bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temperature and Leaf Wetness Effects on Infection of Sugarcane by Puccinia melanocephala
Authors: Barrera Wilmer , Hoy Jeffrey , Li Bin 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBrown rust epidemics in sugarcane, caused by Puccinia melanocephala, vary in severity between seasons. To improve the understanding of disease epidemiology, the effects of leaf wetness, temperature and their interaction on infection of sugarcane by the pathogen were studied under controlled conditions. Disease severity was low at 15 and 31°C regardless of leaf wetness duration. No infection occurred with a 4‐h leaf wetness period. Increasing leaf wetness duration from 7 to 13 h lowered the temperature required for disease onset from 21 to 17°C. More infection occurred with 13 compared to 10 h of leaf wetness at 17°C, and severity decreased for all leaf wetness periods at 29 compared to 27°C. Postinfection suboptimal low and high temperatures increased the time required for lesion development and high temperatures decreased maximum disease severity. The observed effects of leaf wetness and temperature on infection by P. melanocephala could help explain the initiation, rate of increase and decline of brown rust epidemics in the field.
New unicellular red alga, Bulboplastis apyrenoidosa gen. et sp. nov. (Rhodellophyceae, Rhodophyta) from the mangroves of Japan: Phylogenetic and ultrastructural observations
Authors: Kushibiki Asuka , Yokoyama Akiko , Iwataki Mitsunori , Yokoyama Jun , West John A. , Hara Yoshiaki 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYA novel unicellular red alga collected from a mangrove area on Iriomote Island in southwest Japan is described as Bulboplastis apyrenoidosa gen. et sp. nov. The cells are spherical, mean 11.2 µm in diameter, and surrounded by a thick mucilaginous sheath. The grayish‐green chloroplast has many lobes extending throughout the cell and lacks a pyrenoid. This chloroplast type is similar to Glaucosphaera vacuolata, but differs from other unicellular red algae. Plastoglobuli clusters occur beneath the chloroplast envelope but only at the cell periphery. A peripheral encircling thylakoid is absent. Golgi bodies surround the central nucleus, which is an arrangement shared with all members of the Dixoniellales. The subcellular features of some mitotic phases are quite similar to those of other unicellular red algae. A pair of ring‐shaped structures located within electron‐dense material can be seen in cells undergoing telophase. The size of the polar rings ranged within those reported from the Dixoniellales. A phylogenetic analysis based on small subunit rDNA indicates that B. apyrenoidosa is a member of the Dixoniellales and a sister lineage to Neorhodellaand Dixoniella.
Effect of Bifidobacterium administration on very‐low‐birthweight infants
Authors: Yamasaki Chika , Totsu Satsuki , Uchiyama Atushi , Nakanishi Hidehiko , Masumoto Kenichi , Washio Yosuke , Shuri Kyoko , Ishida Shuji , Imai Ken , Kusuda Satoshi 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackground:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of early administration of Bifidobacterium bifidum OLB6378 (B. bifidum) on accelerating enteral feeding and bacterial colonization in very‐low‐birthweight (VLBW) infants.Methods:  We conducted a single‐center prospective pilot study. Thirty‐six VLBW infants were randomly divided into two groups: group E, wherein B. bifidum was supplemented within 48 h of birth, and group L, wherein it was supplemented more than 48 h after birth.Results:  Group E and group L reached a total feeding volume of 100 mL/(kg/day) after 10 [7–13] days and 11 [10–15] days, respectively (median [quartile]). The daily bodyweight gain in group E was significantly higher (21.4 ± 3.2 g/day vs 18.3 ± 4.0 g/day, P < 0.02; 11.1 ± 1.5 g/kg/day vs 10.4 ± 1.2 g/kg/day, P < 0.04). No significant differences were found in the fecal Bifidobacterium level between the groups quantitated with a real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay at 1 and 4 weeks of age. However, the highest colonization rate of Bifidobacterium was observed when the supplementation started between 24 and 48 h after birth. The incidence of morbidities between the groups was similar.Conclusion:  The early administration of B. bifidum to VLBW infants seems effective in promoting growth during the stay in the neonatal intensive care unit without increasing the incidence of morbidity. Furthermore, the preferable timing of starting the probiotic supplementation for VLBW infants is at latest less than 48 h after birth.
