bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First Report of Bacilliform Badnavirus‐like Virus Particles in Red Clover
Authors: Fránová Jana , Jakešová Hana 
Published: June 2012

AbstractA virus detected in symptomatic Trifolium pratense L. plants in the Czech Republic had bacilliform virions which in thin sections occurred solely in phloem tissues and measured 220–500 nm by 30–31.5 nm. The virus was mechanically transmitted to Nicotiana occidentalis Wheeler, accession 37B. The partial nucleotide sequence (540 bp; accession number JX069965) with similarity to open reading frame III of the badnavirus genome was amplified from total genomic DNA, extracted from the plants. The new sequence had 74.4% nucleotide identity to that of Ananas comosus endogenous virus in the polyprotein gene covering reverse transcriptase. The results suggest that the Czech isolate from clover should be regarded as a new member of the genus Badnavirus, for which the name Red clover bacilliform virus is suggested. This is the first report of a tentative member of Badnavirus genus occurring in forage crops.
Comparison of safety and tolerability with continuous (exenatide once weekly) or intermittent (exenatide twice daily) GLP‐1 receptor agonism in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ridge T. , Moretto T. , MacConell L. , Pencek R. , Han J. , Schulteis C. , Porter L. 
Published: June 2012

AimsExenatide is a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist shown to improve glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Intermittent exenatide exposure is achieved with the twice‐daily formulation (ExBID), while the once‐weekly formulation (ExQW) provides continuous exenatide exposure. This integrated, retrospective analysis compared safety and tolerability of ExQW vs. ExBID in patients with T2DM.MethodsData were pooled from two open‐label, randomized, comparator‐controlled, trials directly comparing ExQW (N = 277) to ExBID (N = 268). Between‐group differences in adverse event (AE) and hypoglycaemia incidences were calculated. Incidence over time and duration of selected AEs (nausea, vomiting, and injection‐site‐related AEs) were also summarized.ResultsThe most common AEs were nausea, diarrhoea, injection‐site pruritus, and vomiting. Nausea and vomiting occurred less frequently with ExQW vs. ExBID, peaking at initiation (ExQW) or at initiation and dose escalation (ExBID), and decreasing over time. Few patients discontinued because of gastrointestinal‐related AEs. Injection‐site AEs were more common with ExQW but decreased over time in both groups. No major hypoglycaemia occurred; minor hypoglycaemia occurred with low incidence in patients not using concomitant sulphonylurea, with no difference between ExQW and ExBID. Serious AEs and discontinuations because of AEs were reported with similar frequency in both groups.ConclusionsBoth exenatide formulations were generally safe and well‐tolerated, with ExQW associated with less nausea and vomiting but more injection‐site AEs. Continuous vs. intermittent exposure did not impact the overall tolerability profile of exenatide, with no evidence of prolonged duration or worsened intensities of AEs with continuous exposure.
Selwyn, Neil et al (2010) Primary schools and ictContinuum (London) isbn978‐18553‐9578‐7 185 pp £24.99http://www.continuumbooks.com/CompanionWebsites/book‐homepage.aspx?BookId=158591
Authors: Thomas Michael 
Published: June 2012

SummaryPrimary schools and ict addresses the integration of information technology into primary school education in the UK. Using a mixed methods approach, it builds a unique case study of learner perspectives and outlines recommendations for the sector.If the content of this book is likely to be relevant to you, I recommend that you borrow a copy for a while.Michael Thomas
Maki, Peggy L (2010) Assessing for learningStylus (Sterling VA, & Eurospan, London) isbn978‐1‐57922‐441‐7 330 pp £26.50http://stylus.styluspub.com/Books/BookDetail.aspx?productID=235072
Authors: Cowan John 
Published: June 2012

SummaryTarget readers based in the US who are interested in current developments in higher education institutional procedures there will find this source clear and well informed. If such content is likely to be relevant to you, I recommend that you arrange to borrow a copy for a while. Possible readers in Europe and Australasia who are attracted by the title will find the text parochialand worryingly lacking in awareness of developments outside the US. Also, it is more concerned with assessment of learning, than with assessment for learning. If you are not based in the US, I would not advise you to purchase or borrow.John Cowan
Anticoagulation for the treatment of thrombotic complications in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Rodriguez‐Castro Kryssia I. , Simioni Paolo , Burra Patrizia , Senzolo Marco 
Published: June 2012

