bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Post‐operative risk factor control following internal carotid artery intervention
Authors: Rajeswaran Dylan , Saunder Alan , Raymond Simon 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground:  Patients who undergo carotid surgical interventions remain at significant risk of further vascular events post‐operatively. This study evaluates the level of risk factor monitoring and control being achieved post‐operatively for patients who undergo carotid surgical interventions within Southern Health and investigates the significance of patient education and patient insight in this context.Methods:  The study included all patients who underwent successful carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid angioplasty within Southern Health during the 5‐year study period. To ascertain the objective risk factor status of participants, the most current reported measurements for the variables of blood pressure, blood lipids and glycosylated hemoglobin were obtained from the participant's usual medical attendants. To ascertain the participant's subjective perceptions of their risk factor status, participants completed a self‐administered mail‐out questionnaire.Results:  A high level of post‐operative risk factor monitoring was demonstrated. Post‐operative risk factor control was not as commendable. There was a significant discrepancy identified between patient perceptions of current post‐operative risk factor status and the objective reality of current post‐operative risk factor status. There was a moderate positive linear correlation between level of accurate patient insight into their disease (including their post‐operative risk factor control) and the level of post‐operative risk factor control being achieved (r= 0.51, P < 0.001).Conclusion:  Future strategy targeted at achieving optimal post‐CEA and carotid angioplasty with adjuvant stenting risk factor control should consider incorporating themes that increase the level of accurate patient insight into their disease (particularly their post‐operative risk factor control), for instance, patient education and effective doctor–patient communication.
The quantitative significance of Syntrophaceae and syntrophic partnerships in methanogenic degradation of crude oil alkanes
Authors: Gray N. D. , Sherry A. , Grant R. J. , Rowan A. K. , Hubert C. R. J. , Callbeck C. M. , Aitken C. M. , Jones D. M. , Adams J. J. , Larter S. R. , Head I. M. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryLibraries of 16S rRNA genes cloned from methanogenic oil degrading microcosms amended with North Sea crude oil and inoculated with estuarine sediment indicated that bacteria from the genera Smithella (Deltaproteobacteria, Syntrophaceace) and Marinobacter sp. (Gammaproteobacteria) were enriched during degradation. Growth yields and doubling times (36 days for both Smithella and Marinobacter) were determined using qPCR and quantitative data on alkanes, which were the predominant hydrocarbons degraded. The growth yield of the Smithella sp. [0.020 g(cell‐C)/g(alkane‐C)], assuming it utilized all alkanes removed was consistent with yields of bacteria that degrade hydrocarbons and other organic compounds in methanogenic consortia. Over 450 days of incubation predominance and exponential growth of Smithella was coincident with alkane removal and exponential accumulation of methane. This growth is consistent with Smithella's occurrence in near surface anoxic hydrocarbon degrading systems and their complete oxidation of crude oil alkanes to acetate and/or hydrogen in syntrophic partnership with methanogens in such systems. The calculated growth yield of the Marinobacter sp., assuming it grew on alkanes, was [0.0005 g(cell‐C)/g(alkane‐C)] suggesting that it played a minor role in alkane degradation. The dominant methanogens were hydrogenotrophs (Methanocalculus spp. from the Methanomicrobiales). Enrichment of hydrogen‐oxidizing methanogens relative to acetoclastic methanogens was consistent with syntrophic acetate oxidation measured in methanogenic crude oil degrading enrichment cultures. qPCR of the Methanomicrobiales indicated growth characteristics consistent with measured rates of methane production and growth in partnership with Smithella.
