bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A preliminary account of patterns of endemism in Namibia's Sperrgebiet – the succulent karoo
Authors: Burke Antje 
Published: September 2004

AbstractAim  This study investigated spatial patterns of endemism in the flora of Namibia's succulent karoo in order to generate information for conservation planning.Location  The study area, the Sperrgebiet, comprises the majority of Namibia's portion of the succulent karoo biome which is the south‐west corner of the country. This is an arid area that has been off limits to public access, farming and tourism for nearly a century due to restrictions imposed by the diamond industry.Methods  Based on existing distribution records, areas of high concentrations of endemic plants were identified using numbers of endemics and weighted endemics according to area of occupancy. The resolution of the available data was quarter degree squares (15‐min intervals of latitude and longitude grids).Results  At the scale of this study straight numbers of endemics generated similar results to the endemics weighted according to area of occupancy, which gives sparsely distributed species a higher weighting. Based on the current distribution records, 17.7% (184 species) of the Sperrgebiet's spermatophyte flora is endemic. The ‘hotspots of endemism’ comprised from north to south: Lüderitz‐Kowisberge, Klinghardt Mountains, Aurusberge‐Heioab, Witpütz, Skorpion and Obib‐Schakalsberge. Taking also areas into account that stand out because of their high proportion of local endemics, this adds Grillental and the central coastal area from Pomona to Baker's Bay to the areas of importance for plant endemism.Main conclusions  The Sperrgebiet's endemic flora is special in taxonomic composition in that it does not present a subset of the total flora of this area, but shows a remarkably high representation of the families Mesembryanthemaceae and Liliaceae (sensu lato). Compared with other arid areas, the level of endemism in the Sperrgebiet is high, but not compared with the succulent karoo in general or other hotspots in the succulent karoo biome, such as the Richtersveld. The proportion of local endemics (13.5%) is high compared with some endemism hotspots in southern Africa. Hotspots of plant endemism provide an important tool to contribute to conservation planning studies. This study also highlighted the importance of centralized data bases without which these analyses would not have been possible. Further plant collecting is required to fill presently data‐deficient areas and studies at a finer spatial resolution taking habitat requirements into account are needed to elucidate some of the factors contributing to plant endemism in this area.
Local ecology and geographic ranges of plants in the Bishop Creek watershed of the eastern Sierra Nevada, California, USA
Authors: Kimball Sarah , Wilson Paul , Crowther Jack 
Published: September 2004

AbstractAim  The physiological requirements and tolerances of a species partially determine both its habitat preferences within a community and its broader geographic range. Therefore, we predicted that local ecology should be correlated with geographic distribution. We tested for a correlation between local ecology and range size, and we attempted to account for this correlation by the climate of the range.Location  Bishop Creek Watershed, on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada, California.Methods  We recorded all plant species growing in each of 263 plots in the montane to alpine zones of the watershed. The local habitat preferences of 282 species were described in terms of wetness, elevation, soil, and amount of shade. The size and centre of the geographic range for each species were determined from regional floras.Results  Wetness preference within the watershed was significantly correlated with range size. Specifically, plants of wet sites had larger ranges that extend to the north, whereas plants of dry sites tended to have smaller ranges centred to the east. The correlation between local wetness preference and range size was entirely explained by the location of the range centre of the species.Main conclusions  A possible reason for the large ranges of mesophilic plants in our study area is that mesic habitats are continuous throughout the western Cordillera, while dry alpine habitats are isolated by valleys to the east. The correspondence between local ecology and geographic distributions implies evolutionary stasis in the niches of these plant species.
Plasma and platelet‐derived vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin‐1 in hypertension: effects of antihypertensive therapy
Authors: Nadar S. K. , Blann A. D. , Lip G. Y. H. 
Published: September 2004

