bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel association between oribatid mites and leafy liverworts (Marchantiophyta: Jungermanniidae), with a description of a new species of Birobates Balogh, 1970 (Acari: Oribatida: Oripodidae)
Authors: Colloff Matthew J , Cairns Andi 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis paper contains a description of a new species of oribatid mite, Birobates hepaticolus sp. nov., from eucalypt woodland and rainforest in North Queensland, Australia. Adults and immatures of B. hepaticolus live completely enclosed within the ventral lobules of the corticolous liverwort Frullania ferdinandi‐muelleri Steph. The ventral lobes provide a protected, moisture‐buffered microhabitat on tree bark that would otherwise be subject to extremes of wetting and drying. Analysis of gut contents indicates that B. hepaticolus appears to feed on liverwort tissue. To our knowledge this is the first documented example of an association between an oribatid mite and a leafy liverwort based on the provision of food and habitat. The genus Birobates is redefined and diagnosed.
Review of the planthopper genus Zophiuma Fennah (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Lophopidae) with first description of the male of Zophiuma pupillata Stål
Authors: Gitau Catherine W , Fletcher Murray J , Mitchell Andrew , Dewhurst Charles F , Gurr Geoff M 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAn examination of the five described species of the New Guinean genus Zophiuma Fennah (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Lophopidae), has confirmed that Zophiuma guineae (Lallemand) is a new synonym of Zophiuma pupillata (Stål) and that Zophiuma lobulata Ghauri is a new synonym of Zophiuma butawengi (Heller). The third species of the genus, Zophiuma doreyensis Distant, is known only from the male holotype. The morphology of the male genitalia and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences were used to compare Z. pupillata and Z. butawengi. Both the male genitalia and the COI sequences showed clear cut differences between the two species with little intraspecific variation in comparison to interspecific variation. Sequence data demonstrated that males collected with the distinctively coloured Z. pupillata females are the males of that species. Male genitalia of Z. pupillata are described and illustrated for the first time and a key for the discrimination of the three species of the genus is provided.
Rice plants expressing the moss sodium pumping ATPase PpENA1 maintain greater biomass production under salt stress
Authors: Jacobs Andrew , Ford Kristina , Kretschmer Jodie , Tester Mark 
Published: February 2011

SummaryHigh cytosolic concentrations of Na+ inhibit plant growth and development. To maintain low cytosolic concentrations of Na+, higher plants use membrane‐bound transporters that drive the efflux of Na+ or partition Na+ ions from the cytosol, either to the extracellular compartment or into the vacuole. Bryophytes also use an energy‐dependent Na+ pumping ATPase, not found in higher plants, to efflux Na+. To investigate whether this transporter can increase the salt tolerance of crop plants, Oryza sativa has been transformed with the Physcomitrella patens Na+ pumping ATPase (PpENA1). When grown in solutions containing 50 mm NaCl, plants constitutively expressing the PpENA1 gene are more salt tolerant and produce greater biomass than controls. Transgenics and controls accumulate similar amounts of Na+ in leaf and root tissues under stress, which indicates that the observed tolerance is not because of Na+ exclusion. Moreover, inductively coupled plasma analysis reveals that the concentration of other ions in the transformants and the controls is similar. The transgenic lines are developmentally normal and fertile, and the transgene expression levels remain stable in subsequent generations. GFP reporter fusions, which do not alter the ability of PpENA1 to complement a salt‐sensitive yeast mutant, indicate that when it is expressed in plant tissues, the PpENA1 protein is located in the plasma membrane. PpENA1 peptides are found in plasma membrane fractions supporting the plasma membrane targeting. The results of this study demonstrate the utility of PpENA1 as a potential tool for engineering salinity tolerance in important crop species.
