecystitis (3), stent occlusion (3), cholangitis (2), proximal migration (1), post‐sphincterotomy bleeding (1), and sepsis leading to death (1).Conclusion:  CSEMS appear to provide acceptable short‐term patency rates; however, their limited long‐term patency and high complication rate might limit their widespread use. Further long‐term prospective data are required to confirm this observation.
Robotic bladder diverticulectomy: Technique and surgical outcomes
Authors: Altunrende Fatih , Autorino Riccardo , Patel Neil S , White Michael A , Khanna Rakesh , Laydner Humberto , Yang Bo , Haber Georges‐Pascal , Kaouk Jihad H , Stein Robert J 
Published: February 2011

Objectives:  Indications for surgical treatment of bladder diverticula include tumor, lower urinary tract symptoms refractory to medical treatment, renal dysfunction or recurrent urinary tract infections. We describe the technique and report the outcomes of robotic bladder diverticulectomy at our institution.Methods:  A chart review of patients who underwent robotic bladder diverticulectomy at our institution from 2007 to 2010 was carried out. Indications for the procedure were: lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) not responding to medical treatment (2 patients), ureteral obstruction (1 patient), tumor arising in a diverticulum (2 patients) and diverticulum secondary to neurogenic bladder (1 patient). One patient also had renal dysfunction associated with ureteral insertion into the diverticulum and therefore underwent ipsilateral ureteroneocystostomy. Other additional procedures included transurethral resection of the prostate (1 patient) and bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection (1 patient). Perioperative and postoperative outcomes were analyzed.Results:  Six patients (median age 61.5 years, range 19–75) underwent da Vinci diverticulectomy using a transperitoneal approach without the need for open conversion. Median operative time was 232 min (135–360 min.). Median estimated blood loss was 100 mL (50–150 mL). The Foley catheter was removed after a negative cystogram and median time to catheter removal was 7 days (7–12 days). Median hospital stay was 3 days (2–5 days). The only complication was a urinary tract infection managed with antibiotics.Conclusions:  Robotic surgery represents a reasonable minimally invasive treatment option for resection of bladder diverticula when indicated.
General practitioners' knowledge and management of viral hepatitis in the migrant population
Authors: Guirgis M. , Yan K. , Bu Y. M. , Zekry A. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackground:  Escalating morbidity and mortality associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections represent a major health burden in Australia, particularly among migrants from endemic areas who may present late.Methods and Aims:  We evaluated the knowledge and educational needs of general practitioners (GPs) in the St George Division, Sydney which serves a large migrant population. The aims of the study were to identify gaps in knowledge about viral hepatitis that may affect management and referral patterns. GPs completed a survey comprised of 15 questions. They were also invited to comment on barriers to managing viral hepatitis in migrant patients.Results:  A 44% response rate was achieved from 280 eligible GPs. Forty‐two per cent of GPs lacked confidence in interpreting HCV serology and 20% for HBV serology. Twenty‐two per cent of GPs did not recognise HCC as a complication of HBV and 18% for HCV. Twenty per cent of GPs were unaware of treatment for HBV. Forty‐seven per cent of GPs were uncertain whether pregnant women could receive HCV treatment. Twenty‐three per cent and 21% of respondents believed that all HCV‐ or HBV‐infected mothers, respectively, should not breast‐feed. Eighty‐nine per cent of GPs identified language difficulties as the main barrier to treatment among the migrant population.Conclusions:  There were gaps in the knowledge of GPs particularly concerning natural history, diagnosis, treatment availability and management of pregnant or lactating women with viral hepatitis. Specific educational initiatives targeting these deficits are required as well as increased availability of language resources for managing patients from a non‐English‐speaking background.
Guidelines for patient selection and performance of carotid artery stenting
Authors:   The Carotid Stenting Guidelines Committee: An Inter‐collegiate Committee of the RACP (ANZAN, CSANZ), RACS (ANZSVS) and RANZCR
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe endovascular treatment of carotid atherosclerosis with carotid artery stenting (CAS) is controversial. The inter‐collegiate Carotid Stenting Guidelines Committee (CSGC) recommends that CAS should not be performed in the majority of patients requiring carotid revascularization. CAS may be considered for specific high risk patients with symptomatic severe carotid stenosis who have contraindications for carotid endarterectomy, or in those under 70 years of age where carotid re‐vascularization is considered appropriate. Advances in endovascular technologies and the long‐term results of randomized controlled trials will guide future revisions of these guidelines.
