bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of All‐Cause Mortality for Patients with Chronic Chagas' Heart Disease Receiving Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Therapy
Authors: CARDINALLI‐NETO AUGUSTO , BESTETTI REINALDO B. , CORDEIRO JOSÉ A. , RODRIGUES VANESSA C.
Published: September 2007

Background: Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD) have sporadically been used in the treatment of either Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) or Ventricular Fibrillation (VF) in Chagas' disease patients. This study aimed at determining predictors of all‐cause mortality for Chagas' disease patients receiving ICD therapy.

Methods and Results: Ninety consecutive patients were entered the study. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 47 ± 13%. Twenty‐five (28%) patients had no left ventricular systolic dysfunction. After device implantation, all patients were given amiodarone (mean daily dose = 331, 1 ± 153,3 mg), whereas a B‐Blocking agent was given to 37 (40%) out of 90 patients.

Results: A total of 4,274 arrhythmias were observed on stored electrogram in 64 (71%) out of 90 patients during the study period; SVT was observed in 45 out of 64 (70%) patients, and VF in 19 (30%) out of 64 patients. Twenty‐six (29%) out of 90 patients had no arrhythmia. Fifty‐eight (64%) out of 90 patients received appropriate shock, whereas Antitachycardia Pacing was delivered to 58 (64%) out of 90 patients. There were 31 (34%) deaths during the study period. Five patients were lost to follow up. Sudden cardiac death affected 2 (7%) out of 26 patients, whereas pump failure death was detected in the remaining 24 (93%) patients. Number of shocks per patient per 30 days was the only independent predictor of mortality.

Conclusion: Number of shocks per patient per 30 days predicts outcome in Chagas' disease patients treated with ICD.
Prednisone Prevents Inducible Atrial Flutter in the Canine Sterile Pericarditis Model
Authors: GOLDSTEIN ROBERT N. , RYU KYUNGMOO , KHRESTIAN CELEEN , VAN WAGONER DAVID R. , WALDO ALBERT L.
Published: September 2007

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL) are common following cardiac surgery and are associated with significant morbidity. We tested the hypothesis that suppression of the inflammatory response with steroids would significantly modify the inducibility of postoperative AF/AFL in the canine sterile pericarditis model.

Methods: Twenty‐three dogs were studied daily from creation of pericarditis to the fourth postoperative day: 11 dogs were treated with oral prednisone (PRED) starting 2 days preoperatively until the end of the study; 12 dogs were controls (CON). EP testing was performed daily using epicardial electrodes placed at initial surgery. High‐resolution (404 sites) epicardial mapping was performed during the terminal study. Baseline and daily CRP levels were obtained in all dogs.

Results: Sustained AFL was absent in PRED (0%) versus CON dogs (91%; P < 0.001); AF induced in the early postoperative course in PRED dogs was of very short CL (mean 66 ms). Tissue inflammation was significantly attenuated in PRED dogs. Thresholds were lower in PRED versus CON dogs, significantly so on postoperative day (POD) 3. There was a trend toward lower ERPs in the PRED group at all CLs. CRP levels were markedly reduced in PRED versus CON dogs (peak CRP 78 ± 7 mg/L vs 231 ± 21 mg/L, P < 0.001), and returned to baseline in PRED dogs by POD 4, correlating with a virtual absence of sustained arrhythmia. During open chest mapping studies on POD 4, PRED dogs showed only nonsustained AF/AFL.

Conclusions: Prednisone eliminated postoperative AFL, affected all EP parameters studied, and attenuated the inflammatory response associated with pericarditis.
Assessment of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function and Tei Index by Tissue Doppler Imaging in Patients with Cushing's Syndrome
Authors: Baykan Merih , Erem Cihangir , Gedikli Ömer , Hacihasanoglu Arif , Erdogan Turan , Kocak Mustafa , Kaplan Şahin , Kiriş Abdulkadir , Orem Cihan , Çelik Şükrü
Published: September 2007

Background: The aim of this study was to assess left ventricular (LV) function and the Tei index by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), and also to evaluate the relationship of serum cortisol level with the Tei index and LV function in patients with Cushing's Syndrome (CS). Methods: We prospectively evaluated 22 patients with CS and 23 control subjects. LV function was assessed by echocardiography. Early diastolic (Em), late diastolic (Am), peak systolic (Sm), mitral annular velocities, Em/Am, the Tei index, and E/Em were calculated by TDI. Mitral inflow velocities, color M‐mode flow propagation velocity (Vp), relative wall thickness (RWT), and LV mass index (LVMI) were assessed by two‐dimensional echocardiography. Result: Peak (E) velocity and the ratio of E to peak late (A) velocity (E/A) were lower in those with CS than in those without. Patients with CS had significantly higher RWT, IVRT, and LVMI than those controls. Vp was lower in the CS‐patients than that in control subjects. Em and Em/Am were lower in patients with CS than those in controls. In patients with CS, the Tei index was significantly higher than control subjects. Conclusion: Serum cortisol level was positively correlated with the Tei index and E/Em ratio but negatively correlated with Em, Sm, and EF only in patients with CS. Serum cortisol level positively correlated with the Tei index and E/Em ratio but negatively correlated with Em, EF, and Sm. The parameters obtained from lateral mitral annulus by TDI can be used for identification of LV diastolic dysfunction in patients with CS.
Effect of sevelamer on aortic pulse wave velocity in patients on hemodialysis: A prospective observational study
Authors: OTHMANE Taha El Hadj , BAKONYI Geza , EGRESITS Jozsef , FEKETE Bertalan Cs. , FODOR Erzsebet , JARAI Zoltan , JEKKEL Csaba , NEMCSIK Janos , SZABO Andras , SZABO Tamas , KISS Istvan , TISLER Andras
Published: September 2007

