bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Native Consumers and Seed Limitation Constrain the Restoration of a Native Perennial Grass in Exotic Habitats
Authors: Orrock John L. , Witter Martha S. , Reichman O. J. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract Native consumers and seed limitation may be particularly important in the restoration of native plants where they have been displaced by exotic plants. We used experimental exclosures and seed additions to examine the role of native mammalian consumers and seeding density (500 or 1,000 seeds/m2) in affecting the establishment of a native perennial grass, Purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra), in the grasslands of California. To focus solely on consumers and propagule density, experimental areas were tilled and weeded. Consumers were important determinants of restoration success: averaged across propagule density, consumers reduced N. pulchra seedling recruitment by nearly 30%, reduced seedling height by 44%, reduced plant establishment by 52%, and reduced reproductive tiller length by 43%. Small rodents affected seedling establishment, especially where seeding density was high but did not affect seedling height. Plots accessible by squirrels and rabbits exhibited significantly decreased seedling height and plant establishment, whereas there was no additional impact of allowing large consumers (i.e., deer) access. Despite strong, spatially variable effects of consumers, doubling seed density led to nearly doubled N. pulchra establishment on average. Consumer effects were persistent, shaping N. pulchra abundance in the subsequent growing season and remaining evident over 18 months after the experiment was initiated. Our work suggests that, despite strong consumer effects, seed addition may be a viable strategy for restoration of N. pulchra in invaded areas where it has been displaced by exotic plants, especially when combined with restoration strategies that reduce competition with exotic plants.
PRISM hepatitis B surface antigen detection of hepatits B virus minipool nucleic acid testing yield samples
Authors: Linauts Sandy , Saldanha John , Strong D. Michael 
Published: April 2008

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) residual risk has been estimated at 1:63,000‐1:205,000 and introduction of more sensitive serological tests and nucleic acid testing (NAT) would reduce that risk. Sensitivity of the recently licensed Abbott PRISM hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) CLIA and minipool (MP) HBV NAT has been described as comparable and thus the need for HBV NAT has not been compelling. In this study, eight samples identified as yield samples with MP HBV NAT were tested using the PRISM test.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Seven samples were identified using the Roche COBAS AmpliScreen HBV test and one additional sample was obtained from the clinical trial for the Roche cobas TaqScreen MPX test. Each of these samples was reactive by MP HBV NAT and nonreactive for HBsAg using one of three licensed enzyme immunoassay (EIA) tests. After licensure of the PRISM HBsAg, aliquots were tested with this assay, and DNA quantitation and genotyping were repeated where sample volume permitted.RESULTS: Three samples (2000, 2300, and 61,000 copies/mL) produced reactive results with PRISM. Four samples with viral loads less than 300 copies per mL produced nonreactive results. One sample, originally quantitated at 37,000 copies per mL (but 3850 copies/mL in repeat testing) was also nonreactive by PRISM. Genotyping of this sample indicated a type C genotype with no mutations.CONCLUSION: Adding serological sensitivity of PRISM CLIA reduced the NAT yield from the original 1: 385,555 to 1:610,488. However, MP HBV NAT still provides additional sensitivity over CLIA, even for a donation with a viral load of almost 4000 copies per mL.
Effects of Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation on Myocardial Performance Index and Plasma NT‐Pro‐BNP Levels in Patients with Wolff‐Parkinson‐White Syndrome
Authors: Cakmak Nazmiye , Sayar Nurten , Cakmak Mahmut , Akyol Ahmet , Oguz Enis , Eksik Abdurrahman , Alper Ahmet Taha , Hasdemir Hakan , Yilmaz Hale , Erdinler Izzet 
Published: April 2008

Background: The myocardial performance index (Tei index) is an echocardiographic index of combined systolic and diastolic functions. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and its biologically inactive fragment N‐terminal pro‐BNP (NT‐pro‐BNP) are secreted by the heart in response to myocardial stretch. In this study, we investigated Tei index and NT‐pro‐BNP levels in patients with Wolff‐Parkinson‐White (WPW) syndrome before and after radiofrequency catheter ablation therapy (RFCA). Methods: Thirty patients (19 males, 11 females, aged 35.5 ± 14.4 years) with WPW syndrome were enrolled in this study. Echocardiographic examination was performed before and 24 hours after RFCA. Tei index was calculated using Doppler echocardiography. Blood samples were taken before and 24 hours after RFCA to detect levels of NT‐pro‐BNP. Results: Although isovolumic contraction time (IVCT) and isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) did not change, aortic ejection time (ET) was decreased after RFCA (276 ± 22 ms vs 254 ± 30 ms, P < 0.01). So Tei index was significantly higher in postablation period (0.36 ± 0.11 vs 0.42 ± 0.21, P < 0.05). NT‐pro‐BNP levels did not change significantly after RFCA. Conclusions: We demonstrated that restoration of normal atrioventricular conduction by RFCA, leads to increase in Tei index but does not effect plasma NT‐pro‐BNP levels.
