bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distal Digital Embolization from a Thrombosed Aneurysmal Hemodialysis Arteriovenous Fistula: The Benefit of a Hybrid Approach
Authors: Simosa Hector F. , Mudumbi Sravani V. , Pomposelli Frank B. , Schermerhorn Marc L. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAneurysmal degeneration of a hemodialysis arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is common; however, distal digital embolization from an AVF is extremely rare. Even though the ultimate fate of all arteriovenous hemodialysis access is thrombosis with minimal consequences, dislodgement of thrombus at the proximal anastomosis could lead to ischemia of the distal arterial circulation. We here present a case of a renal transplant patient with a thrombosed aneurysmal AVF who presented with acute digital ischemia successfully treated with combination catheter‐directed thrombolysis and open repair. No similar report was found describing this entity treated with this approach.
Stent Migration and Folding in the Subclavian Vein during Subclavian Hemodialysis Catheter Placement
Authors: Adulla Madhurima , Chan Micah R. , Hermsen Joshua L. , Tefera Girma , Yevzlin Alexander S. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe role of stent placement in hemodialysis (HD) access intervention continues to evolve. As more stents are placed, new and unusual complications are coming to light. We describe a case in which an unsuccessful attempt to place a left subclavian dialysis catheter resulted in the inadvertent migration and folding of a previously deployed subclavian stent. Attempts to remove the stent with a snare were unsuccessful. Patency was restored to the access circuit by placing a new stent through the struts of the folded one. Clinical vascular practice guidelines for vascular access on the use of fluoroscopy for temporary HD catheter placement may need to be re‐evaluated with the reported increase in stent placement in the US HD population.
Editorial: Intersecting Guidelines: Administering Erythropoiesis‐Stimulating Agents to Chronic Kidney Disease Patients with Cancer
Authors: Bennett Charles L. , Becker Pamela S. , Kraut Eric H. , Samaras Athena T. , West Dennis P. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThere has been a dramatic sea change in the use of erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESAs) for anemic persons with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. An important area that has not been addressed previously is a CKD patient who also has a malignancy. Clinical guidelines exist that outline recommended treatments for each disease, but the intersection of the two disease processes presents difficult decisions for patients and physicians. Herein, we review the background underlying recent revisions in clinical alerts and guidelines for ESAs, and provide guidance for treating anemia among CKD patients who are receiving no therapy, chemotherapy with curative intent, or chemotherapy with palliative intent. The guiding principle is that comprehensive assessment of risks and benefits in the relevant clinical setting is imperative.
Are populations of European earwigs, Forficula auricularia, density dependent?
Authors: Moerkens R. , Leirs H. , Peusens G. , Gobin B. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBiocontrol using naturally occurring predators is often limited by population parameters of those predators. Earwigs, Forficula auricularia L. (Dermaptera: Forficulidae), are important predators in fruit orchards. They are capable of suppressing outbreaks of pest species, such as pear psyllid and various apple aphid species. Earwigs therefore play an important role in integrated pest management in fruit orchards and are essential in organic top fruit cultures. However, earwig populations are very unstable, showing large between‐year variation in densities, which limits their practical use. Extensive knowledge of regulating processes of populations is therefore crucial for efficient orchard management. A 2‐year phenological study in several apple and pear orchards in Belgium showed a significant displacement of third instars during the second brood in relation to the presence of adults. We also observed a yearly population crash at the time of moulting into adults. This population decrease was correlated with earwig numbers at peak density. The crash occurred at lower earwig densities in apple orchards than in pear orchards. Six possible regulating mechanisms for this density‐dependent decrease are discussed: (1) migration, (2) pesticides or orchard management, (3) starvation, (4) pathogens, (5) parasites and parasitoids, and (6) predation or cannibalism. If we can identify these regulating processes, specific management activities could be developed to prevent the population crash, hereby increasing population densities in the orchards.
Simvastatin therapy in cyclosporine A‐induced alveolar bone loss in rats
Authors: Nassar P. O. , Nassar C. A. , Guimarães M. R. , Aquino S. G. , Andia D. C. , Muscara M. N. , Spolidorio D. M. P. , Rossa Jr C. , Spolidorio L. C. 