Aortic stiffening and aortic calcification are risk factors for cardiovascular events in hemodialysis (HD) patients, and these 2 risk factors are interrelated. Sevelamer decreases aortic calcification but its effect on aortic stiffness has not been investigated previously. Thirteen HD patients commencing sevelamer treatment and 13 matched controls were followed for 11 months. Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), and levels of inhibitors of vascular calcification (fetuin‐A, matrix‐GLA‐protein, osteoprotegerin/RANKL) were measured at baseline and at the end of follow‐up, and the differences between the groups were compared. Determinants of the changes in PWV during follow‐up were assessed by multivariate linear regression. At baseline, PWV was 9.93 (2.10) m/s in sevelamer‐treated patients and 9.20 (2.84) m/s in control patients (p=0.464). By the end of follow‐up, PWV decreased by 0.83 (2.3) m/s in sevelamer‐treated patients while it increased by 0.93 (1.88) m/s in controls (p=0.042). The direction of changes in AIx were similar, but not statistically significant. There were no significant differences in the levels of inhibitors of calcification either at baseline or during follow‐up. In multivariate linear regression sevelamer treatment, diabetes, heart rate, and C‐reactive protein were related to the change in PWV. These data suggest that sevelamer treatment is associated with an improvement in aortic stiffness in HD patients, but it does not seem to affect serum levels of inhibitors of vascular calcification.
Influence of sodium profile in preventing complications during hemodialysis
Authors: MEIRA Fernanda S. , POLI DE FIGUEIREDO Carlos E. , FIGUEIREDO Ana E.
Published: September 2007

Although a safe procedure, hemodialysis (HD) can cause numerous complications. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of complications during dialysis, interdialytic weight gain, and the predialysis and postdialysis blood pressure in HD patients with and without variable sodium. Patients were observed during 12 HD sessions and those presenting with recurrent hypotension were selected for a step‐wise model of variable sodium profiling. A total of 53 patients were evaluated; the mean‐SD age was 53.7±16.3 years and 22 (41.5%) were male. Of these, 18 (34.0%) were selected to receive variable sodium profiling: the mean (SD) age was 59.9±12.6 years, and 10 (55.6%) were female. A significant decline in the occurrence of cramps (p<0.027), in the mean interdialytic weight gain (p<0.009), and a tendency to reduce the number of hypotensive episodes were detected in patients using variable sodium profiling. On the other hand, predialysis systolic blood pressure presented a significant increase (p<0.048). Using variable sodium, there was a statistically significant reduction in cramps and in the mean interdialytic weight gain. There was a significant increase in predialysis systolic pressure. Regarding hypotension episodes, only a tendency toward a reduction in the frequency of hypotension episodes could be detected.
Recent advances in natriuretic peptide research
Authors: Woodard Geoffrey E. , Rosado Juan A.
Published: September 2007

Introduction

Natriuretic peptides as a ‘biomarker’ of congestive heart failure and acute renal failure/insufficiency

Renoprotective effect of natriuretic peptides after acute renal failure

Nesiritide – current benefits/hazards of drug usage

The natriuretic peptides are a family of related hormones that play a crucial role in cardiovascular and renal homeostasis. They have recently emerged as potentially important clinical biomarkers in heart failure. Natriuretic peptides, particularly brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the inactive N‐terminal fragment of BNP, NT‐proBNP, that has an even greater half‐life than BNP, are elevated in heart failure and therefore considered to be excellent predictors of disease outcome. Nesiritide, a recombinant human BNP, has been shown to provide symptomatic and haemodynamic improvement in acute decompensated heart failure, although recent reports have suggested an increased short‐term risk of death with nesiritide use. This review article describes: the current use of BNP and its inactive precursor NT‐proBNP in diagnosis, screening, prognosis and monitoring of therapy for congestive heart failure, the renoprotective actions of natriuretic peptides after renal failure and the controversy around the therapeutic use of the recombinant human BNP nesiritide.
Acral myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma: case series and immunohistochemical analysis
Authors: Kovarik Carrie L. , Barrett Terry , Auerbach Aaron , Cassarino David S.
Published: September 2007

Background:  Acral myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma (AMFS) is a rare, low‐grade neoplasm most often occurring on the extremities of adults. It consists of mixed inflammatory infiltrates with nodules of epithelioid, spindled and bizarre‐appearing cells within a fibrosclerotic‐to‐myxoid stroma. AMFS frequently recurs, but only rarely metastasizes.

Materials and methods:  A retrospective analysis of all cases of AMFS seen in the past 4 years from the Stanford University Laboratory of Surgical Pathology and collaborating institutions was performed. We sought to better characterize the clinicopathologic characteristics of this rare tumor. Immunohistochemical stains, including CD34, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), CD117, CD163, Ki67 and p53, were also performed.

