bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rational antibiotic use in China: lessons learnt through introducing surgeons to Australian guidelines
Authors: Zhang Yan , Harvey Ken 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
World-wide concern about increasing antibiotic resistance has focused attention on strategies to improve antibiotic use. This research adapted Australian best-practice guidelines on the prophylactic use of antibiotics in surgery to a Beijing teaching hospital and then used them as a quality assessment and improvement tool, supplemented by educational interventions. Qualitative data about factors influencing antibiotic use was also obtained.

Methods
Australian and international guideline materials were amalgamated with the help of Chinese experts. Antibiotics prescribed for surgical prophylaxis in 60 consecutive patients undergoing clean or clean-contaminated surgery (120 total) were then compared with guideline recommendations in three phases; a pre-intervention period from June to August, 2002, an intervention period from June to August 2003 and post-intervention period from September to November 2003. During the intervention phase, feedback about prescriptions not in accord with the guideline was discussed with around 25 prescribers every two weeks. In addition, local factors influencing antibiotic use were explored with 13 junior surgeons and 8 high level informants.

Results
While agreement was reached on the principles of antibiotic surgical prophylaxis there was no consensus on detail. Of 180 patients undergoing clean surgery throughout all phases of the study, antibiotic prophylaxis was administered to 78% compared to 98% of the 180 patients undergoing clean-contaminated surgery. Second and third generation cephalosporin antibiotics predominated in both low-risk clean and clean-contaminated operations. The timing of prophylaxis was correct in virtually all patients. The duration of prophylaxis was less than 24 hours in 96% of patients undergoing clean surgery compared to only 62% of patients undergoing clean-contaminated surgery. The intervention produced no improvement in the duration of prophylaxis nor the overuse and inappropriate choice of unnecessary broad-spectrum and expensive drugs. Interviews and focus groups revealed that an important explanation for the latter problem was Chinese government policy which expected hospitals to support themselves largely through the sale of drugs.

Conclusion
Improving antibiotic use in China will require hospital funding reform, more authoritative best-practice guidelines, and hospital authorities embracing quality improvement.
Self-assembly of a Surfactant-encapsulated Polyoxometalate Mediated by Coordination of Metal Ions
Authors: Zhang Hui , Li Haolong , Li Wen , Wu Lixin 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
The introduction of functional 4-(4-pyridylvinylene)phenyl group into surfactant encapsulated polyoxometalate complex (SEC) can form a terminal-group-modified organic/inorganic hybrid complex, SEC-1. This complex, which acts as basic building blocks, can aggregate into size controlled nanoensembles mediated by the addition and coordination of metal ions (ZnCl2) in organic phase.
Non-catalytic Anti-Markovnikov Phenol Alkylation with Supercritical Water
Authors: Sato Takafumi , Ishiyama Yasuyoshi , Itoh Naotsugu 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
The anti-Markovnikov alkylation of phenol with tert-butyl alcohol could be achieved without catalyst in supercritical water at 673 K. The dehydration of tert-butyl alcohol gave isobutene and was followed by the reaction with phenol to form 2-isobutylphenol as an anti-Markovnikov product, 2-tert-butylphenol and 4-tert-butylphenol. The hydroxy group probably participated in the anti-Markovnikov alkylation and the increase in water density enhanced the formation of 2-isobutylphenol as well as 4-tert-butylphenol.
Paricalcitol [19-Nor-1,25-(OH)2D2] in the Treatment of Experimental Renal Bone Disease
Authors: Jokihaara Jarkko , Pörsti Ilkka , Pajamäki Ilari , Vuohelainen Tuomo , Jolma Pasi , Kööbi Peeter , Kalliovalkama Jarkko , Niemelä Onni , Kannus Pekka , Sievänen Harri , Järvinen Teppo LN 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Paricalcitol is a less hypercalcemic vitamin D analog that has been shown to suppress secondary hyperparathyroidism and to prevent the associated histomorphometric changes in bone. In this study, we show that paricalcitol also ameliorates the renal insufficiency-induced loss of bone mineral and the mechanical competence of bone.
Introduction: Renal bone disease is a common consequence of chronic renal insufficiency and the associated secondary hyperparathyroidism (SH). Paricalcitol [19-nor-1,25(OH)2D2] has been shown to ameliorate SH and prevent renal failure–induced histomorphometric changes in bone with minimal calcemic and phosphatemic activity. However, information about its efficacy on restoration of bone structural strength is lacking. In this study, we explored the effects of paricalcitol treatment on bone structure and strength in a model of advanced renal disease.
