bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Species richness effects on ecosystem multifunctionality depend on evenness, composition and spatial pattern
Authors: Maestre Fernando T. , Castillo‐Monroy Andrea P. , Bowker Matthew A. , Ochoa‐Hueso Raúl 
Published: November 2011

Summary1. Recent studies have suggested that the simultaneous maintenance of multiple ecosystem functions (multifunctionality) is positively supported by species richness. However, little is known regarding the relative importance of other community attributes (e.g. spatial pattern, species evenness) as drivers of multifunctionality.2. We conducted two microcosm experiments using model biological soil crust communities dominated by lichens to: (i) evaluate the joint effects and relative importance of changes in species composition, spatial pattern (clumped and random distribution of lichens), evenness (maximal and low evenness) and richness (from two to eight species) on soil functions related to nutrient cycling (β‐glucosidase, urease and acid phosphatase enzymes,in situN availability, total N, organic C, and N fixation), and (ii) assess how these community attributes affect multifunctionality.3. Species richness, composition and spatial pattern affected multiple ecosystem functions (e.g. organic C, total N, N availability, β‐glucosidase activity), albeit the magnitude and direction of their effects varied with the particular function, experiment and soil depth considered. Changes in species composition had effects on organic C, total N and the activity of β‐glucosidase. Significant species richness × evenness and spatial pattern × evenness interactions were found when analysing functions such as organic C, total N and the activity of phosphatase.4. The probability of sustaining multiple ecosystem functions increased with species richness, but this effect was largely modulated by attributes such as species evenness, composition and spatial pattern. Overall, we found that model communities with high species richness, random spatial pattern and low evenness increased multifunctionality.5. Synthesis. Our results illustrate how different community attributes have a diverse impact on ecosystem functions related to nutrient cycling, and provide new experimental evidence illustrating the importance of the spatial pattern of organisms on ecosystem functioning. They also indicate that species richness is not the only biotic driver of multifunctionality, and that particular combinations of community attributes may be required to maximize it.
Hospital utilization and costs for spinal cord stimulation compared with enhanced external counterpulsation for refractory angina pectoris
Authors: Bondesson Susanne M. , Jakobsson Ulf , Edvinsson Lars , Hallberg Ingalill Rahm 
Published: November 2011

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  The aim of this study was to compare acute hospital utilization and costs for patients with refractory angina pectoris undergoing spinal cord stimulation (SCS) versus enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP).Method  Seventy‐three persons were included in this register study. The acute hospital utilization and costs for SCS and EECP were followed over a period from 12 months before treatment to 24 months after treatment using Patient Administrative Support in Skåne for publicly organized care.Results  SCS was significantly more expensive than EECP (P < 0.001). Both SCS and EECP entailed fewer days of hospitalization for coronary artery disease in the 12‐month follow‐up compared with the 12 months preceding treatment. Patients treated with EECP showed an association between reduced hospital admissions and an improved Canadian Cardiovascular Society classification class compared with 1 year before treatment. A significant reduction in cost was seen in both the SCS group (P = 0.018 and P = 0.001, respectively) and the EECP group (P = 0.002 and P = 0.045, respectively) during 12 and 24 months of follow‐up compared with before treatment. There were no significant differences between the groups for hospitalization days or admissions, including costs, at the different follow‐ups.Conclusions  Cost‐effective treatment modalities such as SCS and EECP are valuable additions to medical and revascularization therapy in patients with refractory angina pectoris. Pre‐existing conditions and the patient's preferences should be taken in consideration when clinicians choose between treatments for this group of patients.