Results:  Eighteen cases were analyzed, and clinical information was available on 13 of them. The mean age at diagnosis was 48 years old, 10/13 (77%) occurred on the distal extremities and diameter of the lesions ranged from 1.0 to 10.0 cm. Treatment included wide local or radical excision and local recurrences were not reported. Many of the lesions were multinodular. Histologic characteristics included the presence of fibrosclerotic and myxoid stroma, sheets of spindled to round epithelioid cells, Reed‐Sternberg or virocyte‐like cells, lipoblast‐like cells and rare mitotic figures. In most cases, CD34, EGFR and CD163 were diffusely positive. EMA and CD117 were weakly positive in some cases. Ki67 labeled < 10% of cells, and staining with P53 was variable.

Conclusions:  Because AMFS may be mistaken for lymphoma, infection or tumors with higher metastatic potential, correct diagnosis is important to avoid unnecessary procedures and allow for proper clinical management. EGFR positivity suggests possible therapeutic use in aggressive cases.
Cellular neurothekeoma with melanocytosis
Authors: Wu Ren‐Chin , Hsieh Yi‐Yueh , Chang Yi‐Chin , Kuo Tseng‐tong
Published: September 2007

Cellular neurothekeoma (CNT) is a benign dermal tumor mainly affecting the head and neck and the upper extremities. It is characterized histologically by interconnecting fascicles of plump spindle or epithelioid cells with ample cytoplasm infiltrating in the reticular dermis. The histogenesis of CNT has been controversial, although it is generally regarded as an immature counterpart of classic/myxoid neurothekeoma, a tumor with nerve sheath differentiation. Two rare cases of CNT containing melanin‐laden cells were described. Immunohistochemical study with NKI/C3, vimentin, epithelial membrane antigen, smooth muscle antigen, CD34, factor XIIIa, collagen type IV, S100 protein and HMB‐45 was performed. Both cases showed typical growth pattern of CNT with interconnecting fascicles of epithelioid cells infiltrating in collagenous stroma. One of the nodules contained areas exhibiting atypical cytological features. Melanin‐laden epithelioid or dendritic cells were diffusely scattered throughout one nodule, and focally present in the peripheral portion of the other nodule. Both nodules were strongly immunoreactive to NKI/C3 and vimentin, but negative to all the other markers employed. CNT harboring melanin‐laden cells may pose diagnostic problems because of their close resemblance to nevomelanocytic lesions and other dermal mesenchymal tumors. These peculiar cases may also provide further clues to the histogenesis of CNT.
Mentalitäts‐ und zeitgeschichtliche Dimensionen in Thomas Manns Tod in Venedig
Authors: Kristiansen Børge
Published: September 2007

Das Ziel dieser Arbeit ist ein Doppeltes: Sie will zu den Bedingungen eines Analyseverfahrens, das als eine hermeneutisch reflektierte close reading bezeichnet werden kann, die mentalitätsgeschichtlichen Konstellationen herausarbeiten, die zu den Voraussetzungen der Verfallsgeschichte Aschenbachs gehören (Nihilismus, décadence, Versuch einer Überwindung des Nihilismus). Deshalb liegt hier das Schwergewicht auf einer Analyse des zweiten Kapitels, das von der Forschung in der Regel nur am Rande behandelt wird. Die zweite Zielsetzung ist der textanalytische Nachweis der zeitgeschichtlichen Dimensionen, die Thomas Mann – gut versteckt – in die Erzählung eingearbeitet hat: Die Identifizierung Aschenbachs mit Friedrich dem Grossen, die Deformierung des Preußentums zum Wilhelminismus, die Gleichsetzung des dionysischen Verfallprozesses Aschenbachs mit den politischen Ereignissen, die auf den Zusammenbruch europäischer Kultur im Ersten Weltkrieg hinarbeiten. Die Individualgeschichte Aschenbachs widerspiegelt somit auch symbolisch die Zeitgeschichte.
The Self and the Other: On James Joyce's ‘A Painful Case’ and ‘The Dead’
Authors: Boysen Benjamin
Published: September 2007

Throughout the majority of the short stories Dubliners (1916), the phenomenon of love is severely distorted and bitterly debased due to the socio‐ideological circumstances in this modern metropolis; but even though love should be able to steer round the lethal traps set up by the Catholic and capitalistic order of society, it is nevertheless far from certain that things will turn out well. In addition to the external difficulties, love must overcome the narcissistic temptation consisting in the rejection or the reduction of the otherness of the other. This is the case when the subject, spellbound by the sorcery of narcissism, is incapable of perceiving the other as anything but a means instead of a goal in itself, as is clearly illustrated in ‘A Painful Case’ and ‘The Dead’. In opposition to ‘A Painful Case’, which reveals the deadly and tragic consequences of the narcissistic lure, ‘The Dead’ is the only one of the short stories in Dubliners to offer the outlines for an ethics of love formulated by the fundamental alienation towards the other, who manages to defy the subject's egalitarian attempts for mastery. In the latter, the other designates the very heterogeneity and unconsciousness of the subject that forms the premise for any possible subjectivity and identity of the ego; the other is, in other words, the otherness or unconsciousness of the subject, but also the very presupposition for identity and subjectivity, which is generously bestowed upon it.
Irsogladine maleate counters the interleukin‐1β‐induced suppression in gap‐junctional intercellular communication but does not affect the interleukin‐1β‐induced zonula occludens protein‐1 levels in human gingival epithelial cells
Authors: Fujita T. , Ashikaga A. , Shiba H. , Kajiya M. , Kishimoto A. , Hirata R. , Tsunekuni N. , Hirono C. , Kawaguchi H. , Shiba Y. , Kurihara H.
Published: September 2007