Published: December 2008

Background and Objective:  Cyclosporine A treatment is important in the therapy of a number of medical conditions; however, alveolar bone loss is an important negative side‐effect of this drug. As such, we evaluated whether concomitant administration of simvastatin would minimize cyclosporine A‐associated alveolar bone loss in rats subjected, or not, to experimental periodontal disease.Material and Methods:  Groups of 10 rats each were treated with cyclosporine A (10 mg/kg/day), simvastatin (20 mg/kg/day), cyclosporine A and simvastatin concurrently (cyclosporine A/simvastatin) or vehicle for 30 days. Four other groups of 10 rats each received a cotton ligature around the lower first molar and were treated similarly with cyclosporine A, simvastatin, cyclosporine A/simvastatin or vehicle. Calcium (Ca2+), phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase levels were evaluated in serum. Expression levels of interleukin‐1β, prostaglandin E2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase were evaluated in the gingivomucosal tissues. Bone volume and numbers of osteoblasts and osteoclasts were also analyzed.Results:  Treatment with cyclosporine A in rats, with or without ligature, was associated with bone loss, represented by a lower bone volume and an increase in the number of osteoclasts. Treatment with cyclosporine A was associated with bone resorption, whereas simvastatin treatment improved cyclosporine A‐associated alveolar bone loss in all parameters studied. In addition, simvastatin, in the presence of inflammation, can act as an anti‐inflammatory agent.Conclusion:  This study shows that simvastatin therapy leads to a reversal of the cyclosporine A‐induced bone loss, which may be mediated by downregulation of interleukin‐1β and prostaglandin E2 production.
Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha −308G/A single nucleotide polymorphism and red‐complex periodontopathogens are independently associated with increased levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α in diseased periodontal tissues
Authors: Trombone A. P. F. , Cardoso C. R. , Repeke C. E. , Ferreira Jr S. B. , Martins Jr W. , Campanelli A. P. , Avila‐Campos M. J. , Trevilatto P. C. , Silva J. S. , Garlet G. P. 
Published: December 2008

Background and Objective:  Inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor‐alpha are involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. A high between‐subject variation in the level of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha mRNA has been verified, which may be a result of genetic polymorphisms and/or the presence of periodontopathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola (called the red complex) and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. In this study, we investigated the effect of the tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNFA) −308G/A gene polymorphism and of periodontopathogens on the tumor necrosis factor‐alpha levels in the periodontal tissues of nonsmoking patients with chronic periodontitis (n = 127) and in control subjects (n = 177).Material and Methods:  The TNFA−308G/A single nucleotide polymorphism was investigated using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, whereas the tumor necrosis factor‐alpha levels and the periodontopathogen load were determined using real‐time polymerase chain reaction.Results:  No statistically significant differences were found in the frequency of the TNFA−308 single nucleotide polymorphism in control and chronic periodontitis groups, in spite of the higher frequency of the A allele in the chronic periodontitis group. The concomitant analyses of genotypes and periodontopathogens demonstrated that TNFA−308 GA/AA genotypes and the red‐complex periodontopathogens were independently associated with increased levels of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha in periodontal tissues, and no additive effect was seen when both factors were present. P. gingivalis, T. forsythia and T. denticola counts were positively correlated with the level of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha. TNFA−308 genotypes were not associated with the periodontopathogen detection odds or with the bacterial load.Conclusion:  Our results demonstrate that the TNFA−308 A allele and red‐complex periodontopathogens are independently associated with increased levels of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha in diseased tissues of nonsmoking chronic periodontitis patients and consequently are potentially involved in determining the disease outcome.
Relationship between periodontal parameters and Behçet’s disease and evaluation of different treatments for oral recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Authors: Arabaci T. , Kara C. , Çiçek Y. 
