bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is there external digestion by Octopus?
Authors: Nixon Marion 
Published: August 2009

A crab which has been captured and paralysed by an octopus but retrieved 1 1/2 min later cannot at first be pulled apart by the experimenter: 27 min later it can be dismembered easily. This demonstrates that there is external digestion when Octopus vulgaris feeds upon crabs. However, it is strictly limited at this stage to the arthrodial membrane and the musculo‐skeletal attachment mechanisms as the exoskeleton separates at the joints allowing the muscles to be drawn out of the appendages. And yet, two hours after capture, pieces of crab meat are still recognizable in the octopus's stomach.The process of paralysing and cleaning a crab was noticeably slowed after the surgical removal of the radula, salivary papilla or the lateral buccal palps.
The statocysts of cranchiid squids (Cephalopoda)
Authors: Young J. Z. 
Published: August 2009

The statocysts of Cranchiidae are unlike those of all other squids. They are very varied: at one extreme is Bathothauma with a very large sac unique in having no internal interruptions. Conversely Egea has more of these anticristae than any other cephalopod. They are arranged in patterns that are different from those of other squids and they are sometimes very long and thin. The anticristae are large and numerous in the cranchiids that are perhaps more rapid swimmers and more active in hunting their prey, for example Mesonychoteuthis, Megalocranchia, Egea or Taonius. However, in the moderately large cranchiids Teuthowenia and Galiteuthis the statocyst cavities are little interruped by anticristae.The conditions of the statocysts are found to correspond well with the cladistic analyses of relationship within the family performed by N.A. and R.S. Voss, except for those of Teuthowenia and Galiteuthis which stand apart, having relatively uninterrupted cavities. Other genera showing this condition are mostly small animals and form a group of presumably neotenous forms as suggested by N. Voss. It is discussed whether these may be the more primitive genera in the group. Possibly the Cranchiidae arose as neotenous buoyant squids with a peculiar mantle cavity and coelom and uninterrupted statocysts. Later genera exploited these characters and when they became more active swimmers they developed anticristae with an original pattern, allowing monitoring of more rapid turns.
Reliability and validity of the assessment of neurological soft‐signs in children with and without attention‐deficit–hyperactivity disorder
Authors: GUSTAFSSON PEIK , SVEDIN CARL GÖRAN , ERICSSON INGEGERD , LINDÉN CHRISTIAN , KARLSSON MAGNUS K , THERNLUND GUNILLA 
Published: August 2009

Aim  To study the value and reliability of an examination of neurological soft‐signs, often used in Sweden, in the assessment of children with attention‐deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), by examining children with and without ADHD, as diagnosed by an experienced clinician using the DSM‐III‐R.Method  We have examined interrater reliability (26 males, nine females; age range 5y 6mo–11y), internal consistency (94 males, 43 females; age range 5y 6mo–11y), test–retest reliability (12 males, eight females; age range 6–9y), and validity (79 males, 33 females; age range 5y 6mo–9y).Results  The sum of the scores for the items on the examination had good interrater reliability (intraclass correlation [ICC] 0.95) and acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha 0.76). The test–retest study also showed good reliability (ICC 0.91). There were modest associations between the examination and the assessment of motor function made by the physical education teacher (ICC 0.37) as well as from the parents’ description (ICC 0.39). The examination of neurological soft‐signs had a sensitivity of 0.80 and a specificity of 0.76 in predicting motor problems as evaluated by the physical education teacher.Interpretation  The reliability and validity of this examination seem to be good and can be recommended for clinical practice and research.
A characterization of peanut consumption in four countries: results from focus groups and their implications for peanut allergy prevalence
Authors: Sora Beatriz , Boulay Annabelle , Sala Roser , Houghton Julie , Gancheva Vyara , Strada Anna , Schlegel‐Zawadzka Malzorgata , Rowe Gene 
Published: August 2009

