bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ideal Cardiovascular Health Predicts Lower Risks of Myocardial Infarction, Stroke, and Vascular Death Across Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics
Authors: Dong Chuanhui , Rundek Tatjana , Wright Clinton B. , Anwar Zane , Elkind Mitchell S.V. , Sacco Ralph L. 
Published: May 2012

Background—
Evidence of the relationship of cardiovascular health (CVH), defined by the American Heart Association, and specific cardiovascular outcomes is lacking, particularly among Hispanics. This study sought to evaluate the relationship between the number of ideal CVH metrics and cardiovascular risk, overall and by event subtype, in a multiethnic community-based prospective cohort.

Methods and Results—

A total of 2981 subjects (mean age, 69±10 years; 54% Caribbean Hispanic, 25% black, 21% white) free of myocardial infarction and stroke at baseline in the Northern Manhattan Study were prospectively followed up (median follow-up, 11 years). The relationship between the number of ideal CVH metrics and the risk of cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and vascular death, was investigated. Overall, a strong gradient relationship was observed between the adjusted hazard ratios for cardiovascular disease and the number of ideal CVH metrics: 0.73 (95% confidence interval, 0.60–0.89), 0.61 (95% confidence interval, 0.50–0.76), 0.49 (95% confidence interval, 0.38–0.63), and 0.41 (95% confidence interval, 0.26–0.63) for those having 2, 3, 4, and 5 to 6 ideal CVH metrics, respectively, compared with those having 0 to 1 ideal CVH metrics (
P
for trend <0.0001). Similar graded relationships were found between the number of ideal CVH metrics and the adjusted incidence rate for each specific outcome and among whites, blacks, and Caribbean Hispanics.

Conclusions—
Our findings demonstrated a steep gradient relationship between ideal CVH and individual cardiovascular disease end points, including stroke, that was similar for whites, blacks, and Caribbean Hispanics. This evidence supports the application of the AHA ideal cardiovascular health metrics for cardiovascular disease risk assessment and health promotion for all Americans regardless of race-ethnic background.
Both the Middle Temporal Gyrus and the Ventral Anterior Temporal Area Are Crucial for Multimodal Semantic Processing: Distortion-corrected fMRI Evidence for a Double Gradient of Information Convergence in the Temporal Lobes
Authors: Visser Maya , Jefferies Elizabeth , Embleton Karl V. , Lambon Ralph Matthew A. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Most contemporary theories of semantic memory assume that concepts are formed from the distillation of information arising in distinct sensory and verbal modalities. The neural basis of this distillation or convergence of information was the focus of this study. Specifically, we explored two commonly posed hypotheses: (a) that the human middle temporal gyrus (MTG) provides a crucial semantic interface given the fact that it interposes auditory and visual processing streams and (b) that the anterior temporal region—especially its ventral surface (vATL)—provides a critical region for the multimodal integration of information. By utilizing distortion-corrected fMRI and an established semantic association assessment (commonly used in neuropsychological investigations), we compared the activation patterns observed for both the verbal and nonverbal versions of the same task. The results are consistent with the two hypotheses simultaneously: Both MTG and vATL are activated in common for word and picture semantic processing. Additional planned, ROI analyses show that this result follows from two principal axes of convergence in the temporal lobe: both lateral (toward MTG) and longitudinal (toward the anterior temporal lobe).
Treatment experience, burden and unmet needs (TRIBUNE) in MS study: results from five European countries
Authors: Karampampa Korinna , Gustavsson Anders , Miltenburger Carolin , Eckert Benjamin 
Published: May 2012