TEM image analysis and modelling: application to boehmite nanoparticles
Authors: MOREAUD M. , JEULIN D. , MORARD V. , REVEL R. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryBoehmite occurs in the form of nanoparticles. Upon drying, it can form the alumina that is common in catalyst support used in refining and petrochemicals. The topotactic transformation of boehmite alumina led to an interest in the precise shape and size of these nanoparticles which is highly linked to the catalyst activity. Boehmite nanoparticles can be observed by transmission electron microscopy. Although they are highly aggregated, the analysis of transmission electron microscopy images with a specific random model approach, here a dilution model, can give an accurate estimate of their size. To use this approach, electronic noise and diffraction artefacts on the edges of the nanoparticles have to be removed. Covariance measurements on micrographs can be performed. They can be used to fit a model. The fitting uses a novel numerical method to estimate the covariogram of grains. The model can take into account the specific orientations of the nanoparticles. The influence of noise, image filters used to remove noise and diffraction artefacts, as well as all the parameters of the model are all studied in this paper. We propose nanoparticle size estimations procedures based on both single and mixture‐of‐two particle models.
Why is Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease misleading?
Authors: Prignano Francesca , D’Erme Angelo Massimiliano , Zanieri Fabio , Bonciani Diletta , Lotti Torello 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground  Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease (KFD) or histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis is a rare, benign, autoimmune condition characterized by lymphadenopathy, fever, and neutropenia. KFD has also been frequently reported in association with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Report  We report a case of skin manifestations in KFD characterized by malar rash, photosensitivity, panniculitic lesions, positive antinuclear antibodies and nDNA, and negative extractable nuclear antigen. A biopsy performed on deep nodules on the arms revealed an infiltrate of monocytic cells. Electron microscopy showed no lymphocytic infiltrate at or below the basal membrane and no necrotic keratinocytes within the basal cells of the epidermis.Conclusion  Histological and ultrastructural data showed that skin manifestations of KFD and SLE share some common features. Electron microscopy analysis can help discriminate between the two diagnoses.
Two novel frameshift mutations of the DSRAD gene in Chinese pedigrees with dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria
Authors: Liu Yan , Liu Feng , Wang Xiaopeng , Huo Jia , Xu Qingqiang , Li Xiaoli , Ren Jianwen , Wang Mei , Xiao Shengxiang , Peng Zhenhui 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground  Dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria (DSH) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by a mixture of hyperpigmented and hypopigmented macules localized on the back of the extremities and caused by the mutations in the DSRAD gene.Methods  Two Chinese pedigrees of typical DSH were subjected to mutation detection in DSRAD. Direct sequencing of all PCR products of the whole coding regions of DSRAD was performed to identify the mutation.Results  The c.1615delG (p.V539fs) mutation was found in the affected members but not in the healthy individuals in family 1 and the c.ins1372‐9 CCACAGAT (p.D458fs) mutation was found in patients but not in the healthy members of family 2.Conclusion  Our study found two novel frameshift mutations in the DSRAD gene. We add new variants to the knowledge of DSRAD mutations in DSH.
Experience of an information aid for newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis patients: a qualitative study on the SIMS‐Trial
Authors: Borreani Claudia , Giordano Andrea , Falautano Monica , Lugaresi Alessandra , Martinelli Vittorio , Granella Franco , Tortorella Carla , Plasmati Imma , Radaelli Marta , Farina Deborah , Dalla Bella Eleonora , Bianchi Elisabetta , Acquarone Nicola , Miccinesi Guido , Solari Alessandra ,   on behalf of the SIMS‐Trial group
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground The SIMS‐Trial (ISRCTN81072971) proved the effectiveness, in terms of patient’s knowledge and care satisfaction, of an add‐on information aid (personal interview with a physician using a navigable CD and take‐home booklet) in 120 newly diagnosed patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) from five Italian centres.Objective To scrutinize the experience of SIMS‐Trial participants in order to gain better understanding of the effectiveness of the information aid and its components.Design We performed (i) nine individual semi‐structured interviews with a purposeful sample of SIMS‐Trial patients who received the information aid, (ii) focus group meeting (FGM) with the physicians who conducted the personal interview, and (iii) FGM with patients’ caring neurologists.Results Patients’ experience with the information aid was positive as it enhanced their understanding of their disease, being viewed as a guided tour of their medical condition. The physicians who conducted the personal interviews were also positive in their overall evaluation but noted an initial difficulty in using the CD. The caring neurologists had limited direct experience of the aid, and their views were confined to utility of the information aid in general. All participants considered the combination of personal interview, CD navigation and take‐home booklet essential, but urged a more flexible scheduling of the personal interview. It also emerged that some content required revision and that the aid was unsuitable for patients with primary progressive MS.Conclusions The results of the study further support the value of the aid and also provide important indications for improving it and refining indications for use.
