bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climatic effects on arrival and laying dates in a long‐distance migrant, the Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis
Authors: WEIDINGER KAREL , KRÁL MIROSLAV 
Published: June 2007

Long‐distance migrants may respond to climate change in breeding, wintering or staging area by changing their phenology. The geographical variation in such responses (e.g. coastal vs. continental Europe) and the relative importance of climate at different spatial scales remain unclear. Here we analysed variation in first arrival dates (FADs) and laying dates of the Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis in a central European population, from 1973 to 2002. The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index correlated weakly with local temperature during the laying period. Decreasing spring temperatures until 1980 were associated with a trend towards later laying. The rate of warming (0.2 °C per year) and laying advancement (0.4 days per year) since 1980 are amongst the highest values reported elsewhere. This long‐term trend in laying date was largely explained by the change in climatic factors. The negative effect of local spring temperature on laying was relatively stronger than that of NAO. The number of clutches initiated on a particular day was marginally affected by the temperature 3 days prior to laying and the response of females to daily variation in temperature did not change over years. Correspondence between the average population‐level and the individual‐level responses of laying date to climate variation suggests that the advancement of laying was due to phenotypic plasticity. Despite warmer springs and advanced laying, FADs did not change over years and were not correlated with local spring temperature. Marginal evidence suggests later departure from wintering grounds and faster migration across staging areas in warmer conditions. Advancement of arrival was probably constrained by low local temperatures in early spring just before arrival that have not changed over years. The interval between first arrival and laying has declined since 1980 (0.5 days per year), but the increasing temperature during that period may have kept the food supply approximately unchanged.
Primeval conditions – what can we learn from them?
Authors: WESOŁOWSKI TOMASZ 
Published: June 2007

In this paper I argue that prehistoric British forests and their avifauna were similar to those persisting in a near‐primeval condition in the Białowieża Forest (Polish/Belarussian border). Therefore, observations in the Białowieża Forest may serve as a baseline against which effects of changes in the British woods can be assessed. The results of long‐term (30 years) studies of the breeding birds in the Białowieża National Park are summarized. They reveal that the local avifauna shows some features (high species richness, low population densities, high nest predation and low production of young) regarded as typical for undisturbed tropical forests. It is proposed that high productivity, high population densities and sedentary habits found in many British populations are to a large extent a recent phenomenon, due to forest fragmentation, reduction of predator diversity and changes in forest structure. The necessity to preserve the whole Białowieża Forest – currently seriously threatened by ongoing logging – as a benchmark for future biological studies is underlined.
Using Performance Data to Identify Preferred Hospitals
Authors: Rosenthal Meredith B. , Landrum Mary Beth , Meara Ellen , Huskamp Haiden A. , Conti Rena M. , Keating Nancy L. 
Published: June 2007

Objective. To explore the implications of current approaches used by health plans and purchasers to identify preferred hospitals for tiered networks using cost and quality information.Data Sources/Study Setting. 2002 secondary data from WebMD Quality Services on hospital quality and costs in five markets (Boston, Miami, Phoenix, Seattle, and Syracuse).Study Design. We compared four alternative tiering strategies that combine information on quality and cost to designate “preferred” (defined as ranking in the top quartile) hospitals. Within each market we identified the sets of hospitals designated preferred according to each strategy and examined the overlap in these sets across strategies.Principal Findings. Compared with identifying preferred hospitals based on quality scores only, we found little overlap with the sets of hospitals that would be preferred based on cost scores only, cost scores after applying minimal quality standards, and an equally weighted quality and cost measure. The last two approaches, commonly used and intuitively appealing strategies to identify high‐value hospitals, led to substantially different results.Conclusions. The lack of agreement among alternative strategies to combine cost and quality data for ranking hospitals suggests the need for clear prioritization by payers and the application of more rigorous methods to identify high‐value hospitals.