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common cause of neurological disability in young adults. The TRIBUNE study provides a detailed exploration of costs in relation to relapses and disease severity, and assesses the quality of life impact on MS patients in terms of utilities, fatigue and activities of daily living (ADL). Methods: Patients in five European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom) completed a self-administered web-based questionnaire capturing information on demographics, disease characteristics and severity (EDSS), co-morbidities, relapses, resource consumption, utilities, fatigue, and activities of daily living. Results: In total, 1261 MS patients completed the questionnaire. More than half of the patients (68%) had the relapsing–remitting form of the disease; 87% of the sample reported receiving MS treatments. Costs were higher with advancing disease severity; for mild patients (EDSS score ≤ 3) the costs ranged between €13,534 and €22,461 across countries; for moderate (EDSS score 4 – 6.5) between €28,524 and €43,948; for severe (EDSS ≥ 7) between €39,592 and €65,395. Relapses were also associated with increasing costs; the difference in the cost per patient per year for relapsing–remitting patients with EDSS score ≤ 5 that did experience at least one relapse during the past 12 months and those who did not ranged between €3321 and €9430. The quality of life of patients decreased with disease progression and existence of relapses. Conclusion: The TRIBUNE study provides an important update on the economic burden of MS in an era of more widespread use of disease-modifying therapies. It explores the cost of MS linked to relapses and disease severity, and examines the impact of MS on additional health outcomes beyond utilities such as ADL and fatigue.
Birds achieve high robustness in uneven terrain through active control of landing conditions
Authors: Birn-Jeffery Aleksandra V. , Daley Monica A. 
Published: May 2012

SUMMARY
We understand little about how animals adjust locomotor behaviour to negotiate uneven terrain. The mechanical demands and constraints of such behaviours likely differ from uniform terrain locomotion. Here we investigated how common pheasants negotiate visible obstacles with heights from 10 to 50% of leg length. Our goal was to determine the neuro-mechanical strategies used to achieve robust stability, and address whether strategies vary with obstacle height. We found that control of landing conditions was crucial for minimising fluctuations in stance leg loading and work in uneven terrain. Variation in touchdown leg angle (θTD) was correlated with the orientation of ground force during stance, and the angle between the leg and body velocity vector at touchdown (βTD) was correlated with net limb work. Pheasants actively targeted obstacles to control body velocity and leg posture at touchdown to achieve nearly steady dynamics on the obstacle step. In the approach step to an obstacle, the birds produced net positive limb work to launch themselves upward. On the obstacle, body dynamics were similar to uniform terrain. Pheasants also increased swing leg retraction velocity during obstacle negotiation, which we suggest is an active strategy to minimise fluctuations in peak force and leg posture in uneven terrain. Thus, pheasants appear to achieve robustly stable locomotion through a combination of path planning using visual feedback and active adjustment of leg swing dynamics to control landing conditions. We suggest that strategies for robust stability are context specific, depending on the quality of sensory feedback available, especially visual input.
Hibernation energetics of free-ranging little brown bats
Authors: Jonasson Kristin A. , Willis Craig K. R. 
Published: May 2012

SUMMARYHibernation physiology and energy expenditure have been relatively well studied in large captive hibernators, especially rodents, but data from smaller, free-ranging hibernators are sparse. We examined variation in the hibernation patterns of free-ranging little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) using temperature-sensitive radio-transmitters. First, we aimed to test the hypothesis that age, sex and body condition affect expression of torpor and energy expenditure during hibernation. Second, we examined skin temperature to assess whether qualitative differences in the thermal properties of the hibernacula of bats, compared with the burrows of hibernating rodents, might lead to different patterns of torpor and arousal for bats. We also evaluated the impact of carrying transmitters on body condition to help determine the potential impact of telemetry studies. We observed large variation in the duration of torpor bouts within and between individuals but detected no effect of age, sex or body condition on torpor expression or estimates of energy expenditure. We observed the use of shallow torpor in the midst of periodic arousals, which may represent a unique adaptation of bats for conservation of energy during the most costly phase of hibernation. There was no difference in the body condition of hibernating bats outfitted with transmitters compared with that of control bats captured from the same hibernaculum at the same time. This study provides new information on the energetics of hibernation in an under-represented taxon and baseline data important for understanding how white-nose syndrome, a new disease devastating populations of hibernating bats in North America, may alter the expression of hibernation in affected bats.
An unusual myosuppressin from the blood-feeding bugRhodnius prolixus
Authors: Lee Dohee , Taufique Hamza , da Silva Rosa , Lange Angela B. 
Published: May 2012

