bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trade, Tenure, and Tradition: Influence of Sociocultural Factors on Resource Use in Melanesia
Authors: CINNER JOSHUA E. , MARNANE MICHAEL J. , McCLANAHAN TIMOTHY R. , CLARK TRACY H. , BEN JOHN
Published: November 2005

Abstract: Social and cultural institutions influence how societies organize themselves to extract resources, affecting the ways in which resources are used and ultimately managed. In Papua New Guinea, marine tenure rights largely determine how individuals and communities use inshore marine resources. Whether institutions of customary marine tenure can play a role in resource conservation or are simply mechanisms to avoid conflict and maximize exploitation is a matter of debate. In the Manus Province, an unusual marine tenure and trade arrangement has resulted in the community of Andra producing the majority of lime powder used for consumption with betel nut. A socioeconomic and ecological assessment revealed that more than 90% of Andra's community was engaged in lime production, an industry contributing an estimated US$102,000 ± 28,000 to the village annually. The main source of material used in lime production at Andra is live branching coral (primarilyAcroporaspp.). The annual removal of approximately 2,113 ± 660 m3of coral appears to have produced significant changes in coral cover in Andra's reefs, resulting in a lower percent cover of hard corals (24 ± 2% SE) compared with neighboring reefs with little harvesting (33 ± 3% SE). Existing common‐property regimes may provide incentives for individuals to sustainably use their own reef area. A lapse in supply, however, could threaten the community's virtual monopoly and provide other villages with an opportunity to gain a market share of lime production. Thus, the marine tenure and trade arrangements that facilitated Andra's position as the dominant supplier of lime to the province may result in incentives for the overexploitation of coral in ways that are paradoxical to an open‐access scenario. Management interventions that aim to reduce the ecological impacts of coral harvesting should reflect the community's economic dependence on the practice and the sociocultural institutions that influence resource use.
Spatial and Seasonal Patterns of Bird Communities in Italian Agroecosystems
Authors: LAIOLO PAOLA
Published: November 2005

Abstract:  Despite agricultural landscapes covering almost 60% of the total land area of Italy, knowledge of the effects of agriculture and its intensification on bird communities is still scarce. I analyzed the effects of land uses on bird diversity and community structure in different farmland habitats of lowland northwestern Italy. I surveyed breeding and overwintering birds with a hierarchically nested sampling design and used generalized linear and mixed models to investigate the relationships between the diversity and abundance of birds and habitat or landscapes attributes. The effects of agriculture on α avian diversity varied with season and spatial scale, whereas nonagricultural habitats (long‐term fallows or woodlands) had a generally positive effect that was constant throughout time and space. As the amount of woodland habitat increased, spatial turnover (β diversity) of breeding birds decreased. Arable landscapes supported low levels of avian diversity throughout the year but were favored by emblematic farmland birds that have declined severely in Europe and in the study area. Farmland birds (40% of which are experiencing population declines) were more abundant or foraged more frequently in the less‐disturbed habitat types such as fallows, grasslands, and winter stubbles and tended to avoid the prevailing cultivations (maize, vineyard, and wheat). Landscape simplification, the expansion of maize cultivation, winter plowing practices, and the conversion of highly diverse grasslands to tilled lands are likely to be responsible for the local decline of most farmland species (Skylark[Alauda arvensis], Starling[Sturnus vulgaris], buntings[Emberiza spp.], and wagtails[Motacilla spp.]) and for the increase of birds that are turning into agricultural pests (Hooded Crow[Corvus corone cornix]).
Ecology of Chytridiomycosis in Rainforest Stream Frog Assemblages of Tropical Queensland
Authors: WOODHAMS DOUGLAS C. , ALFORD ROSS A.
Published: November 2005

Abstract:  In the wet tropics of Queensland, Australia, eight species of stream‐dwelling frogs have experienced population declines. Some declines were associated with an emerging infectious disease of amphibians (chytridiomycosis) caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. We examined the spatial and temporal pattern of infection prevalence in a sample of frog populations. Infected adults and tadpoles of all species were found, and infections occurred at every site. Infection prevalence varied among species and was always < 10.0% in adults but ranged from 0.75 to 76.0% in tadpoles. In this system tadpoles and adults of some species may act as disease reservoirs, experiencing avirulent infections, whereas other hosts (declining species) experience virulent infections. Infection prevalence was higher during the cool, dry winter season (May to September) and at high elevations (600–800 m), suggesting regulation by environmental conditions, including temperature and precipitation. We found no relationships between infection prevalence and mean body condition, fluctuating asymmetry of hind limbs, population density, or the presence of metamorphosing tadpoles and juvenile frogs. Although it is not certain whether chytridiomycosis was responsible for past frog population declines in the wet tropics of Queensland, the pathogen is now endemic. Our data indicate that at the landscape level, environmental conditions have strong effects on host‐pathogen dynamics. These effects interact with species‐specific behavior or immune function and may be important underlying determinants of chytridiomycosis epizootics and emergence.
Cognitive, Extrapyramidal, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Predictors of Functional Impairment in Nondemented Older Community Dwellers: The Sydney Older Person Study
Authors: Bennett Hayley P. , Piguet Olivier , Grayson David A. , Creasey Helen , Waite Louise M. , Lye Tanya , Corbett Alastair J. , Hayes Michael , Broe G. Anthony , Halliday Glenda M.
Published: November 2005

Objectives: To identify the clinical correlates of functional incapacity in the community living “old‐old.”