Reviews: Recognition, Treatment, and Prevention of Propylene Glycol Toxicity
Authors: Zar Tausif , Graeber Charles , Perazella Mark A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractPropylene glycol is a commonly used solvent for oral, intravenous, and topical pharmaceutical preparations. Although it is considered safe, large intravenous doses given over a short period of time can be toxic. Underlying renal insufficiency and hepatic dysfunction raise risk for toxicity. Toxic effects include hyperosmolality, increased anion gap metabolic acidosis (due to lactic acidosis), acute kidney injury, and sepsis‐like syndrome. Treatment of toxicity includes hemodialysis to effectively remove propylene glycol. Prevention is best achieved by limiting the dose of propylene glycol infused.
Familial Clustering of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Satko Scott G. , Sedor John R. , Iyengar Sudha K. , Freedman Barry I. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe incidence and prevalence rates of most forms of chronic kidney disease (CKD) had steadily been increasing for the past 30 years, although these rates now appear to have reached a plateau. It is clear that an individual’s likelihood of developing progressive CKD results from complex interactions between multiple genetic and environmental factors. Familial clustering of CKD and end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) is observed among all the common etiologies of nephropathy. This article reviews the epidemiology of the familial clustering of kidney disease, as well as potential environmental and genetic contributors. The related impact of familial clustering of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the impact of CVD on the current epidemic of ESRD is also discussed. It is imperative that nephrologists and primary care physicians recognize that individuals who have relatives with advanced nephropathy are themselves at high risk for subsequent kidney disease, proteinuria, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular complications. Until kidney failure genes are identified, it is reasonable to use “family history” (FH) as a surrogate marker for risk of future nephropathy. The detection of kidney disease genes holds great promise for detecting novel pathways that initiate renal fibrosis and lead to progressive loss of renal function. These pathways are likely to offer new therapies that may slow or halt development of chronic kidney failure.
Fluid Mechanics and Clinical Success of Central Venous Catheters for Dialysis—Answers to Simple but Persisting Problems
Authors: Ash Stephen R. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractOver 60% of patients initiating chronic hemodialysis in the United States have a chronic central venous catheter (CVC) as their first blood access device. Although it would be better if these patients started dialysis with fistulas, the CVC is used because it is a reliable and relatively safe method for obtaining blood access over a period of months. Drawing blood from a vein at 300–400 ml/minute is a relatively delicate and somewhat unpredictable process, and there is always a tendency for the vein wall to draw over the arterial tip and obstruct flow. Several methods have been employed to minimize this problem and maximize blood flow, and differing catheter designs have resulted. With all of the different catheter designs now on the market, it is natural to ask what is the logic of different designs. Moreover, in the absence of many direct comparative studies it is natural to ask whether one design is really better than another. There is some misinformation regarding catheter design and function. The following is a list of 10 frequently asked questions In this review, the hydraulic features of CVC are discussed and explained, and logical answers are provided for the following questions: 1. Why do ‘‘D’’ catheters flow better than concentric or side by side catheters? 2. Why are all catheters about the same diameter? Does making them bigger really decrease the resistance to flow? 3. Why might a split tip catheter flow better than a solid body catheter? 4. What happens to injections of lock solution at catheter volume? 5. What’s better—numerous side holes or none? 6. Why does blood rise into some internal jugular catheters over time, displacing the lock solution? 7. How can a little kink (or stenosis) decrease flow so much? 8. Where should the tips be placed—superior vena cava or right atrium? 9. Which is really better, splitsheath or over‐the‐wire placement? 10. Which dialysis access has a lower complication rate—CVC or arteriovenous (AV) graft?There remain important problems with CVC for dialysis. With a few more improvements, chronic CVC for dialysis could become a painless, effective and safe long‐term access for the majority of dialysis patients and acceptable as an alternative to AV grafts.
