bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cumulative sessions of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) build up facilitation to subsequent TMS‐mediated behavioural disruptions
Authors: Valero‐Cabré Antoni , Pascual‐Leone Alvaro , Rushmore Richard J. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractA single session of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can induce behavioural effects that outlast the duration of the stimulation train itself (off‐line effects). Series of rTMS sessions on consecutive days are being used for therapeutic applications in a variety of disorders and are assumed to lead to the build‐up of cumulative effects. However, no studies have carefully assessed this notion. In the present study we applied 30 daily sessions of 1 Hz rTMS (continuous train of 20 min) to repeatedly modulate activity in the posterior parietal cortex and associated neural systems in two intact cats. We assessed the effect on visuospatial orientation before and after each stimulation session. Cumulative sessions of rTMS progressively induced visuospatial neglect‐like ‘after‐effects’ of greater magnitude (from 5–10% to 40–50% error levels) and increasing spatial extent (from 90–75° to 45–30° eccentricity locations), affecting the visual hemifield contralateral to the stimulated hemisphere. Nonetheless, 60 min after each TMS session, visual detection–localization abilities repeatedly returned to baseline levels. Furthermore, no lasting behavioural effect could be demonstrated at any time across the study, when subjects were tested 1 or 24 h post‐rTMS. We conclude that the past history of periodically cumulative rTMS sessions builds up a lasting ‘memory’, resulting in increased facilitation to subsequent TMS‐induced disruptions. Such a phenomenon allows a behavioural effect of progressively higher magnitude, but equal duration, in response to individual TMS interventions.
Reduction in memory in passive avoidance learning, exploratory behaviour and synaptic plasticity in mice with a spontaneous deletion in the ubiquitin C‐terminal hydrolase L1 gene
Authors: Sakurai Mikako , Sekiguchi Masayuki , Zushida Ko , Yamada Kazuyuki , Nagamine Satoshi , Kabuta Tomohiro , Wada Keiji 
Published: February 2008

AbstractOverexpression of ubiquitin C‐terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH‐L1) in mice rescues amyloid β‐protein‐induced decreases in synaptic plasticity and memory. However, the physiological role of UCH‐L1 in the brain is not fully understood. In the present study, we investigated the role of UCH‐L1 in the brain by utilizing gracile axonal dystrophy (gad) mice with a spontaneous deletion in the gene Uch‐l1 as a loss‐of‐function model. Although gad mice exhibit motor paresis beginning at ∼ 12 weeks of age, it is possible to analyse their brain phenotypes at a younger age when no motor paresis is evident. Maintenance of memory in a passive avoidance test and exploratory behaviour in an open field test were reduced in 6‐week‐old gad mice. The maintenance of theta‐burst stimulation‐induced long‐term potentiation (LTP) of field synaptic responses from Schaffer collaterals to CA1 pyramidal cells in hippocampal slices was also impaired in gad mice. The LTP in gad mice was insensitive to actinomycin D, suggesting that a transcription‐dependent component of the LTP is impaired. Phosphorylation of cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB) in the CA1 region of hippocampal slices from gad mice occurred earlier than in the slices from wild‐type mice and was transient, suggesting that CREB phosphorylation is altered in gad mice. These results suggest that memory in passive avoidance learning, exploratory behaviour and hippocampal CA1 LTP are reduced in gad mice. We propose that UCH‐L1‐mediated maintenance of the temporal integrity and persistence of CREB phosphorylation underlies these impairments.