Cancer Screening in People Who Have Chronic Disease: The Example of Kidney Disease
Authors: Wong Germaine , Howard Kirsten , Tong Allison , Craig Jonathan C. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractCancer screening in people with chronic illness has been the subject of considerable debate recently. Despite the increased incidence of cancer and higher risk of cancer deaths in selected populations, such as those with kidney disease, the benefits‐to‐harms ratio of cancer screening is uncertain and is likely to be different to people without chronic illnesses because of the expected higher competing risk of death from disease other than cancer, and a higher risk of complications associated with the screening, the diagnostic, and the treatment processes. Using kidney disease as an example, the authors reviewed the current evidence for early cancer detection through screening in people with two or more coexistent chronic diseases, discussed the accepted principles underpinning cancer screening, and the applicability of these concepts to individuals with chronic disease. This review suggests that future research that evaluates the screening test accuracy, quality of life of having cancer, and cancer treatment effectiveness, targeting those with chronic illnesses are necessary for the development of an effective, safe, and acceptable cancer screening program among people with two or more chronic diseases.
The Use of Intravascular Ultrasound to Assist Angiography in Diagnosis and Management of Hemodialysis Access
Authors: Maursetter Laura , Yevzlin Alexander S. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractVascular access continues to be a management challenge for nephrologists. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is a tool that has been used in cardiology to obtain intraluminal imaging that can lead to better assessment of lesion morphology, composition of tissues, and adequacy of intervention such as precision of stent placement. Past reports have explored this tool in hemodialysis vascular access but owing to its expense and inconvenience, it is not routinely used. Here, we present a commonly encountered case where IVUS provided additional information to assist in decision making on management. More studies are needed to define the role of IVUS in hemodialysis vascular access.
Percutaneous Salvage of Thrombosed Immature Arteriovenous Fistulas
Authors: Miller Gregg A. , Hwang Wayne , Preddie Dean , Khariton Aleksandr , Savransky Yevgeny 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThrombosed immature fistulas have historically been considered unsalvageable. However, advances in procedure and balloon catheter technologies have expanded the scope of endovascular treatments. This study investigates the efficacy, functionality, and cost associated with the use of percutaneous techniques for the salvage of thrombosed immature fistulas. Over a 2‐year period and from a population of 18,000 patients on hemodialysis, 140 consecutive patients with thrombosed immature fistulas underwent attempts at salvage via thrombectomy procedures. All fistulas had thrombosed following access creation and had never been used for hemodialysis. Multiple approaches were utilized to gain access to the fistula, including trans‐fistula cannulation, distal arterial puncture, and proximal retrograde venous access. Thrombectomy was performed via balloon maceration and aspiration. Accelerated maturation was achieved through sequential angioplasty of diffusely stenotic veins and elimination of competing branch vessels. Primary access, primary assisted, and secondary access patencies were calculated at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. A cost analysis was performed based on procedure statistics and the 2009 Medicare reimbursement schedule and compared with data from the 2009 United States Renal Data Survey. Thrombectomy was successful in 119 (85%) immature clotted fistulas, and hemodialysis adequacy was achieved in 111 (79%) fistulas. The average maturation time from thrombectomy to cannulation for dialysis was 46.4 days, with an average of 2.64 interventions per patient. There were 5 (3.5%) cases of angioplasty‐induced rupture, all of which were treated with stent placement. Clinically significant pseudoaneurysm formation occurred in 4 (2.8%) patients. At 12 months, secondary access patency of salvaged accesses was 90%. Based on 2009 Medicare outpatient billing rates per patient per initial access‐year and the maturation times observed in the New York area, percutaneous salvage of thrombosed immature fistulas costs $4881 to $14,998 less than access abandonment and new access creation. Endovascular techniques can be used for the salvage of thrombosed nonmaturing fistulas. When analyzed within the initial access‐year, this approach yields significant cost savings over access abandonment.
Unexpectedly Severe Metabolic Acidosis Associated with Sodium Thiosulfate Therapy in a Patient with Calcific Uremic Arteriolopathy
Authors: Selk Natalie , Rodby Roger A. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractCalcific uremic arteriolopathy, formerly known as calciphylaxis is a devastating condition that primarily affects patients with end‐stage renal disease. The lesions can progress to massive ulcerations of the subcutaneous tissue that are associated with a high degree of morbidity and mortality, usually related to sepsis. Although the pathophysiology of this condition is poorly understood, it appears to be related to a derangement in calcium–phosphate metabolism. Thus, treatments have focused on the treatment of hyperparathyroidism albeit with poor results. More recently, sodium thiosulfate (STS) has emerged as a promising therapy following multiple case reports of marked disease regression following its use. As STS is a strong acid, metabolic acidosis has been described following its administration, although relatively mild in degree. We report a case of a patient with calciphylaxis who repeatedly developed a severe anion gap metabolic acidosis following each dose of STS requiring a significant reduction in the dose.