Background and Objective:  Irsogladine maleate counters gap junctional intercellular communication reduction induced by interleukin‐8 or Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in cultured human gingival epithelial cells. Interleukin‐1β is involved in periodontal disease. Little is known, however, about the effect of interleukin‐1β on intercellular junctional complexes in human gingival epithelial cells. Furthermore, irsogladine maleate may affect the actions of interleukin‐1β. In this study, we examined how interleukin‐1β affected gap junctional intercellular communication, connexin 43 and zonula occludens protein‐1, and how irsogladine maleate modulated the interleukin‐1β‐induced changes in the intercellular junctional complexes in human gingival epithelial cells.

Material and Methods:  Human gingival epithelial cells were exposed to interleukin‐1β, with or without irsogladine maleate. Connexin 43 and zonula occludens protein‐1 were examined at mRNA and protein levels by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. Gap junctional intercellular communication was determined using the dye transfer method. The expression of zonula occludens protein‐1 was also confirmed by immunofluorescence.

Results:  Interleukin‐1β decreased connexin 43 mRNA levels, but increased zonula occludens protein‐1 mRNA levels. Irsogladine maleate countered the interleukin‐1β‐induced reduction in gap junctional intercellular communication and connexin 43 levels. However, irsogladine maleate did not influence the increased zonula occludens protein‐1 levels.

Conclusion:  The effect of interleukin‐1β on gap junctional intercellular communication and tight junctions of human gingival epithelial cells is different. The recovery of gap junctional intercellular communication by irsogladine maleate in the gingival epithelium may be a normal process in gingival epithelial homeostasis.
Protein Targeting to the Malaria Parasite Plastid
Authors: Tonkin Christopher J. , Kalanon Ming , McFadden Geoffrey I.
Published: September 2007

The relict plastid, or apicoplast, of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is an essential organelle and a promising drug target. Most apicoplast proteins are nuclear encoded and post‐translationally targeted into the organelle using a bipartite N‐terminal extension, consisting of a typical endomembrane signal peptide and a plant‐like transit peptide. Apicoplast protein targeting commences through the parasite’s secretory pathway. We review recent experimental evidence suggesting that the apicoplast resides in the mainstream endomembrane system proximal to the Golgi. Further, we explore possible mechanisms for translocation of nuclear‐encoded apicoplast proteins across the four bounding membranes. Recent insights into the composition of the transit peptide and how it is cleaved and degraded after use are also examined. Characterization of apicoplast targeting has not only shed light on how this group of parasites mediate intracellular protein trafficking events but also it has helped identify new targets for therapeutics. The distinctive leader sequences of apicoplast proteins make them readily identifiable, allowing assembly of a virtual organelle metabolome from the genome. Such analysis has lead to the identification of several biochemical pathways that are absent from the human host and thus represent novel therapeutic targets for parasitic infection.
Retrieval of rectal foreign bodies: A difficult case
Authors: Cheung Yue‐Sun , Wong John , Ng Wilson W.C. , Tam Tak‐Lap , Chan Micah C.K. , Lai Paul B.S.
Published: September 2007

Foreign body in the rectum is not an uncommon condition encountered by general surgeons. Endoscopic retrieval can be attempted but may not always be successful. A small proportion of patients require an operation under general anaesthesia. There is no well‐defined guideline for proper management of rectal foreign body. We report a rare case (a 10‐inch rectal vibrator) in which colonoscopic retrieval failed and, subsequently, extraction under general anaesthesia was required. The literature was reviewed for an optimum method of removal.
Brazilian Tapir Density in the Pantanal: A Comparison of Systematic Camera‐Trapping and Line‐Transect Surveys
Authors: Trolle Mogens , Noss Andrew J. , Cordeiro José Luis Passos , Oliveira Luiz Flamarion B.
Published: September 2007

The density of Brazilian tapirs (Tapirus terrestris)was studied in the northeastern part of the Pantanal wetlands of Brazil using two simultaneous and independent methods: (1) systematic camera trapping combined with capture–recapture analysis, with camera traps spaced 1 km apart and distributed over 54 km2; and (2) line‐transect sampling using an array of 12 linear transects, from 3.8 to 7.2 km long, covering the principal open and forest habitat types across the entire 1063 km2SESC Pantanal Reserve. The two methods yielded conservative density estimates of 0.58 ± 0.11 tapirs/km2(camera trapping) and 0.55 (95% CI 0.30–1.01) tapirs/km2(line transects). The study suggests that certain Pantanal habitats and sites can sustain relatively high population densities of tapirs when these animals are protected from hunting. Further testing of the camera‐trapping methodology as applied to tapirs is required, particularly focusing on extending the survey period. As it represents a relatively rapid method for estimating population density, in comparison to line‐transect surveys, and as it generates information simultaneously on multiple species that are conservation priorities, we recommend that camera‐trapping surveys be applied more widely across a variety of Pantanal habitats and land‐use categories in order to confirm the value of the vast 140,000 km2wilderness region for this vulnerable species.
Amazon Forest Structure from IKONOS Satellite Data and the Automated Characterization of Forest Canopy Properties
Authors: Palace Michael , Keller Michael , Asner Gregory P. , Hagen Stephen , Braswell Bobby
Published: September 2007

