bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outbreak of Vancomycin-ResistantEnterococcusColonization Among Pediatric Oncology Patients
Authors: Nolan Sheila M. , Gerber Jeffrey S. , Zaoutis Theoklis , Prasad Priya , Rettig Susan , Gross Kimberly , McGowan Karin L. , Reilly Anne F. , Coffin Susan E. 
Published: February 2009

Objective.To detect the burden of vancomycin-resistantEnterococcus(VRE) colonization among pediatric oncology patients and to determine risk factors for VRE acquisition.Design.Retrospective case-control study.Setting.The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.Patients.Pediatric oncology patients hospitalized from June 2006 through December 2007.Methods.Prevalence surveys revealed an increased VRE burden among pediatric oncology patients. For the case-control study, the 16 case patients were pediatric oncology patients who had 1 stool sample negative for VRE at screening before having a stool sample positive for VRE at screening; the 62 control patients had 2 consecutive screenings in which stool samples were negative for VRE. Case and control patients were matched on the duration of the interval between screens. Analyses were performed to determine the association between multiple exposures and VRE acquisition.Results.The prevalence survey revealed that 5 (9.6%) of 52 patients had unsuspected VRE colonization at the time of hospitalization. Multivariate analysis identified a lack of empirical contact precautions (odds ratio [OR], 17.16 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.49–198.21];P= .02) and the presence of a gastrointestinal device (OR, 4.03 [95% CI, 1.04–15.56];P= .04) as significant risk factors for acquisition of VRE. Observations in the interventional radiology department revealed that staff could not access the portions of the electronic medical record in which isolation precautions were documented. Simple interventions that granted access and that trained interventional radiology staff to review the need for precautions, coupled with enhanced infection control practices, interrupted ongoing transmission and reduced the proportion of VRE screens that were positive to 15 (1.2%) of 1,270.Conclusions.Inadequate communication with regard to infection control precautions can increase the risk of transmission of epidemiologically important organisms, particularly when patients receive care at multiple clinic locations. Adherence to infection control practices across the spectrum of care may limit the spread of resistant organisms.
Modeling the role of competition and cooperation in the evolution of katydid acoustic synchrony
Authors: Nityananda Vivek , Balakrishnan Rohini 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
The precise timing of individual signals in response to those of signaling neighbors is seen in many animal species. Synchrony is the most striking of the resultant timing patterns. One of the best examples of acoustic synchrony is in katydid choruses where males produce chirps with a high degree of temporal overlap. Cooperative hypotheses that speculate on the evolutionary origins of acoustic synchrony include the preservation of the species-specific call pattern, reduced predation risks, and increased call intensity. An alternative suggestion is that synchrony evolved as an epiphenomenon of competition between males in response to a female preference for chirps that lead other chirps. Previous models investigating the evolutionary origins of synchrony focused only on intrasexual competitive interactions. We investigated both competitive and cooperative hypotheses for the evolution of synchrony in the katydid Mecopoda “Chirper” using physiologically and ecologically realistic simulation models incorporating the natural variation in call features, ecology, female preferences, and spacing patterns, specifically aggregation. We found that although a female preference for leading chirps enables synchronous males to have some selective advantage, it is the female preference for the increased intensity of aggregations of synchronous males that enables synchrony to evolve as an evolutionarily stable strategy.
Lenalidomide oral monotherapy produces a high response rate in patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Habermann Thomas M. , Lossos Izidore S. , Justice Glen , Vose Julie M. , Wiernik Peter H. , McBride Kyle , Wride Kenton , Ervin‐Haynes Annette , Takeshita Kenichi , Pietronigro Dennis , Zeldis Jerome B. , Tuscano Joseph M. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryMantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive non‐Hodgkin lymphoma with a poor prognosis following first relapse. We present a subgroup analysis of an open‐label phase II trial investigating the efficacy and safety of lenalidomide in patients with relapsed or refractory MCL. Oral lenalidomide 25 mg was self‐administered once daily on days 1–21 every 28 d for up to 52 weeks, according to tolerability or until disease progression. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR) and secondary endpoints were duration of response, progression‐free survival (PFS) and safety. Among 15 patients with MCL with a median disease duration of 5·1 years and a median of four prior treatments, the ORR was 53%. Three patients (20%) had a complete response and 5 (33%) had a partial response. The median duration of response was 13·7 months and median PFS was 5·6 months. Four of five patients who relapsed after transplantation and two of five patients who previously received bortezomib responded to lenalidomide. The most common grade 4 adverse event was thrombocytopenia (13%) and the most common grade 3 adverse events were neutropenia (40%), leucopenia (27%) and thrombocytopenia (20%). In conclusion, oral lenalidomide monotherapy is well tolerated and active in relapsed or refractory MCL.