AbstractRates of peanut allergy in the Western world have increased over the last 30 years, although it is unclear why. While eating behaviours are likely to be connected to allergy prevalence, the precise relevant factors are uncertain. This study aimed to investigate dietary differences and changes in dietary habits in peanut consumption (in apparent and hidden forms) in four different countries (Bulgaria, Poland, Spain, UK), specifically chosen because of their different ‘peanut experiences’. Focus groups revealed a common perception that dietary habits have become less healthy, with more consumption of processed foods and an increase in snacking. In addition, ethnic cuisine was perceived to have had an important impact on European eating habits, while participants identified an increase in consumption of more ‘exotic’ forms of peanuts and their products. These findings point to an increase in exposure to peanuts, particularly in hidden forms, that superficially parallels increased prevalence rates. However, it was also clear that participants lacked knowledge about the composition of food and non‐food products. The dietary trends identified here thus warrant further quantitative investigation, particularly in the context of differential national patterns of allergy prevalence – data on which is currently being gathered within the EC‐funded EuroPrevall project.
Consumer demand for healthy eating considering diversity – an economic approach for German individuals
Authors: Drescher Larissa , Thiele Silke , Roosen Jutta , Mensink Gert B. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractRising incidence and costs of diet‐related diseases have led to nutritionists' and economists' interest in factors determining the demand for healthy eating. The present study analyses the demand for healthy eating by the use of a new food‐based indicator, which combines the health value and diversity of a food basket. Although the diversity aspect gains in importance in recommendations for healthy eating it was not considered adequately in healthy eating indicators until now. Within the household production theory the new indicator is used to identify factors influencing the demand for healthy food diversity for 3220 German individuals. The results of regression analyses show that the demand for a healthy diet is influenced by age and mainly by knowledge, attitudinal and behavioural (proxy‐)variables as education level, participation in a health training course and sport activity. On the basis of these findings conclusions are drawn for health and nutrition policy in Germany and Europe.
Essential involvement of the NMDA receptor in ethanol preconditioning‐dependent neuroprotection from amyloid‐βin vitro
Authors: Mitchell Robert M. , Neafsey Edward J. , Collins Michael A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn several epidemiological studies, moderate ethanol consumption has been associated with reduced risks of cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s dementia. Of potential relevance is that brain cultures preconditioned with moderate ethanol concentrations are resistant to neurotoxic Alzheimer’s amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptides. Using rat cerebellar mixed cultures we investigated whether certain membrane receptors were early ‘sensors’ in moderate ethanol preconditioning (MEP). In a 6‐day MEP protocol (30 mM ethanol), neuroprotection from Aβ25–35 was undiminished by antagonism during the first 3 days of either adenosine A1 or Gαi/o protein‐coupled receptors. However, similar cotreatment with memantine or DL‐2‐amino‐5‐phosphono‐pentanoic acid (AP‐5), antagonists of NMDA receptors (NMDAR), abolished neuroprotection, indicating key early involvement of this ionotropic glutamate receptor. Also in these cultures, directly activating NMDAR using subexcitotoxic NMDA preconditioning prevented Aβ neurotoxicity. By day 2 of MEP, we observed increased levels of NMDAR subunits NR1, NR2B, and NR2C that persisted through day 6. Interestingly, memantine co‐exposure blocked elevations in the obligatory NR1 subunit. Furthermore, 2 days of MEP significantly increased two indicators of synaptic NMDAR localization, NR2B phospho‐Tyr1472, and post‐synaptic density 95 scaffolding protein. The results indicate that ethanol preconditioning‐dependent neuroprotection is associated with early increases in NR subunits concomitant with enhancement of synaptic localization and activity of NMDAR.
Extracellular ADP regulates lesion‐inducedin vivocell proliferation and death in the zebrafish retina
Authors: Battista Ariadna G. , Ricatti María Jimena , Pafundo Diego E. , Gautier Marien A. , Faillace María Paula 
Published: August 2009