Abstract.Background.  Platelets carry angiogenic growth factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin‐1 (Ang‐1). Although platelet‐derived growth factors are important in the pathogenesis and metastasis of malignancy, their role in the pathogenesis of complications and the response to treatment in hypertension is less known.Objective.  To test the hypotheses that there are differences in VEGF and Ang‐1 in the plasma and within platelets from patients with hypertension, and that levels change with successful treatment.Methods.  We recruited 42 previously untreated patients with hypertension (25 male; mean age 53 years) and 30 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Plasma VEGF, Ang‐1 and soluble P‐selectin (sPsel, an index of platelet activation), and total platelet [platelet VEGF (pVEGF) and platelet Ang‐1 (pAng‐1)] were measured by ELISA. The patients were then treated for 6 months with amlodipine‐based antihypertensive therapy, achieving a mean blood pressure below 140/80 mmHg.Results.  Patients with hypertension had significantly higher levels of plasma sPsel (P =0.01), VEGF (P < 0.001) and Ang‐1 (P = 0.01), as well as pVEGF (P < 0.001) and pAng‐1 (P =0.02). The levels of plasma and platelet angiogenic growth factors were significantly reduced after antihypertensive treatment (VEGF, P = 0.01; pVEGF, P < 0.001; Ang‐1, P < 0.001; pAng‐1, P = 0.04). There were no correlations with blood pressure or the levels of sPsel.Conclusion.  Levels of plasma and intra‐platelet VEGF and Ang‐1 are increased in hypertension and are decreased with treatment. Platelet levels of VEGF and Ang‐1 may be related to platelet activation but may also involve other mechanisms (for example, the general vascular and haemodynamic changes) that are seen in hypertension.
Abnormal glucose tolerance – a common risk factor in patients with acute myocardial infarction in comparison with population‐based controls
Authors: Bartnik M. , Malmberg K. , Hamsten A. , Efendic S. , Norhammar A. , Silveira A. , Tenerz Å. , Öhrvik J. , Rydén L. 
Published: September 2004

Abstract.Background.  A high prevalence of newly detected diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance (abnormal glucose tolerance) was recently reported in patients with acute myocardial infarction. It is important to verify whether this finding is specific for the patients or attributable to the population, from which they were recruited.Objective.  To verify whether abnormal glucose tolerance is more prevalent in patients than in controls chosen from the same population and to compare metabolic characteristics between the two groups.Design and subjects.  The metabolic state was assessed in patients (n = 181) admitted with acute myocardial infarction and no history of diabetes before discharge and after 3 months. Sex‐ and age‐matched controls (n = 185) without previously known diabetes or cardiovascular disease except hypertension were recruited from the general population.Main outcome measures.  Oral glucose tolerance test, glucosylated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), insulin, proinsulin, lipid profile, fibrinolytic function and inflammatory markers.Results.  Abnormal glucose tolerance was more common (number/all classified) in patients at discharge 113/168 (67%) and after 3 months 95/145 (66%) than in controls 65/185 (35%) (P < 0.001). Dyslipidaemia (70% vs. 29%; P < 0.001) and previously treated hypertension (32% vs. 18%; P = 0.028) were more frequent amongst patients whilst obesity (18% vs. 24%) did not differ significantly. Blood glucose, HbA1c, proinsulin, proinsulin/insulin ratio, triglycerides, insulin resistance (by HOMA) and fibrinogen were consistently higher in patients than controls (P < 0.01).Conclusions.  Abnormal glucose tolerance was almost twice as common amongst patients with acute myocardial infarction as in matched controls. Impaired glycaemic control accompanied by insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, together with increased plasma fibrinogen and proinsulin levels were main features characterizing patients.
Oxidative stress and its association with coronary artery disease and different atherogenic risk factors
Authors: Vassalle C. , Petrozzi L. , Botto N. , Andreassi M. G. , Zucchelli G. C. 
Published: September 2004