Phosphate transporters in marine phytoplankton and their viruses: cross‐domain commonalities in viral‐host gene exchanges
Authors: Monier Adam , Welsh Rory M. , Gentemann Chelle , Weinstock George , Sodergren Erica , Armbrust E. Virginia , Eisen Jonathan A. , Worden Alexandra Z. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryPhosphate (PO4) is an important limiting nutrient in marine environments. Marine cyanobacteria scavenge PO4 using the high‐affinity periplasmic phosphate binding protein PstS. The pstS gene has recently been identified in genomes of cyanobacterial viruses as well. Here, we analyse genes encoding transporters in genomes from viruses that infect eukaryotic phytoplankton. We identified inorganic PO4 transporter‐encoding genes from the PHO4 superfamily in several virus genomes, along with other transporter‐encoding genes. Homologues of the viral pho4 genes were also identified in genome sequences from the genera that these viruses infect. Genome sequences were available from host genera of all the phytoplankton viruses analysed except the host genus Bathycoccus. Pho4 was recovered from Bathycoccus by sequencing a targeted metagenome from an uncultured Atlantic Ocean population. Phylogenetic reconstruction showed that pho4 genes from pelagophytes, haptophytes and infecting viruses were more closely related to homologues in prasinophytes than to those in what, at the species level, are considered to be closer relatives (e.g. diatoms). We also identified PHO4 superfamily members in ocean metagenomes, including new metagenomes from the Pacific Ocean. The environmental sequences grouped with pelagophytes, haptophytes, prasinophytes and viruses as well as bacteria. The analyses suggest that multiple independent pho4 gene transfer events have occurred between marine viruses and both eukaryotic and bacterial hosts. Additionally, pho4 genes were identified in available genomes from viruses that infect marine eukaryotes but not those that infect terrestrial hosts. Commonalities in marine host‐virus gene exchanges indicate that manipulation of host‐PO4 uptake is an important adaptation for viral proliferation in marine systems. Our findings suggest that PO4‐availability may not serve as a simple bottom‐up control of marine phytoplankton.
Observations on the ultrastructure of equatorial scleral collagen fibrils in sheep eyes
Authors: Doughty Michael J. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjective  To investigate collagen fibrils of the equatorial sclera in relation to the age‐related changes in eye size in sheep.Animals studied  Lambs and outbred ewes.Procedures  Sheep eyes (three lamb and three from adult outbred ewes), presumed disease‐free, were processed for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) immediately postmortem. Tissue blocks from the equatorial region were sectioned across fibril bundles orientated along the equator. Micrographs including at least 500 fibrils were projected at 22 000× magnification for measures of fibril diameters (FDs).Results  Lamb eyes were smaller than those of adult ewes but equatorial scleral thickness was only marginally less at 0.232 ± 0.013 vs. 0.254 ± 0.012 mm (P value not significant). Scleral tissue was composed of compacted bundles of collagen fibers that tended to be rounder in outer compared to being flatter in inner regions. In typical (normal) appearing regions, FDs were distinctly larger (68–410 nm) in outer sclera compared to inner sclera (63–281 nm). Outer sclera FDs were bimodal averaging 192 ± 58 nm, compared to unimodal distributions at inner locations averaging 156 ± 48 nm (P < 0.001). Some atypical regions, especially at outer‐mid sclera locations, were also noted where the FD distribution was bimodal but also included numerous microfibrils (<50 nm diameter), with similar appearances being found for both lamb and adult ewe eyes.Conclusions  The equatorial sclera is a mixture of rounder versus flatter collagen fiber bundles, the former being more likely to be made up of a mixture of both smaller and larger fibrils, as compared to slightly smaller fibrils.
South Africa: A Legacy of Family Disruption
Authors: Budlender Debbie , Lund Francie 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTThis article draws together unusual characteristics of the legacy of apartheid in South Africa: the state‐orchestrated destruction of family life, high rates of unemployment and a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. The disruption of family life has resulted in a situation in which many women have to fulfil the role of both breadwinner and care giver in a context of high unemployment and very limited economic opportunities. The question that follows is: given this crisis of care, to what extent can or will social protection and employment‐related social policies provide the support women and children need?