Design: Cross‐sectional.

Setting: Community‐based.

Participants: One hundred six nondemented people aged 80 to 94.

Measurements: Participants were medically and cognitively assessed, underwent magnetic resonance imaging scanning (MRI), and were interviewed regarding their functional status: activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental ADLs (IADLs), and the complex IADL functions of reading, hobbies, and socializing.

Results: Dependency in IADLs, but not ADLs, was present. After controlling for age, sex, and education, extrapyramidal (EP) signs were significantly associated with two of the three IADLs, with EP signs comprising a composite score of 10 EP signs (e.g., resting tremor) and a 5‐meter timed walk. Cognitive test performance on a range of tests was also associated with functional status. A hierarchical model confirmed the association between the EP signs and cognitive test performance and functional scores, but no “pattern” of cognitive association emerged. Hippocampal volume was associated with socializing.

Conclusion: This study has shown that many nondemented very old people living in the community are losing capacity to perform IADL functions and that areas of incapacity are associated with the presence of EP signs and impaired cognition. These results highlight the need for health workers to include an assessment of EP and cognitive status in their evaluation of older persons living in the community, even in the context of a lack of dementia diagnosis. Furthermore, it signifies the need to directly evaluate IADL function to identify need for intervention and support if required. This group of old‐old individuals may now be considered the “survivors” of their cohort, and early detection of the difficulties they are experiencing will enable clinicians to respond appropriately, thus providing them a higher quality of life for their years to come.
Glycated Hemoglobin Levels and Intellectual Activity in an Aged Population
Authors: Amano Hidenori , Watanabe Shuichiro , Kumagai Shu , Yukawa Harumi , Suzuki Takao , Shibata Hiroshi
Published: November 2005

Objectives: To examine the association between glycated hemoglobin (GHb) and aspects of daily activities in an elderly population.

Design: Cross‐sectional population‐based survey.

Setting: Nangai village, an agricultural community with a population of about 5,000 located in Akita prefecture in the north of Japan.

Participants: Nine hundred thirty‐five people aged 65 and older.

Measurements: GHb percentages, self‐reported measures of activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), intellectual activity (IA), and social role (SR).

Results: An exploratory analysis indicated that nondiabetic subjects in the lowest tertile of GHb tend to have lower IA than those in the middle tertile, if they were aged 70 and older. No consistent association appeared between GHb and ADLs, IADLs, or SR. Linear and logistic regression analyses, controlling for other risk factors, indicated significantly lower IA scores in the low and high GHb tertiles (P<.001 and P=.04, respectively) than in the middle in nondiabetic subjects aged 70 and older and without stroke history or IADL impairments. The value of GHb related to the maximal IA score was 5.0% to 5.2% as the middle tertile; or 5.2%, assuming a logistic regression model including a squared term with GHb as a continuous variable. A similar relationship was observed in the whole nondiabetic sample aged 70 and older but not in the younger counterpart.

Conclusion: There is an inverted U‐shaped relationship between GHb and intellectual activity in older people without diabetes mellitus. One possible interpretation is that suboptimal blood glucose could contribute to intellectual inactivity in older people.
Five percent albumin for adult burn shock resuscitation: lack of effect on daily multiple organ dysfunction score
Authors: Cooper Andrew B. , Cohn Stephen M. , Zhang Haibo S. , Hanna Kim , Stewart Thomas E. , Slutsky Arthur S. ,   the ALBUR Investigators
Published: November 2005

BACKGROUND:  The effect of 5 percent human albumin on multiple organ dysfunction was investigated during the first 14 days of treatment to determine whether albumin resuscitation might benefit adult burn patients.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  Multicenter unblinded controlled trial with stratified block (two patients per block) randomization by center and mortality prediction at enrollment (high‐risk stratum [predicted mortality, 50%‐90%] and low‐risk stratum [predicted mortality, <50%]). The primary outcome was the worst multiple organ dysfunction score (MODS), excluding the cardiovascular component, to Day 14. Eligible adults (>15 years) suffering from thermal injury not more than 12 hours before enrollment received fluid resuscitation with Ringer's lactate (n = 23) or 5 percent human albumin plus Ringer's lactate (n = 19) by protocol to achieve recommended (American Burn Association) resuscitation endpoints.

RESULTS:  Forty‐two patients were randomly assigned. There were no significant differences (median [95% confidence intervals]) in age (36 [24‐45] vs. 31 [25‐39] years), burn size (39 [32‐53] vs. 32 [26‐34] total body surface area percentage), inhalation injury (n = 12/19 vs. n = 11/23), or baseline MODS (3 [1‐5] vs. 1.5 [0‐2]) between the treatment and control groups. In an intention‐to‐treat analysis, there was no significant difference between the treatment and control group in the lowest MODS from Day 0 to Day 14 (analysis of covariance, p = 0.73).