Globalization and international adoption from China
Authors: Dowling Monica , Brown Gill 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTSince the mid‐1990s, China has become one of the major countries from which children are adopted overseas. This paper examines ways in which globalization has contributed to the development of international adoption from China and explores cultural and historical attitudes to population growth, child abandonment and adoption. How China's social, economic and welfare policies have affected adoption policies and practices are discussed, with reference to ethnographic fieldwork undertaken by the authors between 2001 and 2007. Interviews and group discussions were conducted with UK, Chinese and American adoptive parents, directors of social welfare institutes, Chinese welfare officials and staff of non‐government organizations working in the area of adoption and fostering in China. While globalization has affected, and continues to affect inter‐country adoption, its influence in China is analysed using Masson's value positions on international adoption – abolitionists, promoters and pragmatists. China's pragmatic approach to international adoption is considered in relation to policies that reflect the best interests of children in China and overseas.
After bariatric surgery, what vitamins should be measured and what supplements should be given?
Authors: Pournaras Dimitrios J. , Le Roux Carel W. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryBariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity. Although calorie malabsorption does not occur in most bariatric procedures, micronutrient deficiencies are possible. Multivitamin supplementation is essential following bariatric surgery. The recommendation would be to screen for multivitamin deficiencies prior to surgery and to monitor vitamin levels postoperatively at regular intervals. In this paper, we review the data for screening and supplementation after bariatric procedures for different vitamins.
Radioactive iodine for hyperthyroidism in children and adolescents: referral rate and response to treatment
Authors: McCormack Shana , Mitchell Deborah M. , Woo Melissa , Levitsky Lynne L. , Ross Douglas S. , Misra Madhusmita 
Published: February 2009

SummaryObjectives  Radioactive iodine (131I) therapy is increasingly viewed as a safe and effective treatment for paediatric and adolescent hyperthyroidism. Our objective was to estimate treatment response and its predictors and describe current referral practices for 131I therapy.Design  Retrospective study.Patients  One hundred and thirty‐one children 30 days–21 years old with laboratory evidence of hyperthyroidism, seen in an academic paediatric and adolescent endocrinology practice.Measurements  Rate of referral, indications for 131I, predictors of poor treatment response.Results  Thirty‐eight of 102 patients with persistent hyperthyroidism (37%) received 131I (160 μCi/g thyroid tissue/131I uptake), as did an additional 10 patients initially evaluated by adult thyroidologists. Primary indications were intolerance to (29%) or poor control on (19%) antithyroid drugs, patient preference (50%) and unknown (2%). Of 48 patients treated with 131I, 89% and 11% became hypothyroid after one and two 131I doses, respectively. The goal of 131I therapy was attainment of hypothyroidism. ‘Poor treatment response’ (seen in 27%) was defined as requirement for a second 131I dose or failure to achieve hypothyroidism after 6 months. Predictors of poor treatment response included: previous use of antithyroid drugs (37%vs. 0%, P = 0·02), ophthalmopathy (58%vs. 8%, P = 0·002), and an interval of ≥12 months from diagnosis to 131I (50%vs. 10%, P = 0·003). A very elevated free T4 tended to be more prevalent in those with poor response.Conclusions  In children and adolescents with hyperthyroidism, high rates of success after 131I are achievable. Use of antithyroid drugs, pre‐existing eye disease and prolonged time to 131I may confer relative resistance to 131I.