AbstractCirrhotic patients can develop thrombotic complications, which in this group of patients occur with a greater frequency than in the general population. Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is the most common thrombotic phenomenon, although deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism can also occur. Risk factors for thrombosis include inherited and acquired deficiency of factors involved in anticoagulation mechanisms, venous stasis of the portal vein owing to architectural derangement of the liver and possibly local factors related to the endothelium. Clinical manifestations of PVT range from asymptomatic disease to a life‐threatening complication, and although it is no longer considered an absolute contraindication for liver transplant, its presence may require challenging surgical techniques, which entail greater morbidity. Anticoagulation therapy is henceforth an important strategy to treat cirrhotic patients with PVT, although experience in this group of patients is limited. Vitamin K antagonists and low‐molecular‐weight heparin have been used successfully, achieving recanalization of the thrombosed vessel in patients with cirrhosis; however, the precise drug regimen management and monitoring has not be fully explored in this group of patients.
Ictal involvement of the nigrostriatal system in subtle seizures of ring chromosome 20 epilepsy
Authors: Meletti Stefano , Vignoli Aglaia , Benuzzi Francesca , Avanzini Pietro , Ruggieri Andrea , Pugnaghi Matteo , Nichelli Paolo , Canevini Maria Paola 
Published: June 2012

SummaryStudies in animal models and patients with epilepsy have suggested that basal ganglia circuits may control epileptic seizures and that striatal dopaminergic transmission may play a role in seizure modulation and interruption. Chromosome 20 [r(20)] syndrome is a well‐defined chromosomal disorder characterized by epilepsy, mild‐to‐moderate mental retardation, and lack of recognizable dysmorphic features. Epilepsy is often the most important clinical manifestation of the syndrome, with prolonged episodes of nonconvulsive status epilepticus suggesting dysfunction in the seizure control system. We present the ictal blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) changes in brief seizures recorded by means of electroencephalography–functional magnetic resonance imaging (EEG‐fMRI) coregistration in a patient with [r(20)] syndrome. We observed ictal BOLD increments in a cortical‐subcortical network involving substantia nigrastriatum and frontal cortex. At present, this is the first functional neuroimaging evidence of the involvement of the nigrostriatal system during ictal EEG discharges in [r(20)] syndrome supporting a role of the basal ganglia circuits in human epileptic seizures.
The Nance Obturator, a New Fixed Obturator for Patients with Cleft Palate and Fistula
Authors: Borzabadi‐Farahani Ali , Groper John N. , Tanner Aaron M. , Urata Mark M. , Panossian Andre , Yen Stephen L.‐K. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract In patients with fistulas that impair function (e.g., feeding, resonance, intelligibility), obturators are used to improve feeding and reduce nasal air emission by occluding the abnormal opening between the oral and nasal cavities. This report describes a novel method for occluding an anterior palatal fistula in patients with cleft palates. The new design for a fixed obturator is based on the Nance appliance, which was originally used as a space maintainer, but has been redesigned for closing an anterior palatal fistula in a patient with cleft lip and palate. The Nance obturator may be used when the surgical closure of the fistula is not feasible and a removable device is not successful. As it is a fixed device, it does not require remaking with maxillary growth. The new design may also function as a fixed space maintainer to preserve molar anchorage and maxillary transverse width.
Rise in ICD Shock Impedance: Lead Fracture or Death?
Authors: STROOBANDT ROLAND X. , Van HEUVERSWYN FREDERIC E. , KUCHER ANDREAS , BAROLD S. SERGE 
Published: June 2012