Increasing productivity, reducing cost and improving quality in elective surgery in New Zealand: the Waitemata District Health Board joint arthroplasty pilot
Authors: Cullen J. , Bramley D. , Armstrong D. , Butler L. , Rouse P. , Ashton T. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackground:  In 2010, Waitemata District Health Board piloted a new model of care for total hip and knee arthroplasties. The pilot was incentive based and clinically led. The participating surgeons and anaesthetists were responsible for increasing surgical throughput. The pilot aimed to increase productivity, reduce cost and increase quality for patients.Aim:  To compare costs and outcomes for elective hip and knee arthroplasties carried out at the pilot site (Waitakere Hospital) compared with the main District Health Board hospital site (North Shore Hospital (NSH)).Methods:  A retrospective matched cohort study of hip and knee replacements discharged between 1 July 2010 and 31 March 2011, comparing costs and outcomes at the pilot site compared with the NSH site. Only non‐complex procedures were included, and routinely collected data were used.Results:  One hundred and seventy‐seven hip replacements (77 NSH, 100 pilot) and 158 knee replacements (88 NSH, 70 pilot) were analysed. Total inpatient event costs were 12% and 17% lower for hip and knee replacements, respectively, at the pilot site compared with NSH. Significant reduction in operation length (39% hip, 36% knee) and length of stay (38% hip, 39% knee) were found in the pilot groups compared with NSH.Conclusion:  Implementation of an innovative new model in a public hospital setting has produced significant increases in productivity and reduced overall costs. This model could potentially be used in other public healthcare settings for non‐complex elective surgery.
Circadian waves of cytosolic calcium concentration and long‐range network connections in rat suprachiasmatic nucleus
Authors: Hong Jin Hee , Jeong Byeongha , Min Cheol Hong , Lee Kyoung J. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is the master clock in mammals governing the daily physiological and behavioral rhythms. It is composed of thousands of clock cells with their own intrinsic periods varying over a wide range (20–28 h). Despite this heterogeneity, an intact SCN maintains a coherent 24 h periodic rhythm through some cell‐to‐cell coupling mechanisms. This study examined how the clock cells are connected to each other and how their phases are organized in space by monitoring the cytosolic free calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]c) of clock cells using the calcium‐binding fluorescent protein, cameleon. Extensive analysis of 18 different organotypic slice cultures of the SCN showed that the SCN calcium dynamics is coordinated by phase‐synchronizing networks of long‐range neurites as well as by diffusively propagating phase waves. The networks appear quite extensive and far‐reaching, and the clock cells connected by them exhibit heterogeneous responses in their amplitudes and periods of oscillation to tetrodotoxin treatments. Taken together, our study suggests that the network of long‐range cellular connectivity has an important role for the SCN in achieving its phase and period coherence.
Perioperative management of the pediatric patient with traumatic brain injury
Authors: Bhalla Tarun , Dewhirst Elisabeth , Sawardekar Amod , Dairo Olamide , Tobias Joseph D. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryTBI and its sequelae remain a major healthcare issue throughout the world. With an improved understanding of the pathophysiology of TBI, refinements of monitoring technology, and ongoing research to determine optimal care, the prognosis of TBI continues to improve. In 2003, the Society of Critical Care Medicine published guidelines for the acute management of severe TBI in infants, children, and adolescents. As pediatric anesthesiologists are frequently involved in the perioperative management of such patients including their stabilization in the emergency department, familiarity with these guidelines is necessary to limit preventable secondary damage related to physiologic disturbances. This manuscript reviews the current evidence‐based medicine regarding the care of pediatric patients with TBI as it relates to the perioperative care of such patients. The issues reviewed include those related to initial stabilization, airway management, intra‐operative mechanical ventilation, hemodynamic support, administration of blood and blood products, positioning, and choice of anesthetic technique. The literature is reviewed regarding fluid management, glucose control, hyperosmolar therapy, therapeutic hypothermia, and corticosteroids. Whenever possible, management recommendations are provided.
