bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphology, phylogeny and taxonomy of South American bothropoid pitvipers (Serpentes, Viperidae)
Authors: Carrasco Paola A. , Mattoni Camilo I. , Leynaud Gerardo C. , Scrocchi Gustavo J. 
Published: February 2012

Carrasco, P.A., Mattoni, C.I., Leynaud, G.C. & Scrocchi, G.J. (2012). Morphology, phylogeny and taxonomy of South American bothropoid pitvipers (Serpentes, Viperidae). —Zoologica Scripta, 41, 109–124.South American bothropoids comprise a monophyletic and greatly diverse group of pitvipers that were initially included in the genus Bothrops and later assigned to five genera. Until recently, most phylogenetic analyses of bothropoids used exclusively mitochondrial DNA sequences, whereas few of them have included morphological traits. Moreover, the systematic affinities of some species remain unclear. In this study, we performed a parsimony analysis of morphological data obtained from the examination of 111 characters related to lepidosis, colour pattern, osteology, and hemipenial morphology of 35 of the 48 species that compose the bothropoid group. The morphological data analysed contain novel information about several species, including the incertae sedis. Morphology was analysed separately and combined with 2393 molecular characters obtained from published sequences of four mitochondrial genes. Five characters of the ecology were also included. A sensitivity analysis was performed using different weighting criteria for the characters. The congruence among different sources of evidence was evaluated through partitioned and total evidence analyses, the analyses of reduced datasets and the use of incongruence length difference test. With few exceptions, results showed groups of species similar to those obtained in previous studies; however, incongruences between morphological and molecular characters, and within the molecular partition, were revealed. This conflict affects the relationship between particular groups of species, leading to alternative phylogenetic hypotheses for bothropoids: hierarchical radiation or two major lineages within the group. The results also showed that Bothrops sensu stricto is paraphyletic. We discuss previous taxonomic approaches and, considering both phylogenetic hypotheses, we propose an arrangement that rectifies the paraphyly of Bothrops: maintaining Bothrocophias, assigning Bothrops andianus to this genus; and recognising the sister clade as Bothrops, synonymising Bothriopsis, Bothropoides and Rhinocerophis.
Towards a revised Amphinomidae (Annelida, Amphinomida): description and affinities of a new genus and species from the Nile Deep‐sea Fan, Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Borda Elizabeth , Kudenov Jerry D. , Bienhold Christina , Rouse Greg W. 
Published: February 2012

Borda, E., Kudenov, J.D., Bienhold, C. & Rouse, G.W. (2012). Towards a revised Amphinomidae (Annelida, Amphinomida): description and affinities of a new genus and species from the Nile Deep‐sea Fan, Mediterranean Sea. —Zoologica Scripta, 41, 307–325.The discovery of a new amphinomid species from wood falls deployed near cold seeps (1694 m) at the Nile Deep‐sea Fan (Mediterranean Sea) highlights the need to revise Amphinomidae to better characterize amphinomid diversity. The phylogenetic affinities of the new amphinomid and 12 other species from nine Amphinomida genera were inferred using data from two nuclear (18S rDNA and 28S rDNA) and two mitochondrial (COI and 16S rDNA) genes. The phylogenetic analyses indicated a close relationship of the new species with other amphinomids associated with temporary pelagic substrata, including Amphinome sensu stricto (emended herein) and Hipponoa. The new species belongs to a distinct lineage and we, here, erect a new genus to accommodate it. Cryptonome gen. n. is the second amphinomid genus established for species from chemosynthetic environments. Cryptonome conclava sp. n. is distinguished morphologically from all previously described rectilinear Amphinomidae by lacking notochaetal hooks, having a reduced caruncle, modified neurochaetae and branchiae on nearly all segments. Taxonomic issues regarding amphinomid species presently assigned to Amphinome and the erroneous placement of related xylophylic taxa in Eurythoe are also outlined. We emend and restrict the five known oceanic flotsam species with stalked heart‐shaped caruncles to Amphinome sensu stricto. An additional 15 species previously assigned to Amphinome may belong to other genera (e.g. Linopherus) and are here tentatively considered incertae sedis. Finally, Eurythoe turcica and Eurythoe parvecarunculata are transferred to Cryptonome gen. n. as new combinations. A revised key to a subset of rectilinear amphinomid genera (relevant to this study) is presented.