Background: Remote monitoring allows for interrogation and extensive data retrieval of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs). Data on ICD parameters at the time of death and afterwards are limited. The purpose of this retrospective study was to examine the changes in lead impedances of ICDs at the time of death and afterwards.
Methods: A total of 37 Biotronik (SE & CO. KG, Berlin, Germany) ICDs (20 ICD‐cardiac resynchronization therapy, 16 dual‐chamber ICDs, and one single‐chamber ICD), retrieved after death, were interrogated. Stored intracardiac electrograms were analyzed to determine the cause of death. Impedance trend curves of shock and pacing lead impedances were analyzed and correlated retrospectively with the reported time of death. The influence of cold exposure on lead impedances was tested in three other single‐chamber Biotronik ICDs.
Results: Of 37 patients, the cause of death was due to ventricular tachyarrhythmias in 21 patients. In 12 patients, death was not arrhythmia‐related. In four patients, the cause of death could not be determined due to overwriting of the episodes at the time of death. A significant increase of shock and pacing lead impedances was observed in the postmortem days (P < 0.001 for all lead impedances). All lead impedance values increased significantly within the first postmortem day (P < 0.001 for all lead impedances). Cold exposure decreased shock lead impedance but did not affect pacing lead impedance.
Conclusion: Postmortem analysis of ICDs allows tracking of lead impedance changes, which correlate with the day of death. The rise in postmortem impedances should not be interpreted as contributing to the mode of death. (PACE 2012; 35:1103–1110)
Catheter Ablation of Typical Atrial Flutter in Severe Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: BRADFIELD JASON , SHAPIRO SHELLEY , FINCH WILLIAM , TUNG RODERICK , BOYLE NOEL G. , BUCH ERIC , MATHURIA NILESH , MANDAPATI RAVI , SHIVKUMAR KALYANAM , BERSOHN MALCOLM 
Published: June 2012

Atrial Flutter and Pulmonary Hypertension. Background: Radiofrequency ablation is first‐line therapy for atrial flutter (AFL). There are no studies of ablation in patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
Methods:
Consecutive patients with severe PAH (systolic pulmonary artery pressure >60 mmHg) and AFL referred for ablation were evaluated. Patients with complex congenital heart disease were excluded.
Results:
A total of 14 AFL ablation procedures were undertaken in 12 patients. A total of 75% of patients were female; mean age 49 ± 12 years. SPAP prior to ablation was 99 ± 35 mmHg. Baseline 6‐minute walk distance was 295 ± 118 m. ECG demonstrated a typical AFL pattern in only 42% of cases. Baseline AFL cycle length was longer in PAH patients compared to controls (295 ± 53 ms vs 252 ± 35 ms, P = 0.006).Cavotricuspid isthmus dependence was verified in 86% of cases. Acute success was obtained in 86% of procedures. SPAP decreased from 114 ± 44 mmHg to 82 ± 38 mmHg after ablation (P = 0.004). BNP levels were lower postablation (787 ± 832 pg/mL vs 522 ± 745 pg/mL, P = 0.02). Complications were seen in 14%. A total of 80% (8/10) of patients were free of AFL at 3 months; 75% (6/8) at 1 year.
Conclusion:
Ablation of AFL in severe PAH patients is feasible, with good short‐ and intermediate‐term success rates. The ECG pattern is not a reliable marker of isthmus dependence. The SPAP and BNP levels may decrease postablation. AFL may be a marker of poor outcomes in patients with PAH with a 1‐year mortality rate of 42% in this study. This rate is higher than expected in the general PAH population. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 1185–1190, November 2012)
Non‐Bayesian Inference: Causal Structure Trumps Correlation
Authors: Bes Bénédicte , Sloman Steven , Lucas Christopher G. , Raufaste Éric 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe study tests the hypothesis that conditional probability judgments can be influenced by causal links between the target event and the evidence even when the statistical relations among variables are held constant. Three experiments varied the causal structure relating three variables and found that (a) the target event was perceived as more probable when it was linked to evidence by a causal chain than when both variables shared a common cause; (b) predictive chains in which evidence is a cause of the hypothesis gave rise to higher judgments than diagnostic chains in which evidence is an effect of the hypothesis; and (c) direct chains gave rise to higher judgments than indirect chains. A Bayesian learning model was applied to our data but failed to explain them. An explanation‐based hypothesis stating that statistical information will affect judgments only to the extent that it changes beliefs about causal structure is consistent with the results.
Effects of AI protocol and time interval from onset of estrus to AI on conception rate in Japanese Black cows
Authors: HEMMI Koichiro , KOBAYASHI Ikuo , KAJISA Makoto , KITAHARA Go , FUKUYAMA Kiichi , HARADA Hiroshi , KAMIMURA Shunichi 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTTwo different artificial insemination (AI) protocols were investigated to determine the effect of the time interval from the onset of estrus (as detected by a pedometer) to the AI on the conception rate in Japanese Black cows. Seventy‐three cows were divided into two groups that received AI either after the induction of synchronized ovulation (synchronized AI group; n = 26) or at the time of observed estrus (control AI group; n = 47). Each group was further divided into two subgroups, which were artificially inseminated either 0–12 h (early AI group; n = 21) or 12–24 h (late AI group; n = 52) after the onset of estrus. There was no significant difference in the conception rate between the synchronized AI and control AI groups. The AI protocol and the detection of estrus using a threshold of counted steps (as measured by a pedometer) in this study could be effective for planned reproduction management without the observation of standing estrus in Japanese Black cows.
Extended Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection Does Not Affect Erectile Function Recovery in Patients Treated with Bilateral Nerve-Sparing Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Gandaglia Giorgio , Suardi Nazareno , Gallina Andrea , Abdollah Firas , Capitanio Umberto , Salonia Andrea , Colombo Renzo , Bianchi Marco , Chun Felix K. , Hansen Jens , Rigatti Patrizio , Montorsi Francesco , Briganti Alberto 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) might be associated with damages to the pelvic plexus, potentially affecting erectile function (EF) recovery after radical prostatectomy (RP). However, the impact of the extent of pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) on EF has never been addressed.