Increased risk for post‐operative corneal injuries in patients who undergo laparoscopic gynecologic surgery
Authors: KIM K. , KIM H. J. , NO J. H. , KIM T. W. , KIM Y. B. , SUH C. S. 
Published: November 2011

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to verify whether or not the incidence of post‐operative corneal injuries (PCIs) in patients who undergo laparoscopic gynecologic surgery is higher than patients who undergo non‐laparoscopic gynecologic surgery.Methods The peri‐operative variables were extracted from the medical records of patients who underwent gynecologic surgery under general anesthesia at our institute between January 2004 and June 2010. The extracted variables were age, day of week of surgery, type of surgery (laparoscopy vs. non‐laparoscopy), surgical scheduling (elective vs. emergent), pre‐operative hemoglobin, surgery time, peri‐operative transfusions, and PCIs. The association of peri‐operative variables with PCIs was examined using univariate and multivariate analyses.Results A total of 6992 consecutive patients were included in this study. PCIs occurred in 23 patients (0.3%). Based on univariate analysis, the type of surgery and surgery times were associated with PCIs. Based on multivariate analysis, laparoscopy and lengthy surgery times significantly increased the risk for PCIs. The median duration of PCI symptoms was 3 days (range, 1–11 days); no patient had long‐term sequalae.Conclusion Laparoscopic gynecologic surgery increases the incidence of PCI compared with non‐laparoscopic gynecologic surgery.
A Single Administration of the GnRH Antagonist Acyline Inhibits Basal and GnRH‐Stimulated Serum Testosterone Concentrations in Male Dogs
Authors: García Romero G , Mattioli G , Rosa D , Diaz JD , Abeyá M , Gobello C 
Published: November 2011

ContentsThe objective of this study was to describe testosterone (T) response to GnRH challenge in antagonist‐treated dogs over a 30‐day period. Eight mongrel dogs were randomly assigned to either the GnRH antagonist acyline 330 μg/kg sc (ACY; n = 4) or a placebo group (PLA; n = 4). The dogs were serially challenged with the GnRH agonist, buserelin 0.2 μg/kg sc on days −1, 1, 3, 7, 10, 14, 21 and 30. On these days, blood samples for T determinations were collected before (−30 min) and 60, 120 and 180 min after the agonist injection. Basal (−30 min) and post‐GnRH agonist stimulation T values were compared by anova for repeated measures. Before treatments (day −1), there were no differences in basal T serum concentrations between groups (p > 0.1). After treatments, basal T showed a significant interaction between treatment and day (p < 0.05). Furthermore, when both groups were analysed independently, basal T varied in the ACY (p < 0.01) but not in the PLA group (p > 0.1). On day −1, before treatments, the stimulation tests had only a time effect (p = 0.05) although on days 1 (p < 0.01), 3 (p < 0.01), 7 (p < 0.01), 10 (p < 0.01) and 14 (p < 0.05), the response to the agonist differed between groups, becoming similar on days 21 (p > 0.05) and 30 (p > 0.05). It was concluded that, in dogs, a single administration of the GnRH antagonist prevented canine gonadal axis to physiologically respond to agonistic challenge during 14 days.
