bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma micronutrients are associated with dietary intake and environmental tobacco smoke exposure in a paediatric population
Authors: Brady Heather , Lamb Molly M , Sokol Ronald J , Ross Colleen A , Seifert Jennifer A , Rewers Marian J , Norris Jill M 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackgroundWhile adult populations have been well described in terms of nutritional status, such as the concentration of nutrient biomarkers, little work has been done in healthy paediatric populations.ObjectiveThe primary objective of this analysis was to explore the determinants of plasma micronutrients in a group of healthy infants and children.DesignThe Diabetes Autoimmunity Study in the Young (DAISY) has enrolled 1433 newborns at increased risk for type 1 diabetes in Denver, Colorado. A representative random sample of 257 children from the DAISY cohort between the ages of 9 months and 8 years with a total of 815 clinic visits over time was used in this analysis. Annual dietary intake was assessed over time with Willett food-frequency questionnaires that were validated in this population. Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) was assessed using a validated survey. Plasma samples were tested for vitamins, carotenoids and total lipids. Predictors of plasma micronutrients were evaluated using mixed models for longitudinal data, while adjusting for age, human leukocyte antigen genotype, type 1 diabetes family history and other potential confounders and covariates.ResultsIncreased micronutrient intake was associated with increased levels of their respective plasma nutrient, with the exception of γ-tocopherol. Independent of dietary intake, levels of α- and β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin were significantly lower, and γ-tocopherol was significantly higher, in children who were exposed to ETS.ConclusionDietary intake predicts plasma micronutrient levels. Exposure to ETS potentially could have negative health effects in this young population.
FXYD1 is an MeCP2 target gene overexpressed in the brains of Rett syndrome patients and Mecp2-null mice
Authors: Deng Vivianne , Matagne Valerie , Banine Fatima , Frerking Matthew , Ohliger Patricia , Budden Sarojini , Pevsner Jonathan , Dissen Gregory A. , Sherman Larry S. , Ojeda Sergio R. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder linked to heterozygous de novo mutations in the MECP2 gene. MECP2 encodes methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2), which represses gene transcription by binding to 5-methylcytosine residues in symmetrically positioned CpG dinucleotides. Direct MeCP2 targets underlying RTT pathogenesis remain largely unknown. Here, we report that FXYD1, which encodes a transmembrane modulator of Na+,K+-ATPase activity, is elevated in frontal cortex (FC) neurons of RTT patients and Mecp2-null mice. Increasing neuronal FXDY1 expression is sufficient to reduce dendritic arborization and spine formation, hallmarks of RTT neuropathology. Mecp2-null mouse cortical neurons have diminished Na+,K+-ATPase activity, suggesting that aberrant FXYD1 expression contributes to abnormal neuronal activity in RTT. MeCP2 represses Fxyd1 transcription through direct interactions with sequences in the Fxyd1 promoter that are methylated in FC neurons. FXYD1 is therefore a MeCP2 target gene whose de-repression may directly contribute to RTT neuronal pathogenesis.
Impact of T‐cell receptor Vβ haplotypes on the development of dermatitis in DS‐Nh mice: synergistic production of interleukin‐13 caused by staphylococcal enterotoxin C and peptide glycans from Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Yoshioka Takeshi , Imura Kinichi , Hikita Ichiro , Hirasawa Tsutomu , Sakata Tsuneaki , Matsutani Takaji , Horikawa Tatsuya , Arimura Akinori 
Published: February 2007

SummaryAlthough the pathogenic role of interleukin‐13 (IL‐13) is a key for atopic dermatitis (AD), the mechanism of IL‐13 production in AD remains unclear. To investigate the role of the T‐cell receptor Vβ (TCR Vβ) haplotype in the development of dermatitis and the production of IL‐13 in the naturally occurring dermatitis model by staphylococcal enterotoxin C (SEC)‐producing Staphylococcus aureus, we raised DS‐Nh mice harbouring the TCR Vβa haplotype with a central deletion in the TCRBV gene segments, including TCR Vβ8S2. Observation and histopathological analysis of the two mouse substrains with spontaneous dermatitis indicated that later onset and weaker severity of AD‐like dermatitis were identified in mice with TCR Vβa compared to those with TCR Vβb. Immunohistochemical examination revealed the infiltration of a large number of CD4‐bearing T cells in the skin lesions in mice with TCR Vβb but not in those with TCR Vβa. Interestingly, much lower levels of serum IL‐13 were detected in mice with the TCR Vβa than in those with the TCR Vβb haplotype. In vitro, synthetic ligands (Pam2CSK4) of toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) synergistically produced IL‐13 with SEC in splenocytes of mice with TCR Vβb but not of those with TCR Vβa, and natural killer T cells were essential for this synergism. Our findings suggested that this TCR Vβ‐haplotype‐dependent synergism with TLR2 plays an important role in the development of AD‐like dermatitis in DS‐Nh mice.