Maternal endothelial dysfunction and its association with abnormal fetal growth in diabetic pregnancy
Authors: Zawiejska A. , Wender‐Ożegowska E. , Pietryga M. , Brązert J. 
Published: February 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 692–698 (2011)AbstractAims  Some authors consider the vascular endothelium to be a target organ in diabetes. However, there have only been a few studies of the function of the maternal endothelium during pregnancy in women with diabetes. We analysed the relationship between maternal vascular endothelial dysfunction and fetal growth in such pregnancies.Methods  Markers of endothelial dysfunction (serum concentration of sE‐selectin and sVCAM‐1) were measured at admission (baseline) and before delivery in 97 women with pregestational diabetes and a singleton pregnancy,. After delivery, the group with pregestational diabetes was divided retrospectively according to neonatal birthweight into three groups—appropriate, small and large for gestational age— and the maternal variables were analysed in relation to birthweight.Results  The baseline concentration of sE‐selectin was significantly higher in the large‐for‐gestational‐age group vs. the small‐for‐gestational‐age group (median: 53.1 vs. 39.0 ng/ml, P < 0.05). The concentration of sVCAM‐1 at baseline was significantly higher in the small‐for‐gestational‐age vs. the appropriate‐ and large‐for‐gestational‐age groups (median: 846.2 vs. 576.8 and 524.1 ng/ml, respectively; P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). The concentration of sE‐selectin at baseline and gestational changes in the concentration of sVCAM‐1 were related to birthweight. The baseline concentrations of sE‐selectin and sVCAM‐1 and the gestational change in sVCAM‐1 concentration were predictive factors for large for gestational age (cut‐off values: 45.0, 644.6 and 38.4 ng/ml; sensitivity: 67.7, 89.3 and 34.4%; specificity: 65.5, 39.7 and 85.5%, respectively).Conclusions  Our study showed a relationship between maternal endothelial dysfunction and fetal growth disturbances during pregnancy in women with diabetes that was not associated with maternal metabolic control. Higher levels of maternal sE‐selectin in early pregnancy were associated with increased risk of the large‐for‐gestational‐age condition. High levels of maternal sVCAM‐1 in early pregnancy were characteristic of gestation complicated by the small‐for‐gestational‐age condition. Further studies in larger groups are warranted to determine whether markers of maternal endothelial dysfunction are of use in the prediction of abnormal birthweight (large or small for gestational age) in pregnant women with diabetes.
Asymmetric dimethylarginine in young people with Type 1 diabetes: a paradoxical association with HbA1c
Authors: Marcovecchio M. L. , Widmer B. , Turner C. , Dunger D. B. , Dalton R. N. 
Published: February 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 685–691 (2011)AbstractAims  Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and its concentrations are increased in several diseases, including diabetes. However, there is limited information on this plasma marker in young people, particularly in those with Type 1 diabetes. The aim of the present study was therefore to perform a longitudinal evaluation of plasma ADMA and of its determinants in young people with childhood‐onset Type 1 diabetes.Methods  For measurement of ADMA using mass spectrometry, 1018 longitudinal stored blood samples were available from 330 young people with Type 1 diabetes followed in the Oxford Regional Prospective Study. Additional data concerning annual assessments of HbA1c, height, weight, insulin dose and three early morning urine samples for measurement of the albumin/creatinine ratio were available.Results  ADMA levels were significantly higher in males than in females (mean ± sd: 0.477 ± 0.090 vs. 0.460 ± 0.089 μmol/l, P = 0.002) and declined with chronological age (estimate ± se: –0.0106 ± 0.0008, P < 0.001). A significant inverse association was detected between ADMA and HbA1c (estimate ± se:–0.0113 ± 0.001, P < 0.001). ADMA levels were lower in subjects developing microalbuminuria (mean ± sd: 0.455 ± 0.093 vs. 0.476 ± 0.087 μmol/l, P = 0.001) than in subjects with normoalbuminuria, but this difference disappeared after adjusting for HbA1c.Conclusions  In this longitudinal study, ADMA concentrations decreased with age and were significantly higher in males and lower in subjects developing microalbuminuria. These associations were largely explained by a paradoxical negative association between HbA1c and ADMA. We suggest that chronic hyperglycaemia might down‐regulate mechanisms implicated in ADMA production or stimulate its metabolism confounding short‐term associations with complications risk.
The humoral immune response to the inactivated influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccine in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus in Korea
Authors: Nam J. S. , Kim A. R. , Yoon J. C. , Byun Y. , Kim S. A. , Kim K. R. , Cho S. , Seong B. L. , Ahn C. W. , Lee J. M. 
