bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phylogeography, genetic diversity and population structure of common bottlenose dolphins in the Wider Caribbean inferred from analyses of mitochondrial DNA control region sequences and microsatellite loci: conservation and management implications
Authors: Caballero S. , Islas‐Villanueva V. , Tezanos‐Pinto G. , Duchene S. , Delgado‐Estrella A. , Sanchez‐Okrucky R. , Mignucci‐Giannoni A. A. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThis study presents the first comprehensive genetic analyses of common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) based on mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite loci in the Wider Caribbean. Live captures of bottlenose dolphins have been occurring since the turn of the 20th century in Wider Caribbean waters where little is known about their population structure and genetic diversity. In this study, blood or tissue samples were obtained from stranded or captive dolphins from nine geographic regions. One hundred fifty‐eight sequences of the mitochondrial DNA control region and nine microsatellite loci were analyzed and compared with previously published sequences. This study revealed the presence of ‘inshore’ ecotype and ‘worldwide distributed form’ haplotypes of bottlenose dolphins in Wider Caribbean waters. At the mitochondrial level, genetic differentiation between these two groups was significant (FST = 0.805, P < 0.001). Analyses of mitochondrial DNA sequences at a wider geographic level revealed three genetically differentiated (FST = 0.254, ΦST = 0.590, P < 0.001) population units: Puerto Rico, Cuba/Colombia/Bahamas/Mexico, and Honduras. There was evidence of low female‐mediated gene flow among these population units (Nmf = 1.46). Microsatellite analyses identified four somewhat different population units: Honduras/Colombia/Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Cuba and Mexico. The presence of ‘worldwide distributed form’ and ‘inshore’ ecotype haplotypes in particular population units, may be causing differences in the population structure pattern showed by each molecular marker. Decreased observed heterozygosity and three loci out of the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were found in the Honduras/Colombia/Puerto Rico population unit suggesting a Wahlund effect. The genetic differentiation and divergence between the two forms identified in this study must be taken into consideration for captive programs that aim to reproduce bottlenose dolphins from this region. Although genetic diversity at the mitochondrial and microsatellite level in these dolphins seems to be relatively high, additional demographic and abundance data must be obtained before more captures are allowed.
Acute effects on the ventricular function in Swedish snuffers: an echocardiographic study
Authors: Sundström D. , Waldenborg M. , Emilsson K. 
Published: October 2011

SummaryAims:  Cigarettes and Swedish snuff contain nicotine, which influence the cardiovascular system. Cigarette smoke has been shown to give an acute impairment in diastolic heart parameters. The systolic and diastolic heart function in snuff users is not thoroughly enough investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate if Swedish snuff will give an acute decrease in systolic and diastolic heart parameters in the left and right ventricles in healthy Swedish snuffers.Methods and results:  Thirty healthy volunteers were examined with echocardiography. The study involved recordings from four different times: before snuff intake, 5 and 30 min after intake and finally 30 min after snuff withdrawal. The systolic and diastolic heart parameters were collected with conventional echocardiographic methods. In addition, the heart frequency and blood pressure response were measured. The pulse and blood pressure response were significantly altered (P<0·01) during the test. Left ventricular ejection fraction and the amplitudes of mitral and tricuspid annulus motion did not alter significantly. The main finding in the study was the significant decrease (P<0·05) in several diastolic heart parameters for both the left and right ventricles.Conclusions:  This study shows that snuff intake causes a significant decrease in E/A ratio and a delay in ventricular relaxation and therefore a decrease in diastolic heart function in the left and right ventricles. The mechanism behind these alterations is probably very complex, but a combination of nicotine effects and loading conditions is probably the main factor.
Min‐degree constrained minimum spanning tree problem: complexity, properties, and formulations
Authors: de Almeida Ana Maria , Martins Pedro , de Souza Maurício C. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThis paper addresses a new combinatorial problem, the Min‐Degree Constrained Minimum Spanning Tree (md‐MST), that can be stated as: given a weighted undirected graph with positive costs on the edges and a node‐degrees function , the md‐MST is to find a minimum cost spanning tree T of G, where each node i of T either has at least a degree of or is a leaf node. This problem is closely related to the well‐known Degree Constrained Minimum Spanning Tree (d‐MST) problem, where the degree constraint is an upper bound instead.The general NP‐hardness for the md‐MST is established and some properties related to the feasibility of the solutions for this problem are presented, in particular we prove some bounds on the number of internal and leaf nodes. Flow‐based formulations are proposed and computational experiments involving the associated Linear Programming (LP) relaxations are presented.
Revised activity–composition models for clinopyroxene and amphibole
Authors: DIENER J. F. A. , POWELL R. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractRecent activity–composition models for clinopyroxene and amphibole are revised to provide better consistency with observed phase relations in natural rocks. For clinopyroxene, the calibration in NCFMAS is retained, but the incorporation of acmite is revised to improve the partitioning of ferric iron between coexisting clinopyroxenes. For amphibole, the NCFMASH calibration is retained, but the addition of ferric iron is changed to provide consistency with the clinopyroxenes. The thermodynamics of orthoamphibole (gedrite) is also adjusted to resolve an unrelated inconsistency. The effects of these improvements are illustrated through comparison of calculated pseudosections produced with the existing and new models with natural data from lawsonite eclogites.
Electrocardiograms Transmitted via Facsimile May Not Allow Accurate Interval Interpretation
Authors: FAROOQI KANWAL M. , CERESNAK SCOTT R. , FREEMAN KATHERINE , PASS ROBERT H. 
Published: October 2011