The Phosphate Binder Equivalent Dose
Authors: Daugirdas John T. , Finn William F. , Emmett Michael , Chertow Glenn M. ,   the Frequent Hemodialysis Network Trial Group
Published: February 2011

AbstractPhosphate binders include calcium acetate or carbonate, sevelamer hydrochloride or carbonate, magnesium and lanthanum carbonate, and aluminum carbonate or hydroxide. Their relative phosphate‐binding capacity has been assessed in human, in vivo studies that have measured phosphate recovery from stool and/or changes in urinary phosphate excretion or that have compared pairs of different binders where dose of binder in each group was titrated to a target level of serum phosphate. The relative phosphate‐binding coefficient (RPBC) based on weight of each binder can be estimated relative to calcium carbonate, the latter being set to 1.0. A systematic review of these studies gave the following estimated RPBC: for elemental lanthanum, 2.0, for sevelamer hydrochloride or carbonate 0.75, for calcium acetate 1.0, for anhydrous magnesium carbonate 1.7, and for “heavy” or hydrated, magnesium carbonate 1.3. Estimated RPBC for aluminum‐containing binders were 1.5 for aluminum hydroxide and 1.9 for aluminum carbonate. The phosphate‐binding equivalent dose was then defined as the dose of each binder in g × its RPBC, which would be the binding ability of an equivalent weight of calcium carbonate. The phosphate‐binding equivalent dose may be useful in comparing changes in phosphate binder prescription over time when multiple binders are being prescribed, when estimating an initial binder prescription, and also in phosphate kinetic modeling.
Classification of Papulo‐Squamous skin diseases using image analysis
Authors: Mashaly H. M. , Masood N. A. , Mohamed Abdalla S. A. 
Published: February 2011

Introduction: Papulo‐squamous skin diseases are variable but are very close in their clinical features. They present with the same lesions, erythematous scaly lesions. Clinical evaluation of skin lesions is based on common sense and experience of the dermatologist to differentiate features of each disease.
Aim: To evaluate a computer‐based image analysis system as a helping tool for classification of commonly encountered diseases.
Materials and Methods: The study included 50 selected images from each of psoriasis, lichen planus, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, pityrasis rosea, and pitryasis rubra pilaris with a total of 300 images. The study comprised three main processes peformed on the 300 included images: segmentation, feature extraction followed by classification.
Results: Rough sets recorded the highest percentage of accuracy and sensitivity of segmentation for the six groups of diseases compared with the other three used techniques (topological derivative, K‐means clustering, and watershed). Rule‐based classifier using the concept of rough sets recorded the best percentage of classification (96.7%) for the six groups of diseases compared with the other six techniques of classification used: K‐means clustering, fuzzy c‐means clustering, classification and regression tree, rule‐based classifier with discretization, and K‐nearest neighbor technique.
Conclusion: Rough sets approach proves its superiority for both the segmentation and the classification processes of papulo‐squamous skin diseases compared with the other used segmentation and classification techniques.
Hypophosphatasia in a child with widened anterior fontanelle: lessons learned from late diagnosis and incorrect treatment
Authors: Mohn Angelika , De Leonibus Chiara , de Giorgis Tommaso , Mornet Etienne , Chiarelli Francesco 
Published: February 2011

AbstractHypophosphatasia is characterized by deficiency of serum alkaline phosphatase with defective bone and teeth mineralization. We report on an 11‐month‐old boy who developed a complex clinical picture characterized by bulging anterior fontanelle, growth failure, nephrocalcinosis and impaired bone mineralization during high‐dose calcium and vitamin D supplementation. This therapy had been started 5 months earlier for a presumed diagnosis of nutritional rickets established on the grounds of isolated widened anterior fontanelle. However, laboratory investigations revealed reduced alkaline phosphatase levels associated with hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, low PTH and normal 25‐hydroxy vitamin D levels. Genetic testing detected a compound heterozygote for the novel mutation (c.262G>A) and the described mutation (c.920C>T) in the ALPL gene.Conclusion:  High calcium and vitamin D supplementation should not be started in the presence of isolated signs of nutritional rickets without assessing calcium‐phosphate metabolism. In fact, in rare bone‐mineralizing disorders, this combined therapy might induce severe clinical complications.
