bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of biventricular pacing on symptoms and cardiac remodelling in patients with end‐stage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Rogers Dominic P.S. , Marazia Stefania , Chow Anthony W. , Lambiase Pier D. , Lowe Martin D. , Frenneaux Michael , McKenna William J. , Elliott Perry M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground:Biventricular (BiV) pacing is an established therapy for heart failure in ischaemic and dilated cardiomyopathy. Its effects in end‐stage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are unknown.Aims:To assess the potential benefits of BiV pacing in patients with symptomatic end‐stage HCM.Methods:Twenty patients with non‐obstructive HCM (12 male, mean age 57±13 years), left bundle branch block and symptoms of heart failure refractory to medical therapy underwent implantation of a BiV device. NYHA class, echocardiographic parameters and exercise capacity were assessed before and after implantation.Results:At a mean follow‐up of 13±6 months, an improvement of at least one NYHA class was reported in 8 (40%) patients. A clinical response was associated with an increase in ejection fraction (from 41±14% to 50±12%, p=0.009), and reductions in left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (from 57±6 mm to 52±7 mm, p=0.031) and left atrial diameter (from 65±8 mm to 57±6 mm, p=0.005). Percentage predicted peak oxygen consumption was unchanged in responders but significantly declined in non‐responders (p=0.029).Conclusions:BiV pacing improved heart failure symptoms in a significant proportion of patients with end‐stage HCM. Symptomatic improvement was associated with reverse remodelling of the left atrium and ventricle.
Interferon γ is recognised by importin α/β: Enhanced nuclear localising and transactivation activities of an interferon γ mimetic
Authors: Fulcher Alex J. , Ahmed Chulbul M.I. , Noon-Song Ezra N. , Kwan Rain Y.Q. , Subramaniam Prem S. , Johnson Howard M. , Jans David A. 
Published: April 2008

MINT‐6478573, MINT‐6478550, MINT‐6478516:

IFN gamma (uniprotkb:P01580) directly interacts (MI:0407) with IMP beta (uniprotkb:Q6GTI5) and IMP alpha (uniprotkb:P52293) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (MI:0411)
MINT‐6478503, MINT‐6478490:

IFN gamma (uniprotkb:P01580) directly interacts (MI:0407) with IMP alpha (uniprotkb:P52293) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (MI:0411)
MINT‐6478601:

T-ag (uniprotkb:P03070) directly interacts (MI:0407) with IMP beta (uniprotkb:Q6GTI5) and IMP alpha (uniprotkb:P52293) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (MI:0411)
MINT‐6478541:

T-ag (uniprotkb:P03070) directly interacts (MI:0407) with IMP alpha (uniprotkb:P52293) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (MI:0411)
A supplementation study in human subjects with a combination ofmeso-zeaxanthin, (3R,3′R)-zeaxanthin and (3R,3′R,6′R)-lutein
Authors: Thurnham David I. , Trémel Aurélie , Howard Alan N. 
Published: April 2008

We measured the blood uptake ofmeso-zeaxanthin (MZ) from a mixture of macular pigments since its bioavailability in man has not been studied. Volunteers (ten men and nine women) were recruited and received one capsule of Lutein Plus®/d. Blood was taken at baseline, day 10 and day 22. One capsule contained 10·8 mg lutein, 1·2 mg (3R,3′R)-zeaxanthin and 8·0 mg MZ. Plasma lutein and total zeaxanthin concentrations were quantified using isocratic liquid chromatography and the eluting xanthophyll fractions were collected and re-chromatographed on a chiral column to assess the proportion of MZ. Plasma concentrations per mg dose at day 22 suggested that (3R,3′R)-zeaxanthin (0·088 μmol/l per mg) was about 50 % more actively retained by the body than lutein (0·056 μmol/l per mg) (although the difference was not significant in women) and 2·5–3·0 times more than MZ (0·026 μmol/l per mg). Concentrations of MZ at day 22 were 2·5 times higher in women than men. The plasma responses from lutein and (3R,3′R)-zeaxanthin in the Lutein Plus®were lower than literature values for the pure substances. That is, their uptake into plasma appeared to be slightly depressed by the presence of MZ. Plasma concentrations of β-carotene were depressed by about 50 % at day 10 and about 35 % at day 22. In conclusion, the lower plasma response to MZ compared with (3R,3′R)-zeaxanthin probably indicates that MZ is less well absorbed than (3R,3′R)-zeaxanthin but work with pure MZ will be needed to confirm that the lower plasma response was not due to the large amount of lutein in the Lutein Plus®.
Late Pliocene volcaniclastic products from Southern Apennines: distal witness of early explosive volcanism in the central Tyrrhenian Sea
Authors: PROSSER GIACOMO , BENTIVENGA MARIO , LAURENZI MARINELLA A. , CAGGIANELLI ALFREDO , DELLINO PIERFRANCESCO , DORONZO DOMENICO 
Published: April 2008