Predictive capacity of four comorbidity indices estimating perioperative mortality after radical cystectomy for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder
Authors: Mayr Roman , May Matthias , Martini Thomas , Lodde Michele , Pycha Armin , Comploj Evi , Wieland Wolf F. , Denzinger Stefan , Otto Wolfgang , Burger Maximilian , Fritsche Hans‐Martin 
Published: February 2012

Study Type – Prognosis (case series)Level of Evidence 4What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?The degree of comorbidity significantly affects the course of patients with bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy (RC).To our knowledge this is the first study comparing four different comorbidity indices in patients undergoing RC for urothelial carcinoma to assess the best clinical predictors for 90‐day perioperative mortality. We concluded that the ASA score should be the method of choice, as it showed a predictive ability superior to that of ECOG and CCI, and is much easier to generate than the ACE‐27.OBJECTIVE
To evaluate which of the following among the Adult Comorbidity Evaluation‐27 (ACE‐27), the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG) and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) comorbidity scores correlate best with perioperative mortality after radical cystectomy (RC) for urothelial carcinoma (UC) of the bladder.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A study was carried out on 555 unselected consecutive patients without neoadjuvant chemotherapy who underwent RC for UC of the bladder from 2000 to 2010 at one of two institutions.
Patients' medical records were reviewed retrospectively.
We established a defined binary linear progression model based on clinical variables to predict perioperative mortality <90 days after RC (90PM). To this model we added, individually, the comorbidity indices ACE‐27, CCI, ECOG, and ASA to assess their predictive capacity regarding 90PM.
RESULTS
The overall 90PM was 7.9%.
Age (P= 0.01) and clinical distant metastatic tumour stage (P= 0.002) were independent predictors for 90PM in the multivariate analysis.
Each of the four investigated comorbidity indices was able to significantly increase the predictive capacity of the basic model: ECOG +13.5%, (odds ratio [OR]: 1.61, P= 0.036; area under the curve [AUC] 74.7), ASA Score +28.3% (OR: 2.19, P= 0.004; AUC 76.1), Charlson Index +12.3% (OR: 1.31, P= 0.047; AUC 73.8) and ACE‐27 + 29.8% (OR: 1.72, P= 0.004; AUC 76.1).
CONCLUSIONS
ASA and ACE‐27 show a nearly identical clinical predictive value for perioperative mortality. Both scores could be considered for clinical practice.
With regard to ease of generation and availability, the ASA score can be regarded as the best instrument.
Insulin adherence behaviours and barriers in the multinational Global Attitudes of Patients and Physicians in Insulin Therapy study
Authors: Peyrot M. , Barnett A. H. , Meneghini L. F. , Schumm‐Draeger P.‐M. 
Published: February 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 682–689 (2012)AbstractAims  To examine patient and physician beliefs regarding insulin therapy and the degree to which patients adhere to their insulin regimens.Methods  Internet survey of 1250 physicians (600 specialists, 650 primary care physicians) who treat patients with diabetes and telephone survey of 1530 insulin‐treated patients (180 with Type 1 diabetes, 1350 with Type 2 diabetes) in China, France, Japan, Germany, Spain, Turkey, the UK or the USA.Results  One third (33.2%) of patients reported insulin omission/non‐adherence at least 1 day in the last month, with an average of 3.3 days. Three quarters (72.5%) of physicians report that their typical patient does not take their insulin as prescribed, with a mean of 4.3 days per month of basal insulin omission/non‐adherence and 5.7 days per month of prandial insulin omission/non‐adherence. Patients and providers indicated the same five most common reasons for insulin omission/non‐adherence: too busy; travelling; skipped meals; stress/emotional problems; public embarrassment. Physicians reported low patient success at initiating insulin in a timely fashion and adjusting insulin doses. Most physicians report that many insulin‐treated patients do not have adequate glucose control (87.6%) and that they would treat more aggressively if not for concern about hypoglycaemia (75.5%). Although a majority of patients (and physicians) regard insulin treatment as restrictive, more patients see insulin treatment as having positive than negative impacts on their lives.Conclusions  Glucose control is inadequate among insulin‐treated patients, in part attributable to insulin omission/non‐adherence and lack of dose adjustment. There is a need for insulin regimens that are less restrictive and burdensome with lower risk of hypoglycaemia.