Background:

Electrocardiograms (ECGs) are sent via facsimile by pediatricians and psychiatrists to cardiologists for assessment. The validity of this method of transmission has not been established.
Methods:
ECGs were collected from 100 consecutive patients from the cardiology clinic of the Children's Hospital at Montefiore. The ECGs were faxed and also electronically faxed (efax) and printed. Two electrophysiologists (EP1 and EP2) interpreted the intervals on original, faxed, and efaxed ECGs and intervals (RR, PR, and QT) were compared. A three‐way analysis of variance to examine differences between raters, among ECG intervals, and among methods (repeated factor) was performed. Because no interaction terms were significant, a Duncan's multiple range test was used to evaluate where differences occurred among the three intervals and three methods, given these main effects were significant.
Results:
The difference between raters EP1 and EP2 was not significant (P = 0.6681). Although the interval measurements of the faxed and efaxed ECGs were not significantly different from each other (P > 0.05), each was significantly different from the original across all three ECG intervals and both raters (P = 0.0138). The RR interval yielded mean (SD) values for the original, faxed, and efaxed methods of 0.6986 seconds (0.2074), 0.6646 seconds (0.1938), and 0.6838 seconds (0.1935), respectively. For the QT interval, the mean (SD) values for the original, faxed, and efaxed methods were 0.3370 seconds (0.0524), 0.32134 seconds (0.0466), and 0.3284 seconds (0.0515), respectively.
Conclusions:
ECG transmission via facsimile or efax may introduce significant distortion of the intervals. Alternative means of sending ECGs for interpretation should be considered. PACE 2011; 34:1283–1287)
A Randomized Trial of Computer Kiosk–expedited Management of Cystitis in the Emergency Department
Authors: Stein John C. , Navab Bahar , Frazee Brad , Tebb Kathleen , Hendey Gregory , Maselli Judy , Gonzales Ralph 
Published: October 2011