AbstractTwo volcaniclastic successions intercalated in Pliocene basinal clays from the Southern Apennines have been analysed to determine their provenance and their relationship with the geodynamic evolution of the Western Mediterranean. The studied deposits are exclusively made up of ashy pyroclasts, dominated by fresh acidic to intermediate glass, mostly in the form of shards, pumice fragments and groundmass fragments with vitrophyric texture. Crystals include Pl, Opx, Cpx, Hbl and rare Bt. Sedimentological features suggest that the volcanic material accumulated near the basin margin by primary fallout processes and was later remobilized by density currents. 40Ar–39Ar geochronology allowed dating of one succession at 2.24±0.06 Ma, corresponding to the Late Pliocene. Composition of the volcaniclastic material is typical of a transitional high-K calc-alkaline series. The age and chemical composition constrain the provenance of the volcaniclastic rocks from the Southern Tyrrhenian domain. Here, volcanic centres were active during Pliocene time, approximately at the northern end of a volcanic arc formed before the opening of the southernmost part of the sea. This paper shows that a detailed study of volcaniclastic products from the southern Apennines and Calabria can be very useful in collecting new pieces of information on the eruption history of the southern Tyrrhenian domain, since they record additional data not available from the study of exposed volcanic edifices.
Multiple magmatic fabrics in plutons: an overlooked tool for exploring interactions between magmatic processes and regional deformation?
Authors: ŽÁK JIŘÍ , VERNER KRYŠTOF , TÝCOVÁ PATRICIE 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis paper elaborates on the concept of multiple magmatic fabrics in plutons. After a general overview of various types of multiple fabrics that may develop in magmatic rocks, two case examples of porphyritic granite and melasyenite plutons in the Bohemian Massif are examined. In the Jizera granite, complex variations in K-feldspar phenocryst shape-fabric revealed by image analysis of a 200 m long section of an underground tunnel are in contrast with homogeneously oriented magnetic (AMS) fabric carried by coaxial contributions of biotite, magnetite and maghemite. In the Knížecí Stolec melasyenite pluton, emplacement-related margin-parallel feldspar foliation was overprinted by flat-lying foliation; the latter is interpreted to record regional tectonic strain. At the two stations examined in detail, the crystallographic-preferred orientation of biotite and amphibole in the inter-phenocryst matrix (measured using electron back-scatter diffraction – EBSD) differed from both feldspar fabric and also from the AMS principal directions. Multiple magmatic fabrics in these two plutons are interpreted in terms of fabric superposition, where late weak strain is superposed onto a high-strength phenocryst framework, but is accommodated preferentially by small mineral grains (biotite, magnetite) in the melt-bearing matrix. This mechanism may explain the discrepancy between mesoscopic feldspar fabric and AMS. We conclude that multiple magmatic fabrics in plutons may thus result from accumulated strain caused by different processes during final crystallization and, as such, may serve as a sensitive indicator of the evolving interactions between magmatic and tectonic processes in the Earth's crust.
Biological therapy of salivary duct carcinoma
Authors: Nashed M , Casasola R J 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground:The incidence of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positivity in salivary duct carcinoma ranges from 25 to 100 per cent and is associated with a poor outcome. Salivary duct carcinoma has significant pathological similarities to ductal carcinoma of the breast.Methods and results:A 49-year-old man developed lung and liver metastasis a few months after surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy for salivary duct carcinoma of the parotid gland. There was no response to palliative chemotherapy with doxorubicin. We followed the biological model of breast cancer, whereby two-thirds of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive patients respond to a combination of docetaxel and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 blocker (trastuzumab). A durable, complete response was achieved with this combination. A rationalised treatment approach targeting the biological characteristics of salivary duct carcinoma had proven successful.
A systematic review of older people's perceptions of facilitators and barriers to participation in falls-prevention interventions
Authors: BUNN FRANCES , DICKINSON ANGELA , BARNETT-PAGE ELAINE , MCINNES ELIZABETH , HORTON KHIM 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTThe prevention of falls is currently high on the health policy agenda in the United Kingdom, which has led to the establishment of many falls-prevention services. If these are to be effective, however, the acceptability of services to older people needs to be considered. This paper reports a systematic review of studies of older people's perceptions of these interventions. The papers for review were identified by searching electronic databases, checking reference lists, and contacting experts. Two authors independently screened the studies and extracted data on the factors relating to participation in, or adherence to, falls-prevention strategies. Twenty-four studies were identified, of which 12 were qualitative. Only one study specifically examined interventions that promote participation in falls-prevention programmes; the others explored older people's attitudes and views. The factors that facilitated participation included social support, low intensity exercise, greater education, involvement in decision-making, and a perception of the programmes as relevant and life-enhancing. Barriers to participation included fatalism, denial and under-estimation of the risk of falling, poor self-efficacy, no previous history of exercise, fear of falling, poor health and functional ability, low health expectations and the stigma associated with programmes that targeted older people.