First combined electron backscatter diffraction and transmission electron microscopy study of grain boundary structure of deformed quartzite
Authors: SHIGEMATSU N. , PRIOR D. J. , WHEELER J. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryThe structures of boundaries in a deformed and dynamically recovered and recrystallized quartz polycrystal (mylonite) were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, after the misorientation angles across the same grain boundaries had been analysed using electron backscatter diffraction in a scanning electron microscope. In this new approach, a specific sample area is mapped with electron backscatter diffraction, and the mapped area is then attached to a foil, and by the ion beam thinned for transmission electron microscopy analysis. Dislocations in grain boundaries were recognized as periodic and parallel fringes. The fringes associated with dislocations are observed in boundaries with misorientations less than 9°, whereas such fringes cannot be seen in the boundaries with misorientations larger than 17°. Some boundaries with misorientations between 9° and 17° generally have no structures associated with dislocation. One segment of a boundary with a misorientation of 13.5° has structures associated with dislocations. It is likely that the transition from low‐angle to high‐angle boundaries occurs at misorientations ranging from approximately 9° to 14°. Change in the grain boundary structure presumably influences the mobility of the boundaries. In the studied deformed quartz vein, a relative dearth of boundaries between misorientation angles of θ = 2° and θ = 15° has previously been reported, and high‐angle boundaries form cusps where they intersect low‐angle boundaries, suggesting substantial mobility of high‐angle boundaries.
Digital image processing as a tool to monitor biomass growth in Aspergillus niger 3T5B8 solid‐state fermentation: preliminary results
Authors: COURI S. , MERCÊS E. P. , NEVES B. C. V. , SENNA L. F. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryThe estimation of biomass is an essential parameter for controlling fermentation processes. However, monitoring biomass growth in filamentous fungi solid‐state fermentation is laborious. The aim of this study was to provide a better insight into the monitoring of biomass growth in Aspergillus niger 3T5B8 solid‐state fermentation using a digital image‐processing technique. The images were acquired with a stereomicroscope and a digital camera, and processed using KS400 software. Growth was evaluated every 24 h for 5 days, and quantified as the total area occupied by the hyphae. The correlation between the results of the proposed methodology and the polygalacturonase data was greater than 0.9, showing that a direct and linear relationship can be expected among these parameters. This work indicates that the digital processing technique can be used for indirect biomass estimation in a solid‐state fermentation process.
A combination of fentanyl‐midazolam‐propofol provides better intubating conditions than fentanyl‐lignocaine‐propofol in the absence of neuromuscular blocking agents
Authors: Prakash S. , Arora D. , Prakash S. , Bhartiya V. , Singh R. 
Published: February 2007

Background:  The use of propofol and adjuvants such as opioids, benzodiazepines and local anaesthetic agents, may provide adequate conditions for tracheal intubation without the need for neuromuscular blocking agents. In this randomized, double‐blind study, intubating conditions after induction of anaesthesia with propofol, midazolam and fentanyl were compared with those after propofol, lignocaine and fentanyl.Methods:  In 80 ASA I/II adult patients undergoing elective gynaecological surgery, intubating conditions were compared after induction of anaesthesia with a fentanyl 2 μg/kg, midazolam 0.03 mg/kg, propofol 2.5 mg/kg combination (group FMP) vs. a fentanyl 2 μg/kg, lignocaine 1.5 mg/kg, propofol 2.5 mg/kg combination (group FLP). Intubating conditions were assessed using a qualitative scoring system.Results:  Intubation was successful in all patients in group FMP and in 87.5% of patients in group FLP; (P= 0.021). Overall, intubating conditions were clinically acceptable in 77.5% and 55% of patients in group FMP and group FLP, respectively (P= 0.033).Conclusion:  We conclude that the fentanyl, midazolam, propofol combination more reliably provides acceptable conditions for intubation than the fentanyl, lignocaine, propofol combination. Intubation was successful in all patients receiving the fentanyl, midazolam, propofol combination.