AbstractRegeneration and growth that occur in the adult teleost retina by neurogenesis have been helpful in identifying molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cell proliferation and differentiation. In this report, we demonstrate that endogenous purinergic signals regulate cell proliferation induced by a cytotoxic injury of the adult zebrafish retina which mainly damages inner retinal layers. Particularly, we found that ADP but not ATP or adenosine significantly enhanced cell division as assessed by 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine incorporation following injury, during the degenerative and proliferative phase of the regeneration process. This effect of ADP occurs via P2Y1 metabotropic receptors as shown by intra‐ocular injection of selective antagonists. Additionally, we describe a role for purinergic signals in regulating cell death induced by injury. Scavenging of extracellular nucleotides significantly increased cell death principally seen in the inner retinal layers. This effect is partially reproduced by blocking P2Y1 receptors suggesting a neuroprotective function for ADP, which is derived from extracellular ATP probably released by dying cells as a consequence of the ouabain treatment. This study demonstrates a crucial role for ADP as a paracrine signal in the repair of retinal tissue following injury.
Can Mothers Predict Childhood Behavioural Inhibition in Early Infancy?
Authors: Marysko Melanie , Finke Patricia , Wiebel Angelika , Resch Franz , Moehler Eva 
Published: August 2009

Background:  Focusing on early identification of developmental risk factors, this study examined the question whether maternal report of child behaviour during early infancy is related to a laboratory measure of behavioural inhibition at 14 months of age.Method:  A sample of 101 mother‐infant pairs was recruited from local obstetric units. The Infant Behaviour Questionnaire (IBQ) was presented at 4 months postnatal age. Child behavioural inhibition was assessed at 14 months in a laboratory procedure.Results:  Infant distress to novelty as measured by the IBQ at 4 months postnatal age was found to be associated with toddler’s fear score/behavioural inhibition at 14 months (p = .003). Distress‐to‐limitations subscore, smile/laughter subscore, activity subscore, and soothability subscore of the IBQ showed no correlation with behavioural inhibition.Conclusions:  Behavioural inhibition, as a potential risk factor for childhood shyness and anxiety, can be predicted by maternal judgment of infant distress to novelty at age 4 months. The Infant Behaviour Questionnaire therefore might be used to identify infants presumably at risk for childhood anxiety disorders.
A crucial role for TNF‐α in mediating neutrophil influx induced by endogenously generated or exogenous chemokines, KC/CXCL1 and LIX/CXCL5
Authors: Vieira SM , Lemos HP , Grespan R , Napimoga MH , Dal‐Secco D , Freitas A , Cunha TM , Verri Jr WA , Souza‐Junior DA , Jamur MC , Fernandes KS , Oliver C , Silva JS , Teixeira MM , Cunha FQ 
Published: August 2009