Optimal configuration of dual-arm cam-lock robot based on task-space manipulability
Authors: Osgouie Kambiz Ghaemi , Meghdari Ali , Sohrabpour Saeed 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYIn this paper obtaining the optimal configuration of the dual-arm cam-lock (DACL) robot at a specific point is addressed. The objective is to optimize the applicable task-space force in a desired direction. The DACL robot is a reconfigurable manipulator formed by two parallel cooperative arms. The arms normally operate redundantly but when needed, they can lock into each other in certain joints in order to achieve a higher stiffness, while losing some degrees of freedom. Furthermore, the dynamics of the DACL robot is discussed and parametrically formulated. Considering the geometrical constraints at a given point in the robot's workspace, the optimum configuration for maximizing the cooperatively applicable force by dual arms is determined.
Molecular analysis of the gut microbiota of identical twins with Crohn's disease
Authors: Dicksved Johan , Halfvarson Jonas , Rosenquist Magnus , Järnerot Gunnar , Tysk Curt , Apajalahti Juha , Engstrand Lars , Jansson Janet K 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that a combination of host genetics and the composition of the gut microbiota are important for development of Crohn's disease (CD). Our aim was to study identical twins with CD to determine microbial factors independent of host genetics. Fecal samples were studied from 10 monozygotic twin pairs with CD (discordant n=6 and concordant n=4) and 8 healthy twin pairs. DNA was extracted, 16S rRNA genes were PCR amplified and T-RFLP fingerprints generated using general bacterial and Bacteroides group-specific primers. The microbial communities were also profiled based on their percentage G+C contents. Bacteroides 16S rRNA genes were cloned and sequenced from a subset of the samples. The bacterial diversity in each sample and similarity indices between samples were estimated based on the T-RFLP data using a combination of statistical approaches. Healthy individuals had a significantly higher bacterial diversity compared to individuals with CD. The fecal microbial communities were more similar between healthy twins than between twins with CD, especially when these were discordant for the disease. The microbial community profiles of individuals with ileal CD were significantly different from healthy individuals and those with colonic CD. Also, CD individuals had a lower relative abundance of B. uniformis and higher relative abundances of B. ovatus and B. vulgatus. Our results suggest that genetics and/or environmental exposure during childhood, in part, determine the gut microbial composition. However, CD is associated with dramatic changes in the gut microbiota and this was particularly evident for individuals with ileal CD.
Use of the HemoCue® near patient testing device to measure the concentration of haemoglobin in suction fluid at elective Caesarean section*
Authors: Gupta A. , Wrench I. J. , Feast M. J. , Alderson J. D. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryWe have investigated the suitability of the HemoCue® photometer to measure the concentration of haemoglobin in suction fluid obtained at elective caesarean section in 30 women. Laboratory analysis was used as a gold standard against which values generated by the HemoCue were compared. We used the method of Bland and Altman to analyse the data. The bias and the limits of agreement were −0.013 and −0.39 to 0.36 mg.dl−1 respectively, indicating a good level of agreement. Mean (SD) total blood loss calculated using these data, combined with the weight of the swabs, was consistently greater than clinical estimation: 768 (496) ml versus 506 (249) ml respectively (p < 0.001). We have found that the HemoCue near patient testing device may be used to estimate blood loss accurately in the suction fluid obtained at elective Caesarean section.
Postoperative muscle weakness in a patient recently treated with infliximab
Authors: Drummond A. D. , Williamson R. M. , Silverdale M. A. , Rothwell M. P. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryWe present a case of profound postoperative muscle weakness in a patient who had been treated with infliximab, and whose weakness had not manifested pre‐operatively. We believe this to be the first case report of infliximab‐related muscle weakness manifesting immediately after anaesthesia.
Pharmacokinetics of intravenous and oral midazolam in plasma and saliva in humans: usefulness of saliva as matrix for CYP3A phenotyping
Authors: Link Bettina , Haschke Manuel , Grignaschi Nathalie , Bodmer Michael , Aschmann Yvonne Zysset , Wenk Markus , Krähenbühl Stephan 
Published: April 2008