Aim
The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of ePLND on potency recovery in patients who underwent bilateral nerve-sparing RP (BNSRP).

Methods
The study included 396 patients with prostate cancer treated with BNSRP by two high-volume surgeons. Patients were retrospectively divided into two groups based on PLND status: no PLND (N = 161; 40.9%) and ePLND (N = 235; 59.1%) at the time of BNSRP. All patients had preoperative functional and oncological data. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression models tested the association between ePLND and EF recovery after surgery, after accounting for confounders.

Main Outcome Measure
The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) was used to evaluate EF after BNSRP. Postoperative EF recovery was defined as an IIEF-EF domain score ≥22.

Results
At a mean follow up of 33.2 months after surgery (median 30), 183 patients (46.2%) recovered EF. Overall, postoperative EF recovery rate at 2 years was 48.4%. No significant differences were recorded when patients were stratified according to the extent of PLND (EF recovery rates at 2-year: 46.6% vs. 49.7% for patients who did not undergo PLND vs. those treated with ePLND; P = 0.33). These results were confirmed at multivariable analyses, where only age at surgery and preoperative IIEF-EF (all P ≤ 0.03), but not ePLND (P = 0.8), represented independent predictors of EF recovery.

Conclusions
The extent of PLND is not associated with potency after BNSRP. Conversely, other factors such as age at surgery and preoperative EF represent the major predictors of postoperative potency recovery. Therefore, when indicated, ePLND can be safely performed without compromising EF outcomes.
Potentially Bioavailable Natural Organic Carbon and Hydrolyzable Amino Acids in Aquifer Sediments
Authors: Thomas Lashun K. , Widdowson Mark A. , Novak John T. , Chapelle Francis H. , Benner Ronald , Kaiser Karl 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThis study evaluated the relationship between concentrations of operationally defined potentially bioavailable organic ‐carbon (PBOC) and hydrolyzable amino acids (HAAs) in sediments collected from a diverse range of chloroethene‐‐contaminated sites. Concentrations of PBOC and HAA were measured using aquifer sediment samples collected at six selected study sites. Average concentrations of total HAA and PBOC ranged from 1.96 ± 1.53 to 20.1 ± 25.6 mg/kg and 4.72 ± 0.72 to 443 ± 65.4 mg/kg, respectively. Results demonstrated a statistically significant positive relationship between concentrations of PBOC and total HAA present in the aquifer sediment (p < 0.05). Higher levels of HAA were consistently observed at sites with greater levels of PBOC and first‐order decay rates. Because amino acids are known to be readily biodegradable carbon compounds, this relationship suggests that the sequential chemical extraction procedure used to measure PBOC is a useful indicator of bioavailable carbon in aquifer sediments. This, in turn, is consistent with the interpretation that PBOC measurements can be used for estimating the amount of natural organic carbon available for driving the reductive dechlorination of chloroethenes in groundwater systems.
Neuromyelitis optica should be classified as an astrocytopathic disease rather than a demyelinating disease
Authors: Fujihara Kazuo , Misu Tatsuro , Nakashima Ichiro , Takahashi Toshiyuki , Bradl Monika , Lassmann Hans , Takano Rina , Nishiyama Shuhei , Takai Yoshiki , Suzuki Chihiro , Sato Douglas , Kuroda Hiroshi , Nakamura Masashi , Fujimori Juichi , Narikawa Koichi , Sato Shigeru , Itoyama Yasuto , Aoki Masashi 
Published: June 2012

