bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selection of whole‐blood donors for hemoglobin testing by use of historical hemoglobin values
Authors: Ziemann Malte , Steppat Dagmar , Brockmann Christian , Washington Gesa , Kirchner Holger , Schlenke Peter 
Published: November 2006

BACKGROUND: Usually, a predonation hemoglobin (Hb) measurement must precede blood donation. Hb values of a donor’s previous donation might be used for selecting a subgroup in which predonation Hb measurements are unnecessary.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Only donors with historical Hb values below 129 or 139 g per L for female and male donors, respectively, underwent venous Hb measurement before phlebotomy with an automated hematology analyzer. All other donor phlebotomies were collected without initial Hb testing. Hb values from diversion samples from 81,913 consecutive donors between May 2003 and November 2005 were subsequently analyzed as representing their present values. Donors were grouped according to interdonation intervals of less than 6, 6 to 11, 12 to 23, and 24 months or more.RESULTS: The arithmetic mean deviation between historical and present Hb values was between −0.3 and +1.8 g per L for each group (mean deviation, 5.2‐6.7 g/L). Not testing selected donors spared 77.7 percent from a prephlebotomy Hb measurement and showed a specificity of 29 percent. Sensitivities for detection of donors below Hb limits (between 56% and 67% for the different subgroups) and donors with Hb values below 110 g per L (82%‐88%) were at least comparable to capillary Hb screening. A total of 4.8 percent of donors were phlebotomized with values below 125 and 135 g per L, whereas only 0.016 percent of donors were bled despite Hb levels below 110 g per L.CONCLUSION: Selecting donors for a current Hb measurement based upon their last whole‐blood predonation Hb value is a useful method, even after prolonged interdonation intervals.
Impact of the Main Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator Trials for Primary and Secondary Prevention in Italy: A Survey of the National Activity During the Years 2001–2004
Authors: PROCLEMER ALESSANDRO , GHIDINA MARCO , CICUTTINI GLORIA , GREGORI DARIO , FIORETTI PAOLO MARIA 
Published: November 2006

Background: Several trials demonstrated the lifesaving role of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) in high‐risk groups of patients. Aim of this review was to report the clinical characteristics of patients enrolled in the ICD Registry of the Italian Association of Arrhythmology (AIAC) in the years 2001–2004.
Methods: The Registry collects prospectively 85% of national ICD implantation activity on the basis of European ICD form (EURID).
Results: The number of implanted ICDs in Italy was 2,418 in the year 2001, 3,992 in the year 2002, 5,595 in the year 2003, and 7,190 in the year 2004. The number of ICDs per million of inhabitants was 42.1 in the year 2001 (+11.8% respect to 2000), 70.0 in the year 2002 (+65.1% respect to 2001), 98.3 in the year 2003 (+40.4% respect to 2002), and 125.0 in the year 2004 (+27.2% respect to 2003). The median age was 67 years in the years 2001–2002, 68 years in the years 2003–2004. The main indications during the study were syncope (24.2–14.9%) and cardiac arrest (28.5–17.3%), followed by palpitations and dizzy spells (15.5–17.2%, and 9.4–6.9% of patients, respectively). The use of prophylactic ICD had a fourfold increase in the examined period (5.8% in 2001, 22.9% in 2004). Ventricular tachycardia was the main arrhythmic indication in 44.4–54.6% of cases, ventricular fibrillation in 11.8–18.0%, both in 3.5–6.5%. In the years 2002, 2003, and 2004 single chamber ICDs were implanted in 45.5%, 38.8%, and 33.7% of patients, dual chamber ICDs in 35.1%, 32.3%, and 30.5%, biventricular ICDs in 19.4%, 28.9%, and 34.7%, respectively.
Conclusion: The ICD implantation rate in Italy increased significantly in the period 2001–2004, similarly to the trend in other western countries. The Registry showed an important increase of prophylactic and dual or triple chamber ICDs use.
Gradients of Atrial Refractoriness and Inducibility of Atrial Fibrillation due to Stimulation of Ganglionated Plexi
Authors: ZHOU JING , SCHERLAG BENJAMIN J. , EDWARDS JEFFERY , JACKMAN WARREN M. , LAZZARA RALPH , PO SUNNY S. 
Published: November 2006