Short‐term overt hypothyroidism induces discrete diastolic dysfunction in patients treated for differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Hoftijzer H. C. , Bax J. J. , Heemstra K. A. , Bleeker G. B. , Delgado V. , Van der Klaauw A. A. , Romijn J. A. , Smit J. W. A. , Corssmit E. P. M. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTBackground  Thyroid hormone has important effects on the cardiovascular system. The consequences of episodes of acute hypothyroidism on cardiac function have been investigated in only a few studies, and their results are inconclusive. Our objective was to investigate the effects of acute hypothyroidism on cardiac function in patients with iatrogenically induced subclinical hyperthyroidism after treatment for differentiated thyroid carcinoma.Material and methods  Fourteen patients with a history of differentiated thyroid carcinoma on thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH)‐suppressive thyroxine replacement therapy were studied. We assessed cardiac function before, and 1 and 4 weeks after withdrawal of thyroxine substitution. We measured serum levels of free thyroxine, triiodothyronine and TSH and used a new sophisticated Doppler echocardiography technique, tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), to assess detailed and quantitative assessment of systolic and diastolic cardiac function. Echocardiographic parameters in patients were compared to controls.Results  Compared to controls, patients had higher left ventricular mass and wall thickness and decreased diastolic function during TSH‐suppressive l‐thyroxine substitution therapy. Thyroxine withdrawal resulted in a decrease in both early (E) and late (A) diastolic mitral inflow velocities, without impact on E/A ratio. Using TDI, late diastolic velocity (A′) decreased without impact on E′/A′ ratio. Left ventricular dimensions, wall thickness and mass did not change during thyroxine withdrawal.Conclusions  Subclinical hyperthyroidism is accompanied by diastolic dysfunction. Subsequent acute hypothyroidism induces only subtle changes in diastolic function.
Long‐term management effects on soil organic matter in two cold, high‐elevation grasslands: clues from fractionation and radiocarbon dating
Authors: Leifeld J. , Fuhrer J. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryGrassland covers large areas at the treeline of the Alps, but management effects on the amount, distribution and turnover of soil organic matter (SOM) in this region are largely unknown. Our aim was to elucidate such effects for two management types using soil fractionation in combination with radiocarbon dating. Two Swiss grasslands sites at approximately 2020 m elevation (MAT +2.2°C, MAP 1050 mm) were used, which were hay meadows until 60 years ago when one was changed to grazed pasture. The sites are located in close vicinity to each other and have similar climate and parent material. Soils at each site were shallow (maximum 20 cm) and had high stone contents and thus a limited carbon (C) storage capacity. Total soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in the two soils were similar (6.11 ± 0.69 and 6.07 ± 0.91 kg C m−2, respectively), as were proportions of readily available SOC and Q10 values measured by means of respiration in the laboratory. Grazing caused lower soil nutrient contents and slight soil compaction. Carbon in labile fractions and its radiocarbon age were particularly useful to distinguish management effects. Significantly more SOC was located in the pasture topsoil (0–4 cm) with a higher share of particulate organic C. Particulate and microaggregate‐associated C was slightly younger under pasture, indicating incorporation of recent plant tissue by cattle. At both sites, 14C‐derived mean residence times of SOC increased in the order particulate < micro‐aggregate < silt and clay‐associated matter and were greater below 4 cm than in the topsoil. Age differences in old silt and clay C could not be attributed entirely to management effects. We discuss pitfalls for turnover estimates of bulk soils introduced by choosing non‐unique fractions. Together, the data suggest that a change from haying to cattle grazing may cause a strong decoupling of microbial processes within the soil’s architecture and that in such ecosystems SOM under pastures may be more vulnerable to environmental disturbances.
