bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction and mechanism of frequent ventricular premature contractions related to haemodynamic deterioration
Authors: Kuroki Kenji , Tada Hiroshi , Seo Yoshihiro , Ishizu Tomoko , Igawa Masayuki , Yamasaki Hiro , Igarashi Miyako , Machino Takeshi , Naruse Yoshihisa , Sekiguchi Yukio , Murakoshi Nobuyuki , Aonuma Kazutaka 
Published: June 2012

AimFrequent ventricular premature contractions (VPCs) may cause haemodynamic deterioration and reversible left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. We aimed to clarify this mechanism.Methods and resultsThe haemodynamics, echocardiographic parameters, and plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level were assessed in 31 patients with idiopathic, frequent VPCs undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation. The patients were classified into two groups according to the presence (n = 19) or absence (n = 12) of marked augmentation of the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) following VPCs (VPC‐induced‐PCWP augmentation; VI‐PA). The VI‐PA(+) group was defined as those with a peak PCWP of >15 mmHg measured after a VPC. Before the ablation, the mean PCWP, right atrial pressure (RAP), left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP), and plasma BNP level were significantly greater in the VI‐PA(+) group than in the VI‐PA(–) group. In the VI‐PA(+) group, the mean PCWP, RAP, LVEDP, and cardiac index all improved immediately after a successful ablation. At 7.4 ±0.9 months after the ablation, almost all the echocardiographic parameters and plasma BNP level also significantly improved in the VI‐PA(+) group, and the magnitude of the improvement in those parameters measured was greater in the VI‐PA(+) group than in the VI‐PA(–) group. The left atrial contractions during mitral valve closure during VPCs caused a marked pulmonary venous flow regurgitation and VI‐PA. VPC coupling intervals of <500 ms and the presence of a following P‐wave of <300 ms predicted VI‐PAs with a high accuracy.ConclusionsThe VI‐PA may be the main mechanism of the haemodynamic deterioration in patients with frequent VPCs. This haemodynamically deteriorating subgroup could be identified by the surface electrocardiogram and improved dramatically with catheter ablation.
Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic studies of CCM3 in complex with the C-terminal domain of MST4
Authors: Xu Xueyong , Wang Xiaoyan , Ding Jingjin , Wang Da-Cheng 
Published: June 2012

MST4 is a member of the GCKIII kinases. The interaction between cerebral cavernous malformation 3 (CCM3) and GCKIII kinases plays a critical role in cardiovascular development and in cerebral cavernous malformations. The complex of CCM3 and the C-terminal domain of MST4 has been constructed, purified and crystallized, and a diffraction data set has been collected to 2.4 Å resolution. The crystal of the CCM3–MST4 C-terminal domain complex belonged to space groupP41212 orP43212, with unit-cell parametersa = 69.10,b= 69.10,c= 117.57 Å.
Expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of theD-alanyl carrier protein DltC fromStaphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Huang Chi-Hung , Kao Chao-Hung , Yang Chia-Shin , Chang Chi-Huang , Chen Sheng-Chia , Kuan Shu-Min , Su Yen-Chao , Huang Yu-Han , Chang Ming-Chung , Chen Yeh 
Published: June 2012

The D-alanyl lipoteichoic acids (D-alanyl LTAs) present in the cell walls of Gram-positive bacteria play crucial roles in autolysis, cation homeostasis and biofilm formation. The alanylation of LTAs requires the D-alanyl carrier protein DltC to transfer D-Ala onto a membrane-associated LTA. Here, DltC fromStaphylococcus epidermidis(SeDltC) was purified and crystallized using the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method. The crystals diffracted to a resolution of 1.83 Å and belonged to space groupP2, with unit-cell parametersa= 66.26,b = 53.28,c= 88.05 Å, β = 98.22°. The results give a preliminary crystallographic analysis ofSeDltC and shed light on the functional role of DltC in the alanylation of LTAs.
Crystallization of SHARPIN using an automated two-dimensional grid screen for optimization
Authors: Stieglitz Benjamin , Rittinger Katrin , Haire Lesley F. 
Published: June 2012