The structure of the von Willebrand factor is not altered in patients with colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Weiss D. R. , Eiche C. , Hupke C. , Schellerer V. S. , Keller A. K. , Strasser E. F. , Ringwald J. , Zimmermann R. , Eckstein R. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAim  Elevated levels of von Willebrand factor (VWF) are often observed in many diseases including colorectal cancer, but this finding is not definite. The aim of our study was to examine the change in VWF multimer distribution in patients with colorectal cancer.Method  We randomly selected nine patients from each of the four Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) stages of colon cancer. VWF antigen (VWF:Ag), VWF‐cleaving protease ADAMTS‐13 level and factor VIII activity (FVIII:C) were determined. The multimer distribution of VWF was visualized using electrophoretic multimer analysis.Results  The VWF multimer structure was normal with no difference between the four UICC stages. There was no significant increase in VWF:Ag and FVIII:C levels in the more advanced UICC stages. There was no significant difference in the ADAMTS‐13 level according to the UICC stage.Conclusion  There was no change in the VWF multimer distribution to indicate acquired von Willebrand disease.
Immunohistochemical alterations in invasive adenocarcinoma in endoscopically resected adenoma and factors associated with risk of residual or recurrent disease
Authors: Cubiella J. , Arias M. D. , Penin M. C. , Quintas P. , Couto I. , Cobian C. , Bujanda L. , Fernández‐Seara J. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAim  We determined the pattern of immunohistochemical expression in invasive adenocarcinoma in endoscopically resected adenoma, its relationship with the risk of residual or recurrent disease and the related factors.Method  We included individuals with malignant polyps resected endoscopically in the period 1999–2009. Clinical and endoscopic data were collected. All histological specimens were re‐analysed. CD44, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP‐9), vascular endothelial growth factor‐β (VEGF‐β), β‐catenin, laminin and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) expression were determined by immunohistochemistry. A multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine variables independently associated with the risk of residual or recurrent disease.Results  One‐hundred and fifty‐one malignant polyps (114 pedunculated; mean size ± SD = 22.61 ± 10.86 mm) were resected endoscopically. Resection was fragmented and incomplete in 26.5% and 8.6% of patients, respectively. Surgical resection was performed on 71 (47%) patients. After a median follow‐up of 44 months, residual (n = 12) or recurrent (n = 6) disease was detected in 17 patients. Conventional histology showed that 32.1% met high‐risk histological criteria. Immunohistochemical expression was positive for CD44, MMP‐9, VEGF‐β, β‐catenin, laminin and COX‐2 in 63.3%, 25.3%, 45%, 38.8%, 79% and 34.5% of specimens, respectively, with no differences between both groups. Variables associated with residual or recurrent disease in the univariate analysis were: nonpedunculated morphology (P = 0.07); fragmented (P < 0.001) or incomplete resection (P < 0.001); margin infiltration (P = 0.04); and histological high‐risk lesion (P = 0.003). Finally, incomplete resection (OR = 12.16, 95% CI = 3.15–46.98; P < 0.001) and histological high risk (OR = 4.73, 95% CI = 1.33–16.74; P = 0.002) were independently associated with the risk of residual or recurrent disease.Conclusion  Immunohistochemistry could not predict residual or recurrent disease. Only incomplete excision and histological high risk did so. The factors independently associated were histological high‐risk lesion and incomplete resection.
Increased risk of severe acute pancreatitis in patients with diabetes
Authors: Shen H.‐N. , Chang Y.‐H. , Chen H.‐F. , Lu C.‐L. , Li C.‐Y. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAims  We prospectively assessed the age‐ and sex‐specific incidence rates and relative risks of overall and severe acute pancreatitis in Taiwanese with diabetes.Methods  The study cohort included age‐ and‐sex‐matched groups of patients with (n = 547 554) and without (n = 584 373) diabetes. Incidence rate was estimated under Poisson assumption and relative risks of acute pancreatitis and severe acute pancreatitis, based on modified Atlanta criteria, were indicated by hazard ratios estimated from Cox proportional hazard regression models.Results  Over an 8‐year follow‐up period, the incidence of acute pancreatitis was 2.98 and 1.68 per 1000 person‐years for patients with and without diabetes, respectively, representing a covariate adjusted hazard ratio of 1.53 (95% confidence interval 1.49–1.58). Diabetes was associated with a significantly elevated risk of acute pancreatitis in all sex and age stratifications, with the highest hazard ratio noted for study subjects aged < 45 years (men 2.37; women 2.95). Diabetes was also significantly associated with an increased hazard ratio of severe acute pancreatitis [1.46 (1.36–1.57)], and especially of acute pancreatitis with local complications [1.65 (1.14–2.39)].Conclusions  Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of overall and severe acute pancreatitis, and the relation is stronger in women and young patients.