CONCLUSION:  Treatment with 5 percent albumin from Day 0 to Day 14 does not decrease the burden of MODS in adult burn patients.
Platelet dose consistency and its effect on the number of platelet transfusions for support of thrombocytopenia: an analysis of the SPRINT trial of platelets photochemically treated with amotosalen HCl and ultraviolet A light
Authors: Murphy Scott , Snyder Edward , Cable Ritchard , Slichter Sherrill J. , Strauss Ronald G. , McCullough Jeffrey , Lin Jin‐Sying , Corash Laurence , Conlan Maureen G. ,   the SPRINT Study Group
Published: November 2005

BACKGROUND:  The SPRINT trial examined efficacy and safety of photochemically treated (PCT) platelets (PLTs). PCT PLTs were equivalent to untreated (control) PLTs for prevention of bleeding. Transfused PLT dose and corrected count increments (CIs), however, were lower and transfusion intervals were shorter for PCT PLTs, resulting in more PCT than control transfusions. PLT dose was analyzed to determine the impact of the number of PLTs transfused on transfusion requirements.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  Transfusion response was compared for patients with all doses of ≥3.0 × 1011 and the complementary subset of patients with any dose of fewer than 3.0 × 1011. Analyses included comparison of bleeding, number of PLT and red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, transfusion intervals, and CIs between PCT and control groups within each PLT dose subset.

RESULTS:  Mean PLT dose per transfusion in the PCT group was lower than in the control group (3.7 × 1011 vs. 4.0 × 1011; p < 0.001). More PCT patients received PLT doses of fewer than 3.0 × 1011 (n = 190) than control patients (n = 118; p < 0.01). Comparisons of patients receiving comparable PLT doses showed no significant differences between PCT and control groups for bleeding or number of PLT or RBC transfusions; however, transfusion intervals and CIs were significantly better for the control group.

CONCLUSIONS:  When patients were supported with comparable doses of PCT or conventional PLTs, the mean number of PLT transfusions was similar. Lower CIs and shorter transfusion intervals for PCT PLTs suggest that some PLT injury may occur during PCT. This injury does not result in a detectable increase in bleeding, however.
Buffering and dilution in red blood cell storage
Authors: Hess J.R. , Rugg N. , Joines A.D. , Gormas J.F. , Pratt P.G. , Silberstein E.B. , Greenwalt T.J.
Published: November 2005

BACKGROUND:  Red blood cell (RBC) storage solutions work in a narrow pH range between 7.2 and 6.4. While keeping RBC within that pH range, ATP production can be increased by buffering or dilution.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  In the first study, 12 units of packed CP2D RBCs were pooled in groups of four, realiquoted, and added to one of four additive solutions (ASs): AS‐3, 110 mL; EAS‐61, 170 mL; EAS‐78, 170 mL; or EAS‐81, 110 mL. EAS‐78 and ‐81 contain bicarbonate. Units were sampled approximately weekly for 10 weeks for biochemical measures. In the second study, 12 volunteers donated RBCs for measures of 51Cr in vivo recovery after 6 or 8 weeks of storage in EAS‐81.

RESULTS:  RBCs stored in the higher‐volume or buffered ASs had higher RBC ATP concentrations. The combination had an additive effect. Hemolysis was reduced in dilute ASs and less so with buffering. RBCs stored for 8 weeks (n = 6) in EAS‐81 exhibited 87 ± 2 percent 24‐hour 51Cr in vivo recovery and 0.4 ± 0.2 percent hemolysis.

CONCLUSIONS:  It is possible to store RBCs for 8 weeks in buffered conventional volume ASs. Combining buffering and increased AS volume improves stored RBC characteristics further.
The median whole‐blood donation time in the best‐case scenario: findings at one blood center
Authors: Newman B.H. , Patel B.R.
Published: November 2005

BACKGROUND:  Whole‐blood donation times in a donor population when there are no impediments to blood donation at any point can be used to determine the shortest median whole‐blood donation time. This statistic is relevant to blood donors and collection staff.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  Small, overstaffed blood drives in August 2004 were evaluated via operation records and supervisor interviews to determine if there were any impediments to whole‐blood donation at any point in the process. Four‐hundred ninety‐two whole‐blood donations from 33 blood drives were not impeded and were evaluated for whole‐blood donation times. Registration records (entry time) and blood donor records (phlebotomy start and end time) provided three objective time points for the process, the median postphlebotomy interval at the phlebotomy station was estimated, and 10 minutes was assigned for the refreshment period.

RESULTS:  The median donation time for the whole‐blood donation process was 50 minutes. The 25 to 75 percent range was 46 to 56 minutes, and the 10 to 90 percent range was 42 to 64 minutes. First‐time blood donors had blood donation times that were 5 to 6 minutes longer than in repeat blood donors (55.5 min vs. 50 min), and women had slightly longer donation times than men (51 min vs. 49 min). Five percent of the donors had donation times that exceeded 69 minutes.

CONCLUSION:  The median whole‐blood donation time and range under the best circumstances was defined based on the process in place in our blood center in August 2004.
The pathogenicity of von Willebrand factor in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: reconsideration of treatment with cryopoor plasma
Authors: Raife Thomas J. , Friedman Kenneth D. , Dwyre Denis M.
Published: November 2005

New developments in the understanding of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) provide opportunities for improved patient care. A widely held historical model of TTP microvascular thrombosis implicated circulating ultralarge von Willebrand factor (ULVWF) in causing spontaneous platelet (PLT) aggregation. From this pathogenic model, concerns about ULVWF in fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP) used to treat patients led to widespread use of cryopoor plasma (CPP) as an alternative. There is scant evidence, however, that circulating ULVWF contributes to microvascular thrombosis in TTP. New evidence suggests that the formation of PLT aggregates in TTP may be mediated by VWF in the process of being released from endothelium. Moreover, clinical studies do not demonstrate superior efficacy of CPP compared to FFP in the treatment of TTP. Because CPP may have reduced concentrations of factors important in the treatment of TTP, including ADAMTS13 metalloprotease, a reappraisal of the use of CPP in the treatment of TTP is warranted.
The Impact of Catecholamines on Defibrillation Threshold in Patients with Implanted Cardioverter Defibrillators
Authors: KALUS JAMES S. , WHITE C. MICHAEL , CARON MICHAEL F. , GUERTIN DANETTE , MCBRIDE BRIAN F. , KLUGER JEFFREY
Published: November 2005

Objectives: To determine the effect of physiologic catecholamine concentrations on the defibrillation threshold (DFT) in patients with implanted cardioverter defibrillators.