An N-terminal fragment of human SHARPIN was recombinantly expressed inEscherichia coli, purified and crystallized. Crystals suitable for X-ray diffraction were obtained by a one-step optimization of seed dilution and protein concentration using a two-dimensional grid screen. The crystals belonged to the primitive tetragonal space groupP43212, with unit-cell parametersa = b = 61.55,c= 222.81 Å. Complete data sets were collected from native and selenomethionine-substituted protein crystals at 100 K to 2.6 and 2.0 Å resolution, respectively.
A meta‐analysis of prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting: randomised controlled trials by Fujii et al. compared with other authors
Authors: Carlisle J. B. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryThe population sampling in randomised controlled trials by Fujii et al. have been shown to exhibit unusual distributions. This systematic review analysed the effectiveness of prophylactic antiemetics in trials by Fujii et al. compared with other authors. Granisetron was more effective in trials by Fujii et al., relative risk ratios (RRR (95% CI)): nausea 0.53 (0.42–0.67), p = 0.00021; vomiting 0.60 (0.50–0.73), p = 0.00094. Ramosetron was also more effective in studies by Fujii et al.: vomiting 0.60 (0.39–0.91), p = 0.02; nausea or vomiting 0.71 (0.56–0.91); p = 0.006. In comparison with granisetron, droperidol was less effective in trials by Fujii et al. than others: nausea 2.41 (1.72–3.36), p = 2.5 × 10−7; vomiting 1.73 (1.26–2.38), p = 6.4 × 10−4. Postoperative nausea and vomiting was less likely to trigger rescue antiemesis after granisetron and metoclopramide in studies by Fujii et al., 0.40 (0.27–0.60), p = 9.7 × 10−6. Triggered rates of rescue were not different in studies by others for droperidol, granisetron and metoclopramide, but were less common after granisetron than droperidol and metoclopramide in studies by Fujii et al., 0.50 (0.38–0.66), p = 1.7 × 10−6 and 0.47 (0.34–0.64), p = 2.6 × 10−6, respectively. There was no synergism between antiemetics in trials by other authors. In contrast, in studies by Fujii et al., postoperative nausea and vomiting was more likely if granisetron was administered alone: nausea 4.20 (1.94–9.08), p = 2.6 × 10−4; vomiting 4.50 (2.55–7.97), p = 2.3 × 10−7; nausea or vomiting 5.00 (2.84–8.81), p = 2.5 × 10−8. Similarly, droperidol was less effective in studies by Fujii et al. if administered alone: vomiting 2.76 (1.25–6.11), p = 0.01; nausea or vomiting 2.96 (1.46–6.00), p = 2.7 × 10−3. The conclusion is that if, as recommended, data with unusual distributions are removed from meta‐analysis and articles by Fujii et al. excluded, then the antiemetic effects of granisetron and ramosetron are greatly reduced; further, there is no evidence of synergism between antiemetics and indeed, some evidence of antagonism between antiemetic agents.
Transition in endocrinology: the challenge of maintaining continuity
Authors: Downing Jennifer , Gleeson Helena K. , Clayton Peter E. , Davis Julian R. E. , Wales Jerry K. , Callery Peter 
Published: June 2012