Multiple complications and frequent severe hypoglycaemia in ‘elderly’ and ‘old’ patients with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Schütt M. , Fach E.‐M. , Seufert J. , Kerner W. , Lang W. , Zeyfang A. , Welp R. , Holl R. W. ,   for the DPV Initiative and the German BMBF Competence Network Diabetes Mellitus
Published: April 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, e176–e179 (2012)AbstractAim  Elderly and old patients with Type 1 diabetes represent a growing population that requires thorough diabetes care. The increasing relevance of this subgroup, however, plays only a minor role in the literature. Here, we describe elderly patients with Type 1 diabetes on the basis of a large multi‐centre database in order to point out special features of this population.Method  Data of 64 609 patients with Type 1 diabetes treated by 350 qualified diabetes treatment centres were assessed and analysed by age group.Results  Compared with the age group ≤ 60 years, patients aged > 60 years (n = 3610 61–80 years and n = 377 > 80 years old) were characterized by a longer diabetes duration (27.7 vs. 7.7 years), an almost double risk for severe hypoglycaemia (40.1 vs. 24.3/100 patient‐years), a lower level of HbA1c [60 vs. 67 mmol/mol (7.6 vs. 8.3%)] and higher percentages of microalbuminuria (34.5 vs. 15.6%), diabetic retinopathy (45.2 vs. 8.3%), myocardial infarction (9.0 vs. 0.4%) or stroke (6.8 vs. 0.3%). Elderly patients used insulin pumps less frequently (12.2 vs. 23.8%), but more often used conventional premixed insulin treatment (10.8 vs. 3.8%). Differences between elderly and younger patient groups were significant, respectively.Conclusion  Diabetes care of elderly patients with Type 1 diabetes involves individualized treatment concepts. Increased hypoglycaemia risk and functional impairment attributable to diabetes‐associated and/or age‐related disorders must be taken into account.
Type 1 diabetes in pre‐school children – long‐term metabolic control, associated autoimmunity and complications
Authors: Levy‐Shraga Y. , Lerner‐Geva L. , Boyko V. , Graph‐Barel C. , Mazor‐Aronovitch K. , Modan‐Moses D. , Pinhas‐Hamiel O. 
Published: April 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 1291–1296 (2012)AbstractAims  To identify clinical characteristics and co‐morbidity rates of children diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes mellitus at younger than 6 years of age.Methods  Data were obtained from a retrospective chart review of 103 patients diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at younger than 6 years (study group) and 220 patients at older than 6 years (comparison group). Measures of glycaemic control and occurrence of co‐morbidities (coeliac disease, autoimmune thyroid disease, hypertension, nephropathy and retinopathy) were compared.Results  The mean follow‐up period was more than 8 years. For the study group, mean HbA1c levels ranged from 64 mmol/mol to 66 mmol/mol (8.0–8.2%) until age 10 years, and then rose to 73 mmol/mol (8.8%). The HbA1c levels were higher in the study than in the comparison group for comparable ages (P = 0.003). After adjustment for duration of diabetes this difference was not significant. The overall rate of severe hypoglycaemic events was greater in the study group than in the comparison group (P = 0.03). Kaplan–Meier diagnosis rates of celiac disease, 10 years after Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, were 14.4% and 4.2% in the study and comparison groups, respectively (P log‐rank = 0.03). There were no differences in rates of autoimmune thyroid disease, hypertension, nephropathy or retinopathy.Conclusions  Children diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes before the age of 6 years were in greater risk of developing celiac disease, compared with children diagnosed after the age of 6 years. For children diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes aged under 6 years, good metabolic control was achievable until age 10 years, after which it deteriorated. Higher HbA1c levels observed in children diagnosed before the age of 6 years were associated with longer duration of disease.