Reexamining the boundaries of the ‘normal’ in ageing
Authors: O’Rourke Hannah M. , Ceci Christine 
Published: November 2011

O’ROURKE HM and CECI C. Nursing Inquiry 2013; 20: 51–59  Reexamining the boundaries of the ‘normal’ in ageingTextbooks and policy documents tend to present the boundary between normal and abnormal ageing as natural and clearly demarcated. In this study, we trouble the notion of natural and clearly demarcated boundaries between normal and abnormal ageing by considering how these boundaries have been established and maintained in present‐day Western contexts. We draw on both Canguilhem’s discussion of the normal and the abnormal and Foucault’s emphasis on the role of the sociohistorical context in the social practice of boundary generation. In doing so, we critically examine common conceptualizations of normal and abnormal ageing, including those found in antiageing science, successful ageing and healthy ageing policy discourses and in health education textbooks. We argue that the growing emphasis on ‘healthy’ ageing both reflects and shapes the societal views of those individuals who are not able to remain disease‐free and represents a kind of mystification of ageing where ageing without functional or cognitive decline is instituted as the norm. Awareness of the role that the social context plays in shaping definitions of normal and abnormal ageing encourages critical consideration of the effects that Western conceptualizations of normal ageing may have for older adults who continue to age with cognitive or functional decline.
B‐type natriuretic peptide levels at birth predict cardiac dysfunction in neonates
Authors: Moriichi Akinori , Cho Kazutoshi , Mizushima Masato , Furuse Yuta , Akimoto Takuma , Yamada Takashi , Minakami Hisanori 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground:  Although the B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in the umbilical cord blood (UCB‐BNP) and amniotic fluid (AF‐BNP) of neonates may be clinically useful for identifying newborns with cardiac dysfunction, the effects of various clinical factors, such as gestational age at birth, small for gestational age (SGA), and neonatal asphyxia, on the UCB‐BNP and AF‐BNP levels have not been studied extensively.Methods:  The present study sought to determine whether the UCB‐BNP and AF‐BNP levels can predict cardiac dysfunction and hypotension in preterm infants soon after birth and to evaluate the association between BNP and various clinical factors. The UCB‐BNP and AF‐BNP levels at birth were determined in 320 and 195 neonates, respectively, born to mothers with singleton pregnancies.Results:  The UCB‐BNP and AF‐BNP levels in infants treated with dopamine were significantly higher than those in infants without dopamine administration (230.1 vs 33.1 pg/mL and 74.4 vs 18.1 pg/mL, respectively). Stepwise multiple regression analyses indicated that gestational age, SGA, asphyxia, and chorioamnionitis were significant independent determinants of the UCB‐BNP level. Cut‐off values of >90 pg/mL for UCB‐BNP and >36 pg/mL for AF‐BNP yielded sensitivities of 68% and 93%, respectively, and specificities of 84% and 81%, respectively, for detecting neonates who required dopamine administration after birth.Conclusion:  High UCB‐BNP and AF‐BNP levels predict neonatal cardiac dysfunction soon after birth.
Maternal periodontitis as a risk factor for prematurity
Authors: Piscoya Maria Dilma B. V. , Ximenes Ricardo A. A. , Silva Genivaldo M. , Jamelli Sílvia R. , Coutinho Sônia B. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground:  The aim of this study was to investigate maternal periodontitis associated with prematurity.Methods:  We carried out a case–control study including 718 puerperae who experienced a spontaneous delivery: 360 cases (premature) and 358 controls (full‐term). Sociodemographic, obstetric, prenatal, perinatal and periodontal data were obtained within 48 h after delivery. Periodontitis was defined as probing depth ≥4 mm and attachment loss ≥3 mm at same site, for ≥4 teeth.Results:  Periodontitis was associated with prematurity (odds ratio 6.95; confidence interval 3.69–13.09). Prematurity was associated with maternal age < 20 years, family income < one minimum salary, maternal schooling < 8 years, premature birth history, premature membrane rupture, ruptured membranes > 24 h, smoking, urinary tract infection, leukorrhea, pre‐eclampsia, prenatal consultations < 3 and precarious housing. After multivariate confounder adjustments, periodontitis remained independently associated with prematurity (odds ratio 6.05; confidence interval 3.01–12.16).Conclusions:  Periodontitis is strongly associated with prematurity, indicating necessity for regular periodontal investigation and treatment during pregnancy.