Published: February 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 815–817 (2011)AbstractAims  We evaluated the antibody response to a single‐dose adjuvanted, inactivated, pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccination in patients with diabetes and assessed factors associated with the failure to induce antibody responses.Methods  Eighty‐two patients with Type 2 diabetes were vaccinated and antibody responses were determined with haemagglutination inhibition assay and anti‐haemagglutinin antibody ELISA.Results  Among 70 antibody‐negative patients at baseline, 34 (48.6%) achieved seroconversion; 28 (60.9%) in the young adults group and six (25%) in the elderly group acquired H1N1‐specific antibodies. Patients in the older age range or with longer duration of diabetes had a lower seroconversion rate.Conclusions  Our data show low cross‐reactive antibody carrying rate and low seroconversion rate in patients with diabetes. Until larger‐scale, case‐controlled trials become available, older patients and patients with a longer duration of diabetes should be considered for the two‐dose vaccination or have antibody titres measured after the first vaccination.
ATP and glutamate released via astroglial connexin 43 hemichannels mediate neuronal death through activation of pannexin 1 hemichannels
Authors: Orellana Juan A. , Froger Nicolas , Ezan Pascal , Jiang Jean X. , Bennett Michael V. L. , Naus Christian C. , Giaume Christian , Sáez Juan C. 
Published: February 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 826–840.AbstractInflammation contributes to neurodegeneration in post‐ischemic brain, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. Participants in this inflammatory response include activation of microglia and astrocytes. We studied the role of microglia treated with amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ) on hemichannel activity of astrocytes subjected to hypoxia in high glucose. Reoxygenation after 3 h hypoxia in high glucose induced transient astroglial permeabilization via Cx43 hemichannels and reduction in intercellular communication via Cx43 cell‐cell channels. Both responses were greater and longer lasting in astrocytes previously exposed for 24 h to conditioned medium from Aβ‐treated microglia (CM‐Aβ). The effects of CM‐Aβ were mimicked by TNF‐α and IL‐1β and were abrogated by neutralizing TNF‐α with soluble receptor and IL‐1β with a receptor antagonist. Astrocytes under basal conditions protected neurons against hypoxia, but exposure to CM‐Aβ made them toxic to neurons subjected to a sub‐lethal hypoxia/reoxygenation episode, revealing the additive nature of the insults. Astrocytes exposed to CM‐Aβ induced permeabilization of cortical neurons through activation of neuronal pannexin 1 (Panx1) hemichannels by ATP and glutamate released through astroglial Cx43 hemichannels. In agreement, inhibition of NMDA or P2X receptors only partially reduced the activation of neuronal Panx1 hemichannels and neuronal mortality, but simultaneous inhibition of both receptors completely prevented the neurotoxic response. Therefore, we suggest that responses to ATP and glutamate converge in activation of neuronal Panx1 hemichannels. Thus, we propose that blocking hemichannels expressed by astrocytes and/or neurons in the inflamed nervous system could represent a novel and alternative strategy to reduce neuronal loss in various pathological states including Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and ischemia.
What We Know About Oxidative Stress in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease on Dialysis—Clinical Effects, Potential Treatment, and Prevention
Authors: Del Vecchio Lucia , Locatelli Francesco , Carini Marina 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPatients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience accelerated atherosclerosis leading to excessive cardiovascular death. This cannot be fully explained by traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Oxidative stress is currently receiving attention as an important pathogenetic mediator of tissue damage. Oxidative stress is highly prevalent in patients with CKD. Increased prooxidant activity (age, diabetes, hypertension, inflammation, incompatibility of dialysis membranes, and solutions) goes together with reduced antioxidant defense (reduced activity of the glutathione system, low levels of vitamin E, C). Oxidative stress has been linked to several surrogate markers of atherosclerosis in patients with CKD, such as endothelial dysfunction and intima‐media thickness. However, large epidemiological studies testing hard endpoints are lacking. Oxidative stress may also influence response to erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents. Among possible therapeutic approaches, the use of vitamin E seems to be the most promising. Given orally, it has been shown to significantly improve cardiovascular outcomes in a relatively small clinical trial. When bonded to biocompatible dialysis membranes, it may be effective in improving erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents’ responsiveness. Similarly, vitamin C may be effective in reducing cardiovascular events in haemodialysis patients. Further well‐designed, randomized controlled clinical trials with antioxidants are required to establish their potential to make a substantive difference in clinical practice.