Devolution and Patient Choice: Policy Rhetoric versus Experience in Practice
Authors: Peckham Stephen , Mays Nicholas , Hughes David , Sanderson Marie , Allen Pauline , Prior Lindsay , Entwistle Vikki , Thompson Andrew , Davies Huw 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground: market reforms in England have been identified as making a clear distinction between English health policy and health policy in the devolved systems in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Patient choice is a high profile policy in the English National Health Service that constitutes significant changes to the demand side of health care. It is not clear what national differences this has led to regarding implementation of policy. This article presents the findings from a large UK‐wide study on the development and implementation of policies related to patient choice of provider. The findings reported here relate specifically to the policy development and organizational implementation of choice in order to examine the impact of devolution on health care policy.Aim: this study examines patient choice of provider across all four countries of the UK to understand the effect of differences in national policies on the organization and service how choice of provider presented to patients.Methods: at the macro‐level, we interviewed policymakers and examined policy and guidance documents to analyze the provenance and determinants of national policy in each UK nation. At the Primary Care Trust or Health Board level, we interviewed a range of public and private health service providers to identify the range of referral pathways and where and when choices might be made. Finally, we interviewed ear, nose and throat, and orthopaedics patients to understand how such choices were experienced.Findings: while we found that distinct rhetorical differences were identifiable at a national policy level, these were less visible at the level of service organization and the way choices were provided to patients.Conclusion: historical similarities in both the structure and operation of health care, coupled with common operational objectives around efficient resource use and waiting times, mediate how strategic policy is implemented and experienced in the devolved nations of the UK.
Unique features of PTCH1 mutation spectrum in Chinese sporadic basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Huang Y.S. , Bu D.F. , Li X.Y. , Ma Z.H. , Yang Y. , Lin Z.M. , Lu F.M. , Tu P. , Li H. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground  Alterations of the PTCH1 gene have been found to contribute to both familial and sporadic basal cell carcinoma (BCC), especially in Caucasian patients. Furthermore, the majority of PTCH1 gene mutations in sporadic BCCs in Caucasian patients carry ultraviolet (UV) signatures, suggesting the key role of UV light in BCC development. However, sporadic BCC in non‐Caucasian population has a lower incidence, and the pathogenesis remains largely unknown. To date, there has been no mutation analysis on PTCH1 gene in Chinese patients with sporadic BCCs.Objective  To investigate genetic alterations of the PTCH1 gene in Chinese sporadic BCCs.Methods  Direct sequencing was used to screen for mutations in PTCH1 in 31 microdissected samples in Chinese sporadic BCCs. In addition, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were studied for loss of heterozygosity (LOH).Results  Nineteen PTCH1 mutations in 17 of the 31 BCCs (54.8%) were identified. SNP analysis revealed LOH of PTCH1 in 10 of 23 BCCs (43.5%). Interestingly, the majority of mutations identified (63.2%) were insertion/deletion, which was different from the results in Caucasian cases whose mutations are predominantly point mutations. Only two (10.5%) of the remaining seven mutations were UV‐specific C → T transition or tandem CC → TT transitions. All mutations occurred evenly throughout the entire PTCH1 protein domain without a hot‐spot detected.Conclusion  Mutations and LOH in PTCH1 were also highly prevalent in Chinese sporadic BCCs. However, UV light plays a less role in causing these mutations, suggesting other potential mechanisms in the development of sporadic BCC in Chinese patients.
Modulation of recombinant, α2*, α3* or α4*‐nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) function by nAChR β3 subunits*
Authors: Dash Bhagirathi , Bhakta Minoti , Chang Yongchang , Lukas Ronald J. 
Published: February 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 349–361.AbstractThe nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) β3 subunit is thought to serve an accessory role in nAChR subtypes expressed in dopaminergic regions implicated in drug dependence and reward. When β3 subunits are expressed in excess, they have a dominant‐negative effect on function of selected nAChR subtypes. In this study, we show, in Xenopus oocytes expressing α2, α3 or α4 plus either β2 or β4 subunits, that in the presumed presence of similar amounts of each nAChR subunit, co‐expression with wild‐type β3 subunits generally (except for α3*‐nAChR) lowers amplitudes of agonist‐evoked, inward peak currents by 20–50% without having dramatic effects (≤ 2‐fold) on agonist potencies. By contrast, co‐expression with mutant β3V9’S subunits generally (except for α4β2*‐nAChR) increases agonist potencies, consistent with an expected gain‐of‐function effect. This most dramatically demonstrates formation of complexes containing three kinds of subunit. Moreover, for oocytes expressing nAChR containing any α subunit plus β4 and β3V9’S subunits, there is spontaneous channel opening sensitive to blockade by the open channel blocker, atropine. Collectively, the results indicate that β3 subunits integrate into all of the studied receptor assemblies and suggest that natural co‐expression with β3 subunits can influence levels of expression and agonist sensitivities of several nAChR subtypes.
