bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DISTRIBUTION OF ALGAL EPIPHYTES ACROSS ENVIRONMENTAL GRADIENTS AT DIFFERENT SCALES: INTERTIDAL ELEVATION, HOST CANOPIES, AND HOST FRONDS1
Authors: Longtin Caroline M. , Scrosati Ricardo A. , Whalen Gillian B. , Garbary David J. 
Published: August 2009

Understanding epiphyte distribution in coastal communities is important because these organisms affect many others directly or indirectly. Yet, their distribution has been considerably less studied than that of their hosts and other primary‐space holders. Identifying major sources of variation in epiphyte abundance is thus still a need. Environmental gradients help predict species distribution and are pervasive on marine shores. In this study, we test the notion that environmental gradients across intertidal elevation, throughout host canopies, and along host fronds explain a large variation in the abundance of sympatric epiphytes. Our model system was the assemblage ofAscophyllum nodosum(L.) Le Jol. and its epiphytesVertebrata lanosa(L.) T. A. Chr. [=Polysiphonia lanosa(L.) Tandy],Elachista fucicola(Velley) Aresch., andPylaiella littoralis(L.) Kjellm. On the coast of Nova Scotia (Canada), we found evidence of a spatial segregation among these species at almost all scales. While the red epiphyteV. lanosawas more common at high‐ and midintertidal elevations (peaking at midelevations) and on middle segments of host fronds, the brown epiphytesE. fucicolaandP. littoraliswere more common at low elevations and restricted to distal segments of host fronds. Canopy habitat affected abundance only forV. lanosa, which was more common within the host canopy than on its periphery at midelevations. Since the studied gradients are related to predictable changes in abiotic factors, the identification of likely causes behind the observed patterns was facilitated. Our study ends by proposing abiotic and biotic factors that deserve priority in the experimental testing of the forces structuring this assemblage.
Variability on red blood cell transfusion practices among Brazilian neonatal intensive care units
Authors: Dos Santos Amélia M.N. , Guinsburg Ruth , Procianoy Renato S. , Sadeck Lílian dos S. R. , Netto Abimael Aranha , Rugolo Ligia M. , Luz Jorge H. , Bomfim Olga , Martinez Francisco E. , De Almeida Maria Fernanda B. 
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: Guidelines for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions exist; however, transfusion practices vary among centers. This study aimed to analyze transfusion practices and the impact of patients and institutional characteristics on the indications of RBC transfusions in preterm infants.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: RBC transfusion practices were investigated in a multicenter prospective cohort of preterm infants with a birth weight of less than 1500 g born at eight public university neonatal intensive care units of the Brazilian Network on Neonatal Research. Variables associated with any RBC transfusions were analyzed by logistic regression analysis.RESULTS: Of 952 very‐low‐birth‐weight infants, 532 (55.9%) received at least one RBC transfusion. The percentages of transfused neonates were 48.9, 54.5, 56.0, 61.2, 56.3, 47.8, 75.4, and 44.7%, respectively, for Centers 1 through 8. The number of transfusions during the first 28 days of life was higher in Center 4 and 7 than in other centers. After 28 days, the number of transfusions decreased, except for Center 7. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed higher likelihood of transfusion in infants with late onset sepsis (odds ratio [OR], 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8‐4.4), intraventricular hemorrhage (OR, 9.4; 95% CI, 3.3‐26.8), intubation at birth (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.0‐2.8), need for umbilical catheter (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.3‐4.4), days on mechanical ventilation (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0‐1.2), oxygen therapy (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0‐1.1), parenteral nutrition (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0‐1.1), and birth center (p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONS: The need of RBC transfusions in very‐low‐birth‐weight preterm infants was associated with clinical conditions and birth center. The distribution of the number of transfusions during hospital stay may be used as a measure of neonatal care quality.
QT Duration and Dispersion in Patients with Anomalous Origins of Coronary Arteries
Authors: KARGIN RAMAZAN , PALA SELCUK , AKÇAKOYUN MUSTAFA , ESEN ÖZLEM , DEMIRKIRAN AYKUT , KARAPINAR HEKIM , RASULZADA MUBARIZ , BITIGEN ATILA , EMIROGLU YUNUS , ÖZDEMIR NIHAL 
Published: August 2009

Background: Coronary artery anomalies have been reported to show various symptoms ranging from chest pain and dyspnea to cardio‐respiratory arrest and sudden death. In this study, we attempted to assess the changes in QT interval duration and dispersion in anomalous origins of coronary arteries (AOCA).