Long‐term anal continence and quality of life following postpartum anal sphincter injury
Authors: Samarasekera D. N. , Bekhit M. T. , Wright Y. , Lowndes R. H. , Stanley K. P. , Preston J. P. , Preston P. , Speakman C. T. M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractObjective  Anal incontinence occurs as a result of damage to pelvic floor and the anal sphincter. In women, vaginal delivery has been recognized as the primary cause. To date, figures quoted for overt third degree anal sphincter tear vary between 0% and 26.9% of all vaginal deliveries and the prevalence of anal incontinence following primary repair vary between 15% and 61%. Our aim was to analyse the long‐term (minimum 10 years post primary repair) anorectal function and quality of life in a cohort of women who suffered a third degree tear (Group 1) and compare the results with a cohort of women who underwent an uncomplicated vaginal delivery (Group 2) or an elective caesarean delivery (Group 3).Method  In all, 107 patients who suffered a third degree tear between 1981 and 1993 were contacted with a validated questionnaire. The two control groups comprised of 125 patients in each category. Those who responded to the questionnaire were invited for anorectal physiology studies and endoanal ultrasound.Results  Of the total number contacted, 54, 71 and 54 women from the three groups returned the completed questionnaire. In the three groups, a total of 28 (53%), 13 (19%) and six (11%) complained of anal incontinence (P < 0.0001) respectively. Comparison of quality of life scores between the groups showed a poorer quality of life in those who suffered a tear (P < 0.0001). In addition, in spite of primary repair, 13 (59%) patients in group 1 showed a persistent sphincter defect compared to one (4%) occult defect in Group 2 and none in Group 3.Conclusion  Our study indicates that long‐term results of primary repair are not encouraging. It therefore emphasizes the importance of primary prevention and preventing further sphincter damage in those who have already suffered an injury (during subsequent deliveries).
Congenital cytomegalovirus infection following primary maternal infection in the third trimester
Authors: Gindes L , Teperberg‐Oikawa M , Sherman D , Pardo J , Rahav G 
Published: February 2008

Objective  To determine the effect of primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in the third trimester on fetal outcome.Design  Observational study.Setting  Four perinatal departments in tertiary hospitals in Israel.Population  Twenty‐eight women with primary CMV infection acquired after 25 weeks of gestation.Methods  Prenatal evaluation included amniocentesis and ultrasonographic examinations. Maternal infection was determined from seroconversion and presence of low avidity anti‐CMV immunoglobulin G after 25 weeks of gestation. Fetal CMV infection was diagnosed from CMV isolated or CMV DNA amplified from the amniotic fluid. Neonatal infection was established from CMV presence in their urine or anti‐CMV IgM was in their peripheral blood immediately after birth. All liveborn neonates underwent cerebral ultrasonography, hearing assessment, and psychomotor development evaluation. Infected neonates were followed up for a median of 36 months (range 6–36 months).Main outcome measures  Intrauterine CMV infection and neonatal CMV disease throughout follow up.Results  Vertical transmission of CMV was documented in 21 (75%) of the 28 pregnancies. None of the 20 live infected newborn had symptomatic congenital infection. One pregnancy was terminated at 34 weeks following evidence of prenatal infection. Most of the patients (75%) had CMV serology test due to clinical signs of CMV disease.Conclusions  Although CMV infection during the third trimester of pregnancy is highly transmissible, sequelae were not found among infected offspring.
Genetic variants of interleukin‐1RN and interleukin‐1β genes and risk of cervical cancer
Authors: Singh H , Sachan R , Goel H , Mittal B 
Published: February 2008

Objectives  Inflammation plays a major role in pathogenesis of cervical cancer. We planned to study whether polymorphisms in inflammation‐related genes, IL‐1RN (VNTR) and IL‐1β (‐511C/T), are associated with risk of cervical cancer.Design  Case–control study.Setting  Uttar Pradesh state in India.Sample  One hundred and fifty, histopathologically confirmed cases with cervical cancer and 162 age‐, ethnicity‐matched, cervical cytology negative, healthy controls were recruited to this study.Methods  Genotyping of IL‐1RN (VNTR) and IL‐1β (‐511C/T) polymorphisms was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/PCR–restriction fragment length polymorphism. Power of study was 80% with type 1 error of 0.05. Haplotypes frequencies were obtained by computer package ‘Arlequin’.Main outcome measures  Haplotype IL‐1RN*2/IL‐1β*T is associated with higher risk and of cervical cancer.Results  IL‐1RN genotypes 1/2 and 2/2 were associated with significantly elevated risk of cervical cancer (OR = 3.3; P= 4.9 × 10−6 and OR = 2.9, P= 0.02). Similarly, TT genotype of IL‐1βpolymorphism was significantly higher in cases compared with controls (57.7 versus 38.3%; OR = 2.8; P = 0.012). 2/2 genotype of IL‐1RN (OR = 4.8, P = 0.0006) and TT genotype of IL‐1β(OR = 5.2; P = 0.02) were associated with the higher stages (III) of cervical cancer. Haplotypes 1T (IL‐1RN*1/IL‐1β*T) and 2T (IL‐1RN*2/IL‐1β*T) were also significantly associated with higher susceptibility to cervical cancer and its progression. Logistic regression analysis suggests IL‐1RN allele 2 and IL‐1β‐511T were independently associated with increased risk for cervical cancer.Conclusion  IL‐1RN*2 and IL‐1β ‐511*T in various combinations of genotypes and haplotypes are associated with higher susceptibility for cervical cancer.