Academic Emergency Medicine 2011; 18:1053–1059 © 2011 by the Society for Academic Emergency MedicineAbstractObjectives:  The objective was to assess the efficiency and safety of an interactive computer kiosk module for the management of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI) in emergency departments (EDs).Methods:  This was a prospective unblinded randomized trial. Women age 18 to 64 years seeking care for suspected UTI in three urban EDs were referred to a computer kiosk after triage. The kiosk evaluated women for uncomplicated UTI (based on patient report of at least one irritable voiding symptom within 7 days and absence of complicating features), and eligible patients were randomized to expedited management or usual ED care. Expedited management consisted of a brief clinician encounter to confirm computer kiosk responses and selection of one of four standard antibiotic regimens. Study outcomes included urine culture results, duration of ED visit, time to illness resolution, return visits, and satisfaction with care.Results:  Seventeen percent (n = 103) of 624 participants with suspected UTI fulfilled uncomplicated criteria and were randomized. Sixty‐nine percent of these women had a positive urine culture. Compared with the control group, the computer‐expedited management group had lower median visit duration (89 minutes, interquartile range [IQR] = 65 to 150 minutes vs. 146 minutes, IQR = 105 to 216 minutes) for a decrease of 57 minutes (95% confidence interval [CI] = 27 to 87, p = 0.004). They had similar time to illness resolution, number of return visits, and satisfaction with care.Conclusions:  An interactive computer kiosk accurately, efficiently, and safely expedited the management of women with uncomplicated UTI in a busy, urban ED. Expanding the use of this technology to other conditions could help to improve ED patient flow.
Tracheal telocytes
Authors: Rusu M. C. , Jianu Adelina M. , Mirancea N. , Didilescu Andreea C. , Mănoiu V. S. , Păduraru D. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractRecently, a novel type of stromal cell – the telocytes (TC) – was identified in mouse trachea. These cells are known to possess the ultrastructural characteristics, which support their role in intercellular signaling. We found TC in all stromal compartments of the tracheal wall. TC with long prolongations (telopodes, Tp) were lining longitudinally the collagen bundles, and were serially arranged (end‐to‐end connections of Tp were found). Noteworthy, Tp frequently establish stromal synapses with mast cells (MC). Primary cilia were also identified in TC. In conclusion, tracheal TC could be involved in the tracheal regulation (e.g. secretion, contractility). The tandem TC‐MC deserves further investigations.
Modulation of Amniotic Fluid Activin‐A and Inhibin‐A in Women With Preterm Premature Rupture of the Membranes and Infection‐Induced Preterm Birth
Authors: Rosenberg Victor A. , Buhimschi Irina A. , Dulay Antonette T. , Abdel‐Razeq Sonya S. , Oliver Emily A. , Duzyj Christina M. , Lipkind Heather , Pettker Christian M. , Buhimschi Catalin S. 
Published: October 2011

Citation Rosenberg VA, Buhimschi IA, Dulay AT, Abdel‐Razeq SS, Oliver EA, Duzyj CM, Lipkind H, Pettker CM, Buhimschi CS. Modulation of amniotic fluid activin‐A and inhibin‐A in women with preterm premature rupture of the membranes and infection‐induced preterm birth. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 67: 122–131Problem  Activins and inhibins are important modulators of inflammatory processes. We explored activation of amniotic fluid (AF) activin‐A and inhibin‐A system in women with intra‐amniotic infection and preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM).Method of study  We analyzed 78 AF samples: ‘2nd trimester‐control’ (n = 12), ‘3rd trimester‐control’ (n = 14), preterm labor with intact membranes [positive‐AF‐cultures (n = 13), negative‐AF‐cultures (n = 13)], and PPROM [positive‐AF‐cultures (n = 13), negative‐AF‐cultures (n = 13)]. Activin‐A levels were evaluated ex‐vivo following incubation of amniochorion and placental villous explants with Gram‐negative lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or Gram‐positive (Pam3Cys) bacterial mimics. Ability of recombinant activin‐A and inhibin‐A to modulate inflammatory reactions in fetal membranes was explored through explants’ IL‐8 release.Results  Activin‐A and inhibin‐A were present in human AF and were gestational age‐regulated. Activin‐A was significantly upregulated by infection. Lower inhibin‐A levels were seen in PPROM. LPS elicited release of activin‐A from amniochorion, but not from villous explants. Recombinant activin‐A stimulated IL‐8 release from amniochorion, an effect that was not reversed by inhibin‐A.Conclusion  Human AF activin‐A and inhibin‐A are involved in biological processes linked to intra‐amniotic infection/inflammation‐induced preterm birth.
Variations in incubator temperature and humidity management: a survey of current practice
Authors: Deguines C , Décima P , Pelletier A , Dégrugilliers L , Ghyselen L , Tourneux P 
Published: October 2011