Published: December 2008

Background and Objective:  The highest prevalence of Behçet’s disease (BD) has been reported in Turkey, and therefore research of relations between BD and other disorders have become important in the Turkish population. Since oral aphthous ulcers impair tooth brushing, reducing complaints about aphthous ulcers will motivate the patient to maintain better oral hygiene performance and will thus reduce plaque accumulation and periodontal scores. The purpose of this controlled case study was to evaluate the relationship between the severity of periodontal scores and Behçet’s disease, and to compare the treatment modalities with neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser and medication on the recurrent aphthous ulcers in BD patients by considering the degree of pre‐ and post‐treatment pain, discomfort and functional complications.Material and Methods:  The periodontal status of 28 BD patients was evaluated according to periodontal indices. The BD patients were also assessed for clinical severity score as described previously. Levels of pre‐ and post‐treatment pain and functional complications were assessed at patient visits on days 1, 4 and 7.Results:  Periodontal indices, the number of oral ulcers and the daily frequency of tooth brushing were related to the severity scores of BD (p < 0.001). The results indicated that BD patients treated with the Nd:YAG laser had less post‐treatment pain and fewer functional complications and reported immediate relief of pain and faster healing (p < 0.001).Conclusion:  Our results suggest that periodontal status is worse in BD patients and is associated with disease severity; also, the Nd:YAG laser has better patient acceptance, shorter treatment time and lower rates of pain and post‐treatment adverse events among BD patients with oral recurrent aphthous stomatitis.
Fatal paraneoplastic pemphigus associated with a mediastinal tumor
Authors: Pfistershammer Katharina , Minimair Gerald , Födinger Dagmar , Czerny Martin , Zauner Christian , Pieczkowski Friederike , Stingl Georg , Karlhofer Franz M. 
Published: December 2008

SummaryParaneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) is a rare life‐threatening autoimmune bullous skin disease which is an obligate paraneoplasma. A 34‐year‐old woman presented with recalcitrant stomatitis and a generalized lichenoid rash. A diagnosis of PNP was established based on clinical findings, immunofluorescence, histopathology and biochemistry. A localized mediastinal mass was found with CT imaging and excised. The histologic diagnosis was dendritic cell sarcoma. Despite removal of tumor and immunosuppressive therapy, the PNP progressed rapidly and the patient died of septic multiorgan failure.
Early excision of congenital melanocytic nevi under tumescent anesthesia and skin expansion by intracutaneous double butterfly sutures
Authors: Rothfuß Marcus , Schilling Melany , Breuninger Helmut 
Published: December 2008

Summary Background: Excision of large congenital melanocytic nevi is recommended because of the risk of malignant transformation and for aesthetic reasons. Our treatment concept includes 1) excision in one or more steps preferably before the age of one year, 2) skin expansion through high‐tension wound closure with intracutaneous double butterfly sutures and 3) performing surgery with tumescent or general anesthesia. Patients and Methods: A retrospective survey was conducted among all parents with children treated for congenital melanocytic nevi in 2004 or 2005 with a maximum age of 6.0 years. The parents were asked to evaluate the trauma associated with their child's surgery and the aesthetic result. Results: Fifty‐nine families were contacted, of whom 51 replied. Forty‐two parents assessed surgery‐associated trauma as light or very light. Thirty‐nine parents rated the aesthetic results as good to very good. Severe complications did not occur. Conclusion: The proposed surgical concept is a safe procedure with good aesthetic results and low surgery‐associated trauma for the child.