SUMMARYThe myosuppressin (MS) gene was cloned from a central nervous system (CNS) cDNA library of the hematophagous insect Rhodnius prolixus and is predicted to contain two introns and three exons. The mRNA transcribed from the myosuppressin gene encodes an 88 amino acid prepropeptide, which results in a mature decapeptide after post-translational modification. When compared with the myosuppressins isolated from other insects, the R. prolixus myosuppressin has a unique amino acid sequence (pQDIDHVFMRFamide), with isoleucine (I) in position 3 and methionine (M) in position 8. Reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR shows that Rhopr-MS is expressed in the CNS and posterior midgut in R. prolixus and immunohistochemistry suggests that an RFamide-like peptide is present in endocrine-like cells in the midgut. Physiological assays using Rhopr-MS indicate that, despite the unusual M at position 8, it still retains myoinhibitory activity, inhibiting the frequency and reducing the amplitude of contractions in the anterior midgut and hindgut, and decreasing heart rate.
Targeting a neuropeptide to discrete regions of the motor arborizations of a single neuron
Authors: Kueh Daniel , Jellies John A. 
Published: May 2012

SUMMARY
The heart excitor (HE) motor neuron in the leech Hirudo releases acetylcholine (ACh) and a peptide, FMRFamide, to regulate the contractile activity of the heart tube and associated side vessels. Consistent with Dale's principle, it was assumed that both neurotransmitters were localized to all presynaptic varicosities. However, we found discrete peptide-positive and peptide-negative varicosities associated with particular sites of innervation on the heart tube. We produced dual-labeled HE neurons by pressure injecting Neurobiotin into single HE cell bodies and applied anti-FMRFamide antibodies on the same preparations. Consistent with initial expectations, peptide-labeled varicosities were numerous and widely distributed along the heart tube and at one of the three side vessels, the latero-abdominal vessel. Nevertheless, some Neurobiotin-labeled varicosities along the heart tube lacked peptide label entirely. Moreover, there were dense and distinct peptide-negative innervations at the valve junctions of the latero-dorsal and latero-lateral vessels at each segment. Nevertheless, the peptide label was found in HE axons and varicosities that projected distally along the side vessels. Therefore, the more proximal peptide-negative clusters cannot simply be the result of restricted transport or deficient staining of peptide. Rather, we infer that FMRFamide is transported to (or selectively excluded from) discrete locations and that ACh is present in varicosities that lacked peptide. Such targeting of neurotransmitters could be described using a discrete targeting model of synaptic transmission. Compared with Dale's principle, this model may provide a more complete perspective of chemical communication than previously understood.
A nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist affects honey bee sucrose responsiveness and decreases waggle dancing
Authors: Eiri Daren M. , Nieh James C. 
Published: May 2012

SUMMARYA nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, imidacloprid, impairs memory formation in honey bees and has general effects on foraging. However, little is known about how this agonist affects two specific aspects of foraging: sucrose responsiveness (SR) and waggle dancing (which recruits nestmates). Using lab and field experiments, we tested the effect of sublethal doses of imidacloprid on (1) bee SR with the proboscis extension response assay, and (2) free-flying foragers visiting and dancing for a sucrose feeder. Bees that ingested imidacloprid (0.21 or 2.16 ng bee–1) had higher sucrose response thresholds 1 h after treatment. Foragers that ingested imidacloprid also produced significantly fewer waggle dance circuits (10.5- and 4.5-fold fewer for 50% and 30% sucrose solutions, respectively) 24 h after treatment as compared with controls. However, there was no significant effect of imidacloprid on the sucrose concentrations that foragers collected at a feeder 24 h after treatment. Thus, imidacloprid temporarily increased the minimum sucrose concentration that foragers would accept (short time scale, 1 h after treatment) and reduced waggle dancing (longer time scale, 24 h after treatment). The effect of time suggests different neurological effects of imidacloprid resulting from the parent compound and its metabolites. Waggle dancing can significantly increase colony food intake, and thus a sublethal dose (0.21 ng bee–1, 24 p.p.b.) of this commonly used pesticide may impair colony fitness.
Proposed MHRA changes to UK children's paracetamol dosing recommendations: modelling study
Authors: Eyers Sally , Fingleton James , Perrin Kyle , Beasley Richard 
Published: May 2012