Effect of Carbon Dioxide on Calcitonin Gene‐Related Peptide Secretion From Trigeminal Neurons
Authors: Vause Carrie , Bowen Elizabeth , Spierings Egilius , Durham Paul 
Published: June 2007

Objective.— The goal of this study was to determine whether the physiological effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) involve regulation of CGRP secretion from trigeminal sensory neurons.Background.— The neuropeptide calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) is implicated in the pathophysiology of allergic rhinosinusitis and migraine. Recent clinical evidence supports the use of noninhaled intranasal delivery of 100% CO2 for treatment of these diseases. Patients report 2 distinct physiological events: first, a short duration stinging or burning sensation within the nasal mucosa, and second, alleviation of primary symptoms.Methods.— Primary cultures of rat trigeminal ganglia were utilized to investigate the effects of CO2 on CGRP release stimulated by a depolarizing stimulus (KCl), capsaicin, nitric oxide, and/or protons. The amount of CGRP secreted into the culture media was determined using a CGRP‐specific radioimmunoassay. Intracellular pH and calcium levels were measured in cultured trigeminal neurons in response to CO2 and stimulatory agents using fluorescent imaging techniques.Results.— Incubation of primary trigeminal ganglia cultures at pH 6.0 or 5.5 was shown to significantly stimulate CGRP release. Similarly, CO2 treatment of cultures caused a time‐dependent acidification of the media, achieving pH values of 5.5‐6 that stimulated CGRP secretion. In addition, KCl, capsaicin, and a nitric oxide donor also caused a significant increase in CGRP release. Interestingly, CO2 treatment of cultures under isohydric conditions, which prevents extracellular acidification while allowing changes in PCO2 values, significantly repressed the stimulatory effects of KCl, capsaicin, and nitric oxide on CGRP secretion. We found that CO2 treatment under isohydric conditions resulted in a decrease in intracellular pH and inhibition of the KCl‐ and capsaicin‐mediated increases in intracellular calcium.Conclusions.— Results from this study provide the first evidence of a unique regulatory mechanism by which CO2 inhibits sensory nerve activation, and subsequent neuropeptide release. Furthermore, the observed inhibitory effect of CO2 on CGRP secretion likely involves modulation of calcium channel activity and changes in intracellular pH.
Brainstem Dysfunction in Chronic Migraine as Evidenced by Neurophysiological and Positron Emission Tomography Studies*
Authors: Aurora Sheena K. , Barrodale Patricia M. , Tipton Reda L. , Khodavirdi Ani 
Published: June 2007

Background.—The pathophysiology of chronic migraine (CM) is not fully understood. We aimed to examine transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) indices of cortical excitability in patients with CM and also performed PET studies to ascertain if there were any areas of activation and inhibition for possible correlation.Methods.—Excitability of the cortex was assessed by a reliable parameter of magnetic suppression of perceptual accuracy (MSPA) profiles using transcranial magnetic stimulation in 25 patients with CM. Of these 10 patients were also studied with (18F‐FDG PET) scans.Results.—MSPA demonstrated decreased inhibition in CM compared to normal controls and episodic migraine. The percentage of letters reported correct at 100 ms was 84.37 for CM compared to 19.14 for normal controls and 57.41 for episodic migraine. The PET evaluation in 10 subjects demonstrated increased cerebral metabolism in areas of in the brainstem compared to the global flow. There were also decreased areas of cerebral metabolism in the medial frontal and parietal as well as the somatosensory cortex.Conclusions.—Patients with CM appear to be characterized by reduced visual suppression correlating with high cortical excitability. In a cohort of these subjects there was brainstem activation and inhibition in certain areas of the cortex suggesting a potential dysfunction in the inhibitory pathways.