Abstract.Objective.  It is well known that free radicals contribute to endothelial dysfunction and are involved in the pathogenesis and development of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to provide evidence for enhanced oxidative stress in coronary artery disease (CAD).Methods.  Plasma levels of 8‐isoprostane (8‐epiPGF2α), marker of lipid peroxidation, were measured in 68 subjects (age: 60 ± 2 years, mean ± SEM). Subjects included 30 healthy control subjects and 38 patients with angiographically proven CAD. In addition, the total antioxidant power (PAO) was evaluated in a subgroup (40 subjects, 12 healthy and 28 CAD).Results.  Levels of 8‐epiPGF2α increased with the number of affected vessels (one‐ and multi‐vessel disease versus control subjects, P < 0.001) and considering different risk determinants for atherosclerosis (i.e. hypertension, gender, hypercholesterolaemia, P < 0.01). In multivariate regression models the number of affected vessels was independently correlated with 8‐epiPGF2α (P < 0.05). PAO values significantly decreased with increased number of affected vessels (P < 0.05) and in hypertensive patients when compared with those without hypertension (P < 0.05). In multivariate regression models the number of affected vessels resulted an independent determinant for PAO (P < 0.05). Concentration of 8‐epiPGF2α and PAO also correlated with the number of cardiovascular risk factors (P < 0.01 and P = 0.07, respectively).Conclusion.  These findings indicate that elevated levels of plasma 8‐epiPGF2α and reduced antioxidant capacity are associated with the extent and the severity of CAD and with the occurrence and number of different atherogenic risk factors. This observation may assist in providing more information as to how oxidative stress may predispose to atherogenesis and suggest attractive therapeutic strategies in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Improved adherence to practice guidelines yields better outcome in high‐risk patients with acute coronary syndrome without ST elevation: findings from nationwide FINACS studies
Authors: Vikman S. , Airaksinen K. E. J. , Tierala I. , Peuhkurinen K. , Majamaa‐Voltti K. , Niemelä M. , Tuunanen H. , Nieminen M. S. , Niemelä K. 
Published: September 2004

Abstract.  Vikman S, Airaksinen KEJ, Tierala I, Peuhkurinen K, Majamaa‐Voltti K, Niemelä M, Tuunanen H, Nieminen MS, Niemelä K (Tampere University Hospital, Tampere; University of Turku, Turku; University of Helsinki, Helsinki; University of Kuopio, Kuopio; and University of Oulu, Oulu; Finland). Improved adherence to practice guidelines yields better outcome in high‐risk patients with acute coronary syndrome without ST elevation: findings from nationwide FINACS studies. J Intern Med 2004; 256: 316–323.Objectives.  Treatment options for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) without ST elevation have evolved rapidly during the recent years, but the successful implementation of practice guidelines incorporating new treatments into practice has been challenging. In this study, we evaluate whether targeted educational intervention could improve adherence to treatment guidelines of ACS without ST elevation.Design, setting and subjects.  A previous study, FINACS I, evaluated the treatment and outcome of 501 consecutive non‐ST elevation ACS patients that were referred in early 2001 to nine hospitals, covering nearly half of the Finnish population. That study revealed poor adherence to ESC guidelines, so targeted educational intervention on optimal practice was arranged before the second study (FINACS II), which was performed in the same hospitals using the same protocol as FINACS I. FINACS II, undertaken in early 2003, evaluated 540 consecutive patients.Interventions.  Targeted educational programmes on optimal practice.Main outcome measures.  The use of evidence‐based therapies in non‐ST elevation ACS patients. In‐hospital event‐free (death, new myocardial infarction, refractory angina, readmission with unstable angina and transient cerebral ischaemia/stroke) survival, and event‐free survival at 6 months.Results.  Baseline characteristics and risk markers were similar in both studies, and no significant changes in resources were seen. In 2003, the in‐hospital use of statins, ACE‐inhibitors, clopidogrel and glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists increased significantly, and in‐hospital angiography was performed more often, especially in high‐risk patients (59% vs. 45%, P < 0.05); waiting time also shortened (4.2 ± 5.5 vs. 5.8 ± 4.7 days, P < 0.01). Overall no significant change was seen in the frequency of death either in‐hospital (2% vs. 4%, P = NS) or at 6 months (7% vs. 10%, P = NS) in FINACS II. However, the survival of high‐risk patients improved both in‐hospital (95% vs. 90%, P = 0.05) and at 6 months (89% vs. 78%, P = 0.05).Conclusion.  In patients with non‐ST elevation ACS‐targeted educational interventions appeared to be associated with improved adherence to practical guidelines, which yielded a better outcome in high‐risk ACS patients.
Oral quinolones in hospitalized patients: an evaluation of a computerized decision support intervention*
Authors: Hulgan T. , Rosenbloom S. T. , Hargrove F. , Talbert D. A. , Arbogast P. G. , Bansal P. , Miller R. A. , Kernodle D. S. 
Published: September 2004