Background: DFT is the minimum energy delivered by an implanted cardioverter defibrillator that successfully converts ventricular fibrillation. DFT testing is performed under conscious sedation. Since activities of daily living enhance sympathetic tone substantially over these nadir levels, it is important to explore the impact of catecholamines on DFT.

Methods: In this double‐blind study, we determined DFT by the step‐down method. Patients (n = 50) were stratified by beta‐blocker use and then randomized to a 7‐minute infusion of epinephrine, norepinephrine, or placebo. After study infusion, DFT testing was repeated. Changes in DFT with different study medications were compared. Subgroup analyses of the effects of catecholamines on DFT, based on beta‐blocker use, were also performed.

Results: Norepinephrine reduced DFT from baseline measurements by 22.6% (P = 0.008). Neither epinephrine nor placebo impacted DFT (P = 0.999, P = 0.317, respectively). In the subgroup analyses, DFT was reduced with norepinephrine regardless of beta‐blocker use, while epinephrine reduced DFT among those receiving beta‐blockers. No change in DFT was observed in either of the placebo subgroups.

Conclusions: Elevation of plasma norepinephrine concentrations reduces the DFT, while elevations in epinephrine had no effect. Norepinephrine seems to reduce DFT regardless of beta‐blocker therapy but epinephrine's effects are beta‐blocker dependent.
Adaptive Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Device: A Simulation Report
Authors: ROM RAMI , EREL JACOB , GLIKSON MICHAEL , ROSENBLUM KOBI , GINOSAR RAN , HAYES DAVID L.
Published: November 2005

We report the results of a simulation of an adaptive cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device performing biventricular pacing in which the atrioventricular (AV) delay and interventricular (VV) interval parameters are changed dynamically in response to data provided by the simulated IEGMs and simulated hemodynamic sensors. A learning module, an artificial neural network, performs the adaptive part of the algorithm supervised by an algorithmic deterministic module, internally or externally from the implanted CRT or CRT‐D. The simulated cardiac output obtained with the adaptive CRT device is considerably higher (30%) especially with higher heart rates than in the nonadaptive CRT mode and is likely to be translated into improvement in quality of life of patients with congestive heart failure.
Biochemical Evidence of Cardiac Damage Following Transvenous Implantation of a Permanent Antibradycardia Pacemaker Lead
Authors: NIKOLAOU NIKOLAOS I. , SPANODIMOS STAVROS G. , TSAGLIS ELIAS P. , ANTONATOS DIONYSIOS G. , PATSILINAKOS SOTIRIS P. , FOURNARAKIS GEORGIOS M. , TSIGAS DIMITRIOS L.
Published: November 2005

Objectives: We tested the hypothesis that transvenous permanent pacemaker lead implantation causes clinically detectable myocardial damage.

Background: Histological evidence of myocardial damage has been reported after antibradycardia pacemaker lead implantation.

Methods: We studied 30 patients undergoing implantation of a full antibradycardia pacemaker system (pulse generator plus leads) and 10 patients in whom only a generator was implanted. Blood samples for cardiac troponin‐I (CTNI), CK‐MB mass, and myoglobin measurement were drawn at baseline, at the end of the procedure, and at 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours thereafter.

Results: Abnormal CTNI levels were noted only in 24 of the 30 patients undergoing a full system implantation. CTNI levels were already abnormal at the end of the procedure in 16 and became so in all 24 during the next 6 hours. Peak levels were reached within 6 hours in 21 patients and were compatible with “minimal” necrosis (CTNI < 1.5 pg/mL) in 20. Maximum ventricular lead diameter and number of implanted leads were independent predictors of peak CTNI levels. CK‐MB mass also increased after the procedure, but exceeded the normal range in only 10 patients. Myoglobin levels increased significantly both in patients undergoing a complete system implantation and in those where only a pulse generator was implanted.