Methods: Nineteen AOCA patients (mean age: 52 ± 11 years) and 30 healthy control subjects (mean age: 50 ± 12 years) were included in the study. Minimum and maximum corrected QT intervals, and corrected QT dispersion were calculated. The two groups were compared in terms of QT dispersion and QT duration.
Results: There was no difference between the two groups in terms of baseline demographic characteristics. Maximum corrected QT intervals (QTc max), minimum corrected QT intervals (QTc min), and corrected QT dispersion were higher in AOCA patients than controls (452 ± 38 vs 411 ± 25 ms [P = 0.0001], 402 ± 31 vs 383 ± 28 ms [P = 0.048], and 51 ± 30 vs 28 ± 12 ms [P = 0.001], respectively).
Conclusion: In the patients with anomalous origins of coronary arteries, QT dispersion that is an indicator of sudden cardiac death and arrhythmias frequency increased. QTc max, QTc min, and corrected QT dispersion are higher in patients with anomalous origin of the coronary artery than in control subjects.
Right Atrial Appendage Versus Bachmann's Bundle Stimulation: A Two‐Year Comparative Study of Electrical Parameters in Myotonic Dystrophy Type‐1 Patients
Authors: NIGRO GERARDO , RUSSO VINCENZO , POLITANO LUISA , CIOPPA NADIA DELLA , MANFREDI DONATELLA , CHIANESE RAFFAELE , DE CHIARA ANNABELLA , RAGO ANNA , ARENA GIULIA , PALLADINO ALBERTO , CALABRÒ RAFFAELE 
Published: August 2009

Aim: We performed a two‐year follow‐up comparative study of long‐term electrical parameters between the right atrial appendage (RAA) and Bachmann's Bundle (BB) stimulation in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (MD1) patients.
Methods: Twenty‐five MD1 patients (18 men; age: 54 ± 13 years) with no difference in the electrical parameters between the RAA site and the BB region at implantation were randomized into two groups: in group I (13 patients; age: 52 ± 14 years; four women) the atrial lead was placed in the RAA and in group II (12 patients, age: 56 ± 12 years, three women) the lead was placed in the BB region. Measurements of electrical parameters were recorded at follow‐up intervals of 6 weeks and then 12 and 24 months postimplant.
Results: There was no statistically significant different in P‐wave amplitude, pacing threshold, and impedance values between the two groups at 6 weeks. At 24 months follow‐up, the intrinsic P‐wave amplitude was 2.05 ± 1.45 mV in the RAA group versus 3.28 ± 1.09 mV in the BB group (P < 0.05); the pacing threshold was 1.85 ± 1.8 V in the RAA group versus 0.50 ± 0.39 V in the BB group (P = 0.03); there were no differences in the atrial impedance between the two groups during the follow‐up period.
Conclusions: In a direct two‐year follow‐up comparison between the RAA and BB atrial pacing sites, we showed a statistically significant increased pacing threshold and decreased intrinsic P‐wave amplitude during RAA stimulation in MD1 patients.
Cryoablation at Growing Myocardium: No Evidence of Coronary Artery Obstruction or Intimal Plaque Formation Early and Late after Energy Application
Authors: KRIEBEL THOMAS , HERMANN HANS‐PETER , SCHNEIDER HEIKE , KROLL MAJA , SELLE JAKOB , OVERWAUL ANNA , SIGLER MATTHIAS , PAUL THOMAS 
Published: August 2009

Background: Animal studies and clinical observations have demonstrated that radiofrequency current application at growing myocardium may result in coronary artery obstruction. Recently, cryoenergy has emerged as an effective alternative to radiofrequency ablation of arrhythmogenic substrates in pediatric patients. Up to now, there has been a lack of experimental data concerning the effects of cryoenergy application at growing myocardium.
Methods: During general anesthesia, selective coronary angiography of the right and left coronary artery was performed in 10 piglets (age: 6 weeks, body weight: 14–18 kg). Subsequently, cryoenergy was delivered at −75°C for 4 minutes using a 7‐F catheter with a 6‐mm‐tip electrode at the atrial aspect of the tricuspid valve annulus in a posterior and lateral position. Additional cryoenergy lesions were induced via a retrograde approach at the lateral and posterior atrial and ventricular aspect of the mitral valve annulus, respectively. Five animals were restudied after 48 hours by coronary angiography and intracoronary ultrasound and in the remaining five piglets after 3 and 6 months, respectively.