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THE SUBJECT • Midazolam is a frequently used probe drug for CYP3A phenotyping in plasma. Midazolam and its hydroxy‐metabolites can be detected in saliva. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • The concentrations of midazolam and its hydroxy‐metabolites are much lower in saliva than in plasma, but the midazolam concentrations in both matrices show a significant linear correlation.• Saliva appears to be a suitable matrix for CYP3A phenotyping with midazolam, but very sensitive methods are required due to the low concentrations of midazolam and its hydroxy‐metabolites.AIMSTo compare midazolam kinetics between plasma and saliva and to find out whether saliva is suitable for CYP3A phenotyping.METHODSThis was a two way cross‐over study in eight subjects treated with 2 mg midazolam IV or 7.5 mg orally under basal conditions and after CYP3A induction with rifampicin.RESULTSUnder basal conditions and IV administration, midazolam and 1′‐hydroxymidazolam (plasma, saliva), 4‐hydroxymidazolam and 1′‐hydroxymidazolam‐glucuronide (plasma) were detectable. After rifampicin, the AUC of midazolam [mean differences plasma 53.7 (95% CI 4.6, 102.9) and saliva 0.83 (95% CI 0.52, 1.14) ng ml−1 h] and 1′‐hydroxymidazolam [mean difference plasma 11.8 (95% CI 7.9 , 15.7) ng ml−1 h] had decreased significantly. There was a significant correlation between the midazolam concentrations in plasma and saliva (basal conditions: r = 0.864, P < 0.0001; after rifampicin: r = 0.842, P < 0.0001). After oral administration and basal conditions, midazolam, 1′‐hydroxymidazolam and 4‐hydroxymidazolam were detectable in plasma and saliva. After treatment with rifampicin, the AUC of midazolam [mean difference plasma 104.5 (95% CI 74.1, 134.9) ng ml−1 h] and 1′‐hydroxymidazolam [mean differences plasma 51.9 (95% CI 34.8, 69.1) and saliva 2.3 (95% CI 1.9, 2.7) ng ml−1 h] had decreased significantly. The parameters separating best between basal conditions and post‐rifampicin were: (1′‐hydroxymidazolam +  1′‐hydroxymidazolam‐glucuronide)/midazolam at 20–30 min (plasma) and the AUC of midazolam (saliva) after IV, and the AUC of midazolam (plasma) and of 1′‐hydroxymidazolam (plasma and saliva) after oral administration.CONCLUSIONSSaliva appears to be a suitable matrix for non‐invasive CYP3A phenotyping using midazolam as a probe drug, but sensitive analytical methods are required.
The Leader Observation Tool: a process skills treatment fidelity measure for the Incredible Years parenting programme
Authors: Eames C. , Daley D. , Hutchings J. , Hughes J. C. , Jones K. , Martin P. , Bywater T. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground  Despite recognition of the need to deliver evidence‐based programmes in the field of mental health, there is little emphasis on implementing such programmes with fidelity. Attempts by programme developers to ensure adherence to their programmes include the development of training, manuals and content scales, but these alone may be insufficient to ensure fidelity in replication. Observational measures lend themselves as a potentially useful assessment of intervention outcomes, providing accurate and objective accounts of the intervention process.Aim  To develop a reliable and valid observational treatment fidelity tool of process skills required to deliver the Incredible Years (IY) BASIC parenting programme effectively.Methods  An objective observational fidelity measure was developed to assess adherence to the IY BASIC parenting programme protocol. Observations were conducted on 12 IY BASIC parenting programme groups, attended by parents of pre‐school children displaying signs of early onset conduct disorder.Results  The Leader Observation Tool (LOT) achieved high internal reliability and good code–recode and inter‐rater reliability. Evidence of concurrent validity was also obtained.Conclusions  Having demonstrated that the LOT is a reliable and valid measure of implementation fidelity, further research is necessary to examine the relationship between LOT scores and intervention outcome.
Risk factors for smoking among school adolescents in Greece
Authors: Damianaki A. , Kaklamani S. , Tsirakis S. , Clarke R. , Tzanakis N. , Makris D. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective  We conducted this study among school adolescents to identify factors, which influence schoolchildren to smoke.Methods  We carried out a cross‐sectional study in a sample of 924 students of all classes (ages 12–18 years old) in 15 public high schools in a semi‐urban area in Crete, Greece, using a questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised of 46 questions covering children's lifestyle habits regarding daily activities and leisure time, frequency of risk‐taking behaviour, knowledge about the hazards and long‐term consequences of smoking.Results  23.9% of participants were experimental smokers and 18.6% were current smokers. 11.4% of the total population was daily smokers. There was a significant increase in the prevalence of experimental and current smokers with school grades, while peaks in last grades were observed. Boys started smoking earlier than girls, mean (standard error) age 13.4 (2.3) years vs. 14.1 (2.3) years, P = 0.01. Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed a positive relationship between current smoking and having brother or sister smoking [odds ratio (95% confidence interval) 2.7 (1.7–4.4) and 1.8 (1.1–3.3) respectively], having more than three friends who were smokers [2.6 (2–3.4)] and last school grade [1.4 (1.2–1.7)]. Students appeared to be informed about long‐term smoking hazards and had negative views on children who smoke especially in the lower grades.Conclusions  Prevention programmes should be imposed early in elementary schools while cessation policies should target at all grades, in particular at critical grades depending on population‐specific characteristics.
Oestrogen metabolites in relation to isoprostanes as a measure of oxidative stress
Authors: Sowers MaryFran , McConnell Daniel , Jannausch Mary L. , Randolph John F. , Brook Robert , Gold Ellen B. , Crawford Sybil , Lasley Bill 
Published: April 2008