Long‐Term (Up to 18 Years) Clinical and Echocardiographic Results of Mitral Balloon Valvuloplasty in Children in Comparison with Adult Population
Authors: FAWZY MOHAMED EID , STEFADOUROS MILTIADIS , AMRAOUI SOUAD EL , OSMAN ADIL , IBRAHIM IMAN , NOWAYHED OMAR , ELDALI ABDELMONEIM , CANVER CHARLES 
Published: April 2008

Aims: The purpose of this study was to assess the safety, efficacy, and long‐term results (up to 18 years) of mitral balloon valvuloplasty (MBV) in children in comparison to adults.
Methods: 57 children age ≤ 18 years (group A) and 474 adult patients (group B) who underwent successful MBV and were followed up for a mean 8.5 ± 4.8 (range 1.5–18) years were analyzed.
Results: Patients in group A had a lower mitral echocardiographic score (echo score), 7.6 ± 1.3 vs. 8.1 ± 1 (P = 0.0005); smaller Doppler mitral valve area (MVA), 0.82 ± 0.16 cm2 vs. 0.92 ± 0.17 cm2 (P < 0.0001); and higher mitral valve gradient, 15.2 ± 2.3 mmHg vs. 14.3 ± 2.1 mmHg (P = 0.0003), than group B. Immediately after MBV, group A had larger MVA whether measured by catheter, 1.99 ± 0.57 cm2 vs. 1.8 ± 0.52 cm2 (P < 0.001), or by Doppler, 2.0 ± 0.27 cm2 vs. 1.97 ± 0.28 cm2 (P < 0.01), and similar complication rates, compared to group B. After a mean follow‐up of 8.5 ± 4.8 (range 1.5–18 years), restenosis in group A was 26% vs. 31% for group B (P = 0.41). Echo score > 8 (P = 0.046) was a predictor of restenosis in children and echo score > 8 (P < 0.0001) and previous surgery (P = 0.043) were predictors of restenosis in adults. Actuarial freedom from restenosis at 10, 15, and 18 years for groups A and B were 78%± 7%, 64%± 9%, and 18%± 14% and 77%± 2%, 43%± 4%, and 17%± 4%, respectively (P = 0.26). Event‐free survival rates at 10, 15, and 18 years were 87%± 6%, 62%± 1%, and 20%± 2% versus 87%± 1%, 51%± 4%, and 20%± 5% for groups A and B, respectively (P = 0.51). Postprocedure MVA < 2.0 cm2 (P = 0.043) and previous surgery (P = 0.03) were identified as predictors of events in children. Echo score > 8 (P < 0.0001) and prevalvuloplasty AF (P = 0.03) were identified as predictors of events in adults.
Conclusion: MBV is safe and effective in children with rheumatic MS. It provides better immediate results than in adults and excellent long‐term results that are comparable to those seen in adults.
Resuscitating the Microcirculation in Sepsis: The Central Role of Nitric Oxide, Emerging Concepts for Novel Therapies, and Challenges for Clinical Trials
Authors: Trzeciak Stephen , Cinel Ismail , Phillip Dellinger R. , Shapiro Nathan I. , Arnold Ryan C. , Parrillo Joseph E. , Hollenberg Steven M. ,   on behalf of the Microcirculatory Alterations in Resuscitation and Shock (MARS) Investigators
Published: April 2008

AbstractMicrocirculatory dysfunction is a critical element of the pathogenesis of severe sepsis and septic shock. In this Bench‐to‐Bedside review, we present: 1) the central role of the microcirculation in the pathophysiology of sepsis; 2) new translational research techniques of in vivo video microscopy for assessment of microcirculatory flow in human subjects; 3) clinical investigations that reported associations between microcirculatory dysfunction and outcome in septic patients; 4) the potential role of novel agents to “rescue” the microcirculation in sepsis; 5) current challenges facing this emerging field of clinical investigation; and 6) a framework for the design of future clinical trials aimed to determine the impact of novel agents on microcirculatory flow and organ failure in patients with sepsis. We specifically focus this review on the central role and vital importance of the nitric oxide (NO) molecule in maintaining microcirculatory homeostasis and patency, especially when the microcirculation sustains an insult (as with sepsis). We also present the scientific rationale for clinical trials of exogenous NO administration to treat microcirculatory dysfunction and augment microcirculatory blood flow in early sepsis therapy.