We developed an automated tree crown analysis algorithm using 1‐m panchromatic IKONOS satellite images to examine forest canopy structure in the Brazilian Amazon. The algorithm was calibrated on the landscape level with tree geometry and forest stand data at the Fazenda Cauaxi (3.75° S, 48.37° W) in the eastern Amazon, and then compared with forest stand data at Tapajos National Forest (3.08° S, 54.94° W) in the central Amazon. The average remotely sensed crown width (mean ± SE) was 12.7 ± 0.1 m (range: 2.0–34.0 m) and frequency of trees was 76.6 trees/ha at Cauaxi. At Tapajos, remotely sensed crown width was 13.1 ± 0.1 m (range: 2.0–38.0 m) and frequency of trees was 76.4 trees/ha. At both Cauaxi and Tapajos, the remotely sensed average crown widths were within 3 percent of the crown widths derived from field measurements, although crown distributions showed significant differences between field‐measured and automated methods. We used the remote sensing algorithm to estimate crown dimensions and forest structural properties in 51 forest stands (1 km2) throughout the Brazilian Amazon. The estimated crown widths, tree diameters (dbh), and stem frequencies differed widely among sites, while estimated biomass was similar among most sites. Sources of observed errors included an inability to detect understory crowns and to separate adjacent, intermingled crowns. Nonetheless, our technique can serve to provide information about structural characteristics of large areas of unsurveyed forest throughout Amazonia.
Changes in Anuran Species Richness and Abundance Resulting from Hydroelectric Dam Flooding in Central Brazil
Authors: Brandão Reuber A. , Araújo Alexandre F. B.
Published: September 2007

River damming causes ecosystem losses and habitat fragmentation. In the Cerrado, the flood affects mainly forested habitats in valleys. In 1996, the Tocantins River (Brazil) was dammed to create the Serra da Mesa hydroelectric plant, and 14 sites were monitored during flooding. Eight hills that formed islands were monitored with pitfall traps. Only one frog species was found on islands 3 yr after complete reservoir formation. Cerrado amphibians showed rapid decline during and after flooding.
Density, Distribution, and Attributes of Tree Cavities in an Old‐Growth Tropical Rain Forest
Authors: Boyle W. Alice , Ganong Carissa N. , Clark David B. , Hast Marisa A.
Published: September 2007

Tree cavities are a critical resource for many animals, especially as nesting sites for birds. Patterns of cavity distribution in temperate forests are well studied, yet little is known of cavities in tropical forests, despite a hypothesized decrease in cavity availability with decreasing latitude. We studied cavity density and distribution in a wet lowland tropical forest in Costa Rica and compared our results with estimates from forests around the world. Cavities at our site were common, occurred frequently in living trees, and were often formed by damage or decay rather than by woodpeckers. Most cavities had small openings, and woodpecker‐created cavities were nonrandomly oriented. Contrary to prediction, cavity density appears to increase from the poles to the tropics. We suggest potential mechanisms to explain these patterns.
Roost Site Selection and Site Fidelity in the Neotropical KatydidDocidocercus gigliotosi(Tettigoniidae)
Authors: Lang Alexander B. , Römer Heinrich
Published: September 2007

We investigated the remarkable roosting behavior ofDocidocercus gigliotosi, an understory pseudophylline katydid in the lowland forests of Panama. The insects used a spiny terrestrial bromeliad,Aechmea magdalenae, as a daytime shelter and were significantly more frequently found in those plants, which had been: (1) higher; (2) of better quality; (3) closer to ‘night time walkways’ into the canopy; and (4) showed a better central tube condition. The katydids demonstrated strong site fidelity, returning to the same plants for up to 3 wk. Such a choice may provide sufficient protection against some predators and serve as a suitable shelter for the offspring.
Post‐Fire Population Dynamics of Two Tree Species in High‐Altitude Polylepis Forests of Central Ecuador
Authors: Cierjacks Arne , Salgado Silvia , Wesche Karsten , Hensen Isabell
Published: September 2007

Fire is considered the main cause for the patchy distribution of high‐montane tropical forests growing below the upper limit of tree growth, but there are little quantitative data on the impacts of burning on the respective tree populations. This study compares adult tree survival as well as sapling (0.05–1.3 m) and seedling (<0.05 m) recruitment of Polylepis incana, and the coexisting Gynoxis acostae in burned and unburned forest stands in the Páramo de Guamaní, central Ecuador. In P. incana, adult survival after burning was low, whereas all G. acostae individuals survived through resprouting. Two years after fire, the density of P. incana seedlings and saplings was higher than that of G. acostae, but still not sufficient for forest recovery. A sowing experiment revealed a significantly lower seedling emergence of both species in the burned than in the unburned plots. Seedling emergence was comparable to laboratory studies performed under optimal conditions, suggesting there was no evidence for climate constraining emergence at the given altitude. Interactions between seedling survival and burning for P. incana indicate higher seedling survival after burning, which could not be shown for G. acostae. Our data imply that single fire events strongly decrease adult and seedling population sizes in P. incana and thus may be the main reason for the discontinuous forest distribution below the upper distribution limit of the species. In contrast, the high resprouting potential of G. acostae explains its relatively high percentage in the remaining Ecuadorian P. incana stands.
COMPARISON OF BLOCKED THERMOSTABLE DNA POLYMERASES WITH DIFFERENT ACTIVATION PERIODS AT THE DIRECT DETECTION OF ENTEROBACTERIAL CELLS BY REAL‐TIME POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION
Authors: KRASCSENICSOVÁ KLÁRA , KACLÍKOVÁ EVA , KUCHTA TOMÁŠ
Published: September 2007