Conclusions: Transvenous insertion of endocardial leads for permanent pacing is accompanied in most patients by “minimal” myocardial damage. In this setting CTNI level kinetics are fast, characterized by early elevation and peak.
Correlation of Electrotonic Monophasic Action Potential Shortening with Short‐Term Memory in Human Atrium
Authors: NAM GI‐BYOUNG , CHOI KEE‐JOON , KIM JUN , RHEE KYOUNG‐SUK , KIM YOU‐HO , LEE JONG‐MIN
Published: November 2005

To determine the presence of memory in human atria, we recorded monophasic action potential (MAP) at the high right atrium (HRA) in 21 patients. After reaching a steady state at 600 ms, HRA pacing was switched to the coronary sinus (CS) pacing to alter the activation sequence. After 20 minutes of CS pacing, pacing was continued at HRA to record the memory effect of CS pacing. Atrial memory was defined as the change in HRA MAP duration (MAPd) after 20 minutes of altered activation sequence. Baseline MAPd was 229 ± 31 ms, which was shortened to 226 ± 24 ms immediately after CS pacing. After 20 minutes of CS pacing, HRA MAPd during HRA pacing was 220 ± 28 ms, which was significantly shorter than the baseline MAPd (P = 0.003). The degree of atrial memory was associated with the degree of initial electrotonic MAPd changes caused by the altered activation sequence. These results suggest that memory phenomenon exists in human atria, and it can be expressed as a change in MAPd.
Long‐Term Mortality in Patients with Pauses in Ventricular Electrical Activity
Authors: SABA MAGDI M. , DONAHUE TIMOTHY P. , PANOTOPOULOS PANAGIOTIS T.H. , IBRAHIM SALMA S. , ABI‐SAMRA FREDDY M.
Published: November 2005

Background: The long‐term significance of ventricular pauses of ≥3.0 seconds observed on Holter monitor is unclear, as previously conducted retrospective studies have been poorly controlled. We compared the prognosis of patients with pauses ≥3.0 seconds on Holter monitor with a well‐matched control group without such pauses.

Methods: Scanning the Holter database at Ochsner Clinic (n = 11,730; January 1998 to June 2003) for pauses ≥3.0 seconds identified 70 patients (pause group). Of those, 29 (37.1%) received a permanent pacemaker (PPM group) and 41 (62.9%) did not (No‐PPM group). For each No‐PPM patient, two patients without pauses (<2.0 seconds) exactly matched for age, sex, ejection fraction (EF), rhythm, and duration of follow‐up were randomly chosen from the Holter database (control group, n = 82) and survival of the two groups was compared.

Results: Mean age was 72.5 ± 15.0 years, mean EF was 52.2 ± 12.7%, and 68.3% were men. Mean follow‐up was 2.2 years (0.5–4.5 years). There was no difference in survival between the No‐PPM and the control groups (82.9% vs 84.1%, P = NS). Compared with the PPM group, pauses in the No‐PPM group were more commonly asymptomatic, nocturnal, and due to sinus pauses or atrial fibrillation (AF) with slow ventricular response.

Conclusions: Pauses in ventricular electrical activity ≥3 seconds on Holter monitor due to sinus pauses or AF with slow ventricular response are not predictive of heightened mortality.
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Using a VDD Lead
Authors: D'IVERNOIS CHRISTOPHE , PI STÉPHANE , HERO MARC
Published: November 2005

In heart failure patients with normal sinus node function, cardiac resynchronization therapy can be achieved with only two leads, one VDD type, and one left ventricular. This reduces the number of venous punctures, implanted leads, and possibly operation and fluoroscopic times and complication rates. We present two cases and discuss the advantages and limits of such a procedure.
Balloon Occlusion Technique to Cannulate Angulated and Tortuous Coronary Sinus Branches in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: MEADE THOMAS H. , LOPEZ J. ALBERTO
Published: November 2005

We present two cases that demonstrate a new technique to cannulate angulated and tortuous coronary sinus branches during left ventricular lead placement for cardiac resynchronization therapy. The technique uses an occlusive pulmonary artery balloon just beyond the takeoff of the coronary sinus branch to assist in the cannulation of the branch.
The History of AV Nodal Reentry
Authors: SCHEINMAN MELVIN M. , YANG YANFEI
Published: November 2005

Though patients with AV nodal reentry are now routinely cured by catheter ablation, the basic mechanism of this disorder is still under debate. The putative mechanism of AV node reentry was first discovered by the elegant work of Gordon Moe. He demonstrated the existence of dual pathways and echo beats in rabbits. Building on these seminal observations, the mechanism of AVNRT has burgeoned to include the possibility of left atrial input into the node. The first curative nonpharmacologic procedures involved surgical dissection around the AV node and the procedure was rapidly supplanted by catheter ablation procedures. The initial ablative procedure targeted the fast pathway, but later observations showed that ablation of the slow pathway was more effective and safer. Cure of AV nodal reentry which is the most common cause of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia became possible through the cooperative efforts of anatomists, physiologists, surgeons, and clinical electrophysiologists.
Intergenerational Transmission of Marital Quality Across the Transition to Parenthood
Authors: Perren Sonja , von Wyl Agnes , Bürgin Dieter , Simoni Heidi , von Klitzing Kai
Published: November 2005

One of the most frequently reported changes across the transition to parenthood is a decline in marital quality after the birth of a first baby. Experiences in the family of origin may influence the trajectory of marital quality. Our study aimed to investigate the impact of recollections of family‐of‐origin marriage on marital quality (self‐reports and clinical evaluation) from pregnancy to 1 year after the birth of a first child. A total of 62 first‐time parents completed questionnaires (self‐reported marital satisfaction) and clinical interviews (clinical evaluation of couples' dialogue quality). Although self‐reported marital satisfaction and observed dialogue quality were highly associated, only self‐reported marital satisfaction declined from pregnancy to 1 year after birth. This decrease was partly due to very high marital satisfaction during pregnancy. Different trajectories for self‐reported marital satisfaction and observed dialogue quality were found for participants with recollections of low‐, average‐, and high‐quality family‐of‐origin marriage. A structural equation model showed that participants who recollected a negative quality in their parents' relationship reported more negative changes in the quality of their own marriages. There seems to be an intergenerational transmission of marital quality that comes to light when couples are challenged by the birth and rearing of a baby.
Bone healing in surgically created defects treated with either bioactive glass particles, a calcium sulfate barrier, or a combination of both materials
Authors: Melo Luiz G. N. , Nagata Maria J. H. , Bosco Alvaro F. , Ribeiro Luciana L. G. , Leite Cristiane M.
Published: November 2005

Objective: The purpose of this study was to histologically analyze the influence of bioactive glass and/or a calcium sulfate barrier on bone healing in surgically created defects in rat tibias.