Materials and Methods: Forty-five 8-week-old rats were randomly assigned to either surgical 5/6 nephrectomy (NTX) or Sham-operation. After a 15-week postoperative disease progression period, the NTX rats were further allocated to uremic control (NTX) and treatment (NTX + paricalcitol) groups, the latter of which received paricalcitol for the subsequent 12 weeks. After 27 weeks, the animals were killed, plasma samples were collected, and both femora were excised for comprehensive analysis of the femoral neck and midshaft (pQCT and biomechanical testing).
Results: High mortality that exceeded 30% was observed in both NTX groups. NTX induced over a 13-fold increase in plasma PTH, whereas this increase was only 5-fold after paricalcitol treatment. At the femoral neck, NTX was associated with an 8.1% decrease (p &lt; 0.05) in vBMD and a 16% decrease in breaking load (p &lt; 0.05) compared with the Sham group, whereas paricalcitol treatment completely prevented these changes. At the femoral midshaft, the NTX resulted in a 6.6% decrease in cortical BMD (p &lt; 0.01 versus Sham), and this change was also prevented by paricalcitol.
Conclusions: Paricalcitol administration prevented renal insufficiency-associated decreases in BMD in the femoral neck and the femoral midshaft and restored bone strength in the femoral neck. Therefore, paricalcitol can efficiently ameliorate renal insufficiency-induced loss of bone mineral and mechanical competence of bone.
VEGF Scaffolds Enhance Angiogenesis and Bone Regeneration in Irradiated Osseous Defects
Authors: Kaigler Darnell , Wang Zhuo , Horger Kim , Mooney David J , Krebsbach Paul H 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Bone regeneration is challenging in sites where the blood supply has been compromised by radiation. We examined the potential of a growth factor (VEGF) delivery system to enhance angiogenesis and bone formation in irradiated calvarial defects. VEGF-releasing polymers significantly increased blood vessel density and vascular perfusion in irradiated defects and increased bone formation relative to control conditions.
Introduction: Radiation therapy causes damage to tissues and inhibits its regenerative capacity. Tissue injury from radiation is in large part caused by a compromised vascular supply and reduced perfusion of tissues. The aim of this study was to determine if delivery of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) from a biodegradable PLGA (copolymer of d,l-lactide and glycolide) scaffold could enhance neovascularization and bone regeneration in irradiated osseous defects.
Materials and Methods: An isolated area of the calvarium of Fisher rats was irradiated (12 Gy) 2 weeks preoperatively, and two 3.5-mm osseous defects were created in this area, followed by the placement of PLGA scaffolds or VEGF scaffolds (PLGA scaffolds with incorporated VEGF) into the defects. Laser Doppler perfusion imaging was performed to measure perfusion of these areas at 1, 2, and 6 weeks. Implants were retrieved at 2, 6, and 12 weeks, and histologic and μCT analyses were performed to determine neovascularization and bone regeneration.
Results: Histological analyses revealed statistically significant increases in blood vessel formation (&gt;2-fold) and function (30%) within the VEGF scaffolds compared with PLGA scaffolds. Additionally, evaluation of bone regeneration through bone histomorphometric and μCT analyses revealed significantly greater bone coverage (26.36 ± 6.91% versus 7.05 ± 2.09% [SD]) and increased BMD (130.80 ± 58.05 versus 71.28 ± 42.94 mg/cm3) in VEGF scaffolds compared with PLGA scaffolds.
Conclusions: Our findings show that VEGF scaffolds have the ability to enhance neovascularization and bone regeneration in irradiated osseous defects, outlining a novel approach for engineering tissues in hypovascular environments.
Ubiquitin Ligase Cbl-b Downregulates Bone Formation Through Suppression of IGF-I Signaling in Osteoblasts During Denervation
Authors: Suzue Naoto , Nikawa Takeshi , Onishi Yuko , Yamada Chiharu , Hirasaka Katsuya , Ogawa Takayuki , Furochi Harumi , Kosaka Hirofumi , Ishidoh Kazumi , Gu Hua , Takeda Shin'ichi , Ishimaru Naozumi , Hayashi Yoshio , Yamamoto Hironori , Kishi Kyoichi , Yasui Natsuo 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Unloading can prevent bone formation by osteoblasts. To study this mechanism, we focused on a ubiquitin ligase, Cbl-b, which was highly expressed in osteoblastic cells during denervation. Our results suggest that Cbl-b may mediate denervation-induced osteopenia by inhibiting IGF-I signaling in osteoblasts.