Ridge alterations following immediate implant placement in the dog: flap versus flapless surgery
Authors: Blanco Juan , Nuñez Vanesa , Aracil Luis , Muñoz Fernando , Ramos Isabel 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: To assess the healing process after flap or flapless surgery in immediate implant placement.Material and Methods: This study was carried out on five Beagle dogs. Four implants were placed in the lower jaw in each dog immediately after tooth extraction. Flap surgery was performed before the extraction on one side (control), and flapless on the contrary (test). After 3 months of healing, the dogs were sacrificed and prepared for histological analysis.Results: Ten implants were placed in each group. Two failed (one of each group). The percentage of bone–implant contact was very similar in both groups: 64.8% and 65.1% for the flap and the flapless group, respectively. The difference between the mean distance from the peri‐implant mucosa margin to the first bone–implant contact at the buccal aspect was statistically significant between both groups (3.02 mm. flapless and 3.69 mm. flap group). The mean first bone–implant contact at the buccal aspect was located in relation to the sand‐blasted and acid‐etched level at 0.82 mm for the flapless group and 1.33 mm for the flap group. This difference was not statistically significant.Conclusion: Flapless immediate implant surgery produces a significant reduction in the vestibular biologic width and a minor reduction in buccal bone plate resorption.
Methodology of the Interventional Management of Stroke III Trial
Authors: Khatri Pooja , Hill Michael D. , Palesch Yuko Y. , Spilker Judith , Jauch Edward C. , Carrozzella Janice A. , Demchuk Andrew M. , Martin Renee‘ , Mauldin Patrick , Dillon Catherine , Ryckborst Karla J. , Janis Scott , Tomsick Thomas A. , Broderick Joseph P. ,   for the IMS III Investigators
Published: April 2008

Rationale The Interventional Management of Stroke (IMS) I and II pilot trials demonstrated that the combined intravenous (i.v.) and intraarterial (i.a.) approach to recanalization may be more effective than standard i.v. rt-PA (Activase®) alone for moderate-to-large National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS ≥ 10) strokes, and with a similar safety profile. Aims The primary objective of this NIH-funded, Phase III, randomized, multicenter, open-label clinical trial is to determine whether a combined i.v./i.a. approach to recanalization is superior to standard i.v. rt-PA alone when initiated within 3 h of acute ischemic stroke onset. The IMS III trial will develop and maintain a network of interventional centers to test the safety, feasibility, and potential efficacy of new FDA-approved catheter devices as part of a combined i.v./i.a. approach to recanalization as the IMS III study progresses. A secondary objective of the IMS III trial is to determine the cost-effectiveness of the combined i.v./i.a. approach as compared with standard i.v. rt-PA. Trial enrollment began in July of 2006. Design A projected 900 subjects with moderate-to-large (NIHSS ≥ 10) ischemic strokes between ages 18 and 80 will be enrolled over the next 5 years at 40-plus centers in the United States and Canada. Patients must have i.v. treatment initiated within 3 h of stroke onset in both arms. Subjects will be randomized in a 2: 1 ratio with more subjects enrolled in the combined i.v./i.a. group. The i.v. rt-PA alone group will receive the standard full dose [0·9 mg/kg, 90 mg maximum (10% as bolus)] of rt-PA intravenously over an hour. The combined i.v./i.a. group will receive a lower dose of i.v. rt-PA (~0·6 mg/kg, 60 mg maximum) over 40 min, followed by immediate angiography. If a treatable thrombus is not demonstrated, no i.a. therapy will be administered. If an appropriate thrombus is identified, treatment will continue with either the Concentric Merci® thrombus-removal device, infusion of rt-PA and delivery of low-intensity ultrasound at the site of the occlusion via the EKOS® Micro-Infusion Catheter, or infusion of rt-PA via a standard microcatheter. If i.a. rt-Pa therapy is the chosen strategy, a maximum of 22 mg of i.a. rt-PA may be given. The choice of i.a. strategy will be made by the treating neurointerventionalist. The i.a. treatment must begin within 5 h and be completed within 7 h of stroke onset. Study outcomes The primary outcome measure is a favorable clinical outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Scale Score of 0–2 at 3 months. The primary safety measure is mortality at 3 months and symptomatic ICH within the 24 h of randomization.