Altered bacterial metabolism, not coenzyme Q content, is responsible for the lifespan extension in Caenorhabditis elegans fed an Escherichia coli diet lacking coenzyme Q
Authors: Saiki Ryoichi , Lunceford Adam L. , Bixler Tarra , Dang Peter , Lee Wendy , Furukawa Satoru , Larsen Pamela L. , Clarke Catherine F. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryCoenzyme Qn is a fully substituted benzoquinone containing a polyisoprene tail of distinct numbers (n) of isoprene groups. Caenorhabditis elegans fed Escherichia coli devoid of Q8 have a significant lifespan extension when compared to C. elegans fed a standard ‘Q‐replete’E. coli diet. Here we examine possible mechanisms for the lifespan extension caused by the Q‐less E. coli diet. A bioassay for Q uptake shows that a water‐soluble formulation of Q10 is effectively taken up by both clk‐1 mutant and wild‐type nematodes, but does not reverse lifespan extension mediated by the Q‐less E. coli diet, indicating that lifespan extension is not due to the absence of dietary Q per se. The enhanced longevity mediated by the Q‐less E. coli diet cannot be attributed to dietary restriction, different Qn isoforms, reduced pathogenesis or slowed growth of the Q‐less E. coli, and in fact requires E. coli viability. Q‐less E. coli have defects in respiratory metabolism. C. elegans fed Q‐replete E. coli mutants with similarly impaired respiratory metabolism due to defects in complex V also show a pronounced lifespan extension, although not as dramatic as those fed the respiratory deficient Q‐less E. coli diet. The data suggest that feeding respiratory incompetent E. coli, whether Q‐less or Q‐replete, produces a robust life extension in wild‐type C. elegans. We believe that the fermentation‐based metabolism of the E. coli diet is an important parameter of C. elegans longevity.
Symptomatic urinary stone disease in pregnancy
Authors: CHERIACHAN Deepak , ARIANAYAGAM Mohan , RASHID Prem 
Published: February 2008

Background:  Symptomatic urinary calculi are rare in pregnancy with an incidence of one per 1500 pregnant women. Calculi may cause ureteric obstruction that can be further complicated by sepsis. This may have a significant morbidity for mother and fetus.Objective:  To provide an update on the current investigations and management options for pregnant patients with symptomatic urinary calculi.Discussion:  We discuss the different imaging modalities available to investigate the renal tract in pregnant women and propose a management pathway. This topic is particularly pertinent to obstetricians in their roles as coordinators of prenatal care.
Venous thromboembolism during pregnancy and the post‐partum period: Incidence and risk factors in a large Victorian health service
Authors: SHARMA Sanjay , MONGA Deepika 
Published: February 2008

Background:  There is a strong recommendation for post‐partum thromboprophylaxis following emergency caesarean sections, particularly in overweight women, and following prolonged labour.Aims:  To analyse the incidence and epidemiological factors associated with antepartum and post‐partum venous thromboembolism in a large Victorian health service.Methods:  A retrospective study of all 6987 women delivering at Ballarat Health Services between March 1999 and June 2006. Case notes of women with confirmed venous thromboembolism during this period were subjected to detailed analysis. The data were analysed for possible risk factors, the timing of thromboembolism in relation to the pregnancy and any correlation with thromboprophylaxis, if administered.Results:  The rate of venous thromboembolism was 1.14 per 1000 deliveries, with risk factors of age > 30 (100%), obesity (75%), previous history of thromboembolism (62.5%) and caesarean section (37.5%). Majority of cases were diagnosed in first trimester (62.5%), and in the right lower limb (75%). None of the patients had been given thromboprophylaxis.Conclusion:  While the incidence and risk factors were similar to those generally quoted, a much higher incidence was found in early pregnancy, and in the right lower limb. The importance of meticulous screening for risk factors in early pregnancy cannot be overemphasised.