Fluctuations in relative humidity provided to extremely low‐birthweight infants (R1)
Authors: Kaczmarek Jennifer , Tarawneh Amjad , Martins Bianca , Mendes Sant' Anna Guilherme 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground:  In extremely low‐birthweight infants, the addition of relative humidity (RH) improves thermal stability, fluid and electrolyte balance. However, during routine care this microenvironment is frequently disturbed. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency, magnitude and direction of fluctuations in RH provided to extremely low‐birthweight infants.Methods:  All infants in our study had ambient temperature and RH continuously recorded for 48 h using a datalogger device (RH32S‐C2). A clinically acceptable range for RH was defined as the set point ±10%. A secondary analysis was performed to compare outcomes between infants that spent > 50% of the time out‐of‐range (OOR) or inside the range (IR). A P‐value < 0.05 was significant.Results:  A total of 20 infants were included. Important fluctuations were detected by the device with infants spending 40% and 14% of the time above and below the range, respectively. However, the RH set point did not differ from the mean levels measured over 48 h by the RH32S‐C2 or the incubator. Infants in the OOR group spent significantly more time at values higher than the planned range when compared to IR infants.Conclusion:  Although significant fluctuations in RH above the desired range were detected in more than half of the infants, the average values were similar to the set points. Nevertheless, knowledge of these dynamic changes may help to optimize individualized care.
Immune response to Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine in preterm infants
Authors: Tsuda Kennosuke , Iwasaki Shiho , Horiguchi Haruko , Mori Masaaki , Nishimaki Shigeru , Seki Kazuo , Taguri Masataka , Yokota Shumpei , Ishiwada Naruhiko 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground:  Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine became available for use in Japan in December 2008. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the immunogenicity of Hib vaccine in Japanese preterm infants.Methods:  Serum samples were obtained from 54 preterm infants before the first vaccination and 1 month after the third. Anti‐polyribosylribitol phosphate (PRP) antibodies were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method. Antibody positivity was defined as levels >1 µg/mL.Results:  Of the 54 preterm infants, 46 (85.2%) achieved antibody levels >1 µg/mL. This compares with the 92.4% reported in full‐term infants. The antibody seroconversion rate of infants starting vaccination at 2 months of age was close to being significantly lower than when vaccination was started at 3 months of age (P= 0.060). In addition, the percentage of infants achieving a positive response in the group with a history of antenatal steroid exposure was significantly higher than in those not exposed (P= 0.046). Thus, risk factors for lower Hib antibody concentrations after three doses of vaccine were age at first vaccination and lack of use of antenatal steroids.Conclusions:  There is a possibility that perinatal factors and the environment unique to preterm infants are related to their lower antibody positivity rates compared to full‐term infants. It may therefore be preferable to modify the proposed immunization schedule.
Outline of JUA clinical guidelines for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Homma Yukio , Gotoh Momokazu , Yokoyama Osamu , Masumori Naoya , Kawauchi Akihiro , Yamanishi Tomonori , Ishizuka Osamu , Seki Narihito , Kamoto Toshiyuki , Nagai Atsushi , Ozono Seiichiro 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe Japanese Urological Association has developed Clinical Guidelines for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) for men with suspected BPH, which have been abridged and translated into English. This article is a shortened version of the English translation. The Guidelines were formulated on the basis of evidence retrieved from the PubMed database between 1995 and 2009, as well as other relevant sources. The target patients of these Guidelines are men with suspected BPH, and the target users are urologists. A mandatory assessment should include a medical history, a physical examination, the completion of symptom and quality of life questionnaires, urinalysis, prostate ultrasonography, measurement of serum prostate specific antigen and postvoid residual urine, and an uroflowmetry. Optional tests include a bladder diary, the measurement of serum creatinine, and upper urinary tract ultrasonography. Care should be taken to not overlook coexisting diseases such as an infection or malignancy that may obscure the diagnosis. Treatment should consist of conservative therapy or the use of medications such as α1‐adrenoceptor antagonists, or both. The use of 5α‐reductase inhibitors or anticholinergic agents should be considered in patients with an enlarged prostate (>30 mL) or overactive bladder symptoms (overactive bladder symptom score ≥6), respectively. Surgical intervention is indicated when non‐surgical treatments fail to provide sufficient symptomatic relief and bladder outlet obstruction is highly suspected.