Biological and chemical control and their combined use to control different stages of the Rhizoctonia disease complex on potato through the growing season
Authors: Wilson P.S. , Ahvenniemi P.M. , Lehtonen M.J. , Kukkonen M. , Rita H. , Valkonen J.P.T. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract Rhizoctonia solani causes stem canker and black scurf diseases on potato and negatively affects the yield in all potato‐growing areas. While seed‐borne infection can be efficiently controlled by dressing with fungicides, few means of effective control are available against soil‐borne infection. In this study, commercially available antagonistic fungi and bacteria, and the combination of antagonistic Trichoderma harzianum and seed dressing with flutolanil, were tested for their efficacy in the control of soil‐borne infection of R. solani in the field. Combined use of flutolanil and T. harzianum was found feasible because even the highest tested concentration of flutolanil [13.0 μg active ingredient (a.i.) mL−1] had little effect on the growth of T. harzianuminvitro, whereas over 100‐fold lower concentrations (0.1 μg a.i. mL−1) were sufficient to strongly inhibit the growth of R. solani (EC50 0.045 ± 0.0068 μg a.i. mL−1). The variables under focus in plants inoculated with R. solani were the relative stem lesion index; sprout/stem number; stolon number, weight and incidence of symptoms on stolons; total yield and the yield of marketable sized tubers, and incidence of black scurf on the marketable‐sized tubers. Flutolanil and its combined application with T. harzianum reduced the damage to sprouts and severity of stem canker at the early stages of growth (up to 30 days postplanting). Towards the end of the growing season, T. harzianum was required to reduce disease severity. When applied in‐furrow alone or in combination with flutolanil‐dressed seed potatoes, T. harzianum increased the proportion of marketable‐sized tubers in yield from 35% to 60% and decreased the incidence of black scurf on progeny tubers from 31% to 11%, which was not achieved using flutolanil alone. The number and weight of stolons and the yield of plants remained lower in the inoculated plants than un‐inoculated control plants regardless of the method of control used. The other two antagonists tested, Streptomyces griseoviridis and Gliocladium catenulatum, showed no consistent control of R. solani. Taken together, the results suggest that combining the application of the antagonist T. harzianum with seed dressing with flutolanil may provide the best protection of the potato crop against damage caused by R. solani throughout the growing season.
Arabidopsis sucrose non‐fermenting‐1‐related protein kinase‐1 and calcium‐dependent protein kinase phosphorylate conserved target sites in ABA response element binding proteins
Authors: Zhang Y. , Andralojc P.J. , Hey S.J. , Primavesi L.F. , Specht M. , Koehler J. , Parry M.A.J. , Halford N.G. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractEvidence is provided that plant transcription factors of the ABA response element binding protein (AREBP) class are phosphorylated by sucrose non‐fermenting‐1‐related protein kinase‐1 (SnRK1) and a calcium‐dependent protein kinase at highly conserved target sites. Two target sites for SnRK1 were identified in AREBPs using a specially developed motif search pipeline. Peptides containing the AREBP sites were phosphorylated by purified SnRK1 in vitro and by calcium‐dependent and calcium‐independent activities present in soluble protein extracted from Arabidopsis seedlings grown in liquid culture. Most (69–77%) of the calcium‐independent phosphorylation of these peptides was removed by immunoprecipitation using anti‐SnRK1 antisera, linking this activity unambiguously to SnRK1. It is possible that the protein kinase responsible for the calcium‐dependent activity was SnRK3, a protein kinase that is related to SnRK1 and which has similar requirements for target site recognition. However, the involvement of other calcium‐dependent protein kinases cannot be ruled out.
The nucleus of NGC 253 and its massive stellar clusters at parsec scales
Authors: Fernández-Ontiveros J. A. , Prieto M. A. , Acosta-Pulido J. A. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Very Large Telescope adaptive optics images of NGC 253 with resolutions down to 200 mas resolve the central 300 pc of this galaxy in ∼37 infrared (IR) bright knots, a factor of 3 larger than previously reported and extended diffuse emission. The angular resolution, comparable to that of available Very Large Array 2 cm maps, permits us a very accurate IR-radio registration. Eight radio sources are found to have an IR counterpart. The knots have Hα equivalent width of about 80 Å, sizes of ∼3 pc, magnitudes in L band of about 12 mag and relatively high extinction, AV∼ 7 mag. Their spectral energy distributions (SEDs) look very similar, characterized by a maximum at 20 μm and a gentle bump in the 1–2 μm range. These features can be well reproduced by considering an important contribution of very young stellar objects to the IR, efficiently heating their dust envelope. The evidence indicates that these are young massive clusters bursting from their dust cocoons. A median SED of the knots is provided, which may represent one of the most genuine templates of an extragalactic circumnuclear star-forming region. The lack of any optical or IR counterpart for the previously identified radio core calls into question its supposed active nucleus nature. This source may instead represent a scaled up version of Sgr A* at the Galactic Centre.