Material and methods: Sixty‐four rats were divided into 4 groups: C (control), CS (calcium sulfate), BG (bioactive glass), and BG/CS (bioactive glass/calcium sulfate). A surgical defect was created in the tibia of each animal. In Group CS, a calcium sulfate barrier was placed to cover the defect. In Group BG the defect was filled with bioactive glass. In Group BG/CS, it was filled with bioactive glass and protected by a barrier of calcium sulfate. Animals were sacrificed at 10 or 30 days post‐operative. The formation of new bone in the cortical area of the defect was evaluated histomorphometrically.

Results: At 10 days post‐operative, Group C presented significantly more bone formation than Groups CS, BG, or BG/CS. No statistically significant differences were found between the experimental groups. At 30 days post‐operative, Group C demonstrated significantly more bone formation than the experimental groups. Groups CS and BG/CS showed significantly more bone formation than Group BG. No statistically significant differences were found between Group CS and BG/CS.

Conclusions: (a) the control groups had significantly more bone formation than the experimental groups; (b) at 10 days post‐operative, no significant differences were found between any of the experimental groups; and (c) at 30 days post‐operative, the groups with a calcium sulfate barrier had significantly more bone formation than the group that used bioactive glass only.
Osteotome sinus elevation and simultaneous placement of porous‐surfaced dental implants: a morphometric study in rabbits
Authors: Rahmani Mohammed , Shimada Eiji , Rokni Shanin , Deporter Douglas A. , Adegbembo Albert O. , Valiquette Nancy , Pilliar Robert M.
Published: November 2005

Abstract: The objective was to establish a model in rabbits in which to study the healing events associated with localized indirect osteotome‐mediated maxillary sinus floor elevation in conjunction with simultaneous placement of sintered porous‐surfaced dental implants. On one side of the maxilla of each of 28 rabbits, a sintered porous‐surfaced titanium alloy press‐fit implant was placed without the use of a bone graft material, while on the collateral side an implant was placed after first adding Bio‐Oss® graft particles to the osteotomy. Specimens were retrieved for morphometric assessment of bone contact and bone ingrowth of the porous implant surface after 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of healing. All implants became osseointegrated by bone ingrowth into the porous implant surface. While the addition of graft particles did not result in a statistically significant increase in the parameters measured, a trend for greater bone contact and particularly bone ingrowth at the apices of the implants was seen as healing time increased. The rabbit maxillary sinus can be used to study healing following placement of sintered porous‐surfaced dental implants using the indirect sinus elevation procedure.
Histomorphometry and micro‐computed tomography of bone augmentation under a titanium membrane
Authors: Maréchal Marina , Luyten Frank , Nijs Jos , Postnov Andrei , Schepers Evert , van Steenberghe Daniël
Published: November 2005

Objectives: Bone augmentation underneath an occlusive titanium membrane is evaluated in most cases by means of serial histological sections and histomorphometry. Micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) is a less invasive and dynamic technique to measure bone volume in animals of a size that fits into the gantry. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the latter approach could match histomorphometry to assess bone augmentation under a titanium membrane.

Material and methods: Pre‐formed titanium cups were placed on the skull of 16 rabbits. Bone formation underneath the cups was allowed to occur for 12 weeks. The amount of bone volume assessed by micro‐CT was expressed as a numerical unit. One unit volume corresponds to 0.043 mm3. The measurements reveal the volume of bone‐like tissue under the membrane, with the same density as that of the original rabbit skull bone. Histological sections were cut along the same plane as the one used for the micro‐CT images. The total bone surface was assessed by a digital image system in double‐stained undecalcified histological sections and related to the maximum available surface of the titanium cups, which was on average 1366 mm2.

Results: The amount of total bone surface found under the titanium membrane varied between 40 and 163 mm2. Measured by micro‐CT, the bone detected ranged from 3.7 to 396 numerical units. A highly significant (P<0.001) correlation was found between the total bone volume measured in conventional serial histological sections and by the micro‐CT technique (r2=0.72).