Background and purpose:  Chemokines orchestrate neutrophil recruitment to inflammatory foci. In the present study, we evaluated the participation of three chemokines, KC/CXCL1, MIP‐2/CXCL2 and LIX/CXCL5, which are ligands for chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2), in mediating neutrophil recruitment in immune inflammation induced by antigen in immunized mice.Experimental approach:  Neutrophil recruitment was assessed in immunized mice challenged with methylated bovine serum albumin, KC/CXCL1, LIX/CXCL5 or tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α. Cytokine and chemokine levels were determined in peritoneal exudates and in supernatants of macrophages and mast cells by elisa. CXCR2 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1) expression was determined using immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy.Key results:  Antigen challenge induced dose‐ and time‐dependent neutrophil recruitment and production of KC/CXCL1, LIX/CXCL5 and TNF‐α, but not MIP‐2/CXCL2, in peritoneal exudates. Neutrophil recruitment was inhibited by treatment with reparixin (CXCR1/2 antagonist), anti‐KC/CXCL1, anti‐LIX/CXCL5 or anti‐TNF‐α antibodies and in tumour necrosis factor receptor 1‐deficient mice. Intraperitoneal injection of KC/CXCL1 and LIX/CXCL5 induced dose‐ and time‐dependent neutrophil recruitment and TNF‐α production, which were inhibited by reparixin or anti‐TNF‐α treatment. Macrophages and mast cells expressed CXCR2 receptors. Increased macrophage numbers enhanced, while cromolyn sodium (mast cell stabilizer) diminished, LIX/CXCL5‐induced neutrophil recruitment. Macrophages and mast cells from immunized mice produced TNF‐α upon LIX/CXCL5 stimulation. Methylated bovine serum albumin induced expression of ICAM‐1 on mesenteric vascular endothelium, which was inhibited by anti‐TNF‐α or anti‐LIX/CXCL5.Conclusion and implications:  Following antigen challenge, CXCR2 ligands are produced and act on macrophages and mast cells triggering the production of TNF‐α, which synergistically contribute to neutrophil recruitment through induction of the expression of ICAM‐1.
New Directions in the Study of Religious Responses to the Black Death1
Authors: Stearns Justin 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe past decade has seen the publications of numerous excellent studies on the Black Death. For the most part, however, scholars have been preoccupied with debating whether the Black Death was caused by plague or not, parallels between the first, second, and third plague pandemics, and broader historiographical questions of continuity and change. Less attention has been devoted to revisiting the religious responses of Christians, Muslims, and Jews to the natural disaster. Recent scholarship has begun to question previous paradigms in which the responses of these three communities were viewed as qualitatively different in essential characteristics such as their conception of contagion. By emphasizing the internal diversity of views within these monotheistic communities, and drawing on recently published primary sources, scholars attempting to write a nuanced comparative history of the religious responses to the Black Death will be able to avoid the misleading generalizations promoted by their predecessors.
Congenital long QT syndrome presenting with a history of epilepsy: Misdiagnosis or relationship between channelopathies of the heart and brain?
Authors: Omichi Chikaya , Momose Yoshio , Kitahara Shigemi 
Published: August 2009