Results: Selective coronary angiography and intracoronary ultrasound studies did not demonstrate any evidence for coronary artery obstruction after 48 hours, 3 months, or 6 months after cryoenergy application. In addition, histological examinations of the cryolesions after 48 hours and after 6 months did not demonstrate any intimal proliferations of the coronary arteries, respectively.
Conclusions: By means of the present study, we did not observe any affection of the coronary arteries after cryoenergy application at growing myocardium in young piglets.
Influence of repeated screw tightening on bacterial leakage along the implant–abutment interface
Authors: Do Nascimento Cássio , Pedrazzi Vinícius , Miani Paola Kirsten , Moreira Larissa Daher , De Albuquerque Junior Rubens Ferreira 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjectives: Bacterial penetration along the implant–abutment interface as a consequence of abutment screw loosening has been reported in a number of recent studies. The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the influence of repeated tightening of the abutment screw on leakage of Streptococcus mutans along the interface between implants and pre‐machined abutments.Materials and methods: Twenty pre‐machined abutments with a plastic sleeve were used. The abutment screws were tightened to 32 N cm in group 1 (n=10 – control) and to 32 N cm, loosened and re‐tightened with the same torque twice in group 2 (n=10). The assemblies were completely immersed in 5 ml of Tryptic Soy Broth medium inoculated with S. mutans and incubated for 14 days. After this period, contamination of the implant internal threaded chamber was evaluated using the DNA Checkerboard method.Results: Microorganisms were found on the internal surfaces of both groups evaluated. However, bacterial counts in group 2 were significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05).Conclusion: These results suggest that bacterial leakage between implants and abutments occurs even under unloaded conditions and at a higher intensity when the abutment screw is tightened and loosened repeatedly.
Response of osteoblast‐like SAOS‐2 cells to zirconia ceramics with different surface topographies
Authors: Hempel Ute , Hefti Thomas , Kalbacova Marie , Wolf‐Brandstetter Cornelia , Dieter Peter , Schlottig Falko 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjectives: Zirconia is a suitable biomaterial for use in medicine (stomatology, orthopaedics) due to its good biocompatibility and outstanding mechanical properties. This study compares the effect of (i) zirconia to the widely used titanium and (ii) zirconia with two different surface topographies (sandblasted and sandblasted/etched) on the adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of SAOS‐2 osteoblasts.Methods: SAOS‐2 cells were cultured on either sandblasted or sandblasted/etched zirconia and compared with sandblasted/etched titanium. 2 and 24 h after plating, cell morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and fluorescence imaging. At 24 and 48 h, cell number‐relevant parameters were determined. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineral accumulation were measured at days 8, 11, 15 and day 22 of culture, respectively.Results: SEM and fluorescence images revealed a faster spreading as well as higher number of adherent cells after 24 h incubation on zirconia compared with titanium. Also, the cellular metabolic activity after 24 h and the proliferation rate after 48 h is higher with zirconia compared with titanium. Zirconia had a more pronounced effect compared with titanium on the differentiation of SAOS‐2 cells: ALP activity, an early differentiation marker increased earlier and mineralization, a late differentiation marker was increased. Only minor differences were found between zirconia with two different surface topographies; etched zirconia promoted slightly greater the differentiation of SAOS‐2 cells.Conclusions: These data indicate that zirconia mediates a pronounced stronger effect on the adhesion, proliferation and differentiation compared with titanium; and that topographical differences of zirconia have minor effects on osteoblast biology. To cite this article:
Hempel U, Hefti T, Kalbacova M, Wolf‐Brandstetter C, Dieter P, Schlottig F. Response of osteoblast‐like SAOS‐2 cells to zirconia ceramics with different surface topographies. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 174–181. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01797.x
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Maternal Circulating TNF‐α Levels are Highly Correlated with IL‐10 Levels, but not IL‐6 and IL‐8 Levels, in Women with Pre‐Eclampsia
Authors: Lewis David F. , Canzoneri Bernard J. , Wang Yuping 
Published: August 2009

Problem  Several lines of evidence have shown that maternal cytokine levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, and IL‐10 were altered in women with pre‐eclampsia (PE) compared to those from normal pregnancies. In this study, we determined whether these cytokine levels are correlated before and after delivery in patients with PE.Method of study  Venous blood was obtained from 50 women diagnosed with severe PE at the time of admission and 24 hr after delivery. Plasma concentrations for TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐8, and IL‐10 were measured by ELISA.Results  There were no statistical differences for maternal levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐8, and IL‐10 before and 24 hr postpartum. TNF‐α and IL‐10, but not IL‐6 and IL‐8, levels were significantly correlated before and 24 hr after delivery: TNF‐α: y = 19.963 + 0.953*x; r2 = 0.924; IL‐10: y = 10.521 + 1.113*x; r2 = 0.984, P < 0.001, respectively. Furthermore, TNF‐α levels were correlated with IL‐10 levels, but not with IL‐6 and IL‐8 levels.Conclusion  The correlation patterns of TNF‐α with IL‐10 and TNF‐α with IL‐6 and IL‐8 suggest disparity in functional regulations between these cytokines in maternal circulation in PE.