Progesterone for maintenance tocolytic therapy after threatened preterm labour: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: BORNA Sedigheh , SAHABI Noshin 
Published: February 2008

Background:  Women with preterm labour that is arrested with tocolytic therapy are at increased risk of recurrent preterm labour. The efficacy of maintenance tocolytic therapy after successful arrest of preterm labour remains controversial.Aim:  The purpose of this study was to determine whether supplementation of vaginal progesterone after inhibition of preterm labour is associated with an increased latency period and a decreased recurrent of preterm labour.Methods:  This trial was conducted in 70 women who presented with symptoms of threatened preterm labour, who after arrest of uterine activity were then randomised to progesterone therapy or no treatment. Treatment group received progesterone suppository (400 mg) daily until delivery and control group received no treatment.Results:  Longer mean latency until delivery (36/11 ± 17/9 vs 24/52 ± 27/2) (mean + standard deviation) days; respiratory distress syndrome 4 (10.8%) vs 12 (36.4%) P = 0.021; low birthweight 10 (27%) vs 17 (51.5%) P = 0.04; and birthweight (3101.54 ± 587.9 g vs r 2609.39 ± 662.9 g, P = 0.002), were significantly different between the two groups.No significant differences were found between recurrent preterm labour 13 (35.1%) vs 19 (57.6%), P = 0.092; admission to intensive care unit 9 (24.3%) vs 13 (39.4%), P= 0.205 ; and neonatal sepsis 2 (5.4%) vs 6 (18.2%) P = 0.136, for the progesterone and control groups, respectively.Conclusion:  The use of vaginal progesterone suppository after successful parenteral tocolysis associated with a longer latency preceding delivery but failed to reduce the incidence of readmission for preterm labour.
A randomised comparison between sublingual, oral and vaginal route of misoprostol for pre‐abortion cervical ripening in first‐trimester pregnancy termination under local anaesthesia
Authors: SAXENA Pikee , SARDA Nivedita , SALHAN Sudha , NANDAN Deoki 
Published: February 2008

Objective:  To compare efficacy of sublingual (S/L), oral and vaginal routes of misoprostol administration for cervical priming before suction evacuation (SE) under local anaesthesia.Methods:  In a prospective randomised clinical trial, 200 women in the first trimester of pregnancy were randomised into four groups of 50 each. Patients in control group did not receive any medication before SE while other treatment groups received 400 µg of misoprostol three hours prior to SE either by sublingual/oral or by vaginal route. Main outcome measure was basal cervical dilatation while the secondary outcome measures were operative blood loss, time duration of surgery, patient satisfaction, pain perception and adverse effects.Results:  Sublingual group had a higher dilatation (9.9 ± 2.1 mm; P < 0.001) and lower time duration of surgery (3.6 ± 1.0 min; P < 0.01) as compared to oral (8.2 ± 2.6 mm, 4.9 ± 1.7 min) or vaginal routes (7.6 ± 2.6 mm, 5.2 ± 1.8 min). Mean pain score of the sublingual group was significantly lower (2.4 + 1.3; P < 0.001) as compared to oral (3.4 ± 1.3) or vaginal routes (3.6 ± 1.2). Patient acceptability was higher for sublingual (53 of 150) and oral routes (62 of 150) as compared to vaginal (35 of 150) route.Conclusion:  Sublingual route was significantly more effective than oral or vaginal administration of misoprostol for cervical dilatation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to simultaneously compare the efficacy of sublingual, oral and vaginal routes of misoprostol for cervical priming before SE.
Calculated phase equilibria involving chemical potentials to investigate the textural evolution of metamorphic rocks
Authors: WHITE R. W. , POWELL R. , BALDWIN J. A. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractEvolving pressure–temperature conditions during metamorphism drive changes in the stable mineral assemblage, mineral proportions and mineral compositions in rocks. These changes are achieved via the diffusion of components between minerals, fluid and melt, the driving force for diffusion being the gradients in chemical potential of the components developed spatially within the rock. This study utilises recent developments in the software thermocalc to investigate quantitatively chemical potential relationships in rocks, with the phases involved being (solid) solutions. Phase diagrams with chemical potentials as axes are used to understand better the spatial rearrangement of components during the metamorphic evolution of rocks and the metamorphic textures that result. In contrast to qualitative chemical potential diagrams, quantitative diagrams can be contoured for mineral composition, allowing consideration of chemical zoning in minerals. Furthermore, the amount of material required to diffuse to equalise chemical potentials can be calculated. We start by demonstrating the approach via an example of retrograde corona development in an ultra‐high‐temperature granulite. Whereas the use of chemical potentials to consider the retrograde development of corona textures is well known, they are also significant in considering the prograde history. The role of chemical potentials in prograde metamorphic textural evolution is highlighted in consideration of the consumption and growth of aluminosilicates during the kyanite‐to‐sillimanite reaction, and the growth of garnet porphyroblasts.