Conclusions: The total bone volume measured underneath a membrane using the micro‐CT when compared with histological sections remained within a 16% error. This is because of the scattering effect of the metallic membrane and the impossibility to distinguish newly formed bone from the original skull bone on the micro‐CT images.
Selecting and Assessing the Family‐Friendly Community: Adaptive Strategies of Middle‐Class, Dual‐Earner Couples
Authors: Sweet Stephen , Swisher Raymond , Moen Phyllis
Published: November 2005

Abstract:Using a life course perspective, this study analyzes the adaptive strategy of community selection utilized by middle‐class dual‐earner couples, as well as the perceived family friendliness of their communities. Although many common concerns exist (most paramount being safety, jobs, and housing quality), parents are more apt than nonparents to mention the importance of schools, parks, libraries, and community events. For women, safety and proximity to their spouses’ jobs are stronger considerations than they are for men. Although respondents mention many similar family‐friendly features, only some matter in predicting their overall positive evaluations of community family friendliness. Community is discussed as being an understudied dimension of work‐family policy and research.
Explaining Teen Childbearing and Cohabitation: Community Embeddedness and Primary Ties*
Authors: Houseknecht Sharon K. , Lewis Susan K.
Published: November 2005

Abstract: This investigation examines whether access to social capital reduces the chance that teens will cohabit or have a nonmaritally conceived birth. Using data from a nationally representative panel study of eighth‐grade girls and their parents, we hypothesize that girls who have (and whose families have) dense community ties as well as greater access to primary ties are less likely to have a nonmarital birth and to cohabit as teens and that community embeddedness has an effect net of the effects of primary ties. Our results support this hypothesis. An important policy implication is to increase social relations between adult networks and children that can serve to encourage stable, multigenerational values and discourage “off‐time” family formation.
Latino Adolescents’ Perception of Parenting Behaviors and Self‐Esteem: Examining the Role of Neighborhood Risk
Authors: Bámaca Mayra Y. , Umaña‐Taylor Adriana J. , Shin Nana , Alfaro Edna C.
Published: November 2005

Abstract:We examined the relations among parenting behaviors, adolescents’ self‐esteem, and neighborhood risk with a Midwestern sample of 324 Latino adolescents. The findings suggest that boys’ self‐esteem is influenced by both mothers’ and fathers’ parenting behaviors, whereas girls’ self‐esteem is influenced by mothers’ behaviors only. In addition, the findings provide partial support for the notion that parenting influences on psychological outcomes vary based on neighborhood context.
Bonding Social Capital in Low‐Income Neighborhoods
Authors: Brisson Daniel S. , Usher Charles L.
Published: November 2005

Abstract: Social capital has recently become a guiding theoretical framework for family interventions in low‐income neighborhoods. In the context of the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Making Connections initiative, this research uses hierarchical linear modeling to examine how neighborhood characteristics and resident participation affect bonding social capital in low‐income neighborhoods. Findings demonstrate that participation, homeownership, and neighborhood stability are associated with bonding social capital. Additionally, significant interactions exist between individual characteristics and neighborhood income on bonding social capital.
Barriers and Facilitators Influencing Call Center Nurses' Decision Support for Callers Facing Values‐Sensitive Decisions: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Stacey Dawn , Graham Ian D. , O'Connor Annette M. , Pomey Marie‐Pascale
Published: November 2005

Background:Call center nurses triage symptoms and provide health information. However, information alone is not adequate for people facing values‐sensitive health decisions. For these decisions, effective interventions are evidence‐based patient decision aids and in‐person nurse coaching using a structured process. Little is known about the quality of decision support provided by call center nurses.

Aims:To identify the barriers and facilitators influencing the provision of decision support by call center nurses to callers facing values‐sensitive health decisions at a Canadian province‐wide health call center.

Methods:A mixed qualitative and quantitative descriptive study from December 2003 to January 2004 using key informant interviews (n= 4), two focus groups (n= 7), a barriers assessment survey (n= 57), and analysis of simulated patient calls (n= 38) were carried out. Triangulation of these data was conducted using a conceptual content analysis method.

Results:Participants indicated positive attitudes toward call center nurses preparing callers facing values‐sensitive decisions. Facilitators included decision support resources, nurses' ability to recognize callers having difficulty, and having a supportive organizational infrastructure. The most frequently identified barriers were (a) limited usability of patient decision aids via telephone; (b) lack of a structured process to guide nurses during these types of calls; (c) nurses' inadequate knowledge, skills, and confidence in providing values‐sensitive decision support; (d) unclear program direction; (e) organizational pressure to minimize call length; and (f) low public awareness of the services.

Conclusions and Implications:Despite call center nurses having positive attitudes, several modifiable barriers were interfering with nurses' current approaches to supporting callers facing values‐sensitive decisions. Nurses wanted educational opportunities to further develop their decision support knowledge and skills, and decision support resources that are easier to use via telephone. As well, changes to organizational policies that address identified barriers could further facilitate the provision of decision support.

Worldviews on Evidence‐Based Nursing 2005; 2(4):184‐195
Maize seed selection by East African smallholder farmers and resistance to Maize streak virus*
Authors: Gibson R.W. , Lyimo N.G. , Temu A.E.M. , Stathers T.E. , Page W.W. , Nsemwa L.T.H. , Acola G. , Lamboll R.I.
Published: November 2005

Interviews identified that most small‐scale maize farmers in central Uganda and in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania plant home‐saved seed of landraces or seed derived from various open‐pollinated and hybrid varieties. Some farmers also bought a portion of their seed, either certified seed, locally traded seed or even maize sold for consumption. Selection for home‐saved seed was generally among harvested cobs. Big cobs with many, regularly arranged, large, white, flint kernels were preferred. A maize cob may bear several hundred seeds, so a farmer needs to save <1% of cobs for seed. A form of resistance in which plants show only moderate symptoms and suffer only a small reduction in yield when infected has been incorporated in some released varieties. Because not all plants in most crops are infected and because plants uninfected with Maize streak virus (MSV) tend to produce bigger cobs than infected resistant plants, the few cobs selected by a farmer for seed may all be from the uninfected ‘escapes’, with no preferential selection of resistant types. On‐station simulation of the farmers’ selection process in a crop of the MSV‐resistant maize variety, Longe 1, confirmed this. An alternative very strong form of MSV resistance was identified.
Interaction between Sitona lepidus and red clover lines selected for formononetin content
Authors: Gerard P.J. , Crush J.R. , Hackell D.L.
Published: November 2005