Post‐partum weight change patterns in the WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study
Authors: Onyango Adelheid W. , Nommsen‐Rivers Laurie , Siyam Amani , Borghi Elaine , de Onis Mercedes , Garza Cutberto , Lartey Anna , Bærug Anne , Bhandari Nita , Dewey Kathryn G. , Araújo Cora Luiza , Mohamed Ali Jaffer , Van den Broeck Jan ,   for the WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study Group
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe interplay of factors that affect post‐partum loss or retention of weight gained during pregnancy is not fully understood. The objective of this paper is to describe patterns of weight change in the six sites of the World Health Organization (WHO) Multicentre Growth Reference Study (MGRS) and explore variables that explain variation in weight change within and between sites. Mothers of 1743 breastfed children enrolled in the MGRS had weights measured at days 7, 14, 28 and 42 post‐partum, monthly from 2 to 12 months and bimonthly thereafter until 24 months post‐partum. Height, maternal age, parity and employment status were recorded and breastfeeding was monitored throughout the follow‐up. Weight change patterns varied significantly among sites. Ghanaian and Omani mothers lost little or gained weight post‐partum. In Brazil, India, Norway and USA, mothers on average lost weight during the first year followed by stabilization in the second year. Lactation intensity and duration explained little of the variation in weight change patterns. In most sites, obese mothers tended to lose less weight than normal‐weight mothers. In Brazil and Oman, primiparous mothers lost about 1 kg more than multiparous mothers in the first 6 months. In India and Ghana, multiparous mothers lost about 0.6 kg more than primiparas in the second 6 months. Culturally defined mother‐care practices probably play a role in weight change patterns among lactating women. This hypothesis should stimulate investigation into gestational weight gain and post‐partum losses in different ethnocultural contexts.
Developmental outcomes among 18‐month‐old Malawians after a year of complementary feeding with lipid‐based nutrient supplements or corn‐soy flour
Authors: Phuka John C. , Gladstone Melissa , Maleta Kenneth , Thakwalakwa Chrissie , Cheung Yin Bun , Briend André , Manary Mark J. , Ashorn Per 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe major aim of this trial was to compare the development of 18‐month‐old infants who received complementary feeding for 1 year either with lipid‐based nutrient supplements or micronutrient fortified corn‐soy porridge. Our secondary aim was to determine the socio‐economic factors associated with developmental outcomes in the same population. A total of 163 six‐month‐old rural Malawian children were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial where the control population received daily supplementation with 71 g corn‐soy flour [Likuni Phala (LP)] (282 kcal) and individuals in the intervention groups received daily either 50 g of lipid‐based nutrient supplement (FS50) (264 kcal) or 25 g of lipid‐based nutrient supplement (FS25) (130 kcal). The main outcome measures were Griffiths' developmental scores at 0–2 years. Independent comparison of study groups was carried out using analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistics where mean raw scores, quotients, or mental ages were compared. Association of developmental outcome with predictor variables were examined using multiple regression. At 18 months of chronological age, the mean ± standard deviation (SD) mental ages in the LP, FS50, and FS25 groups were 17.9 ± 1.3, 17.9 ± 1.3, and 17.9 ± 1.2 (P > 0.99), respectively. Likewise, the mean raw developmental scores and mean developmental quotients did not differ significantly. Length‐for‐age z‐score gain during the intervention period, and maternal education were associated with developmental outcome at 18 months (P = 0.03 and P = 0.04; respectively). In conclusion, rural Malawian infants receiving 12‐month daily supplementation of their diet either with the tested lipid‐based nutrient supplements or fortified corn‐soy flour have comparable development outcomes by 18 months of age.