AbstractNeuromyelitis optica (NMO) is characterized by severe optic neuritis and transverse myelitis. The relationship of NMO to multiple sclerosis (MS) has long been debated, but NMO has been classified as a demyelinating disease. Since the discovery of an NMO‐specific autoantibody to aquaporin 4 (AQP4), a dominant water channel in the central nervous system densely expressed on end‐feet of astrocytes, the clinical, magnetic resonance imaging and laboratory findings to distinguish NMO from MS have been clarified. Furthermore, pathological studies showed an extensive loss of immunoreactivities to astrocytic proteins, AQP4 and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and perivascular deposition of immunoglobulins and activated complements with a relative preservation of the staining of myelin basic protein (MBP) in acute NMO lesions, but not in MS. In support of these pathological findings, the GFAP levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during acute exacerbation of NMO are remarkably elevated compared with MBP and neurofilament, whereas the CSF‐GFAP in MS is not different from those in controls. Additionally, recent experimental studies have convincingly shown that AQP4 antibody is pathogenic in causing astorocytic destruction and dysfunction in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. These findings strongly suggest that damage of astrocytes is far more severe than those of myelin and neurons, and that autoimmune astrocytopathy is the primary pathology in NMO. Based on these accumulated data, we propose that NMO should be classified as an astrocytopathic disease rather than a demyelinating disease.
Association of on‐treatment serum hepatitis B surface antigen level with sustained virological response to nucleos(t)ide analog in patients with hepatitis B e‐antigen positive chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Kim Soon Sun , Lee Dami , Lee Myoung Hee , Cheong Jae Youn , Cho Sung Won 
Published: June 2012

Aim:  This study evaluated the on‐treatment serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) level during nucleos(t)ide analog (NUC) therapy and the correlation with off‐treatment sustained virological response (SVR).Methods:  Fifty‐one consecutive patients with hepatitis B e‐antigen (HBeAg) positive chronic hepatitis B who achieved HBeAg loss/seroconversion after NUC therapy and completed 12 months or more of additional therapy were included. Serum HBsAg and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels were determined at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, and at the end of treatment. SVR was defined as HBV DNA levels of less than 10 000 copies/mL until 6 or 12 months off‐treatment without reappearance of HBeAg.Results:  Twenty‐two (43.1%) and 13 (25.5%) patients maintained SVR at 6 and 12 months off‐treatment, respectively. In univariate analyses, a decline of HBsAg of 0.5 log10 IU/mL or less at 6 months (P = 0.006) and 12 months (P = 0.013), the mean change in HBsAg level at 6 months (P = 0.024), and lamivudine or entecavir treatment (P = 0.019) were significant predictive factors for SVR at 6 months off‐treatment. A decline of HBsAg of 0.5 log10 IU/mL or less at 6 months and lamivudine or entecavir treatment were independent factors on multivariate analyses (odds ratio [OR], 16.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.86–142.86 [P = 0.012]; and OR, 14.83; 95% CI, 1.18–185.73 [P = 0.036]; respectively).Conclusion:  On‐treatment serum HBsAg level predicted early off‐treatment SVR to NUC therapy in patients infected with genotype C.