Blocked thermostable DNA polymerases with different activation periods were compared at the direct detection of cells of Salmonella enterica and other enterobacteria by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The lowest threshold cycle values were obtained when polymerases with the activation period of 8 min or longer were used. Best results were obtained when the reaction mixture was supplemented with a nonionic detergent, Triton X‐100.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Direct detection of enterobacterial cells by real‐time polymerase chain reaction may become more sensitive when a blocked thermostable DNA polymerase with the activation period of 8 min or longer is used, and when the reaction buffer is supplemented with a nonionic detergent.
A HIGHLY EFFICIENT AND HIGHLY RELIABLE PROTOCOL FOR TRANSFORMATION OF ESCHERICHIA COLI BY ELECTROPORATION
Authors: WANG SHULI , LUO YANFENG , YI XIAO , YU WENWEN , XU ZHIWU , MA XIAOQIAN , HE JIANGUO , LIU QIUYUN
Published: September 2007

Electroporation is widely adopted for highly efficient transformation of Escherichia coli of different purposes, but its efficiency is highly varied in the range of several orders of magnitude. Here we describe a modified and highly reliable electroporation protocol which combines low temperature growth in the presence of sucrose with a postelectroporation heat pulse, which not only gives rise to an over 250‐fold enhancement in transformation compared with conventional protocols, but also alleviates the need for a strict low temperature control at all times of an electroporation‐competent cell preparation experiment and highly pure MilliQ grade water which is not readily available in many laboratories. Transformations for a 6‐kb E. coli and yeast shuttle vector were always higher than 107 transformants/µg, and more than 108 transformants/µg were sometimes recorded in routine experiments.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Transformation efficiency reached up to 8 × 109 transformants/µg DNA with ElectroMAXTM DH10BTMEscherichia coli cells and a 6‐kb pYES2/CT plasmid using our procedure, when combined with reduction of ampicillin concentration from 100 µg/mL to 20 µg/mL in the selection plates. It is highly efficient and highly reliable on DNA library construction of all kinds, especially from minute cell and tissue samples, under routine laboratory conditions. It will find widespread application in molecular manipulations in Escherichia coli, the workhorse of molecular biology.
Levels of autonomy of nurse practitioners in an acute care setting
Authors: Cajulis Corazon B. , Fitzpatrick Joyce J. , Kleinpell Ruth M.
Published: September 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this descriptive study was to determine the level of autonomy of nurse practitioners (NPs) providing care to an adult patient population in an acute care setting.

Data sources: Data were collected from 54 NPs in different specialty areas currently working in a large metropolitan hospital. The Dempster Practice Behaviors Scale was used to measure the autonomy of the NPs.

Conclusions: The overall mean autonomy score of 117.37 (SD = 14.55) indicates a high level of autonomy of the NPs in this study. Forty‐one percent of the participants had very high levels of autonomy, 31.5% had extremely high levels of autonomy, and 19% had moderate levels of autonomy. Demographic variables of age; years worked as an NP, as an RN, and at current job; highest educational level; basic nursing preparation; NP certification; and specialty had no statistically significant relationship with autonomy scores.

Implications for practice: The results of this study provided preliminary evidence of the level of autonomy of NPs providing inpatient care to adult patients in an acute care setting. The findings could lead to future research on the impact of NP services on patient outcomes and clinical productivity in acute care settings.
Pharmacological separation of early afterdepolarizations from arrhythmogenic substrate in ΔKPQ Scn5a murine hearts modelling human long QT 3 syndrome
Authors: Thomas G. , Killeen M. J. , Grace A. A. , Huang C. L.‐H.
Published: September 2007

Aim:  To perform an empirical, pharmacological, separation of early afterdepolarizations (EADs) and transmural gradients of repolarization in arrhythmogenesis in a genetically modified mouse heart modelling human long QT syndrome (LQT) 3.

Methods:  Left ventricular endocardial and epicardial monophasic action potentials and arrhythmogenic tendency were compared in isolated wild type (WT) and Scn5a+/Δ hearts perfused with 0.1 and 1 μm propranolol and paced from the right ventricular epicardium.

Results:  All spontaneously beating bradycardic Scn5a+/Δ hearts displayed EADs, triggered beats and ventricular tachycardia (VT; n = 7), events never seen in WT hearts (n = 5). Perfusion with 0.1 and 1 μm propranolol suppressed all EADs, triggered beats and episodes of VT. In contrast, triggering of VT persisted following programmed electrical stimulation in 6 of 12 (50%), one of eight (12.5%), but six of eight (75%) Scn5a+/Δ hearts perfused with 0, 0.1 and 1 μm propranolol respectively in parallel with corresponding alterations in repolarization gradients, reflected in action potential duration (ΔAPD90) values. Thus 0.1 μm propranolol reduced epicardial but not endocardial APD90 from 54.7 ± 1.6 to 44.0 ± 2.0 ms, restoring ΔAPD90 from −3.8 ± 1.6 to 3.5 ± 2.5 ms (all n = 5), close to WT values. However, 1 μm propranolol increased epicardial APD90 to 72.5 ± 1.2 ms and decreased endocardial APD90 from 50.9 ± 1.0 to 24.5 ± 0.3 ms, increasing ΔAPD90 to −48.0 ± 1.2 ms.