Changes in Everyday Function in Individuals with Psychometrically Defined Mild Cognitive Impairment in the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly Study
Authors: Wadley Virginia G. , Crowe Michael , Marsiske Michael , Cook Sarah E. , Unverzagt Frederick W. , Rosenberg Adrienne L. , Rexroth Daniel 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVES: To examine trajectories of change in everyday function for individuals with cognitive deficits suggestive of mild cognitive impairment (MCI).DESIGN: Using data from the longitudinal, multisite Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly Study allowed for post hoc classification of MCI status at baseline using psychometric definitions for amnestic MCI, nonamnestic MCI, multidomain MCI, and no MCI.SETTING: Six U.S. cities.PARTICIPANTS: Two thousand eight hundred thirty‐two volunteers (mean age 74; 26% African American) living independently, recruited from senior housing, community centers, hospitals, and clinics.MEASUREMENTS: Mixed‐effect models examined changes in self‐reported activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) from the Minimum Data Set Home Care Interview in 2,358 participants over a 3‐year period.RESULTS: In models for IADL performance, IADL difficulty, and a daily functioning composite, there was a significant time by MCI classification interaction for each MCI subtype, indicating that all MCI groups showed faster rates of decline in everyday function than cognitively normal participants with no MCI.CONCLUSION: Results demonstrate the importance of MCI as a clinical entity that not only predicts progression to dementia, but also predicts functional declines in activities that are key to autonomy and quality of life. MCI classification guidelines should allow for functional changes in MCI, and clinicians should monitor for such changes. Preservation of function may serve as a meaningful outcome for intervention efforts.
Patient Perceptions Regarding Electronic Prescriptions: Is the Geriatric Patient Ready?
Authors: Lapane Kate L. , Dubé Catherine , Schneider Karen L. , Quilliam Brian J. 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the extent to which electronic prescribing (e‐prescribing) alters communication about medication use between geriatric patients and their clinicians, as well as geriatric patients' perceptions regarding e‐prescribing.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional.SETTING: Thirty‐five physician practices in six states using e‐prescribing.PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of patients (n=244) aged 65 and older.MEASUREMENTS: Patient perceptions regarding discussions with their doctors regarding medication costs, adherence, and potential side effects, as well as expectations about and satisfaction with e‐prescribing collected on a voluntary survey.RESULTS: Of patients at e‐prescribing practices, 53% reported ever receiving e‐prescriptions. Patients who reported having e‐prescriptions were more likely to feel favorably toward the electronic method, whereas most of those who reported never receiving e‐prescriptions preferred paper prescriptions. Patients reporting use of e‐prescriptions were somewhat more likely to have adherence discussions often or most of the time than patients who had not used e‐prescriptions. Regardless of e‐prescribing experience, few patients reported that they would tell their physicians if they did not want a drug or did not plan to pick up the drug from the pharmacy.CONCLUSION: E‐prescribing technology solutions may provide opportunities for earlier and enhanced communication between geriatric patients and their clinicians; geriatric patients may require more education to appreciate the value of e‐prescribing.
Caring for Patients with Dementia: How Good Is the Quality of Care? Results from Three Health Systems
Authors: Chodosh Joshua , Mittman Brian S. , Connor Karen I. , Vassar Stefanie D. , Lee Martin L. , DeMonte Robert W. , Ganiats Theodore G. , Heikoff Lisa E. , Rubenstein Laurence Z. , Della Penna Richard D. , Vickrey Barbara G. 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVES: To describe the quality of dementia care within one U.S. metropolitan area and to investigate associations between variations in quality and patient, caregiver, and health system characteristics.DESIGN: Observational, cross‐sectional.SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred eighty‐seven patient–caregiver pairs from three healthcare organizationsMEASUREMENTS: Using caregiver surveys and medical record abstraction to assess 18 dementia care processes drawn from existing guidelines, the proportion adherent to each care process was calculated, as well as mean percentages of adherence aggregated within four care dimensions: assessment (6 processes), treatment (6 processes), education and support (3 processes), and safety (3 processes). For each dimension, associations between adherence and patient, caregiver, and health system characteristics were investigated using multivariable models.RESULTS: Adherence ranged from 9% to 79% for the 18 individual care processes; 11 processes had less than 40% adherence. Mean percentage adherence across the four care dimensions was 37% for assessment, 33% for treatment, 52% for education and support, and 21% for safety. Higher comorbidity was associated with greater adherence across all four dimensions, whereas greater caregiver knowledge (in particular, one item) was associated with higher care quality in three of four care dimensions. For selected dimensions, greater adherence was also associated with greater dementia severity and with more geriatrics or neurologist visits.CONCLUSION: In general, dementia care quality has considerable room for improvement. Although greater comorbidity and dementia severity were associated with better quality, caregiver knowledge was the most consistent caregiver characteristic associated with better adherence. These findings offer opportunities for targeting low quality and suggest potential focused interventions.