Population genetic structure of diploid sexual and polyploid apomictic hawthorns (Crataegus; Rosaceae) in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: LO EUGENIA Y. Y. , STEFANOVIĆ SAŠA , DICKINSON TIMOTHY A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractPolyploidy and gametophytic apomixis are two important and associated processes in plants. Many hawthorn species are polyploids and can reproduce both sexually and apomictically. However, the population genetic structure of these species is poorly understood. Crataegus douglasii is represented exclusively by self‐compatible tetraploid pseudogamous apomicts across North America, whereas Crataegus suksdorfii found in the Pacific Northwest is known to include self‐incompatible diploid sexuals as well as polyploid apomicts. We compare population structure and genetic variability in these two closely related taxa using microsatellite and chloroplast sequence markers. Using 13 microsatellite loci located on four linkage groups, 251 alleles were detected in 239 individuals sampled from 15 localities. Within‐population multilocus genotypic variation and molecular diversity are greatest in diploid sexuals and lowest in triploid apomicts. Apart from the isolation of eastern North American populations of C. douglasii, there is little evidence of isolation by distance in this taxon. Genetic diversity in western populations of C. douglasii suggests that gene flow is frequent, and that colonization and establishment are often successful. In contrast, local populations of C. suksdorfii are more markedly differentiated. Gene flow appears to be limited primarily by distance in diploids and by apomixis and self‐compatibility in polyploids. We infer that apomixis and reproductive barriers between cytotypes are factors that reduce the frequency of gene flow among populations, and may ultimately lead to allopatric speciation in C. suksdorfii. Our findings shed light on evolution in woody plants that show heterogeneous ploidy levels and reproductive systems.
Ground displacement data around the city of Ravenna do not support uplifting Venice by water injection
Authors: Schrefler B. A. , Ricceri G. , Achilli V. , Menin A. , Salomoni V. A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe proposed injection of seawater in a brackish, sandy aquifer lying 600–800 m under the lagoon of Venice to lift Venice itself uniformly up to 30 cm in 10 years raises many problems. We discuss here whether a smooth uplift can be obtained as claimed by the proponents. We first underline the similarities between the Ravenna and Venice case. We then examine the subsidence around Ravenna because of fluid extraction and the measured surface displacements for the period when there is pressure recovery both in the depleted gas reservoir close to Ravenna and in the upper aquifer system. Uniform surface settlements are nowhere observed and strong influence of local heterogeneities cannot be ruled out. The whole picture suggests great caution and the need for much more investigation before undertaking such an injection.
Distribution of insensitive acetylcholinesterase (ace‐1R) in Anopheles gambiae s.l. populations from Burkina Faso (West Africa)
Authors: Dabiré K. R. , Diabaté A. , Namontougou M. , Djogbenou L. , Kengne P. , Simard F. , Bass C. , Baldet T. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryObjective  To investigate through countrywide sampling at 20 localities across the three different agro‐climatic zones of Burkina Faso, the distribution of the acetylcholinesterase insensitive mutation ace‐1R, which confers resistance to organophosphates (OP) and carbamates (CM) insecticides in An. gambiae s.l.Methods  Adult mosquitoes were collected by indoor aerosol spraying from August to October 2006. Specimens were identified to species by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and characterized for the ace‐1R mutation using a PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism diagnostic.Results  Collected mosquitoes were a mixture of An. gambiae s.s. and An. arabiensis across the Sudan (98.3%vs. 1.7%), Sudan‐sahelian (78.6%vs. 21.4%) and the Sahel (91.5%vs. 8.5%) ecotypes. The An. gambiae S‐form predominated in the Sudan sites from the West (69%vs. 31% for the M form) but was not found in the Sahel (100% M form). The ace‐1R mutation was dispersed throughout the Sudan and Sudan‐sahelian localities at moderate frequency (<50%) but was absent in the Sahel. It was far more prevalent in S form than M form mosquitoes (0.32 for the S form vs. 0.036 for the M form). No An. arabiensis was detected carrying the mutation. The geographic distribution of ace‐1R in the Sudan and Sudan‐sahelian correlated with the cotton growing areas dispersed throughout the two climatic zones.Conclusions  These results have special significance as OP and CM insecticides have been proposed as alternatives or additions to pyrethroids which are currently used exclusively in many vector control programmes.
Effects of pets on asthma development up to 8 years of age: the PIAMA study
Authors: Kerkhof M. , Wijga A. H. , Brunekreef B. , Smit H. A. , De Jongste J. C. , Aalberse R. C. , Hoekstra M. O. , Gerritsen J. , Postma D. S. 