Refining the P–T records of UHT crustal metamorphism
Authors: HARLEY S. L. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractUltra‐high‐temperature (UHT) metamorphism occurs when the continental crust is subjected to temperatures of greater than 900 °C at depths of 20–40 km. UHT metamorphism provides evidence that major tectonic processes may operate under thermal conditions more extreme than those generally produced in numerical models of orogenesis. Evidence for UHT metamorphism is recorded in mineral assemblages formed in magnesian pelites, supported by high‐temperature indicators including mesoperthitic feldspar, aluminous orthopyroxene and high Zr contents in rutile. Recent theoretical, experimental and thermodynamic data set constraints on metamorphic phase equilibria in FMAS, KFMASH and more complex chemical systems have greatly improved quantification of the P–T conditions and paths of UHT metamorphic belts. However, despite these advances key issues that remain to be addressed include improving experimental constraints on the thermodynamic properties of sapphirine, quantifying the effects of oxidation state on sapphirine, orthopyroxene and spinel stabilities and quantifying the effects of H2O–CO2 in cordierite on phase equilibria and reaction texture analysis. These areas of uncertainty mean that UHT mineral assemblages must still be examined using theoretical and semi‐quantitative approaches, such as P(–T)–μ sections, and conventional thermobarometry in concert with calculated phase equilibrium methods. In the cases of UHT terranes that preserve microtextural and mineral assemblage evidence for steep or ‘near‐isothermal’ decompression P–T paths, the presence of H2O and CO2 in cordierite is critical to estimates of the P–T path slopes, the pressures at which reaction textures have formed and the impact of fluid infiltration. Many UHT terranes have evolved from peak P–T conditions of 8–11 kbar and 900–1030 °C to lower pressure conditions of 8 to 6 kbar whilst still at temperature in the range of 950 to 800 °C. These decompressional P–T paths, with characteristic dP/dT gradients of ∼25 ± 10 bar °C−1, are similar in broad shape to those generated in deep‐crustal channel flow models for the later stages of orogenic collapse, but lie at significantly higher temperatures for any specified pressure. This thermal gap presents a key challenge in the tectonic modelling of UHT metamorphism, with implications for the evolution of the crust, sub‐crustal lithosphere and asthenospheric mantle during the development of hot orogens.
Obesity and Functional Disability in Elderly Americans
Authors: Chen Honglei , Guo Xuguang 
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether indicators of obesity are associated with functional disabilities in elderly American women and men.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional.SETTING: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999 to 2004, United States.PARTICIPANTS: One thousand six hundred eighty‐four elderly (aged ≥60) women and 1,611 elderly men.MEASUREMENTS: Functional disabilities.RESULTS: In women, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were each related to higher prevalence of all measures of disabilities. Compared with the lowest quartile of waist circumference, the multivariate odds ratios (ORs) of the highest quartile for having difficulties in functional domains were 2.4 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.6–3.6) for activities of daily living, 2.3 (95% CI=1.6–3.3) for instrumental activities of daily living, 2.6 (95% CI=1.6–4.1) for leisure and social activities, 4.8 (95% CI=3.4–6.9) for lower extremity mobility, and 2.9 (95% CI=2.1–4.0) for general physical activity. In men, these associations were moderate; the corresponding ORs were 1.2 (95% CI=0.8–2.0), 1.3 (95% CI=0.9–2.1), 2.1 (95% CI=1.2–3.7), 1.8 (95% CI=1.2–2.7), and 2.1 (95% CI=1.5–2.8), respectively. Similar results were obtained for BMI. These associations could not be explained by the presence of major chronic conditions. When adjusted simultaneously, waist circumference appeared to be a better predictor than BMI of disability in women.CONCLUSION: The results suggest that indicators of obesity are related to functional disabilities in elderly Americans.