Adult clover root weevil Sitona lepidus show a feeding preference for white clover Trifolium repens over red clover Trifolium pratense. The effects on S. lepidus of three red clover T. pratense lines, selected for high, medium, or low levels of the isoflavone formononetin in foliage, were compared in three experiments using white clover as a control. In a no‐choice slant board experiment, weevil larval weights were greater for larvae feeding on white clover roots than those feeding on roots of the red clovers. The effect of larval root herbivory on plant growth was similar for all four clovers. Following root herbivory, a large increase in root and shoot formononetin levels was observed in the high‐formononetin selection of red clover but little change in the low‐formononetin red clover. In a no‐choice experiment with sexually mature female adult weevils feeding on foliage of the four clovers, all the red clovers had increased weevil mortality. Female weevils eating the high‐formononetin red clover laid fewer eggs than weevils eating white clover. The red clover diet caused a large accumulation of abdominal fat and/or oil in the weevils, whereas weevils feeding on white clover did not accumulate fat/oil. When sexually immature adult weevils were given a choice of foliage from all four clovers, white clover was eaten preferentially, and the low‐formononetin red clover was preferred to the high‐formononetin red clover. The results suggest that formononetin and associated metabolites in red clover may act as chemical defences against adult S. lepidus and that distribution in forage legumes can be manipulated by plant breeding to improve root health.
PHYSICAL AND SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS OF NO‐SUGAR‐ADDED/LOW‐FAT MUFFIN
Authors: KHOURYIEH HANNA A. , ARAMOUNI FADI M. , HERALD THOMAS J.
Published: November 2005

Physical and sensory analyses were performed to evaluate no‐sugar‐added muffins and no‐sugar‐added/low‐fat muffins either with or without xanthan gum. All treatments had significantly higher moisture content, less moisture loss after baking and less volume than a control muffin at either day 1 or 4. The addition of maltodextrin DE ≤ 3 was effective in maintaining the moisture content. Xanthan gum had no influence on the water activity but reduced moisture loss during baking. Texture profile analysis indicated that test muffins were significantly firmer and chewier than the control. Sensory analyses showed that the no‐sugar‐added/low‐fat muffin was significantly higher in taste liking (6.71) than the commercial no‐sugar‐added/low‐fat muffin (6.18). However, the commercial muffin chewiness liking (6.54) was significantly higher than the chewiness liking (5.81) of the no‐sugar‐added/low‐fat muffin.
EFFECTS OF POSTHARVEST HOT AIR TREATMENT ON THE QUALITY OF “RHAPSODY” TOMATO FRUIT
Authors: SOTO‐ZAMORA GLORIA , YAHIA ELHADI M. , BRECHT JEFFREY K. , GARDEA ALFONSO
Published: November 2005

“Rhapsody” tomatoes were not heated or heated in air at 34 or 38C and 95% relative humidity (RH) for 24 h then stored at 4 or 20C for up to 4 weeks. The fruits were severely injured by 38C exposure, while those heated at 34C were only slightly injured. Heated fruit had more weight loss than control fruit. Nonheated fruit and those heated at 34C developed the best color compared with fruit heated at 38C. There were no differences in chlorophyll degradation between heated and nonheated fruit stored at 4C; however, fruits that were not heated and stored at 20C were the only ones with chlorophyll that degraded completely. Fruit stored at 20C developed a high quantity of lycopene andβ‐carotene, with the highest level obtained in fruit heated at 34C and stored at 20C. Fruit stored at 4C almost did not develop any carotenoids.
Clonidine‐evoked respiratory effects in anaesthetized rats
Authors: Kaczyñska Katarzyna , Szereda‐Przestaszewska Małgorzata
Published: November 2005

The respiratory effects of stimulation of α2‐adrenergic receptors were studied in spontaneously breathing anaesthetized rats that were neurally intact, or bilaterally vagotomized, or subjected to bilateral combined midcervical vagotomy and section of the carotid sinus nerves. An intravenous clonidine bolus (15 μg kg−1) evoked a prolonged slowing of the respiratory rate in all the neural states explored. Vagotomy reduced the early clonidine‐evoked decline, but not the augmentation of tidal volume that followed the decline. After section of the carotid sinus nerves, clonidine challenge continued to decrease the respiratory rate, but not the tidal volume. Blockade of α2‐adrenergic receptors with intravenous doses of SKF 86466 (200 μg kg−1) abolished all respiratory effects of the clonidine challenge. In all the neural states studied, clonidine evoked a significant short‐lived rise in mean arterial blood pressure followed by a decrease below the respective prechallenge value. The SKF 86466 pretreatment lowered mean arterial blood pressure control values and reduced the magnitude of postclonidine changes. These results indicate that: (i) clonidine‐evoked activation of α2‐adrenergic receptors affects the two components of the breathing pattern differently, and this occurs beyond the lung vagi; and (ii) changes in tidal volume result from excitation of the carotid bodies and are coupled with centrally mediated slowing of the respiratory rhythm.