Introduction: Unloading, such as denervation (sciatic neurectomy) and spaceflight, suppresses bone formation by osteoblasts, leading to osteopenia. The resistance of osteoblasts to growth factors contributes to such unloading-mediated osteopenia. However, a detailed mechanism of this resistance is unknown. We first found that a RING-type ubiquitin ligase, Cbl-b, was highly expressed in osteoblastic cells after sciatic neurectomy in mice. In this study, we reasoned that Cbl-b played an important role in the resistance of osteoblasts to IGF-I.
Materials and Methods: Cbl-b–deficient (Cbl-b–/–) or wildtype (Cbl-b+/+) mice were subjected to sciatic neurectomy. Bone formation in these mice was assessed by calcein labeling and histomorphometric analyses. We examined IGF-I signaling molecules in femora of these mice by Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses. We also examined the mitogenic response of Cbl-b–overexpressing or –deficient osteoblastic cells to various growth factors.
Results: In Cbl-b+/+ mice, denervation decreased femur mass and bone formation, whereas it increased the expression of Cbl-b protein in osteoprogenitor cells and in osteocalcin-positive cells (osteoblastic cells) in hindlimb bone. In contrast, in Cbl-b−/− mice, bone mass and bone formation were sustained during denervation. Denervation inhibited the mitogenic response of osteoprogenitor cells most significantly to IGF-I. Therefore, we focused on Cbl-b–mediated modification of IGF-I signaling. Denervation decreased the amounts of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), phosphatidly inositol 3-phosphate kinase (PI3K), and Akt-1 proteins in femora of Cbl-b+/+ mice, whereas the amounts of these IGF-I signaling molecules in femora of Cbl-b–/– mice were constant after denervation. On a cellular level, primary osteoblastic cells from Cbl-b–/– mice were more stimulated to proliferate by IGF-I treatment compared with those from Cbl-b+/+ mice. Furthermore, overexpression of Cbl-b increased ubiquitination and degradation of IRS-1 in primary Cbl-b–/– osteoblastic cells, leading to their impaired mitogenic response to IGF-I.
Conclusions: These results suggest that Cbl-b induces resistance of osteoblasts to IGF-I during denervation by increasing IRS-1 degradation and that Cbl-b–mediated modification of IGF-I signaling may contribute to decreased bone formation during denervation.
Ghrelin and Bone: Is There an Association in Older Adults?: The Rancho Bernardo Study
Authors: Weiss Lauren A , Langenberg Claudia , Barrett-Connor Elizabeth 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Laboratory studies suggest that ghrelin is involved in bone metabolism, but studies of ghrelin and bone in humans are limited. We studied sex-specific associations of ghrelin with BMD, NTX, and bone loss. Ghrelin was not associated with BMD or bone loss in either sex. There was a significant inverse association with NTX in men but not in women.
Introduction: Ghrelin is a gastric hormone recently shown to be associated with bone metabolism in animal and in vitro studies. Studies in humans are limited. We investigated the association of ghrelin with BMD, the bone resorption marker N-telopeptide (NTX), and bone loss in older men and women.
Materials and Methods: Participants were 977 community-dwelling men and non–estrogen-using postmenopausal women, 50–91 years of age. Plasma ghrelin was measured by radioimmunoassay from blood obtained between 1984 and 1987. Between 1988 and 1991, BMD was measured at the midshaft radius by single photon absorptiometry and at the femoral neck, total hip, and lumbar spine by DXA. Axial BMD measurements were repeated an average of 4 years later in 544 participants. Bone turnover was assessed by NTX in urine obtained at the same time as the initial BMD. Multiple regression analyses were used to test sex-specific associations of ghrelin with BMD, NTX, and bone loss in both sexes.
Results: No significant ghrelin–BMD or ghrelin–bone loss associations were observed in either sex, after adjusting for age and body mass index (BMI). Ghrelin was inversely associated with NTX in men and positively associated with NTX in women, independent of age. After adjusting for both age and BMI, this association reached statistical significance in men and was weakened in women.
Conclusions: Ghrelin may be associated with bone turnover, but there is no evidence for an association with BMD or short-term change in BMD in older adults.