AbstractAim:  To describe and assess routine procedures and practices for incubator temperature and humidity management in France in 2009.Methods:  A questionnaire was sent to all the 186 neonatal care units in France.Results:  The questionnaire return rate was 86%. Seventy‐five per cent of the units preferred skin servo‐control to air temperature control in routine practice. Air temperature control was mainly used for infants with a gestational age of more than 28 weeks and aged over 7 days of life. In general, thermal management decisions did not depend on the infant’s age but were based on a protocol applied specifically by each unit. All units humidified the incubator air, but there was a large difference between the lowest and highest reported humidity values (45% and 100% assumed to be a maximal value, respectively). More than 65% of the units used a fixed humidity value, rather than a variable, protocol‐derived value.Conclusion:  We observed large variations in incubator temperature and humidity management approaches from one neonatal care unit to another. There is a need for more evidence to better inform practice. A task force should be formed to guide clinical practice.
Obesity, inflammation and metabolic syndrome in Danish adolescents
Authors: Gøbel Rikke Juul , Jensen Signe Marie , Frøkiær Hanne , Mølgaard Christian , Michaelsen Kim Fleischer 
Published: October 2011

AbstractAim:  To describe biomarkers of inflammation and markers related to the metabolic syndrome (MS) in healthy obese Danish adolescent and compare to a normal‐weight group.Methods:  Fifty‐one obese and 30 normal‐weight adolescents (12–15 years) were included. Anthropometry and blood pressure were measured, and blood was sampled.Results: Obese adolescents had significantly higher blood pressure, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, C‐peptide, total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), triglyceride, C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin‐6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha and lower high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol values, compared with normal‐weight adolescents, whereas there were no differences between the groups for glucose, free fatty acids or faecal calprotectin. Within the obese group insulin, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and CRP were positively associated with body mass index (BMI) Z‐scores. The MS was present in 14% of obese adolescents. CRP was positively associated with most anthropometric measures within the obese group, and in multiple linear regression analysis both BMI Z‐score and the sum of skin folds explained a considerable part (R2 = 0.421) of the variation in CRP.Conclusion:  Otherwise healthy Danish obese adolescents had marked low‐grade inflammation, elevated biomarkers of the MS and high prevalence of the MS.
Demand for public hospital emergency department services in Australia: 2000–2001 to 2009–2010
Authors: FitzGerald Gerry , Toloo Sam , Rego Joanna , Ting Joseph , Aitken Peter , Tippett Vivienne 
Published: October 2011

AbstractObjective: Hospital EDs are a significant and high‐profile component of Australia's health‐care system, which in recent years have experienced considerable crowding. This crowding is caused by the combination of increasing demand, throughput and output factors. The aim of the present article is to clarify trends in the use of public ED services across Australia with a view to providing an evidence basis for future policy analysis and discussion.Methods: The data for the present article have been extracted, compiled and analysed from publicly available sources for a 10 year period between 2000–2001 and 2009–2010.Results: Demand for public ED care increased by 37% over the decade, an average annual increase of 1.8% in the utilization rate per 1000 persons. There were significant differences in utilization rates and in trends in growth among states and territories that do not easily relate to general population trends alone.Conclusions: This growth in demand exceeds general population growth, and the variability between states both in utilization rates and overall trends defies immediate explanation. The growth in demand for ED services is a partial contributor to the crowding being experienced in EDs across Australia. There is a need for more detailed study, including qualitative analysis of patient motivations in order to identify the factors driving this growth in demand.
New Insights from One Case of Female Ejaculation
Authors: Rubio-Casillas Alberto , Jannini Emmanuele A. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Although there are historical records showing its existence for over 2,000 years, the so-called female ejaculation is still a controversial phenomenon. A shared paradigm has been created that includes any fluid expulsion during sexual activities with the name of “female ejaculation.”