Abstract.Objective.  To determine whether a computerized decision support system could increase the proportion of oral quinolone antibiotic orders placed for hospitalized patients.Design.  Prospective, interrupted time‐series analysis.Setting.  University hospital in the south‐eastern United States.Subjects.  Inpatient quinolone orders placed from 1 February 2001 to 31 January 2003.Intervention.  A web‐based intervention was deployed as part of an existing order entry system at a university hospital on 5 February 2002. Based on an automated query of active medication and diet orders, some users ordering intravenous quinolones were presented with a suggestion to consider choosing an oral formulation.Main outcome measure.  The proportion of inpatient quinolone orders placed for oral formulations before and after deployment of the intervention.Results.  There were a total of 15 194 quinolone orders during the study period, of which 8962 (59%) were for oral forms. Orders for oral quinolones increased from 4202 (56%) before the intervention to 4760 (62%) after, without a change in total orders. In the time‐series analysis, there was an overall 5.6% increase (95% CI 2.8–8.4%; P < 0.001) in weekly oral quinolone orders due to the intervention, with the greatest effect on nonintensive care medical units.Conclusions.  A web‐based intervention was able to increase oral quinolone orders in hospitalized patients. This is one of the first studies to demonstrate a significant effect of a computerized intervention on dosing route within an antibiotic class. This model could be applied to other antibiotics or other drug classes with good oral bioavailability.
Sodium intake affects urinary albumin excretion especially in overweight subjects
Authors: Verhave J. C. , Hillege H. L. , Burgerhof J. G. M. , Janssen W. M. T. , Gansevoort R. T. , Navis G. J. , de Zeeuw D. , de Jong P. E. ,   The PREVEND study group
Published: September 2004

Summary.Objectives.  To examine the relationship between sodium intake and urinary albumin excretion, being an established risk marker for later cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.Design.  Cross‐sectional cohort study using linear regression analysis.Setting.  University hospital outpatient clinic.Subjects.  A cohort drawn from the general population, consisting of 7850 subjects 28–75 years of age, all inhabitants of the city of Groningen, the Netherlands. The cohort is enriched for the presence of subjects with elevated urinary albumin concentration.Results.  The results show a positive relationship between dietary sodium intake and urinary albumin excretion. The association was independent of other cardiovascular risk factors (such as sex, age, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), waist‐to‐hip ratio, serum cholesterol, plasma glucose and smoking) and other food constituents (calcium, potassium and protein). The relationship between sodium intake and urinary albumin excretion was steeper in subjects with a higher BMI compared with a lower BMI.Conclusions.  Sodium intake is positively related to urinary albumin excretion. This relation is more pronounced in subjects with a higher BMI. These results suggest that high sodium intake may unfavourably influences cardiovascular prognosis especially in overweight and obese subjects.
Publication of clinical trials: accountability and accessibility
Authors: Tumber M. B. , Dickersin K. 
Published: September 2004

Abstract.Publication of findings from clinical trials is a necessary step in the research continuum, to provide a record of the work done, convey information to the community, and support translation of research into clinical practice. Systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials are now widely regarded as the highest level of evidence in determining the effect of an intervention on an outcome. They largely depend on internationally accessible, published reports of all trials undertaken. Investigators and their institutions or organizations have responsibility for reporting their clinical trials accurately and completely, including disclosure of potential conflicts of interest. To ensure evidence‐based health care, issues relating to accessibility and accountability of clinical trial results require immediate action.
Air pollution and sudden infant death syndrome: a literature review
Authors: Tong Shilu , Colditz Paul 
Published: September 2004