Intrinsic absorption in 3C 279 at GeV—TeV energies and consequences for estimates of the extragalactic background light
Authors: Tavecchio Fabrizio , Mazin Daniel 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
We revisit the limits of the level of the extragalactic background light (EBL) recently reported by the MAGIC collaboration based on the observed γ-ray spectrum of the quasar 3C 279, considering the impact of absorption of high-energy γ-ray photons inside the broad-line region (BLR) of the quasar. We use the photoionization code cloudy to calculate the expected optical–ultraviolet radiation field inside the BLR and the optical depth for a relatively extended set of the parameters. We found that the absorption of γ-ray photons, though important for the estimate of the true radiative output of the source, does not produce an important hardening of the spectrum of 3C 279 in the energy band accessible by MAGIC, supporting the method used to infer the upper limits to the level of the EBL.
The complex polarization angles of radio pulsars: orthogonal jumps and interstellar scattering
Authors: Karastergiou A. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Despite some success in explaining the observed polarization angle swing of radio pulsars within the geometric rotating vector model, many deviations from the expected S-like swing are observed. In this Letter, we provide a simple and credible explanation of these variations based on a combination of the rotating vector model, intrinsic orthogonally polarized propagation modes within the pulsar magnetosphere and the effects of interstellar scattering. We use simulations to explore the range of phenomena that may arise from this combination, and briefly discuss the possibilities of determining the parameters of scattering in an effort to understand the intrinsic pulsar polarization.
Wide Field CAMera survey of M31 globular clusters: low-mass X-ray binaries
Authors: Peacock Mark B. , Maccarone Thomas J. , Waters Christopher Z. , Kundu Arunav , Zepf Stephen E. , Knigge Christian , Zurek David R. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
We investigate the relationship between low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) and globular clusters (GCs) using United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT) observations of M31 and existing Chandra, XMM–Newton and ROSAT catalogues. By fitting King models to these data, we have estimated the structural parameters and stellar collision rates of 239 of its GCs. We show a highly significant trend between the presence of a LMXB and the stellar collision rate of a cluster. The stellar collision rate is found to be a stronger predictor of which clusters will host LMXBs than the host cluster mass. We argue that our results show that the stellar collision rate of the clusters is the fundamental parameter related to the production LMXBs. This is consistent with the formation of LMXBs through dynamical interactions with little direct dependence on the neutron star retention fraction or cluster mass.
A Competitive European Agriculture Designed for the Citizens – Romania’s Perspective Une agriculture européenne compétitive au service des citoyens : La perspective de la Roumanie Eine an die Bedürfnisse der Bürger angepasste, wettbewerbsfähige Europäische Landwirtschaft – die Perspektive Rumäniens
Authors: Cioloş Dacian 
Published: December 2008

SummaryA Competitive European Agriculture Designed for the Citizens – Romania’s PerspectiveIn the coming months and years the European Union has to make fundamental choices for the future of agriculture, food, landscape and quality of life within its whole territory. These choices have now to be made for 27 Member States, which together give a new configuration to the Community. Poland and Romania together now represent nearly half of the total active population involved in EU agriculture. European agriculture has to be multifunctional, competitive not only for the market but also for citizens, as an economic activity that uses and manages renewable resources of public interest. Higher competitiveness inevitably leads to restructuring and modernisation of the agro‐food sector in the New Member States. This must be achieved gradually to avoid a negative social impact, through a rural development policy supporting job creation outside agriculture. Romanian agriculture employs about 30 per cent of the country’s active population and half of the country’s population live in rural areas. Romania, therefore, aims to preserve a substantial CAP budget to promote investment in agriculture and quality of life in rural areas. It is in the interest of the whole EU to ensure not just proper use of the productive potential of Romanian agriculture but also economic development of the Romanian countryside.