Long‐term clinical effects of epalrestat, an aldose reductase inhibitor, on progression of diabetic neuropathy and other microvascular complications: multivariate epidemiological analysis based on patient background factors and severity of diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Hotta N. , Kawamori R. , Fukuda M. , Shigeta Y. ,   The Aldose Reductase Inhibitor–Diabetes Complications Trial Study Group
Published: April 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 1529–1533 (2012)AbstractAims  The goal of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of epalrestat, an aldose reductase inhibitor, on diabetic retinopathy and diabetic nephropathy, based on analysis of the results of the Aldose Reductase Inhibitor–Diabetes Complications Trial, a 3‐year multicentre comparative clinical trial of conventional therapy (control group) and epalrestat therapy (epalrestat group) in Japanese patients with mild diabetic neuropathy.Methods  The subjects of the study were patients enrolled in the Aldose Reductase Inhibitor–Diabetes Complications Trial for whom data for major patient characteristics, severity of diabetic neuropathy at the end of the study and time‐courses of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic nephropathy were available (57 and 52 patients from the control and epalrestat groups, respectively). Progression of diabetic retinopathy/nephropathy (a primary endpoint) in relation to major patient characteristics, severity of diabetic neuropathy at the end of the study (assessed from the mean of z‐scores in four neurological function tests) and epalrestat treatment were analysed using univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis.Results  Progression of diabetic retinopathy/nephropathy was significantly inhibited in the epalrestat group compared with the control group (odds ratio = 0.323, P = 0.014) and was dependent on the severity of diabetic neuropathy at the end of the study (odds ratio = 2.131, P = 0.025).Conclusions  Epalrestat prevented progression of diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy/nephropathy. The effect on diabetic retinopathy/nephropathy may have occurred indirectly because of the prevention of progression of diabetic neuropathy, in addition to the inhibitory action of epalrestat on aldose reductase.
An interactive 1‐h educational programme for junior doctors, increases their confidence and improves inpatient diabetes care
Authors: Taylor C. G. , Morris C. , Rayman G. 
Published: April 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 1574–1578 (2012)AbstractAim  To evaluated whether a 1 hour, interactive, case‐based programme could improve the quality of care and juniors’ confidence.Methods  We designed an educational programme using a patient’s journey from admission to discharge in order to teach avoidance of common errors, while enhancing familiarity with local charts and protocols. The intervention was delivered in four hospitals, to doctors within 4 years of training following graduation. Feedback was received. The quality of care provided and the confidence of juniors’ in its provision was evaluated before and after the intervention.Results  Of the 242 trainees taught, 205 (85%) provided feedback. The programme was rated ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ easy to understand by 94.1%. The format was thought to improve attention and participation, ‘quite a lot’ or ‘extremely’ by 94.1% and was ‘highly’ or ‘extremely highly’ recommended for other areas of teaching by 93.1%. The mean confidence score increased from 17.6 (SD 4) to 24.9 (SD 2.7) (P < 0.001), with Cronbach α coefficients of 0.81 and 0.86 for the questionnaires before and after the programme. Insulin prescription errors were reduced by 49% (15.4% before and 7.8% after, P < 0.05).Conclusion  The inpatient diabetes education programme, which is deliverable within 1 h, was liked by juniors, increased their confidence and improved the quality of inpatient diabetes care.
A retrospective database study of insulin initiation in patients with Type 2 diabetes in UK primary care
Authors: Blak B. T. , Smith H. T. , Hards M. , Maguire A. , Gimeno V. 
Published: April 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, e191–e198 (2012)AbstractAims  This study characterized UK primary care patients with Type 2 diabetes who initiated insulin treatment, and described the initial insulin regimens used, overall metabolic changes and health‐care resource usage.Methods  A retrospective cohort study was performed using quality‐checked patient data from The Health Improvement Network database. Eligible patients who initiated insulin for the first time between 2004 and 2006 were grouped into four cohorts according to the type of insulin regimen initiated. Data on patient characteristics, metabolic and clinical outcomes and health‐care resource use were collected at baseline and during 6 months of follow‐up.Results  In total, 4045 eligible adults [2269 male, 1776 female; mean age 62.6 ± 13.3 years; mean baseline HbA1c 82 ± 22 mmol/mol (9.6% ± 2.0%)] initiated insulin. Approximately half (52.4%) initiated insulin as basal insulin only, 41.6% as premixed only, 4.0% as basal‐bolus and 2.1% as prandial insulin only. Among patients with ≥ 180 days follow‐up (n = 3815), the initial insulin regimen was not changed during follow‐up in 75.1% of patients, while 13.7% discontinued, 7.0% switched and 4.7% intensified insulin therapy. The mean change in HbA1c was −14 mmol/mol (−1.3%, n = 2881), with 17.3% of patients achieving an HbA1c of < 53 mmol/mol (7%, n = 3024). The mean weight change was +0.9 kg (n = 2345).Conclusions  Basal and premixed insulin were the most common types of insulin initiated and in most patients no changes were made to the initial regimen over 6 months. However, few patients achieved glycemic control targets.