SummaryA 60‐year‐old man with a long history of epilepsy was referred for cardiologic evaluation. An earlier diagnosis of epilepsy was made on the basis of his clinical manifestation of tonic–clonic seizure. Electroencephalography (EEG) demonstrated paroxysmal slow waves in response to intermittent photic stimulation. However, electrocardiography (ECG) revealed bradycardia (heart rate, 48 bpm) and marked QT prolongation (QTc 477 ms). ECG monitoring confirmed remarkable QT prolongation; ventricular ectopy triggering torsades de pointes was recorded during seizure. The patient underwent temporary antitachycardia pacing, and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) was finally implanted. Long QT syndrome (LQTS) genetic testing was conducted and a diagnosis of LQT2 was confirmed by the identification of mutation in KCNH2 (HERG). LQTS is associated with abnormal channel function due to mutations in ion channel genes. Epilepsy, a disorder of neural function, is also associated with abnormal channel function. The possibility that some channelopathies can manifest as both LQTS and epilepsy is discussed.
Older Drivers in Australia: Trends in Driving Status and Cognitive and Visual Impairment
Authors: Ross Lesley A. , Anstey Kaarin J. , Kiely Kim M. , Windsor Tim D. , Byles Julie E. , Luszcz Mary A. , Mitchell Paul 
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVES: To investigate self‐reported driving status within three Australian states; associations between demographic, health, and functional factors and driving status; and the extent to which remaining a driver in spite of cognitive and visual impairments varies as a function of sex.DESIGN: Secondary data analysis of a pooled data set.SETTING: Australian communities.PARTICIPANTS: Adults aged 65 to 103 (N=5,206) from the Dynamic Analyses to Optimise Ageing (DYNOPTA) project. DYNOPTA is a unique data set created through the harmonization and pooling of data across nine separate Australian longitudinal studies of aging conducted between 1990 and 2007 (N=50,652).MEASUREMENTS: Driving status, demographic characteristics, Mini‐Mental State Examination score, visual acuity, physical activity, and occupation.RESULTS: Men and participants with higher‐level occupations had greater odds of driving. Older age, more medical conditions, and poorer vision increased the odds of not driving. Persons who were divorced, widowed, or never married were at a greater risk than married adults of not driving. Descriptive analyses revealed a large proportion of men with probable visual or cognitive impairments who reported driving. Subsequent comparative analyses between the DYNOPTA sample and other published U.S. and Canadian data revealed lower proportions of current drivers among Australian women and those at older ages, although there were consistently lower proportions of drivers within Australia and Canada than in the United States.CONCLUSION: The rate of men with probable dementia or visual impairments who reported driving is of particular concern. Research and policy need to focus on evidence‐based assessment of older drivers and development of appropriate interventions and programs to maintain the mobility and independence of older adults.
Risk Factors for Disability Subtypes in Older Persons
Authors: Gill Thomas M. , Murphy Terrence E. , Barry Lisa C. , Allore Heather G. 
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVES: To identify risk factors for five different subtypes of disability.DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.SETTING: Greater New Haven, Connecticut.PARTICIPANTS: Seven hundred fifty‐four community‐living residents aged 70 and older and initially nondisabled in four essential activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, walking, and transferring).MEASUREMENTS: Candidate risk factors were measured every 18 months for 90 months during comprehensive home‐based assessments. Disability was assessed during monthly telephone interviews for up to 108 months. In participants who were nondisabled at the start of an 18‐month interval, incident episodes of five different disability subtypes were determined during the subsequent 18 months: transient, short‐term, long‐term, recurrent, and unstable.RESULTS: The cumulative incidence rates per 100 person‐intervals were 9.8 (95% confidence interval (CI)=8.9–10.6) for transient disability, 3.8 (95% CI=3.3–4.3) for short‐term disability, 7.1 (95% CI=6.4–7.8) for long‐term disability, 4.7 (95% CI=4.1–5.3) for recurrent disability, and 4.4 (95% CI=3.9–5.0) for unstable disability. In a multivariate analysis, the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) was associated with each of the five disability subtypes, with adjusted hazard ratios ranging from 1.10 for transient disability to 1.35 for long‐term disability. The only other factors associated with short‐term, long‐term, and recurrent disability were stroke, visual impairment, and poor grip strength, respectively. Transient disability and unstable disability shared the same set of risk factors—depressive symptoms, stroke, and poor grip strength—in addition to the SPPB.CONCLUSION: These results provide mixed evidence to support the distinct nature of the five disability subtypes.
A Meta‐Analysis of the Effects of Atrial Overdrive Pacing on Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: WENG CUI‐LIAN , CHEN QIANG , MA YAN‐LIANG , HE QUAN‐YING 
Published: August 2009

Background: Atrial overdrive pacing is a novel method that has been used to treat patients with sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) in many trials. However, the effects of atrial overdrive pacing on SAS are unclear.
Methods: Studies were retrieved from the PubMed and EMBASE databases (1966 to January 2008), the Central Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (January 2008), and reference lists. Randomized controlled trials were selected that compared atrial overdrive pacing with nonpacing in SAS. Information on study design, patient characteristics, the apnea hypopnea index (AHI), and minimum arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) was extracted.
Results: Eight trials that included a total of 129 patients were identified. The analysis showed that atrial overdrive pacing, as compared to nonpacing, reduced the AHI and increased the minimum SaO2 significantly in the subgroup of patients who presented predominantly with central sleep apnea syndrome (CSAS) (for AHI, mean difference [MD]=−17.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −23.25 to −10.91; for minimum SaO2, MD = 4.00, 95% CI: 2.48 to 5.52, respectively). The AHI (MD =−2.94, 95% CI: −5.33 to −0.54) was also significantly reduced in the subgroup of patients who showed predominant obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), but the result of the analysis of AHI in OSAS‐predominant trials was not robust to the exclusion of some trials. There was weak evidence of an increase in minimum SaO2 in the subgroup in which OSAS was predominant (MD = 0.13, 95% CI: −1.18 to 1.45).
Conclusions: Atrial overdrive pacing appears to be effective in patients with CSAS. The role of atrial overdrive pacing in OSAS remains unclear.