Conclusion:  These findings empirically implicate EADs in potentially initiating spontaneous arrhythmogenic phenomena and transmural repolarization gradients in the re‐entrant substrate that would sustain such activity when provoked by extrasystolic activity in murine hearts modelling human LQT3 syndrome.
Dose–response effects of free fatty acids on amino acid metabolism and ureagenesis
Authors: Gormsen L. C. , Gjedsted J. , Gjedde S. , Nørrelund H. , Christiansen J. S. , Schmitz O. , Jørgensen J. O. L. , Møller N.
Published: September 2007

Aim:  Free fatty acids (FFAs) are important fuels and have vital protein‐sparing effects, particularly during conditions of metabolic stress and fasting. However, it is uncertain whether these beneficial effects are evident throughout the physiological range or only occur at very high FFA concentrations. It is also unclear whether secondary alterations in hormone levels and ketogenesis play a role. We therefore aimed at describing dose–response relationships between amino acid metabolism and circulating FFA concentrations at clamped hormone levels.

Methods:  Eight healthy men were studied on four occasions (6 h basal, 2 h glucose clamp). Endogenous lipolysis was blocked with acipimox and Intralipid was infused at varying rates (0, 3, 6 or 12 μL kg−1 min−1) to obtain four different levels of circulating FFAs. Endogenous growth hormone, insulin and glucagon secretion was blocked by somatostatin (300 μg h−1) and replaced exogenously. 15N‐phenylalanine, 2H4‐tyrosine and 13C‐urea were infused continuously to assess protein turnover and ureagenesis.

Results:  We obtained four distinct levels of FFA concentrations ranging from 0.03 to 2.1 mmol L−1 and 3‐hydroxybutyrate concentrations from 10 to 360 μmol L−1. Whole‐body phenylalanine turnover and phenylalanine‐to‐tyrosine degradation decreased with increasing FFA levels as did insulin‐stimulated forearm fluxes of phenylalanine. Phenylalanine, tyrosine and urea concentrations also decreased progressively, whereas urea turnover was unperturbed.

Conclusion:  Circulating FFAs decrease amino acid concentrations and inhibit whole‐body phenylalanine fluxes and phenylalanine‐to‐tyrosine conversion. Our data cover FFA concentrations from 0 to 2 mmol L−1 and indicate that FFAs exert their protein conserving effects in the upper physiological range (>1.5 mmol L−1).
Cognitive Science of Religion: What Is It and Why Is It?
Authors: Barrett Justin L.
Published: September 2007

Cognitive science of religion (CSR) brings theories from the cognitive sciences to bear on why religious thought and action is so common in humans and why religious phenomena take on the features that they do. The field is characterized by a piecemeal approach, explanatory non‐exclusivism, and methodological pluralism. Topics receiving consideration include how ordinary cognitive structures inform and constrain the transmission of religious ideas, why people believe in gods, why religious rituals and prayers tend to have the forms that they do, why afterlife beliefs are so common, and how human memory systems influence socio‐political features in religious systems. CSR is often associated with evolutionary science and anti‐religious rhetoric but neither is intrinsic nor necessary to the field.
Gallbladder mucocoele and concurrent hepatic lipidosis in a cat
Authors: BENNETT SL , MILNE M , SLOCOMBE RF , LANDON BP
Published: September 2007

A 3‐year‐old Domestic Shorthair cat was presented with weight loss, anorexia and icterus. Feline hepatic lipidosis and gallbladder mucocoele were diagnosed; this is the first report of gallbladder mucocoele in the cat. The case was managed successfully with cholecystojejunostomy, gastrostomy tube placement and tube feeding for 3 months. The cat has survived over the long term with minimal complications.
Activity and viability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon‐degrading Sphingomonas sp. LB126 in a DC‐electrical field typical for electrobioremediation measures
Authors: Shi Lei , Müller Susann , Loffhagen Norbert , Harms Hauke , Wick Lukas Y.
Published: September 2007

There has been growing interest in employing electro‐bioremediation, a hybrid technology of bioremediation and electrokinetics for the treatment of contaminated soil. Knowledge however on the effect of weak electrokinetic conditions on the activity and viability of pollutant‐degrading microorganisms is scarce. Here we present data about the influence of direct current (DC) on the membrane integrity, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) pools, physico‐chemical cell surface properties, degradation kinetics and culturability of fluorene‐degrading Sphingomonas sp. LB126. Flow cytometry was applied to quantify the uptake of propidium iodide (PI) and the membrane potential‐related fluorescence intensities (MPRFI) of individual cells within a population. Adenosine tri‐phosphate contents and fluorene biodegradation rates of bulk cultures were determined and expressed on a per cell basis. The cells' surface hydrophobicity and electric charge were assessed by contact angle and zeta potential measurements respectively. Relative to the control, DC‐exposed cells exhibited up to 60% elevated intracellular ATP levels and yet remained unaffected on all other levels of cellular integrity and functionality tested. Our data suggest that direct current (X = 1 V cm−1; J = 10.2 mA cm−2) as typically used for electrobioremediation measures has no negative effect on the activity of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)‐degrading soil microorganism, thereby filling a serious gap of the current knowledge of the electrobioremediation methodology.
A Description of Dental Public Health Programs for the Elderly
Authors: Strayer Michael S.
Published: September 2007