Who Cares in Nicaragua? A Care Regime in an Exclusionary Social Policy Context
Authors: Franzoni Juliana Martínez , Voorend Koen 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTIn Latin American countries with historically strong social policy regimes (such as those in the Southern Cone), neoliberal policies are usually blamed for the increased burden of female unpaid work. However, studying the Nicaraguan care regime in two clearly defined periods — the Sandinista and the neoliberal eras — suggests that this argument may not hold in the case of countries with highly familialist social policy regimes. Despite major economic, political and policy shifts, the role of female unpaid work, both within the family and in the community, remains persistent and pivotal, and was significant long before the onset of neoliberal policies. Nicaragua's care regime has been highly dependent on the ‘community’ or ‘voluntary’ work of mostly women. This has also been, and continues to be, vital for the viability of many public social programmes.
Rethinking Care in a Development Context: An Introduction
Authors: Razavi Shahra 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTThe issue of care has been the subject of extensive scholarly debate with reference to the advanced industrialized countries and their welfare regimes. Economic restructuring in the developing world has raised feminist concerns about social reproduction more broadly, and women's increasing burdens of unpaid care work in particular. While the present moment may not be marked by a generalized care crisis, systems of care provision are under strain in some contexts and for some social groups. Furthermore, care has emerged, or is emerging, as a legitimate subject of public debate and policy on the agendas of some civil society actors, developing country governments and international organizations. An increasing number of governments are experimenting with new ways of responding to care needs in their societies. However, these have been insufficiently recognized and analysed — a lacuna that the present collection of papers seeks to address. In an increasingly unequal world, where gender inequalities intersect with ever‐widening income inequalities, and where the options for securing good care are limited for the socially disadvantaged, the failure to socialize the costs of care will feed into and exacerbate existing inequalities.
EFNS guidelines on the Clinical Management of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (MALS) – revised report of an EFNS task force
Authors:   The EFNS Task Force on Diagnosis and Management of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis:, Andersen Peter M. , Abrahams Sharon , Borasio Gian D. , de Carvalho Mamede , Chio Adriano , Van Damme Philip , Hardiman Orla , Kollewe Katja , Morrison Karen E. , Petri Susanne , Pradat Pierre‐Francois , Silani Vincenzo , Tomik Barbara , Wasner Maria , Weber Markus 
Published: September 2011

Background:  The evidence base for the diagnosis and management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is weak.Objectives:  To provide evidence‐based or expert recommendations for the diagnosis and management of ALS based on a literature search and the consensus of an expert panel.Methods:  All available medical reference systems were searched, and original papers, meta‐analyses, review papers, book chapters and guidelines recommendations were reviewed. The final literature search was performed in February 2011. Recommendations were reached by consensus.Recommendations:  Patients with symptoms suggestive of ALS should be assessed as soon as possible by an experienced neurologist. Early diagnosis should be pursued, and investigations, including neurophysiology, performed with a high priority. The patient should be informed of the diagnosis by a consultant with a good knowledge of the patient and the disease. Following diagnosis, the patient and relatives/carers should receive regular support from a multidisciplinary care team. Medication with riluzole should be initiated as early as possible. Control of symptoms such as sialorrhoea, thick mucus, emotional lability, cramps, spasticity and pain should be attempted. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding improves nutrition and quality of life, and gastrostomy tubes should be placed before respiratory insufficiency develops. Non‐invasive positive‐pressure ventilation also improves survival and quality of life. Maintaining the patient’s ability to communicate is essential. During the entire course of the disease, every effort should be made to maintain patient autonomy. Advance directives for palliative end‐of‐life care should be discussed early with the patient and carers, respecting the patient’s social and cultural background.