Capturing the attention of readers? Stylistic and psychological perspectives on the use and effect of text fragmentation in narratives
Authors: Emmott Catherine , Sanford Anthony J , Morrow Lorna I 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
This article brings together researchers from Stylistics and Psychology to study whether text fragmentation, which appears often to be used by writers as a foregrounding device
(Mukařovský 1964), is able to capture the attention of readers of narratives. We examine two types of text fragmentation: sentence fragments and mini-paragraphs. Firstly, we study the stylistic functions of fragmentation, including its cumulative use at plot crucial moments and its use for local rhetorical purposes. We then turn to psychological research on depth of processing
(e.g. Sanford and Sturt 2002) and introduce a new method of testing, the text change detection method (Sturt at al. 2004). We report an experiment using this method to examine whether text fragments and very short sentences can increase the amount of detail that readers notice in a text, and then discuss the results in relation to potential applications. The work provides both a case study of the empirical analysis of foregrounding devices, and also, more generally, a case study of inter-disciplinary research across the Humanities and Social Sciences.
Performance of Endangered Bonytails Fed Four Commercial Diets
Authors: Henne James P , Romero Matthew M , Martinez Teresa V , Fillmore Brian M , Gannam Ann L , Carmichael Gary J 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
The bonytail Gila elegans is a critically endangered cyprinid that is endemic to the southwestern United States, where it is cultured in ponds and water reuse systems as part of recovery efforts. Unlike in extensive outdoor pond culture, where natural food productivity plays a primary nutritional role, manufactured feed must provide complete nourishment for fish reared indoors in recirculating systems. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of diet on the growth and survival of juvenile bonytails fed four commercially available feeds over a 120-d period. The four treatment diets were identified as a catfish diet, a trout diet, a high-protein shrimp diet, and a low-protein shrimp diet. Significant (P &lt; 0.05) differences in growth among treatments were observed on sampling day 102. By day 120, the average weight of fish fed the high-protein shrimp diet (36.3 g) was significantly higher than the weights of fish fed the catfish (26.6 g), trout (24.7 g), and low-protein shrimp diets (24.2 g). The specific growth rates measured on days 102 and 120 were significantly greater for bonytails fed the high-protein shrimp diet than for fish fed the other treatments. The feed conversion ratio of fish fed the high-protein shrimp diet was significantly better than those of fish fed the trout and low-protein shrimp diets, while the protein efficiency ratio and apparent net protein retention were generally higher in the high- and low-protein shrimp diet treatment groups than in the other two treatment groups. Overall survival was high (93.5%) and did not differ significantly among treatment groups (P ≥ 0.05) through 120 d.
Evaluation of Six Feeding Regimens for Survival and Growth of Shortnose Sturgeon Fry
Authors: Ware Kent M , Henne James P , Hickson Brian H , Charlesworth Kevin 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
The shortnose sturgeon Acipenser brevirostrum is a federally listed endangered fish species cultured for recovery efforts. Since high mortality and labor costs are associated with first-feeding sturgeon culture, particularly during the period of dietary conversion from live to formulated feed, we investigated the effects of six feeding regimens on the survival and growth of cultured shortnose sturgeon fry. During the 30-d trial, five replicate groups (100 fish/replicate) of first-feeding shortnose sturgeon were fed according to six regimens: (1) live feed (live nauplii of brine shrimp Artemia spp.); (2) formulated (commercially formulated salmonid starter diet); (3) alternate (alternate feedings of the live and formulated feed); (4) transition (slow transition from the live to the formulated feed); (5) automatic (cofeeding the live and formulated feeds with the use of an automatic feeder); and (6) starvation (no feeding). Significantly greater survival rates were observed in the transition (97.4%), automatic (96.0%), alternate (93.8%), and live feed regimens (92.6%) than in the formulated (71.8%) and starvation regimens (31.6%). Length and weight of fish in the alternate (52.4 mm and 0.62 g), automatic (52.3 mm and 0.63 g), transition (46.9 mm and 0.48 g), and live feed regimens (46.4 mm and 0.43 g) were significantly greater than the length and weight of fish in the formulated (31.4 mm and 0.18 g) and starvation regimens (20.6 mm and 0.04 g). Fish weights in the alternate and automatic regimens were significantly greater than those in the live feed regimen. Based on the results of this study, we recommend the automatic regimen for first-feeding shortnose sturgeon culture. This feeding regimen produced heavier fish than the live feed regimen, appeared to reduce labor costs compared with the other feeding regimens, and alleviated possible complications associated with diet conversion.