Efficacy and safety of azathioprine maintenance therapy in a group of Crohn's disease patients in China
Authors: ZHENG Jia Ju , CHU Xing Qi , SHI Xiao Hua , ZHOU Chun Li , SENG Bi Wu 
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVE:  To evaluate the efficacy and the safety of long‐term azathioprine maintenance therapy in a group of Chinese patients with Crohn's disease.METHODS:   The efficacy of azathioprine (2.0 mg/kg/day) in controlling the disease relapse in 13 patients with Crohn's disease following clinical remission by prednisone or surgery were investigated. The Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) and the Harvey–Bradshaw index, the reduction of steroid dosage and side‐effects for an average of 18 months follow up were analyzed.RESULTS:  Azathioprine was effective in controlling the disease relapse in 10 (by CDAI scores) or 11 (by Harvey –Bradshaw index) of 13 patients (76.9% and 84.6%, respectively) for at least 6 months. Azathioprine was not discontinued in a patient who experienced a temporary and mild elevation of aminotransferases 14 months after the initiation of therapy. However one patient who was co‐administered with azathioprine and mesalamine (Pentasa) developed an episode of bone marrow suppression that ultimately required the withdrawal of both medications.CONCLUSION:  Azathioprine is an effective agent which controls the relapse of Crohn's disease in most patients. Long‐term remission can be achieved. Side‐effects, including severe leukopenia, myelo‐suppression and the mild elevation of hepatic enzymes, may occur in a small number of patients.
Descriptive study of perioperative transfusion practices in Spanish hospitals
Authors: BASORA MISERICORDIA , COLOMINA MARÍA J. , MORAL VICTORIA , LLAU JUAN V. , VILA MIGUEL , DURÁN LOURDES , SILVA SONSOLES , SÁNCHEZ CALIXTO A. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYIn order to identify opportunities to enhance blood‐sparing strategies, we studied blood‐transfusion practices in patients undergoing scheduled major surgery in Spain. This prospective, multicenter epidemiological study involved 20 Spanish hospitals. We recorded the pre‐ and postoperative hemoglobin concentrations, the estimated and calculated blood loss, the number of patients transfused and the blood‐sparing techniques used. A total of 359 patients from 18 centers were included in the analysis. Mean preoperative hemoglobin concentration was 13.7 ± 1.6 g/dL. In 29% of the patients, preoperative hemoglobin concentration was lower than 13 g/dL. All surgeries combined, mean estimated blood loss was 845 ± 659 mL and mean calculated blood loss 1722 ± 1021 mL. The percentage of patients transfused with allogeneic blood was 28.4% altogether and ranged from 47.2% in cardiac surgery patients to 4.5% in plastic‐maxillofacial surgery patients. Blood‐sparing techniques were used only in 70 patients (19.4%). For a large percentage patients who underwent scheduled major surgery, blood transfusion was needed and perioperative blood loss was underestimated. Blood‐sparing techniques were underused in non‐orthopedic surgery, despite the fact that sufficient time was available to plan appropriate blood‐sparing measures.
Multiphase Flow Measurement Techniques—A Review
Authors: Rajan V. S. V. , Ridley R. K. , Rafa K. G. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
This paper is a review of current techniques available for measuring the velocity and composition in multiphase streams, to obtain the mass flow rate of the individual phases. An extensive literature search was conducted on the topic and related areas of interest. The major difficulty in measuring both the velocity and composition of multiphase streams is in dealing with the wide variety of flow regimes which are possible in multiphase flow in pipes. A device which is suitable for accurate velocity measurement in multiphase flows is not commercially available. However, if the flow is well mixed, it should be possible to calibrate a simple device, such as a nozzle or a venturi, to provide accurate total volumetric flow rates. Several commercial in-line static mixing devices are suitable for low gas concentrations (≤ 10 percent) and with superficial gas velocities higher than 10 m/s. For lower gas velocities and high gas concentrations, the suitability of these in-line mixers will have to be further assessed experimentally. Other techniques such as cross-correlation are known for two-phase flow velocity measurements, and the results of these applications look promising. A multiphase compositional meter to monitor the concentration of oil, water, and gas phases flowing in a pipeline, used in combination with a suitable homogenizer and a velocity meter, would facilitate measurement of the mass flow rates of the individual phases. Further work must be done to develop this concept.