Quality assessment of sedation in intensive care
Authors: Tallgren M. , Pettilä V. , Hynninen M. 
Published: February 2007

Background:  In the intensive care unit (ICU), analgesia and sedation are used to improve the comfort and safety of patients undergoing intensive care therapies. However, continuous administration of sedatives prolongs the time on mechanical ventilation and ICU stay. These adverse effects can be reduced by clear definition of the goals of sedation combined with a sedation protocol.Methods:  The adherence to the local sedation guideline of a university affiliated ICU was monitored prospectively before and after intervention: reinforcement of the guideline. The primary endpoints of the study were the occurrence of daily interruption or tapering of sedation and achievement of the target Ramsay scale level (days: 2–3, nights: 3–4) according to the guideline.Results:  Comparing sedation before and after the intervention (166 and 170 ICU days), no significant differences were observed in the occurrence of daily interruption or tapering of sedatives, 94/129 (73%) vs. 109/139 (78%) of sedation days, nor in the Ramsay scale level during the day, 4 (3–5) vs. 4 (3–5), or in the night, 5 (4–5) vs. 5 (4–5), respectively. After the intervention, Ramsay scale recordings were made more frequently, 280/398 (70%) vs. 234/380 (62%) of the nurses’ shifts (P <  0.01).Conclusion:  Adherence to the local sedation guideline was not high, and no significant change was seen after this simple intervention. Continuous education and discussion on the desirable and undesirable effects of sedation, followed by multidisciplinary re‐evaluation of the current guideline, are due in our unit.
Risk factors for failure to extend labor epidural analgesia to epidural anesthesia for Cesarean section
Authors: Orbach‐Zinger S. , Friedman L. , Avramovich A. , Ilgiaeva N. , Orvieto R. , Sulkes J. , Eidelman L. A. 
Published: February 2007

Objective:  To identify parturients at risk of inability to extend labor epidural analgesia in whom alternative methods of anesthesia should be considered for Cesarean section (CS).Methods:  For 6 months, we prospectively studied women undergoing a CS with a functioning epidural catheter in place from the delivery ward. All parturients received the same epidural protocol: bolus of bupivacaine 0.1% and fentanyl, then bupivacaine 0.1% and fentanyl (2 μg/ml) 10–15 ml/h and an additional 5 ml of bupivacaine 0.125% top‐ups according to patient request. Sixteen millilitres of lidocaine 2%, 1 ml of bicarbonate, and 100 μg of fentanyl were given for CS. Failed epidural analgesia was defined as the need to convert to general anesthesia.Results:  Of the 101 parturients studied, 20 (19.8%) required conversion to general anesthesia. In univariate analysis, the likelihood of failed epidural anesthesia was inversely correlated with parturient’s age (P = 0.014) and directly correlated with pre‐pregnancy weight (P = 0.019), weight at the end of pregnancy (P = 0.003), body mass index (BMI) at the end of pregnancy (P = 0.0004), gestational week (P = 0.008), number of top‐ups (P = 0.0004) and visual analog scale (VAS) 2 h before CS (P = 0.03). In multivariate analysis, the number of top‐ups in the delivery ward was the best predictor of epidural anesthesia failure (odds ratio 4.39, P = 0.005).Conclusion:  Younger, more obese parturients at a higher gestational week, requiring more top‐ups during labor, having a higher VAS in the 2 h before CS are at risk of inability to extend labor epidural analgesia to epidural anesthesia for CS.
Propofol, more than halothane, depresses electroencephalographic activation resulting from electrical stimulation in reticular formation
Authors: Antognini J. F. , Bravo E. , Atherley R. , Carstens E. 