Impact of epilepsy surgery on seizure control and quality of life: A 26‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Mohammed Hussan S. , Kaufman Christian B. , Limbrick David D. , Steger‐May Karen , Grubb Robert L. , Rothman Steven M. , Weisenberg Judith L. Z. , Munro Rebecca , Smyth Matthew D. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryPurpose:  The short‐term efficacy and safety of epilepsy surgery relative to medical therapy has been established, but it remains underutilized. There is a lack of data regarding the long‐term seizure‐control rates and quality of life outcomes after epilepsy surgery. This study represents the longest follow‐up study to date, with a mean follow‐up duration of 26 years.Methods:  We studied the seizure and health‐related quality of life outcomes of patients who underwent epilepsy surgery by Dr. Sidney Goldring from 1967 to 1990. Retrospective clinical chart reviews gathered perioperative data and surveys obtained follow‐up data. Seizure outcome was evaluated using the Engel classification system.Key Findings:  Of 361 patients, 117 (32.4%) completed follow‐up interviews. Fifty‐six patients (48%) were Engel class I. Mean overall Quality of Life in Epilepsy (QOLIE‐31) questionnaire score for the cohort was 68.2 ± 16. Eighty percent of patients reported their overall quality of life now as being better than before surgery. Seizure freedom was associated with better quality of life. We did not observe a statistically significant association between postoperative complications and long‐term outcome. Patients who underwent temporal lobe resection achieved better seizure outcomes than those who underwent other types of procedures. Astatic seizures and bilateral surgery were associated with a worse Engel class outcome.Significance:  Our study demonstrates that the beneficial effects of epilepsy surgery are sustained over decades, and that these beneficial effects are correlated with an improved quality of life. The confirmation of its durability makes us optimistic that the outcomes from modern epilepsy surgery will be even better and that our present enthusiasm for this treatment modality is not misplaced.
Repeated Cycles of Chronic Intermittent Ethanol Exposure Leads to the Development of Tolerance to Aversive Effects of Ethanol inC57BL/6JMice
Authors: Lopez Marcelo F. , Griffin William C. , Melendez Roberto I. , Becker Howard C. 
Published: February 2012

BackgroundRepeated cycles of chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) exposure lead to increased voluntary ethanol (EtOH) intake inC57BL/6Jmice. This study evaluates the development of tolerance toEtOH's aversive effects inCIEexposure.MethodsAdult maleC57BL/6Jmice were trained to drink 15%EtOH(vs. water) in a limited access procedure and then exposed toCIE(EtOHmice) or air (control [CTL] mice) for 5 cycles alternating with weekly access toEtOHdrinking. Following the 4thCIEcycle, the aversive effects ofEtOHwere evaluated using a conditioned taste aversion (CTA) paradigm with 1% saccharin as the conditioned stimulus. Several doses ofEtOH(0, 1, 2, and 3 g/kg) andLiCl(0.4 M, 0.02 ml/g) served as unconditioned stimuli. Finally, mice underwent a 5thCIEcycle to measure blood and brain concentrations following a 2 g/kgEtOHdose.ResultsCIE exposure increasedEtOHdrinking inEtOHmice while drinking inCTLmice remained stable. The lowestEtOHdose (1 g/kg) did not induceCTAin either group, but the highest dose (3 g/kg) producedCTAin both groups (49% reduction forCTLvs. 25% reduction forEtOH) although the group differences were not statistically significant. However, the 2 g/kgEtOHdose induced a significant aversion inCTLmice (27% reduction) but not inEtOHmice (20% increase), indicating tolerance toEtOH's aversive effects.LiClcaused a similar aversion inCTLandEtOHmice (50% reduction). Finally, blood and brain ethanol concentrations were not different betweenCTLandEtOHmice following a 2 g/kgEtOHdose.ConclusionsThe data indicate thatCIEexposure produces tolerance to the aversive effects of 2 g/kgEtOH. This effect does not appear to be related to a learning deficit or alteredEtOHpharmacokinetics. These data support the notion that tolerance toEtOH's aversive effects may contribute to excessiveEtOHdrinking inEtOH‐dependent mice.