Efficacy of 17-α-Methyltestosterone for Expression of Male Secondary Sexual Characteristics in the Green Swordtail
Authors: Yanong Roy P E , Hill Jeffrey E , Daniels Chris J , Watson Craig A 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
The green swordtail Xiphophorus hellerii is a commercially important ornamental species. Because phenotypic males (specifically, fish with the sword extension of the caudal fin) are more valuable economically than fish lacking the sword, masculinization by means of 17-α-methyltestosterone (MT) was tested. Populations of market-size experimental fish, a mix of females and late-maturing males (i.e., lacking male secondary characteristics) were fed MT-treated feed (60 mg MT/kg feed) at a rate of 30 or 50 g of MT-treated feed per kilogram of fish biomass (3% or 5% body weight [BW]) for 28 consecutive days to cause development of male secondary sexual characteristics, specifically the growth of the sword extension. Use of MT feed at 3% or 5% BW for 28 d resulted in 100% masculinization, whereas 0% masculinization occurred in green swordtails fed control feed. No regression of swords was seen 28 d after the last day of experimental feed treatment. There were no significant differences in mortality among treatments. The use of MT-treated feeds can increase the production of higher-value phenotypic male green swordtails and enhance profitability for aquaculturists.
Evaluation of a Sodium Hydroxymethanesulfonate Product for Reducing Total Ammonia Nitrogen in a Small-Scale Rotifer Batch Culture System
Authors: Riche Marty , Pfeiffer Timothy J , Garcia Javier 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
The total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) produced as metabolic waste in rotifer batch culture systems can reach toxic concentrations as un-ionized ammonia (UIA). Sodium hydroxymethanesulfonate has been used to neutralize TAN in hauling and shipping containers for fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a sodium hydroxymethanesulfonate product to neutralize ammonia in a rotifer batch culture system. Rotifers Brachionus rotundiformis were stocked at an initial concentration of 80 individuals/mL and were batch-cultured without water exchange for 7 d. We evaluated response variables that included TAN concentration, rotifer production, egg count, and egg : female ratio. Mean maximum TAN was 3.3 mg/L (0.08 mg UIA per liter of water) and 9.5 mg/L (0.84 mg/L UIA) for treated and control groups, respectively. Significant differences were detected in TAN, rotifer density, egg count, and egg : female ratio beginning on day 3 (P &lt; 0.05). Beginning on day 2, mean rotifer density declined exponentially in the control group (y = 293.4 · e −0.249x; R 2 = 0.98) but remained constant in the treated group. Correlation coefficients indicated that TAN explained 72% of the population decrease. We conclude that the use of a sodium hydroxymethanesulfonate product as an ammonia neutralizer is effective in decreasing TAN and UIA in a small-scale rotifer batch culture system.
Production of Recombinant Adeno‐Associated Viral Vectors and Use for In Vitro and In Vivo Administration
Authors: Choi Vivian W. , Asokan Aravind , Haberman Rebecca A. , McCown Thomas J. , Samulski Richard Jude 
Published: May 2006

AbstractAdeno‐associated virus is a nonpathogenic human virus that has been developed into a gene‐delivery vector due to its high efficiency of infection for many different cell types and its ability to persist and lead to long‐term gene expression. This unit describes efficient methods to generate high‐titer, research‐grade, adenovirus‐free recombinant single‐stranded and self‐complementary adeno‐associated virus in various serotypes, along with methods to quantify the viral vectors. Two detailed methods are provided for viral vector injection into rat brain and for histological detection of transgene expression, including lacZ and GFP.
Flow Rate Calibration for Absolute Cell Counting Rationale and Design
Authors: Walker Clare , Barnett David 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThere is a need for absolute leukocyte enumeration in the clinical setting, and accurate, reliable (and affordable) technology to determine absolute leukocyte counts has been developed. Such technology includes single platform and dual platform approaches. Derivations of these counts commonly incorporate the addition of a known number of latex microsphere beads to a blood sample, although it has been suggested that the addition of beads to a sample may only be required to act as an internal quality control procedure for assessing the pipetting error. This unit provides the technical details for undertaking flow rate calibration that obviates the need to add reference beads to each sample. It is envisaged that this report will provide the basis for subsequent clinical evaluations of this novel approach.