AbstractObjectiveTransition from child to adult status is a crucial stage in young people's lives. It is important that young people continue to receive appropriate endocrine care throughout and following transfer from paediatric to adult services. This study examined indicators of patient loss to follow‐up at initial transfer from paediatric care to identify implications for transitional care practice and research.MethodsA retrospective analysis of patient data following transfer from paediatric services to a young person's transition clinic was conducted. Attendance data from 103 patients transferred to the Young Person's Clinic were analysed to determine the factors affecting nonattendance 1‐year post‐transfer.ResultsWe found that overall one quarter of patients did not attend the young person's clinic in the first year after transfer. Those with poor attendance prior to transfer were likely to be poor attenders post‐transfer. Further, those without an appointment scheduled in the first 6 months of their final paediatric transfer appointment were less likely to attend in the first year.ConclusionsYoung people are at risk of losing contact during the transfer from paediatric to the young person's clinic. Measures that promote continuity of contact could reduce the risk of long‐term disengagement with care. Further development and research is required to identify the best ways to help young people with endocrine conditions in the transition from child to adult status.
Endocannabinoid modulation of jejunal afferent responses to LPS
Authors: Donovan J. , Grundy D. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackground  Endocannabinoids influence immune function and nociceptive signaling. This study examines cannabinoid modulation of sensory signaling from the GI tract following an acute inflammatory response triggered by systemic administration of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS).Methods  A segment of proximal jejunum was intubated, to measure intraluminal pressure, in anesthetized rats. Afferent impulse traffic was recorded from a single isolated paravascular nerve bundle supplying the jejunal loop. Drugs and LPS were administered intravenously and changes in afferent firing were determined.Key Results  The non‐selective cannabinoid agonist, WIN55,212‐2 (1 mg kg−1 i.v.) and the anandamide transport inhibitor, VDM11 (1 mg kg−1 i.v.) but not the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor, URB597 (0.3 mg kg−1) caused a significant increase in afferent activity. The WIN55,212‐2‐induced afferent response was mediated by activation of CB1 receptors whereas the VDM11 response was mediated by both CB1 and CB2 receptor mechanisms. LPS (10 mg kg−1) evoked an increase in afferent activity which was significantly reduced in the presence of WIN55,212‐2 and VDM11 but not URB597. The inhibitory effect of WIN55,212‐2 was prevented by CB1 but not CB2 receptor antagonism. In contrast, the inhibitory effect of VDM11 remained unaltered after CB1 or CB2 receptor blockade.Conclusions & Inferences  Endocannabinoids play a role in modulating afferent signaling and may represent a target for the treatment of visceral hypersensitivity. In contrast to the effects of blocking endocannabinoid uptake (VDM11), inhibiting breakdown of endocannabinoids (URB597) had no effect on baseline or LPS induced afferent firing. Therefore, uptake of cannabinoids rather than breakdown via FAAH terminates their action in the GI tract.
Structural and immunological characterization of sulphatides: relevance of sulphate moieties in Trypanosoma cruzi glycoconjugates
Authors: ACOSTA D. M. , SOPRANO L. L. , FERRERO M. R. , ESTEVA M. I. , RIARTE A. , COUTO A. S. , DUSCHAK V. G. 
Published: June 2012

SummarySulphoglycosphingolipids, present on the surface of diverse cells, participate in the regulation of various cellular events. However, little is known about the structure and the role of sulphoglycosphingolipids in trypanosomatids. Herein, sulphated dihexosylceramide structures – composed mainly of sphingosine as the long chain base acylated with stearic acid – have been determined for the first time in Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes by UV‐MALDI‐TOF‐MS analysis. Interestingly, inhibition ELISA assays using cruzipain as antigen and polyclonal rabbit antibodies specific for cruzipain, the major cysteine proteinase of T. cruzi, or for its C‐terminal domain, have demonstrated (i) that sulphate epitopes are shared between cruzipain and sulphatides of T. cruzi, (ii) that cross‐reactivity maps to the C‐terminal domain and (iii) the existence of other antigenic determinants in the glycolipidic structures. These features provide evidence that sulphate groups are antigenic in sulphate‐containing parasite glycoconjugates. Furthermore, IgG2 antibody levels inversely correlate with disease severity in chronic Chagas disease patients, suggesting that IgG2 antibodies specific for sulphated epitopes might be associated with protective immunity and might be considered as potential surrogates of the course of chronic Chagas disease.
Effects of intra‐ and inter‐specific competition on fitness of sweetpotato weevil and West Indian sweetpotato weevil
Authors: Kuriwada T. , Kumano N. , Shiromoto K. , Haraguchi D. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe sweetpotato weevil Cylas formicarius (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Brentidae) and West Indian sweetpotato weevil Euscepes postfasciatus (Fairmaire) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) are major pests of sweet potato Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam., in tropical and subtropical regions. Effects of intra‐ and inter‐specific competition on the number of progeny (fecundity), body weight and developmental time of C. formicarius and E. postfasciatus were examined in single‐ and mixed‐species treatments under laboratory conditions. Cylas formicarius tended to outcompete E. postfasciatus, whereas E. postfasciatus rather than C. formicarius tolerated higher conspecific densities. We discuss the implications of the results for pest management and resource partitioning of pestiferous weevils.
Influence of Culture Medium Composition on Relative mRNA Abundances in Domestic Cat Embryos
Authors: Hribal R , Jewgenow K , Braun BC , Comizzoli P 
Published: June 2012