The changing oral health status of older adults has focused attention on the need to broaden oral health promotion and prevention activities for this group. The Oral Health Working Group of the US Surgeon General's Workshop: Health Promotion and Aging recently reported that more activities are needed in education and service for older adults—areas that fall within the purview of state and local health agencies. Although dental public health programs for older adults have received more attention, the current breadth and variety of state dental health activities for older adults is unknown. This telephone survey of state dental health departments found that among the 10 states with the largest older adult populations, five were providing oral health programs for the elderly. The 30 states reporting the existence of oral health programs for the elderly account for 58 percent of the total US elderly population. Oral health activities were quite varied, with the majority of states focusing on institutionalized patients and their care givers. Respondents reported that access to dental consultants with gerontological training and information on model oral health programs for older adults would assist program development. Public health agencies play a significant role in improving the quality of life for the nation's elderly. Dental public health programs clearly have demonstrated the ability to improve health prevention and health promotion among younger populations. It is crucial to utilize these skills to begin to enhance the oral health and quality of life of older adults, as well.
Dental Manpower Planning in the Indian Health Service
Authors: Collins Robert J. , Broderick Eric B. , Herman David J.
Published: September 2007

As a public health agency, the Indian Health Service (IHS) must plan for the needs of the entire American Indian and Alaskan Native (AI/AN) population and distribute resources as equitably as possible. To facilitate this process, the IHS has developed a manpower planning model to provide for the distribution of dental providers based upon the dental needs of the AI/AN population and within the limits of annual appropriations of funds. This paper briefly describes the original IHS Dental Program manpower planning model and the development of modifications over time. The need‐based approach to manpower planning developed by the IHS Dental Program has exhibited utility and flexibility over time. It allows a determination of clinic size (number of operatories) and dental staffing requirements, and may be generalizable to other public health programs if an accurate assessment of utilization rate and treatment need can be made for the defined population. Nonetheless, the availability of resources in public programs is subject to the compromises inherent in the political process; thus, the use of a manpower planning model alone may not be sufficient to ensure the equitable distribution of dental resources and dental providers.
Tooth Brushing, Flossing, and Preventive Dental Visits by Detroit‐area Residents in Relation to Demographic and Socioeconomic Factors
Authors: Ronis David L. , Lang W. Paul , Farghaly Mahassen M. , Passow Elaine
Published: September 2007

A survey was conducted to identify (a) factors that influence preventive dental behaviors and (b) target groups for interventions. Data were collected in face‐to‐face interviews with a probability sample of 662 dentate adults living in the Detroit tricounty area. The interviews included questions about demographic and socioeconomic variables and about three preventive behaviors: brushing, flossing, and preventive dental visits. All behaviors were positively associated with socioeconomic status. Females were more likely than males to perform each of the behaviors at the recommended frequency. The behaviors were only weakly associated with age. Whites were more likely than nonwhites to make regular dental visits, but frequency of brushing and flossing did not vary substantially across racial groups. The impact of race on frequency of dental visits was reduced when socioeconomic status was statistically controlled. Findings suggest that socioeconomic status, race, and sex remain important considerations when planning dental health education or other interventions.
Collecting State‐level Oral Health Data When Resources Are Limited: an Approach to Oral Health Surveillance
Authors: Reed Susan G. , Tallman Jacqueline A. , Burt Brian A.
Published: September 2007

Many states and localities do not have the resources to conduct oral health surveys of their whole populations, but the demands for data collection continue to increase for both program administration and for Maternal and Child Health Block Grant funding. As one response to this problem, the Oral Health Program of the Michigan Department of Public Health developed an oral health surveillance system as a low‐cost method of collecting usable data from the service populations of local health agencies providing direct patient care in Michigan. A record form, to be completed by dentists or hygienists in those agencies at initial or recall examinations, was developed and pilot‐tested for all patients of target age groups who presented over a specified four‐week period. This paper gives the results from 19 agencies that participated in the pilot test in Michigan. Results showed that 40.5 percent of 2–5‐year‐olds (n/341) had some caries experience, their d/dft was 78.2 percent, and mean dft was 4.8 (SD±3.5). Among the 6–19‐year‐olds (n/710), 61.4 percent had experienced caries, the D/DFT was 41.8 percent, and the mean DFT was 4.2 (SD±3.2). Among the adults examined, 45.1 percent of 20–64‐year‐olds (n = 820) and 38.1 percent of those 65 years or older (n = 105) had two or more teeth with untreated decay. These data suggest a high level of untreated disease among the service populations of the local dental health agencies. The method of data collection was well accepted by the staff of the agencies concerned and proved to be simple and inexpensive to conduct. While the population examined is not representative of the state population, it reflects a good cross‐section of the population seeking clinical dental services through public health agencies. The data will be used in program development and to address the Maternal and Child Health reporting requirements of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989. We intend to conduct this oral health surveillance survey periodically in Michigan to demonstrate trends in oral disease.