Entropy Generation Rate in a Chemically Reacting
System
Authors: Gyftopoulos E. P. , Beretta G. P. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
For a nonchemical-equilibrium state of an isolated system A that has r constituents with initial amounts na = {n1a, n2a, …, nra}, and that is subject to τ chemical reaction mechanisms, temperature, pressure, and chemical potentials cannot be defined. As time evolves, the values of the amounts of constitutents vary according to the stoichiometric relations ni(t) = nia + Σj=1τ νi(j) εj(t), where νi(j) is the stoichiometric coefficient of the ith constituent in the j-reaction mechanism and εj(t) the reaction coordinate of the jth reaction at time t. For such a state, we approximate the values of all the properties at time t with the corresponding properties of the stable equilibrium state of a surrogate system B consisting of the same constituents as A with amounts equal to ni(t) for i = 1, 2, …, r, but experiencing no chemical reactions. Under this approximation, the rate of entropy generation is given by the expression S˙irr = ε˙ · Y, where ε˙ is the row vector of the τ rates of change of the reaction coordinates, ε˙ = { ε˙1, …, ε˙τ }, Y the column vector of the τ ratios aj/Toff for j = 1, 2, …, τ, aj = −Σi=1r νi(j) μi,off, that is, the jth affinity of the stable equilibrium state of the surrogate system B, and μi,off, and Toff are the chemical potential of the ith constituent and the temperature of the stable equilibrium state of the surrogate system. Under the same approximation, by further assuming that ε˙ can be represented as a function of Y only that is, ε˙(Y), with ε˙(0) = 0 for chemical equilibrium, we show that ε˙ = L·Y + (higher order terms in Y), where L is a τ × τ matrix that must be non-negative definite and symmetric, that is, such that the matrix elements Lij satisfy the Onsager reciprocal relations, Lij = Lji. It is noteworthy that, for the first time, the Onsager relations are proven without reference to microscopic reversibility. In our view, if a process is irreversible, microscopic reversibility does not exist.
Significantly Improved Accuracy of Diagnosis of Early Lyme Disease by Peptide Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Based on the Borreliacidal Antibody Epitope of
Borrelia burgdorferi
OspC
Authors: Jobe Dean A. , Lovrich Steven D. , Asp Krista E. , Mathiason Michelle A. , Albrecht Stephanie E. , Schell Ronald F. , Callister Steven M. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT

Highly specific borreliacidal antibodies are induced by infection with
Borrelia burgdorferi
, and the immunodominant response during early Lyme disease is specific for an epitope within the 7 amino acids nearest the C terminus of OspC. We evaluated the ability of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on a synthetic peptide (OspC7) that matched the region to detect the response and compared the sensitivity during early Lyme disease to that for an FDA-approved Western blot. When the optical density value was adjusted to 98% specificity based on the results from testing normal or uncharacterized sera (
n
= 236) or sera from patients with blood factors or illnesses that commonly produce antibodies that cross-react with
B. burgdorferi
antigens (
n
= 77), 115 (73%) of 157 sera from patients likely to have early Lyme disease were positive for immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies and 17 (11%) also had IgG antibodies. In addition, the IgM ELISA reactivities and the titers of antibodies detected by a flow cytometric borreliacidal antibody test correlated closely (
r
= 0.646). Moreover, the IgM ELISA was significantly more sensitive (
P
< 0.001) than the Western blot procedure. The findings therefore confirmed that the peptide IgM ELISA detected OspC borreliacidal antibodies and provided strong evidence that the test can eliminate the necessity for confirming early Lyme disease by a supplementary test such as Western blotting.
Sequence Type and
emm
Type Diversity in
Streptococcus pyogenes
Isolates Causing Invasive Disease in Norway between 1988 and 2003
Authors: Meisal Roger , Høiby E. Arne , Aaberge Ingeborg S. , Caugant Dominique A. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT

The incidence of invasive group A streptococcal disease has increased in Norway since the 1980s. Analysis of 100 isolates recovered from 1988 to 2003 showed an increased genotypic diversity over time, while the prevalence of the strain that dominated in 1988, sequence type (ST)-28/
emm
-1, decreased. Necrotizing fasciitis was often associated with ST-15/
emm
-3.
Norovirus Excretion in an Aged-Care Setting
Authors: Tu Elise T.-V. , Bull Rowena A. , Kim Mi-Jurng , McIver Christopher J. , Heron Leon , Rawlinson William D. , White Peter A. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT
Norovirus genogroup II excretion during an outbreak of gastroenteritis was investigated in an aged-care facility. Viral shedding peaked in the acute stage of illness and continued for an average of 28.7 days. The viral decay rate was 0.76 per day, which corresponds to a viral half-life of 2.5 days.