Objectives Paracetamol is the most commonly administered medicine to children. A recent study highlighted the risk of overdose of paracetamol using British National Formulary for Children (BNFC) age-based dosing guidelines. This current study assesses the safety of changes to the UK paracetamol product dosing system proposed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) which include a larger number of narrower age bands and a single dose per age band. Design Theoretical comparison of the proposed MHRA dosing system with the product dosing instructions of a commonly prescribed form of paracetamol in the UK. Setting United Kingdom Participants Proposed MHRA dosing recommendations and current product dosing instructions were compared using a previously validated model. Main outcome measures For both dosing recommendations, single and cumulative daily doses of paracetamol for boys and girls at the 9th, 50th and 91st centiles for weight were calculated for 3 month, 1 year, 6 year and 12 year age groups. Results With the current product dosing instructions, underweight children are at risk of receiving approximately two times the recommended single and cumulative daily dose of paracetamol, particularly at age 1 year and 6 years. This risk is negligible when the same model is applied to the proposed MHRA dosing system, whereby underweight, average weight and overweight children at all ages receive doses marginally above or within the recommended dose range or limit. Conclusion The proposed MHRA dosing recommendations for paracetamol use in children are effective at reducing the risk of paracetamol overdose in children of all ages, when compared with current product dosing instructions.
Brain weight–body weight ratio in sudden infant death syndrome revisited
Authors: Elliott Jane A , Vink Robert , Jensen Lisbeth , Byard Roger W 
Published: May 2012

Aims To determine whether the brain–body weight ratio is increased in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Methods Review of autopsy files from Forensic Science SA, South Australia was undertaken over an eight-year period from 1999 to 2006, with classification of cases according to the San Diego definition. Sudden and/or unexpected deaths in previously healthy infants due to asphyxia or infection were selected as controls. Results There were 42 SIDS cases and 25 controls. The SIDS cases were aged from 1 to 42 weeks (mean: 16.26 ± 1.5 weeks) with a male to female ratio of 26:16. The control infants were aged from 3 to 48 weeks (mean: 19.24 ± 2.9 weeks) ( P > 0.05) (M:F = 16:9) and included 13 cases of asphyxia and 12 cases of sepsis. Comparison of the brain–body weight ratios failed to demonstrate a significant difference: SIDS mean = 0.121 ± 0.003; control mean = 0.115 ± 0.003 ( P > 0.05). Conclusion Although, there was a trend towards higher brain–body weight ratios in SIDS infants, this did not reach significance. The role of brain weight in the aetiology of SIDS remains controversial.
Seemacht, Seeherrschaft und Seestrategie bei Pseudo-Xenophon
Authors: Laspe Dewid , Schubert Charlotte 
Published: May 2012

Zusammenfassung
Die aus der Feder eines Unbekannten stammende Schrift Athenaion Politeia ist seit langem Gegenstand einer intensiven altertumswissenschaftlichen Forschung/Diskussion. Die militärtheoretischen Aspekte dieser Quelle wurden aber bislang weitgehend vernachlässigt. Der vorliegende Beitrag versucht gerade diese Lücke zu schließen. Dazu wurde in einem ersten Schritt anhand eines Vergleichs mit dem Klassiker und Wegbereiter der modernen Seemachts- und Seestrategie, A. T. Mahan, der hohe Grad an inhaltlicher Übereinstimmung in Fragen der Seemachtskonzeption mit der pseudo-xenophontischen Schrift aufgezeigt.
In einem zweiten Schritt wurde anhand der sich mit Seestrategie auseinandersetzenden Passagen Pseudo-Xenophons und der Kriegsrede des Perikles im Werk des Thukydides (1,140–144) das Verhältnis der beiden Schriften zueinander untersucht. Wir kommen dabei zu dem Ergebnis, daß aufgrund starker inhaltlicher und struktureller Parallelen eine Abhängigkeit des Thukydides von Pseudo-Xenophon am wahrscheinlichsten ist.
Somit nimmt die pseudo-xenophontische Athenaion Politeia einen zentralen Platz als erste unter den militärtheoretischen Schriften der westlichen Welt ein.
A Little Noticed Synchronism in Livy and the Working Methods of the Annalists
Authors: Holloway R. Ross 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Livy (IV, 29, 8) rejects a synchronism found in his sources which referred events of his Varronian year 431 to 409 (the Carthaginian invasion of Sicily in that year). This crux illustrates the degree to which personalities and events of the Early Roman Republic floated without secure chronological foundations. In actuality the history of the first 140 years of the Republic, as we find it in Livy and Dionysius of Halicarnassus to the extent his work is preserved, represents an artificial structure of decades based on prominent events spaced at ten year intervals.
Expression profile of apoptosis-related genes in childhood adrenocortical tumors: low level of expression of BCL2 and TNF genes suggests a poor prognosis
Authors: Lorea Cecília Fernandes , Moreno Daniel Antunes , Borges Kleiton Silva , Martinelli Carlos Eduardo , Antonini Sonir Roberto Rauber , de Castro Margaret , Tucci Silvio , Neder Luciano , Ramalho Leandra Naira Zambelli , Cardinalli Izilda , Seidinger Ana Luiza , Mastellaro Maria José , Yunes José Andres , Brandalise Silvia Regina , Tone Luiz Gonzaga , Scrideli Carlos Alberto 
Published: May 2012