Dermatology in the Darwin anniversary. Part 1: Evolution of the integument
Authors: Schempp Christoph , Emde Matthias , Wölfle Ute 
Published: August 2009

SummaryThe present review highlights the development of the integument and its adnexa from the primitive metazoans to man. The different stages of development represent independent, partially convergent evolutions rather than a continuous evolutionary line. The epidermis of the invertebrates (sponges, cnidaria, worms, echinoderms and arthropods) always consists of one layer of pluripotent cells. The barrier function of the integument at this level is achieved with physico‐chemical barriers, toxin production, fortification of the epidermis in the form of a cuticula, a syncytium or a neodermis. The lower vertebrates (cyclostoma, fishes and amphibians) have a stratified epidermis harboring many secretory cells. In terrestrial amphibians the outermost cell layer of the epidermis is cornified, and the secretory cells are relocated in the dermis. Terminal differentiation and cornification of the epidermis in the birds and mammals result in a more uniform shape of the epithelium. Stem cells are now restricted to some basal regions of the epithelium. In the mammals the glands are located in the deeper layers of the skin. In contrast to other vertebrate integuments the human skin does not possess specialized structures such as feathers, scales or coats. However, waiving specialization allows for unique universality of the human skin compared to other vertebrates.
Cholinergic and oxidative stress mechanisms in sudden infant death syndrome
Authors: Dick Anne , Ford Rodney 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAim: To determine whether biochemical parameters of cholinergic and oxidative stress function including red cell acetylcholinesterase (AChE), serum/plasma thyroglobulin, selenium, iron, ferritin, vitamins C, E, and A affect risk in apparent life‐threatening event (ALTE), sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI). To assess these biochemical parameters as a function of age; and for influence of pharmacology and epidemiology, including infant health, care, and feeding practices.Methods: A multicentre, case–control study with blood samples from 34 ALTE and 67 non‐ALTE (control) infants matched for age, and 30 SIDS/SUDI and four non‐SIDS/non‐SUDI (post‐mortem control) infants.Results: Levels/activity of the biochemical parameters were not significantly different in ALTE vs. control infants, with the exception of higher vitamin C levels in the ALTE group (p = 0.009). In ALTE and control groups, AChE and thyroglobulin levels increased and decreased respectively from birth to attain normal adult levels from 6 months. Levels of iron and ferritin were higher in the first 6 month period for all infant groups studied, intersecting with vitamin C levels peaking around 4 months of age.Conclusion: Lower AChE levels and higher combined levels of iron and vitamin C in the first 6 months of life may augment cholinergic and oxidative stress effect, particularly at the age when SIDS is most prevalent. This may contribute to risk of ALTE and SIDS/SUDI events during infancy.