Correlates of Recovery from Alcohol Dependence: A Prospective Study Over a 3‐Year Follow‐Up Interval
Authors: Dawson Deborah A. , Goldstein Risë B. , Ruan Wenjun J. , Grant Bridget F. 
Published: February 2012

BackgroundCorrelates of recovery from alcohol dependence have been identified through a variety of study designs characterized by different strengths and limitations. The goal of this study was to compare correlates of recovery based on a 3‐year prospective design with those based on cross‐sectional analyses of data from the same source.MethodsData from the 2001 to 2002Wave 1 and 2004 to 2005Wave 2NationalEpidemiologicSurvey onAlcohol andRelatedConditions (NESARC) were used to examine baseline characteristics associated withWave 2 recovery from alcohol dependence, among those who classified with past‐yearDSM‐IValcohol dependence atWave 1 (n = 1,172).ResultsAbstinent recovery was significantly associated withBlack/Asian/Hispanic race/ethnicity, children <1 year of age in the household at baseline, attending religious services greater than or equal to weekly at follow‐up, and having initiated help‐seeking that comprised/included 12‐step participation within <3 years prior to baseline. Nonabstinent recovery was positively associated with being never married at baseline, having job problems or being unemployed in the year preceding baseline, attending religious services less than weekly at follow‐up, baseline smoking and volume of ethanol intake, and having terminated a first marriage within <3 years prior to baseline. Findings, including others of marginal significance (0.05 < p < 0.10), generally supported results from prior pseudo‐prospective survival analyses with time‐dependent covariates but differed in many ways from cross‐sectional analyses ofWave 1 NESARC data.ConclusionsVarious aspects of study design must be considered when interpreting correlates of recovery. Cross‐sectional analyses of lifetime correlates of recovery are highly subject to misinterpretation, but pseudo‐prospective survival analyses with time‐dependent covariates may yield results as valid as those from prospective studies.
Near Elimination of Ventricular Pacing in SafeR Mode Compared to DDD Modes: A Randomized Study of 422 Patients
Authors: DAVY JEAN‐MARC , HOFFMANN ELLEN , FREY AXEL , JOCHAM KURT , ROSSI STEFANO , DUPUIS JEAN‐MARC , FRABETTI LORENZO , DUCLOUX PASCALE , PRADES EMMANUEL , JAUVERT GAËL 
Published: February 2012

Aims:

SafeR performance versus DDD/automatic mode conversion (DDD/AMC) and DDD with a 250‐ms atrioventricular (AV) delay (DDD/LD) modes was assessed toward ventricular pacing (Vp) reduction.
Methods:
After a 1‐month run‐in phase, recipients of dual‐chamber pacemakers without persistent AV block and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) were randomly assigned to SafeR, DDD/AMC, or DDD/LD in a 1:1:1 design. The main endpoint was the percentage of Vp (%Vp) at 2 months and 1 year after randomization, ascertained from device memories. Secondary endpoints include %Vp at 1 year according to pacing indication and 1‐year AF incidence based on automatic mode switch device stored episodes.
Results:
Among 422 randomized patients (73.2 ± 10.6 years, 50% men, sinus node dysfunction 47.4%, paroxysmal AV block 30.3%, bradycardia‐tachycardia syndrome 21.8%), 141 were assigned to SafeR versus 146 to DDD/AMC and 135 to DDD/LD modes. Mean %Vp at 2 months was 3.4 ± 12.6% in SafeR versus 33.6 ± 34.7% and 14.0 ± 26.0% in DDD/AMC and DDD/LD modes, respectively (P < 0.0001 for both). At 1 year, mean %Vp in SafeR was 4.5 ± 15.3% versus 37.9 ± 34.4% and 16.7 ± 28.0% in DDD/AMC and DDD/LD modes, respectively (P < 0.0001 for both). The proportion of patients in whom Vp was completely eliminated was significantly higher in SafeR (69%) versus DDD/AMC (15%) and DDD/LD (45%) modes (P < 0.0001 for both), regardless of pacing indication. The absolute risk of developing permanent AF or of remaining in AF for >30% of the time was 5.4% lower in SafeR than in the DDD pacing group (ns).
Conclusions:
In this selected patient population, SafeR markedly suppressed unnecessary Vp compared with DDD modes. PACE 2012; 35:392–402)