Clinical evaluation of photoprotective effect by a topical antioxidants combination (tocopherols and tocotrienols)
Authors: Pedrelli V.F. , Lauriola M.M. , Pigatto P.D. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground  Vitamin E is among the earliest recognized antioxidants. Recent findings suggested that tocotrienols have superior activity than tocopherols. Moreover, vitamin A is well‐known in dermatology for its actions, including the ultraviolet radiation absorbing property.Objectives  In view of experimental evidence for the photoprotective properties of these antioxidants, we evaluated in 30 patients with photosensitivity, the prophylactic efficacy of a new topical agent, containing tocopherols 10% and tocotrienols 0.3%, compared with retinol, simple vehicle and untreated areas.Methods  After determination of the minimal UVB erythema dose (MED), two areas of 2 × 2 cm were selected on the buttocks of each subject, one of which was treated with the antioxidant formulation whereas the other field did not undergo any treatment. Therefore, both areas were irradiated with a twofold MED. As further controls, other two similar areas, selected on the forearm of 15 patients, were photo‐irradiated similarly, 30 min after application of the simple vehicle to a field and of vitamin A in the same vehicle to the other. Reactions (erythema/oedema/itch/vesciculation) assessment was carried out assigning scores indicative of their intensity; then, mean values +DS of scores were calculated.Results  The pre‐treatment with the vitamin E formulation highly protects against photosensitivity, and all reactions to irradiation were significantly lower in the areas treated with the topical vitamin E formulation compared to those treated with the simple vehicle or vitamin A.Conclusions  The use of a new topical formulation containing significant concentrations of tocotrienols and tocopherols represents a promising strategy to reduce the photo‐induced skin damage.
Landscape genetics of a specialized grasshopper inhabiting highly fragmented habitats: a role for spatial scale
Authors: Ortego Joaquín , Aguirre Maria P. , Cordero Pedro J. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAim  The study of geographical discontinuities in the distribution of genetic variability in natural populations is a central topic in both evolutionary and conservation research. In this study, we aimed to analyse (1) the factors associated with genetic diversity at the landscape spatial scale in the highly specialized grasshopper Mioscirtus wagneri and (2) to identify the relative contribution of alternative factors to the observed patterns of genetic structure in this species.Location  La Mancha region, Central Spain.Methods  We sampled 28 populations of the grasshopper M. wagneri and genotyped 648 individuals at seven microsatellite loci. We employed a causal modelling approach to identify the most influential variables associated with genetic differentiation within a multiple hypothesis‐testing framework.Results  We found that genetic diversity differs among populations located in different river basins and decreases with population isolation. Causal modelling analyses showed variability in the relative influence of the studied landscape features across different spatial scales. When a highly isolated population is considered, the analyses suggested that geographical distance is the only factor explaining the genetic differentiation between populations. When that population is excluded, the causal modelling analysis revealed that elevation and river basins are also relevant factors contributing to explaining genetic differentiation between the studied populations.Main conclusions  These results indicate that the spatial scale considered and the inclusion of outlier populations may have important consequences on the inferred contribution of alternative landscape factors on the patterns of genetic differentiation even when all populations are expected to similarly respond to landscape structure. Thus, a multiscale perspective should also be incorporated into the landscape genetics framework to avoid biased conclusions derived from the spatial scale analysed and/or the geographical distribution of the studied populations.
Palaeozoological insights into management options for a threatened mammal: southern Africa’s Cape mountain zebra (Equus zebra zebra)
Authors: Faith J. Tyler 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAim  Promoting population growth of genetically distinct subpopulations of Cape mountain zebra (Equus zebra zebra) is crucial to the survival of the subspecies. Several important Cape mountain zebra reserves are dominated by fynbos vegetation, and population growth is limited by a lack of grassland habitat. A fossil ungulate sequence spanning the last c. 18,000 years is examined to understand the long‐term history of this conservation challenge.Location  Boomplaas Cave (BPA), South Africa.Methods  The fossil sequence from BPA is examined to reconstruct ungulate community dynamics in relation to climate and vegetation change over the last 18,000 years.Results  Ungulates from 18,000 to 12,000 years ago suggest an expansion of open grasslands that supported a grazing ecosystem dominated by an extinct caprine antelope and equid remains attributed to E. zebra and E. quagga. At the onset of the Holocene, the grazing ungulate community disappears and small browsers and mixed feeders dominate the assemblage, indicating the loss of open grassland vegetation. Several open‐habitat grazers go extinct at this time, and Equus persists at much lower abundances. This shift can be explained by global climate change across the Pleistocene–Holocene transition.Main conclusions  The fossil sequence supports contemporary observations indicating that access to open grassland is crucial to maintaining large Cape mountain zebra subpopulations. Although fynbos is abundant throughout the historic range of the Cape mountain zebra, fossil evidence suggests that such vegetation is unlikely to support dense populations. It has been suggested that the acquisition of agricultural lands that were historically converted to open grasslands for livestock could promote Cape mountain zebra population growth. Results presented here support this management option, as the open grasslands in these converted landscapes likely approximate the vegetation structure during latest Pleistocene, when grasslands were widespread and grazing ungulates abundant.