Child‐care and feeding practices of urban middle class working and non‐working Indonesian mothers: a qualitative study of the socio‐economic and cultural environment
Authors: Roshita Airin , Schubert Elizabeth , Whittaker Maxine 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe double‐burden problem of malnutrition in many developing countries is occurring against a backdrop of complex changes in the socio‐economic and cultural environment. One such change is the increasing rate of female employment, a change that has attracted researchers to explore the possible relationships between maternal employment and child nutritional status. The present study employs a qualitative approach to explore the socio‐economic and cultural environments that may influence child‐care practices in families of working and non‐working mothers with children of different nutritional status and types of domestic caregiver. It was conducted in Depok, a satellite city of Jakarta, Indonesia, and was designed as a case study involving 26 middle class families. The children were categorized as underweight, normal weight and obese, and caregivers were grouped as family and domestic paid caregivers. Twenty‐six mothers and 18 caregivers were interviewed. Data were analysed by the constant comparative approach. The study identified five emerging themes, consisting of reason for working and not working, support for mother and caregivers, decision maker on child food, maternal self‐confidence and access to resources. It confirmed that mothers and caregivers need support and adequate resources to perform child‐care practices regardless of the child nutritional and maternal working status. Further research is required into how Indonesian mothers across a range of socio‐economic strata can have increased options for quality child‐care arrangements and support with child feeding. Additionally, this paper discussed the importance of enhanced dissemination of health information addressing both child underweight and obesity problems.
Globalization, Transnationalism, and Intersecting Geographies of Power: The Case of the Consejo Consultivo del Instituto de los Mexicanos en el Exterior (CC‐IME): A Study in Progress
Authors: BAYES JANE H. , GONZALEZ LAURA 
Published: February 2011

The Consejo Consultivo del Instituto de los Mexicanos en el Exterior (CC‐IME) is a somewhat unusual transnational organization established and funded by the Mexican government in 2003 as a means of maintaining contact with and serving the Mexican diaspora of almost 12 million in the United States and Canada. The 56 Mexican consulates in the United States and Canada conduct elections (or sometimes appoint) around 120 representatives for three‐year terms to serve as an advisory council to represent the needs of the Mexican diaspora before the Mexican government and to strengthen the ties (especially economic and political ties) between the Mexican diaspora in Canada and the United States and the government of Mexico. Previous studies have described the history, purpose, and some of the programs initiated by the Mexican Foreign Ministry (SRE) and the CC‐IME. The story of the CC‐IME, however, is more than can be understood from the perspective of any one state. As a transnational organization at a particular time in history, its operation reflects the perspectives of a host of different entities. Using qualitative research methods and participant observation, this ongoing study employs Mahler and Pessar's geographies of power framework to identify and explore various power hierarchies and special political characteristics of CC‐IME from a variety of perspectives.El Consejo Consultivo del Instituto de los Mexicanos en el Exterior (CC‐IME) es una organización transnacional un poco inusual establecida y fundada por el gobierno mexicano en 2003 como un medio para mantener contacto con, y ayudar a, la diáspora mexicana en los Estados Unidos y Canadá que aproxima los 12 millones. Los 56 consulados en ambos países realizan elecciones (o algunas veces designan) cerca de 120 representantes de expatriados mexicanos para periodos de 3 años para servir como un consejo asesor para representar intereses ante el gobierno mexicano y para fortalecer los lazos (especialmente económicos y políticos) entre expatriados y dicho gobierno. Estudios previos han descrito la historia, propósito, y algunos de los programas iniciados por la Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE) y el CC‐IME. La historia del CC‐IME, sin embargo, supera lo que puede ser comprendido desde la perspectiva de un estado. Siendo una organización transnacional en un momento particular de la historia, su funcionamiento refleja las perspectivas de una gran diversidad de actores. Utilizando un método cualitativo de investigación y de observación de los participantes, este proyecto (en proceso) utiliza el marco de las geografías del poder de Mahler y Pessar para identificar y explorar varias jerarquías de poder y características políticas especiales del CC‐IME desde una variedad de perspectivas.