Published: February 2007

Background:  Halothane and propofol depress the central nervous system, and this is partly manifested by a decrease in electroencephalographic (EEG) activity. Little work has been performed to determine the differences between these anesthetics with regard to their effects on evoked EEG activity. We examined the effects of halothane and propofol on EEG responses to electrical stimulation of the reticular formation.Methods:  Rats (n= 12) were anesthetized with either halothane or propofol, and EEG responses were recorded before and after electrical stimulation of the reticular formation. Two anesthetic concentrations were used (0.8 and 1.2 times the amount needed to prevent gross, purposeful movement in response to supramaximal noxious stimulation), and both anesthetics were studied in each rat using a cross‐over design.Results:  Electrical stimulation in the reticular formation increased the spectral edge (SEF) and median edge (MEF) frequencies by approximately 1–2 Hz during halothane anesthesia at low and high concentrations. During propofol anesthesia, MEF increased at the low propofol infusion rate, but SEF was unaffected. At the high propofol infusion rate, SEF and MEF decreased following electrical stimulation in the reticular formation.Conclusions:  At immobilizing concentrations, propofol produces a larger decrease than halothane in EEG responses to reticular formation stimulation, consistent with propofol having a more profound depressant effect on cortical and subcortical structures.
Intravenous glucose–insulin–potassium during off‐pump coronary artery bypass surgery does not reduce myocardial injury
Authors: Shim Y. H. , Kweon T. D. , Lee J. H. , Nam S. B. , Kwak Y. L. 
Published: February 2007

Background:  This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study was designed to determine whether an intra‐operative, intravenous infusion of glucose–insulin–potassium (GIK) could be helpful in the prevention of myocardial ischemia and in the maintenance of intra‐operative cardiac performance in patients undergoing off‐pump coronary artery bypass (OP‐CAB) surgery.Methods:  Eighty two adults undergoing elective OP‐CAB surgery were randomly divided into two groups that received intravenously either 5% dextrose in water or GIK (50% dextrose in 500 ml of water; regular insulin, 125 IU; potassium, 80 mmol) at 0.75 ml/kg/h immediately before the induction of anesthesia to the end of surgery. To evaluate myocardial damage, creatine kinase MB and troponin T were measured before surgery, immediately after arrival in the intensive care unit and on the first post‐operative day. To assess cardiac performance, hemodynamic data were obtained before and after the induction of anesthesia, before and after the bypass graft and after sternal closure. Blood glucose was measured at the same time.Results:  There was no significant difference in cardiac enzymes, hemodynamic parameters and blood glucose between the two groups. The use of vasoactive, inotropic and/or anti‐arrhythmic agents, insulin and supplemental glucose was not significantly different between the groups.Conclusion:  The results suggest that the intravenous administration of GIK during OP‐CAB surgery neither reduces myocardial damage nor improves intra‐operative cardiac performance in patients without contractile dysfunction.
The Costs of Confronting Infanticidal Intruders in a Burying Beetle
Authors: Trumbo Stephen T. , Valletta Richard C. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractInfanticide by unrelated adults is a complex behavior in burying beetles (Nicrophorus spp.) serving multiple functions (resource competition, access to mates, cannibalism). The costs of confronting an infanticidal intruder are likely to vary with context. To assess these costs for a single female parent (Nicrophorus pustulatus), we systematically manipulated the sex of a conspecific intruder and the timing of the intrusion. Male intruders were a greater takeover threat than female intruders, and infanticidal takeovers were more common earlier in the breeding cycle. Even though a male intruder posed a greater threat to the brood, a female intruder was a greater threat to the reproductive success of the resident female. Female intruders that took over a carcass excluded the resident female from the resource. When a male intruder took over a carcass, the resident female was able to recover much of her loss by producing a replacement brood. Even when females successfully defended their broods, they suffered decreased reproductive output relative to control females that never had to confront an intruder (expt 1), but the mechanisms underlying this cost were unclear. To test the hypothesis that defeated female intruders attempt to parasitize late‐stage broods, female intruders whose eggs could be identified by a fat‐soluble dye were introduced to resident females caring for larvae (expt 2). Fifteen of 20 intruders oviposited eggs and the number of eggs were related to intrusion pressure. Because resident females rarely produced eggs while caring for larvae, it is uncertain whether the behavior of the defeated female should be characterized as brood parasitism, a failed takeover attempt, or an attempt to use the remains of the depleted resource. This study provides the most complete picture of the changing costs of confronting an infanticidal threat throughout the vulnerable period of offspring development.