SummaryAlthough the rate of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) has been reduced with the ‘Back to Sleep’ campaign, SIDS is still a common cause of death in infancy. A range of environmental factors may interact to contribute to the adverse health conditions conducive to SIDS. Nine studies have evaluated the association between exposure to air pollution and the incidence of SIDS. The available evidence is inadequate to come to any conclusion about a relationship between air pollution and SIDS, although the body of evidence appears to suggest that air pollution (especially particles and some gaseous pollutants) may play a certain role in the occurrence of SIDS. We suggest that future studies should focus on the research design, role of indoor air quality and the effect of smaller particles, particularly those in the ultrafine range.
A prospective study of maternal serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) concentrations and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Qiu Chunfang , Sorensen Tanya K. , Luthy David A. , Williams Michelle A. 
Published: September 2004

SummaryLow‐grade systemic inflammation is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Limited available data suggest inflammatory factors are predictive of gestational diabetes (GDM), a condition that is biochemically similar to type 2 diabetes. We examined the association between C‐reactive protein (CRP) and GDM risk. Women were recruited before 16 weeks gestation and were followed until delivery. Maternal serum CRP (collected at 13 weeks’ gestation, on average) was measured by a competitive immunoassay. We used generalised linear models to derive estimates of relative risks and 95% confidence intervals [CI]. Approximately 4.5% of the cohort (38 of 851) developed GDM. Elevated CRP was positively associated with GDM risk (P for trend = 0.007). After adjusting for maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), family history of type 2 diabetes and nulliparity, women with CRP in the highest tertile experienced a 3.5‐fold increased risk of GDM [95% CI 1.2, 9.8] as compared with those in the lowest tertile. The association between CRP and GDM was evident when analyses were restricted to lean women (BMI < 25 kg/m2). Lean women with CRP ≥ 5.3 mg/L experienced a 3.7‐fold increased risk of GDM [95% CI 1.6, 8.7] as compared with women with CRP < 5.3 mg/L. Systemic inflammation is associated with an increased risk of GDM, and the association is independent of maternal prepregnancy adiposity.
Intergenerational effects on size at birth in South India
Authors: Veena S. R. , Kumaran K. , Swarnagowri M. N. , Jayakumar M. N. , Leary S. D. , Stein C. E. , Cox V. A. , Fall C. H. D. 
Published: September 2004

SummarySeveral studies have shown that a baby's birthweight correlates with the birthweight and adult size of both its parents, but more strongly with those of its mother, suggesting that both the ‘maternal environment’ and inherited genes influence size at birth. There are no previous such intergenerational data from India. Holdsworth Memorial Hospital (HMH), Mysore, South India, has preserved birth records containing the birthweight, length and head circumference of all newborns since 1934. We identified 468 mother–offspring and 341 father–offspring pairs born in the hospital.Daughters and sons (born 1990–95) were heavier at birth than their mothers and fathers, respectively, with a mean (SD) increase in birthweight of 121 g (24 g) between the two generations. The birthweight of both parents predicted offspring birthweight equally (mother: regression slope β  = 255 g/kg; father β  = 251 g/kg; P < 0.001 for both). Paternal birth length had a stronger effect than maternal birth length on offspring birth length. The mother's adult body mass index (BMI) had a greater effect than paternal BMI on offspring birthweight (mother: 18 g/kg/m2; P < 0.001; father: 15 g/kg/m2; P = 0.04). In a regression model including data for both parents (available for 57 children) this difference was greater (mother: 46 g/kg/m2; P < 0.001; father: −10 g/kg/m2; ns). In contrast, paternal height had stronger effects than maternal height on offspring birth length (mother: 0.8 mm/cm; ns; father: 1.5 mm/cm; P < 0.001). In conclusion, size at birth is influenced by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Both maternal and paternal birthweight correlate with offspring size at birth. Maternal nutritional status (BMI) influences birthweight. Paternal factors appear to contribute to neonatal skeletal size.