Identifying hotspots of endemic woody seed plant diversity in China
Authors: Huang Jihong , Chen Bin , Liu Canran , Lai Jiangshan , Zhang Jinlong , Ma Keping 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAim This study aimed to detect distribution patterns and identify diversity hotspots for Chinese endemic woody seed plant species (CEWSPS).Location China.Methods Presence of 6885 CEWSPS throughout China was mapped by taking the Chinese administrative county as the basic spatial analysis unit. The diversity was measured with five indices: endemic richness (ER), weighted endemism (WE), phylogenetic diversity (PD), phylogenetic endemism (PE) and biogeographically weighted evolutionary distinctiveness (BED). Three levels of area (i.e. 1, 5 and 10% of China’s total land area) were used to identify hotspots, but the 5% level was preferred when both the total area of the hotspots identified and the diversity of CEWSPS reached by the hotspots were considered.Results Distribution patterns of CEWSPS calculated with the five indices are consistent with each other over the national extent. However, the hotspots do not show a high degree of consistency among the results derived from the five indices. Those identified with ER and PD are very similar, and so are those with WE and BED. In total, 20 hotspots covering 7.9% of China’s total land area were identified, among which 11 were identified with all the five indices, including the Hengduan Mountains, Xishuangbanna Region, Hainan Island, and eight mountainous areas located in east Chongqing and west Hubei, in east Yunnan and west Guangxi, in north Guangxi, south‐east Guizhou and south‐west Hunan, in north Guangdong and south Hunan, in south‐east Tibet, and in south‐east Hubei and north‐west Jiangxi. Taiwan Island was also identified as a major hotspot with WE, PE and BED.Main conclusions Hotspots of CEWSPS were identified with five indices considering both distributional and phylogenetic information. They cover most of the key areas of biodiversity defined by previous researchers using other approaches. This further verifies the importance of these areas for China’s biodiversity conservation.
Terrestrial laser scan error in the presence of dense ground vegetation
Authors: Coveney Seamus , Stewart Fotheringham A. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractTerrestrial laser scanning (TLS) data‐sets are seeing increasing use in geology, geomorphology, forestry and urban mapping. The ease of use, affordability and operational flexibility of TLS suggest that demand for it is likely to increase in large‐scale mapping studies. However, its advantages may remain restricted to specific environments, because of difficulties in defining bare‐ground level in the presence of ground‐level vegetation. This paper seeks to clarify the component contributions to TLS elevation error deriving from vegetation occlusion, scan co‐registration error, point cloud georeferencing error and target position definition in TLS point cloud data. A multi‐scan single‐returns TLS point cloud data‐set of very high resolution (∼250 points/m2) was acquired for an 11 hectare area of open, substantially flat and 100% vegetated coastal saltmarsh, providing data for the empirical quantification of TLS error. Errors deriving from the sources discussed are quantified, clarifying the potential proportional contribution of vegetation to other error sources. Initial data validation is applied to the TLS point cloud data after application of a local‐lowest‐point selection process, and repeat validation tests are applied to the resulting filtered point cloud after application of a kriging‐based error adjustment and data fusion with GPS. The final results highlight the problem of representing bare ground effectively within TLS data captured in the presence of dense ground vegetation and clarify the component contributions of elevation error deriving from surveying and data processing.