SummaryObjective  Oestradiol (E2) and its metabolites 2‐hydroxyoestrone (2‐OHE1) and 16α‐hydroxyoestrone (16α‐OHE1) are thought to curtail the greater oxidative stress found in the development and progression of disease conditions including atherosclerosis. We related oestrogen levels to F2a‐isoprostane levels, a biomarker of oxidative stress.Design and participants  Data were obtained from 1647 women, aged 47–57 years, participating in the fifth annual follow‐up of the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN), a study of the menopausal transition.Measurements  Serum E2 and urinary 2‐OHE1 and 16α‐OHE1 concentrations were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and urinary F2a‐isoprostanes were measured by enzyme immunoassay (EIA).Results  F2a‐isoprostane concentrations were elevated in women who smoked, a behaviour associated with increased oxidative stress, but not in stages of the natural menopause. Mean F2a‐isoprostane concentrations among pre‐ and postmenopausal women who smoked were 1082 and 1064 pg/ml, respectively, values double those in pre‐ (343 pg/ml) and postmenopausal (379 pg/ml) nonsmoking women. 2‐OHE1 and F2a‐isoprostane concentrations were positively and highly correlated (partial correlations ρY|X = 0·44 and ρY|X = 0·43 in pre‐ and postmenopausal women, respectively). Similarly, 16α‐OHE1 concentrations were positively and highly correlated with F2a‐isoprostane concentrations (ρY|X = 0·52 and ρY|X = 0·59 in pre‐ and postmenopausal women, respectively). E2 was significantly correlated with F2a‐isoprostanes only in postmenopausal women (ρY|X = 0·20). Associations were adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI), race/ethnicity, lipids, physical activity level and alcohol consumption.Conclusions  This study does not support the commonly held hypothesis that levels of endogenous E2 or its oestrone metabolites favourably modify oxidative stress by decreasing F2a‐isoprostane levels.