Aim
To demonstrate that the “real” female ejaculation and the “squirting or gushing” are two different phenomena.

Methods
Biochemical studies on female fluids expelled during orgasm.

Results
In this case report, we provided new biochemical evidences demonstrating that the clear and abundant fluid that is ejected in gushes (squirting) is different from the real female ejaculation. While the first has the features of diluted urines (density: 1,001.67 ± 2.89; urea: 417.0 ± 42.88 mg/dL; creatinine: 21.37 ± 4.16 mg/dL; uric acid: 10.37 ± 1.48 mg/dL), the second is biochemically comparable to some components of male semen (prostate-specific antigen: 3.99 ± 0.60 × 103 ng/mL).

Conclusions
Female ejaculation and squirting/gushing are two different phenomena. The organs and the mechanisms that produce them are bona fide different. The real female ejaculation is the release of a very scanty, thick, and whitish fluid from the female prostate, while the squirting is the expulsion of a diluted fluid from the urinary bladder.
Poor Response to Alprostadil ICI Test is Associated with Arteriogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Higher Risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events
Authors: Rastrelli Giulia , Corona Giovanni , Monami Matteo , Melani Cecilia , Balzi Daniela , Sforza Alessandra , Forti Gianni , Mannucci Edoardo , Maggi Mario 
Published: October 2011

ABSRACT

Introduction
Intracavernous alprostadil injection (ICI) test has been considered useless in assessing the vascular status of subjects with erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim
To analyze the clinical correlates of ICI test in patients with ED and to verify the value of this test in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Methods
A consecutive series of 2,396 men (mean age 55.9 ± 11.9 years) attending our outpatient clinic for sexual dysfunction was retrospectively studied. A subset of this sample (N = 1,687) was enrolled in a longitudinal study.

Main Outcome Measures
Several clinical, biochemical, and instrumental (penile color Doppler ultrasound; PCDU) factors were evaluated. All patients underwent an ICI test, and responses were recorded on a four-point scale ranging from 1 = no response to 4 = full erection.

Results
Among the patients studied, 16.4%, 41.2%, 40.2% and 2.2% showed grade 4, 3, 2, and 1 ICI test response, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, subjects with grade 1 ICI test response showed reduced perceived sleep-related, masturbation-related, and sexual-related erections when compared with the rest of the sample. In addition, a worse response to ICI test was associated with a higher prevalence of hypogonadism-related symptoms and signs along with lower testosterone levels. The prevalence of both diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome was inversely related to ICI test response. Accordingly, dynamic and basal peak systolic velocity (PSV), as well as acceleration at PCDU, decreased as a function of ICI test response. In the longitudinal study, after adjusting for confounders, grade 1 response was independently associated with a higher incidence of MACE (hazard ratio = 2.745 [1.200–6.277]; P &lt; 0.05). These data were confirmed even when only subjects with normal PSV (&gt;25 cm/s) were considered.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that poor ICI test response is associated with several metabolic disturbances and higher incidence of MACE. We strongly recommend performing ICI test with alprostadil in all ED subjects.
The End of a National Monarchy: Nepal's Recent Constitutional Transition from Hindu Kingdom to Secular Federal Republic
Authors: Malagodi Mara 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe article analyses Nepal's transition in 2007 from the constitutional definition of the state as a ‘Hindu monarchical kingdom’ to a ‘secular federal republic’, followed by the abolition of the Shah monarchy in 2008. Nepal's institutional change in 2007–2008 invites reflection on the role of Hindu kingship in informing Nepali nationalism in its constitutional formulation. The developments of the Shah monarchy are interpreted as the product of both the institution and the various historical figures that have occupied that institutional place. However, it is argued that the more or less charismatic qualities of individual Shah kings were ‘contained’ within and minimised by the prevailing institutional dimension of the monarchy in defining the Nepali nation. The nationalist legitimacy of the Shah monarchy as Nepal's core political institution rested upon the notion of Hindu kingship, which transcended the single historical personalities of the Shah kings and proved so pervasive that it has shaped the constitutional definition of the nation even in republican Nepal.