ContentsDifferent culture conditions have been used to produce domestic cat embryos. As part of the in vitro procedures, the medium composition significantly affects the quality of the embryo development also. Quality assessments based on cleavage kinetics and blastomere symmetry are useful, but embryos also can differ in their relative gene expression patterns despite similar morphological characteristics. The aim of this study was to compare cat embryos produced with two different in vitro culture systems routinely used in two different laboratories [Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington D.C., USA (SCBI) and Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany (IZW)]. Specifically, relative mRNA expression patterns of critical genes for pre‐implantation embryo development were assessed in both conditions. Embryos were produced in parallel in both culture systems by IVF using frozen‐thawed ejaculated semen in the United States and fresh epididymal sperm in Germany. Success of embryo development in vitro was recorded as well as relative mRNA abundances [DNA methyltransferases 1 and 3A (DNMT1, DNMT3A), gap junction protein alpha 1 (GJA1), octamer‐binding transcription factor 4 [OCT4], insulin‐like growth factors 1 and 2 receptors (IGF1R, IGF2R), beta‐actin (ACTB)] in pools of days 4–5 morulae by semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR assay. Percentages of cleaved embryos were similar (p > 0.05) between both culture systems, regardless of the location. OCT4 mRNA abundance was higher (p < 0.05) in embryos derived in the SCBI culture system compared with those from the IZW system when epididymal sperm was used for IVF. No clear correlation between the expression pattern and the culture system could be found for all other genes. It is suggested that OCT4 expression might be affected by the media composition in some conditions and can be the indicator of a better embryo quality.
Effects of CFRP bond locations on the Mode I stress intensity factor of centre‐cracked tensile steel plates
Authors: WU C. , ZHAO X. L. , AL‐MAHAIDI R. , DUAN W. H. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTThe fatigue life of cracked steel members can be greatly extended by externally attached carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP), which reduces the stress intensity factors (SIFs) at the crack tip. Access to cracks is sometimes limited and the CFRP has to be attached away from the cracks. There is a lack of knowledge on SIFs for such strengthening scheme. This paper presents the effects of CFRP bond locations on the Mode I SIF of centre‐cracked tensile (CCT) steel plate. The Mode I SIF at the crack tip is calculated using the finite element (FE) models.A correction factor is introduced as a function of CFRP bond location and crack length. The FE results are compared and agree well with experimental tests conducted by the authors. By combining with another two factors (one considering CFRP mechanical properties and the other considering CFRP bond width) derived previously by the authors, SIF formulae are proposed for CFRP reinforced CCT steel plates.
Neurobiology in public and private discourse: the case of adults with ADHD
Authors: Bröer Christian , Heerings Marjolijn 
Published: June 2012