BackgroundImpaired apoptosis has been implicated in the development of childhood adrenocortical tumors (ACT), although the expression of apoptosis-related gene expression in such tumors has not been reported.MethodsThe mRNA expression levels of the genes CASP3, CASP8, CASP9, FAS, TNF, NFKB, and BCL2 were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR in consecutive tumor samples obtained at diagnosis from 60 children with a diagnosis of ACT and in 11 non-neoplastic adrenal samples. BCL2 and TNF protein expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry.ResultsA significant association was observed between tumor size ≥100 g and lower expression levels of the BCL2 (P=0.03) and TNF (P=0.05) genes; between stage IV and lower expression levels of CASP3 (P=0.008), CASP9 (P=0.02), BCL2 (P=0.002), TNF (P=0.05), and NFKB (P=0.03); Weiss score ≥3 and lower expression of TNF (P=0.01); unfavorable event and higher expression values of CASP9 (P=0.01) and lower values of TNF (P=0.02); and death and lower expression of BCL2 (P=0.04). Underexpression of TNF was associated with lower event-free survival in uni- and multivariate analyses (P<0.01). Similar results were observed when patients with Weiss score <3 were excluded.ConclusionThis study supports the participation of apoptosis-related genes in the biology and prognosis of childhood ACT and suggests the complex role of these genes in the pathogenesis of this tumor.
Quantification of Peroxide Ion Passage in Dentin, Enamel, and Cementum After Internal Bleaching With Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Palo RM , Bonetti-Filho I , Valera MC , Camargo CHR , Camargo SEA , Moura-Netto C , Pameijer C 
Published: May 2012

SUMMARYThe aim of this study was to evaluate the amount of peroxide passage from the pulp chamber to the external enamel surface during the internal bleaching technique. Fifty bovine teeth were sectioned transversally 5 mm below the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ), and the remaining part of the root was sealed with a 2-mm layer of glass ionomer cement. The external surface of the samples was coated with nail varnish, with the exception of standardized circular areas (6-mm diameter) located on the enamel, exposed dentin, or cementum surface of the tooth. The teeth were divided into three experimental groups according to exposed areas close to the CEJ and into two control groups (n=10/group), as follows: GE, enamel exposure area; GC, cementum exposed area; GD, dentin exposed area; Negative control, no presence of internal bleaching agent and uncoated surface; and Positive control, pulp chamber filled with bleaching agent and external surface totally coated with nail varnish. The pulp chamber was filled with 35% hydrogen peroxide (Opalescence Endo, Ultradent). Each sample was placed inside of individual flasks with 1000 μL of acetate buffer solution, 2 M (pH 4.5). After seven days, the buffer solution was transferred to a glass tube, in which 100 μL of leuco-crystal violet and 50 μL of horseradish peroxidase were added, producing a blue solution. The optical density of the blue solution was determined by spectrophotometer and converted into microgram equivalents of hydrogen peroxide. Data were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn-Bonferroni tests (α=0.05). All experimental groups presented passage of peroxide to the external surface that was statistically different from that observed in the control groups. It was verified that the passage of peroxide was higher in GD than in GE (p&lt;0.01). The GC group presented a significantly lower peroxide passage than did GD and GE (p&lt;0.01). It can be concluded that the hydrogen peroxide placed into the pulp chamber passed through the dental hard tissues, reaching the external surface and the periodontal tissue. The cementum surface was less permeable than were the dentin and enamel surfaces.