Published: February 2009

Background:  Recall bias may provide discrepant relationships of pet exposure with sensitization and asthma development. We studied prospectively effects of pets at home on development of sensitization, asthma and respiratory symptoms from birth up to age 8 years.Methods:  Event history analysis was performed on annually registered data of 2951 children, participating in the PIAMA birth cohort study.Results:  Children with a cat or dog at home at 3 months of age had a significantly lower prevalence of sensitization to inhalant allergens at age 8, but not of asthma. A cat decreased the risk of house dust mite sensitization at age 8 [odds ratio (OR) = 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49–0.95], a dog of pollen sensitization (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.29–0.83). A cat or dog at home did not significantly affect asthma incidence in each subsequent year. From 2 years of age onwards, the incidence of wheeze (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.12–2.05) and a dry cough at night (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.05–1.57) was higher in children with a dog, whereas removal of a dog increased the risk of developing asthma symptoms. Comparing analyses using prospectively and retrospectively collected data on diagnosed asthma showed important recall bias.Conclusions:  Our prospective study shows a protective effect of early presence of pets at home on sensitization to inhalant allergens, but no prevention of asthma development. Furthermore, children with pets had more frequent transient or intermittent asthma symptoms. Parental report of asthma by recall may provide spurious results of these associations.
Orbitofrontal cortex gray matter volumes in bipolar disorder patients: a region‐of‐interest MRI study
Authors: Nery Fabiano G , Chen Hua‐Hsuan , Hatch John P , Nicoletti Mark A , Brambilla Paolo , Sassi Roberto B , Mallinger Alan G , Keshavan Matcheri S , Soares Jair C 
Published: February 2009

Objectives:  Functional and postmortem studies suggest that the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is involved in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD). This anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study examined whether BD patients have smaller OFC gray matter volumes compared to healthy comparison subjects (HC).Methods:  Twenty‐eight BD patients were compared to 28 age‐ and gender‐matched HC. Subjects underwent a 1.5T MRI with 3D spoiled gradient recalled acquisition. Total OFC and medial and lateral subdivisions were manually traced by a blinded examiner. Images were segmented and gray matter volumes were calculated using an automated method.Results:  Analysis of covariance, with intracranial volume as covariate, showed that BD patients and HC did not differ in gray matter volumes of total OFC or its subdivisions. However, total OFC gray matter volume was significantly smaller in depressed patients (n = 10) compared to euthymic patients (n = 18). Moreover, total OFC gray matter volumes were inversely correlated with depressive symptom intensity, as assessed by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. OFC gray matter volumes were not related to lithium treatment, age at disease onset, number of episodes, or family history of mood disorders.Conclusions:  Our results suggest that abnormal OFC gray matter volumes are not a pervasive characteristic of BD, but may be associated with specific clinical features of the disorder.
Insect and wind pollination of an alpine biennial Aconitum gymnandrum (Ranunculaceae)
Authors: Duan Y. W. , Zhang T. F. , He Y. P. , Liu J. Q. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWind pollination can provide reproductive insurance for animal‐pollinated dioecious plants in the absence of available pollinators, but combinations of insect and wind pollination (ambophily) have rarely been studied in hermaphrodite herbs. We examined the stable occurrence of insect pollination and wind pollination over 4 years in a population of a biennial Aconitum species (A. gymnandrum) with actinomorphic and degenerate sepals. The total frequency of visits of two bumblebee species showed no distinct fluctuations in the studied population among the 4 years. However, seed production of netted flowers after emasculation indicated wind pollination had occurred. The seed number of bagged flowers with one visit by bumblebees was significantly less than that of netted flowers after one visit, or in control flowers. Both seed number and fruit set of netted flowers were significantly lower than in control flowers. These results suggest that wind pollination provides supplementary pollen to unvisited and/or once‐visited flowers, but accounts for only a small amount of seed production compared to bumblebee pollination in natural conditions. Such a combination of insect and wind pollination might play an important role in maintaining sexual reproduction of this biennial herb, allowing it to persist in arid habitats on the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau, especially during Quaternary glacial periods when pollinator populations oscillated extensively.