AbstractHow do people describe their health? How do their descriptions relate to public definitions? This article focuses on adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We look at Dutch adults who adopt the ADHD label and ask: which discourses structure their descriptions of ADHD? How do these relate to the dominant public discourse on ADHD? Do people use, for example, neurobiological explanations of ADHD? The research makes use of Q‐methodology, which combines a discursive relational approach with factor analysis. We examine five different personal discourses that partly differ from the public discourse. People borrow neurobiological, psychological, sociological and even holistic arguments from public discourse to come up with a distinct set of discourses. Neurobiology resonates among adults with ADHD but does not dominate their thinking. Contrary to our expectation, this supports reflexivity instead of discipline theory.
Cross‐seeding effects of amyloid β‐protein and α‐synuclein
Authors: Ono Kenjiro , Takahashi Ryoichi , Ikeda Tokuhei , Yamada Masahito 
Published: June 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 883–890.AbstractAmyloid β‐protein (Aβ) and α‐synuclein (αS) are the primary components of amyloid plaques and Lewy bodies (LBs), respectively. Previous in vitro and in vivo studies have suggested that interactions between Aβ and αS are involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease and LB diseases. However, the seeding effects of their aggregates on their aggregation pathways are not completely clear. To investigate the cross‐seeding effects of Aβ and αS, we examined how sonicated fibrils or cross‐linked oligomers of Aβ40, Aβ42, and αS affected their aggregation pathways using thioflavin T(S) assay and electron microscopy. Fibrils and oligomers of Aβ40, Aβ42, and αS acted as seeds, and affected the aggregation pathways within and among species. The seeding effects of αS fibrils were higher than those of Aβ40 and Aβ42 fibrils in the Aβ40 and Aβ42 aggregation pathways, respectively. We showed that Aβ and αS acted as seeds and affected each other’s aggregation pathways in vitro, which may contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of interactions between Alzheimer’s disease and LB diseases pathologies.
Overdue Choices: How Information and Role in Decision‐Making Influence Women's Preferences for Induction for Prolonged Pregnancy
Authors: Stevens Gabrielle , Miller Yvette D. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackgroundEnabling women to make informed decisions is a crucial component of consumer‐focused maternity care. Current evidence suggests that health care practitioners' communication of care options may not facilitate patient involvement in decision‐making. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of specific variations in health caregiver communication on women's preferences for induction of labor for prolonged pregnancy.MethodsA convenience sample of 595 female participants read a hypothetical scenario in which an obstetrician discusses induction of labor with a pregnant woman. Information provided on induction and the degree of encouragement for the woman's involvement in decision‐making was manipulated to create four experimental conditions. Participants indicated preference with respect to induction, their perceptions of the quality of information received, and other potential moderating factors.ResultsParticipants who received information that was directive in favor of medical intervention were significantly more likely to prefer induction than those given nondirective information. No effect of level of involvement in decision‐making was found. Participants' general trust in doctors moderated the relationship between health caregiver communication and preferences for induction, such that the influence of information provided on preferences for induction differed across levels of involvement in decision‐making for women with a low trust in doctors, but not for those with high trust. Many women were not aware of the level of information required to make an informed decision.ConclusionsOur findings highlight the potential value of strategies such as patient decision aids and health care professional education to improve the quality of information available to women and their capacity for informed decision‐making during pregnancy and birth. (BIRTH 39:3 September 2012)
Gaining Access to Economically Marginalized Rural Populations: Lessons Learned from Nonprobability Sampling*
Authors: Mammen Sheila , Sano Yoshie 
Published: June 2012

AbstractPoverty is a significant problem in rural America. Gaining access to economically marginalized rural populations in order to recruit individuals to participate in a research study, however, is often a challenge. This article compares three different nonprobability sampling techniques that have been used to recruit rural, low‐income mothers—purposive sampling, respondent‐driven sampling, and mixed purposive sampling. We review the relative advantages and drawbacks of the three methods in terms of access to the targeted population, methods of recruitment, size of the sample pool, randomness of the sample, generalizability of results, and researchers' control over the process.
Differential saturation of Pacific Northwest and Southeast (USA) fish assemblages
Authors: McGarvey Daniel J. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractPlots of local versus regional richness have been used to test whether assemblages are ‘saturated’ with species. However, the validity of these tests is limited by scale‐dependence and arbitrarily defined sampling units, statistical autocorrelation between local and regional richness data, and the confounding effects of propagule pressure. In this study, local versus regional richness plots were used to test the saturation hypothesis for Pacific Northwest and Southeast (USA) fish assemblages, taking care to account for each of the above problems. Specifically, longitudinal river zones were used to ensure that the regional sampling units were not scale‐dependent or biologically arbitrary. A log‐ratio transformation was used to remove autocorrelation from the local and regional richness data. And a comprehensive fish stocking database was used to account for propagule pressure. Results suggest that the Pacific Northwest fish assemblages, which have low native richness, are not saturated, but the species‐rich Southeast assemblages are at or approaching saturation.