Magnetic Compass Orientation in Larval Iberian Green Frogs, Pelophylax Perezi
Authors: Diego‐Rasilla Francisco J. , Phillips John B. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractExperiments were carried out to investigate whether Iberian green frog tadpoles Pelophylax perezi (formerly Rana perezi) are able of using the geomagnetic field for y‐axis orientation (i.e. orientation toward and away from shore). Tadpoles were trained outdoor for 5 d, in two different training configurations: (i) a training tank aligned along the magnetic north–south axis, with shore facing south, and (ii) a training tank aligned along the magnetic east–west axis, with shore located east, and similar to the shore–deep water axis (‘y‐axis’) found in their home stream, which flows from south to north. After training, tadpoles were individually tested for magnetic orientation in a water‐filled circular outdoor arena surrounded by a pair of orthogonally aligned cube‐surface‐coils used to alter the alignment of the earth's magnetic field. Tadpoles held in the east–west training tank oriented towards shore, indicating that they were able to distinguish between the shoreward and waterward direction along the y‐axis. Tadpoles trained in the tank that was aligned along the north–south axis showed bimodal magnetic compass orientation along the shore–deep water magnetic axis. These findings provide evidence for the use of magnetic compass cues for y‐axis orientation by P. perezi tadpoles.
Threat‐Related Acoustical Differences in Alarm Calls by Wild Bonnet Macaques (Macaca radiata) Elicited by Python and Leopard Models
Authors: Coss Richard G. , McCowan Brenda , Ramakrishnan Uma 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWild and urban bonnet macaques (Macaca radiata) were studied in southern India to record alarm calls during presentations of realistic models of spotted and dark leopards (Panthera pardus) and an Indian python (Python molurus). Recordings of alarm calls were made from members of four forest troops at feeding stations who observed brief and prolonged presentations of fully exposed spotted and dark leopard morphs and partially concealed views of the spotted morph. Four different forest troops were presented a slowly moving python near feeding stations. Two predator‐inexperienced urban troops from the city of Bangalore were presented either the spotted leopard morph briefly or the python. Analyses of alarm calls revealed differences in acoustic structure, such as a lower harmonic to noise ratio, which can be interpreted as reflecting the level of perceived threat rather than predator type. Noisy alarm calls likely indicate high states of physiological arousal that might provide eavesdropping troop members with information useful for assessing the urgency of the predatory threat. Lack of alarm‐call distinctiveness characterizing predator type is complemented by explicit contextual information in which alarm calling to leopards never occurred on the ground whereas nearly all initial python‐elicited alarm calls were made by individuals on the ground monitoring the python. The alarm calls of Bangalore monkeys distinguished the leopard and python models, with the latter engendering the noisiest calls and immediate flight to trees. Such flight is unnecessary with the python and suggests that, without appropriate experience with pythons, bonnet macaques adopt less predator specific refuge‐seeking behavior.
Independence of Evoked Vocal Responses from Stimulus Direction in Burrowing Frogs Eupsophus (Leptodactylidae)
Authors: Penna Mario , Quispe Maricel 
Published: February 2007

AbstractLocalization of a sound source is important for animals in mating contexts: females generally orient towards signalling males, and males can estimate the position and quality of potential rivals. In anurans, the effect of sound direction on evoked vocal responses has been studied in males of Rana catesbeiana, which alter their vocal responses depending on the location of the stimulus. The current study explored the effects of sound direction in Eupsophus calcaratus, a frog that calls from inside burrows having resonance that would hinder the localization of incoming sounds. The vocal responses of 11 males to synthetic imitations of the conspecific advertisement call broadcast from loudspeakers positioned in front, to the right and left from the burrow openings were similar in terms of call rate, duration and latency. The invariance of the vocal responses indicates that for burrowing male frogs engaged in chorusing behaviour, the specific location of an opponent does not alter the persistence of vocal activity.