Psychopathology among preterm infants using the Diagnostic Classification Zero to Three
Authors: Janssens A , Uvin K , Van Impe H , Laroche SMF , Van Reempts P , Deboutte D 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAim: To compare the prevalence of psychopathology in infants born preterm with matched full‐term infants at the corrected age of 1 year.Methods: Between June 2003 and April 2005, a case‐control longitudinal cohort study was conducted at the neonatal unit of the University Hospital of Antwerp, Belgium. We prospectively enrolled 123 live‐born infants between 25 and 35 weeks of gestation and/or infants with a birth‐weight of <1500 g. Thirty full‐term infants were recruited among day care centres in the region. Diagnoses were based on the Diagnostic Classification Zero to Three (DC: 0–3), using the MacArthur Communicative Developmental Inventory Dutch version, Infant–Toddler Sensory Profile, Bayley Scales of Infant Development II, Parent Infant Relationship Global Assessment Scale and Functional Emotional Assessment Scale.Results: At the (corrected) age of 12 months, 89 infants were eligible for follow‐up and complete data were available for 69 (77%) infants. Fifty‐four percentage of the preterm infants fulfilled one or more DC 0–3 diagnoses. Premature infants had significantly more diagnoses than full‐term infants on axis I, axis III and axis V of the DC: 0–3.Conclusion: In this study, the prevalence of psychopathology was significantly higher among preterm infants in comparison with full‐term infants. This study did not confirm previous findings of higher rates of relationship disorders among preterm infants.
Effect of fatty acids added to the milk replacer on white scour and excretion of fatty acids in Holstein calves
Authors: OKADA Keiji , GOTO Yoshie , FURUKAWA Takehiro , IKUTA Kentaro , YASUDA Jun 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTIn order to examine the relationship between white scour and fatty acids, we added fatty acids to the milk replacer. Twenty healthy Holstein calves were divided into 4 groups, five calves per group; a control group with no fortified fatty acid, and 3 groups fed either with oleic, stearic, or palmitic acid, respectively. The calves were fed milk replacer (5% of the calf's body weight) twice a day but the fatty acids (2 wt % of milk replacer) were added only once. The fecal and blood samples were obtained at 0, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h after feeding of the acids. All five calves in the palmitic acid group, and 3 out of 5 calves each in the stealic and the oleic acid groups had whitish feces after feeding fatty acid. The stearic acid group had a significantly elevated stearic acid concentration in the feces during 24–36 h compared to the pre‐feeding level. The fecal concentration of palmitic acid increased significantly at 24–36 h in the palmitic acid group. We concluded that the long‐chain saturated fatty acids are one of the causes of white scour in calves.
Development of olfactory epithelium in the human fetus: Scanning electron microscopic observations
Authors: Kimura Mitsuhiro , Umehara Tsuyoshi , Udagawa Jun , Kawauchi Hideyuki , Otani Hiroki 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTAims:  Human olfactory epithelium becomes functional at birth, but prenatal development remains unclear. In the present study, we aimed to clarify the development of human olfactory epithelium using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).Methods:  The development of human olfactory epithelium was observed in 24 externally normal fetuses, which were formalin‐fixed and long‐preserved, with a crown‐rump length (CRL) of 102–336 mm (gestational week 14–38). The olfactory mucosa in the superior wall of the nasal septum near the choana were dissected and observed under SEM. We examined the number of olfactory vesicles per unit area, diameter of olfactory vesicles, and number and length of cilia on olfactory vesicles.Results:  At circa (ca) CRL 100 mm (ca 14 weeks), olfactory epithelium displayed several olfactory vesicles with 1–2 short cilia per unit area. At ca CRL 150 mm (ca 18 weeks), olfactory vesicles were present in small clusters, and cilia were longer. At CRL lager than 225 mm (ca 26 weeks), olfactory vesicles became located separately from each other, while length and number of cilia per olfactory vesicle were further increased.Conclusion:  The present findings suggest that fetal olfactory epithelium becomes morphologically almost the same as that in adults in late gestation, much later than previously thought.
Case reports on the use of antimicrobial (silver impregnated) soft silicone foam dressing on infected diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Tong Jasper WK 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTThis article described four patients who had an episode of an infected foot ulcer, and subsequently treated with a novel antimicrobial soft silicone foam dressing together with standard off‐loading and antibiotic therapy. Qualitative description of the ulcer‐healing process was documented. All four ulcers showed positive wound contraction and reduction in size throughout the follow‐up period ranging from 3 to 16 weeks. In addition, clinical signs of infection were absent at the end of the follow‐up period. Moreover, surrounding skin maceration and trauma were absent in all wounds. Adequate moisture control was also achieved with the evidence of a healthy red granulating base, and a thin layer of clear light exudate in three out of the four cases. However, these reports had very little evidence to show the dressing's effectiveness in combating wound infection, but there might be some possible clinical efficacies of the dressing to control infection. Appropriate antibiotic therapy and off‐loading are still essential components when treating diabetic foot infection.