Systematic sequence analysis of the human fucosyltransferase 2 (FUT2) gene identifies novel sequence variations and alleles
Authors: Yip Shea Ping , Lai Siu Kin , Wong Maria L. 
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND: The FUT2 gene regulates the expression of ABH antigens in body secretions and hence controls the secretor status. It is highly polymorphic.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Healthy Chinese (n = 79) and Caucasian (n = 20) subjects were recruited for this study. Lewis blood group and secretor status were determined. The entire FUT2 coding region was amplified and screened for sequence variations by single‐strand conformation polymorphism analysis under four different conditions to ensure comprehensive detection, and representative samples with distinct banding patterns were characterized by DNA sequencing. The haplotypes of novel alleles were determined by sequencing of cloned inserts.RESULTS: Seventeen single‐nucleotide polymorphisms and one 3‐base duplicating insertion were identified. Six novel FUT2 alleles each found in a heterozygous individual were defined by six novel sequence variations: 210A>G (T70T), 380G>A (R127H), 572G>A (R191Q), 748_750dupGTG (V250dup), 853G>A (A285T), and 855A>C (A285A). The three most common alleles were Se, Se357, and Se357,385 in Chinese persons (total frequency, 94%) and se428, Se357, and Se in Caucasian persons (total frequency, 85%). The FUT2 genotypes correlated with Lewis phenotypes and secretor status.CONCLUSION: This study identified 18 sequence variations in the FUT2 gene, and 6 were novel. The frequencies of alleles and genotypes were also determined in Chinese and Caucasian persons.
Blood use in elective surgery: the Austrian benchmark study
Authors: Gombotz Hans , Rehak Peter H. , Shander Aryeh , Hofmann Axel 
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND: Benchmarking transfusion activity may help to eliminate inappropriate use of blood products. The goal of this study was to measure and to compare the current transfusion practice and to identify predictors of transfusion in public hospitals to develop strategies to optimize transfusion practices.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a prospective observational study in 18 randomly selected public hospitals from April 2004 to February 2005. Primary outcome measures were the amount of intra‐ and postoperative blood components transfused and intercenter variability of transfusion rate. Secondary outcome measures were prevalence of preoperative anemia, calculated perioperative blood loss, and lowest measured perioperative hemoglobin (Hb) level.RESULTS: Adult patients undergoing primary unilateral total hip replacement (THR, n = 1401), primary unilateral knee replacement (TKR, n = 1296), hemicolectomy (HECOC, n = 148), and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery (n = 777) were enrolled. Due to the small number, data of HECOC patients were not fully analyzed. In the remaining procedures, there was a large intercenter variability in the percentage of patients who received transfusions: THR 16 to 85 percent, TKR 12 to 87 percent, and CABG 37 to 63 percent. In the patients who received transfusions, the number of red blood cells (RBC) units transfused varied significantly. There was also a considerable intercenter variability in RBC loss. The prevalence of preoperative anemia was 19 percent and identical in both sexes. The incidence of preoperative anemia was three times higher in patients who received transfusions compared to those who did not.CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a high intercenter variability in RBC transfusions and RBC loss in standard surgical procedures. Whereas the variability in blood loss remains largely unexplained, the main predictors for allogeneic RBC transfusions are preoperative and nadir Hb and surgical RBC loss.