Introduction. The mechanism(s) whereby atrial ectopy induces atrial fibrillation (AF) is still poorly understood. Methods and Results. In 12 dogs, we determined the refractory period (RP) along the right atrium (RA) and right superior pulmonary vein (RSPV), and AF inducibility with and without concurrent stimulation of the anterior right ganglionated plexi (ARGP) at the base of the RSPV. Multielectrode catheters were attached to the RSPV and RA with the distal electrodes close to ARGP. The RP and window of vulnerability (WOV), i.e., the longest S1–S2 minus the shortest S1–S2 at which AF was induced, were measured before and during incremental levels of ARGP stimulation. Mapping of the onset of AF was performed using the EnSite® mapping system (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA) positioned in the RA.A single premature depolarization (PD) from the RSPV that did not induce AF without ARGP stimulation could do so with ARGP stimulation. The onset of AF consistently arose at the myocardium subtending the ARGP. With GP stimulation, the average WOV at the RSPV‐atrial junction was significantly wider than at the RA appendage (65 ± 27 vs. 8 ± 17 msec, P < 0.05) or further along the RSPV sleeve (48 ± 39 vs. 10 ± 20 msec, P < 0.05). Even without GP stimulation, high intensity (10–20 mA) premature stimuli delivered at the RA appendage induced AF, originating from atrial tissue subtending the ARGP, presumably due to axonal conduction that activated the ARGP. Conclusion. GP stimulation, subthreshold for atrial excitation, converts isolated PDs into AF‐inducing PDs, suggesting that autonomic tone may play a critical role in the initiation of paroxysmal AF.
Validation and Clinical Application of Time‐Frequency Analysis of Atrial Fibrillation Electrocardiograms
Authors: HUSSER DANIELA , STRIDH MARTIN , CANNOM DAVID S. , BHANDARI ANIL K. , GIRSKY MARC J. , KANG STEVEN , SÖRNMO LEIF , BERTIL OLSSON S. , BOLLMANN ANDREAS 
Published: November 2006

Introduction: Fibrillatory rates can reliably be obtained from surface ECGs during atrial fibrillation (AF) and correspond with right atrial (RA) and coronary sinus (CS) rates, while both the relation with pulmonary venous (PV) rates and determinants of fibrillatory waveform are unknown. Class III antiarrhythmic drugs prolong atrial refractoriness and decrease its dispersion, effects that may be reflected in ECG parameters. Consequently, this study sought (1) to investigate the relation between ECG fibrillatory rate and waveform characteristics with intraatrial/PV fibrillatory activity and (2) to noninvasively monitor class III antiarrhythmic drug effects in patients with AF. Methods and Results: Thirty‐six patients with drug‐refractory AF who underwent catheter‐based pulmonary vein isolation and had AF at the beginning of the procedure were studied. A positive correlation between V1 rates obtained by time‐frequency analysis and RA (R = 0.97, P < 0.001), CS (R = .71, P < 0.001), and PV rates (R = 0.65, P = 0.001) was found. Exponential decay defined as decay of the curve that connects power maxima of dominant and harmonic frequency components correlated with RA rate dispersion (R = 0.53, P = 0.004). In amiodarone‐treated patients (n = 7), V1 rate (286 ± 64 vs. 371 ± 40 fpm, P < 0.001) and exponential decay (1.06 ± 0.29 vs. 1.38 ± 0.38, P = 0.034) were lower than in patients without amiodarone (n = 29). In 19 additional patients with persistent AF, oral dofetilide treatment decreased mean fibrillatory rate from 377 ± 57 to 294 ± 50 fpm (P < 0.001) and exponential decay from 1.24 ± 0.43 to 0.85 ± 0.22 (P = 0.002). Conclusions: Fibrillatory waves of surface ECG lead V1 closely reflect right atrial, and, to a lesser degree, left atrial activity. Time‐frequency analysis allows noninvasive monitoring of antiarrhythmic drug effects on fibrillatory rate and waveform.
Bradykinin is a Mediator, but Unlikely a Trigger, of Antiarrhythmic Effects of Ischemic Preconditioning
Authors: DRIAMOV SERGEY V. , BELLAHCENE MOHAMED , BUTZ SILVIA , BUSER PETER T. , ZAUGG CHRISTIAN E. 
Published: November 2006

Objective: Brief reversible ischemic episodes (ischemic preconditioning, IPC) protect the heart against arrhythmias during a subsequent prolonged low‐flow ischemia. We have recently shown that this protection involves release of bradykinin, activation of bradykinin B2 receptors followed by opening of sarcolemmal, but not mitochondrial ATP‐sensitive K+ channels. The goal of this study was to clarify a trigger and/or mediator role of bradykinin in the antiarrhythmic effects of IPC during low‐flow ischemia. Methods: Isolated perfused rat hearts underwent 60 minutes of low‐flow ischemia induced by reducing perfusion pressure followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion. Preconditioning was induced by 2 × 5 minutes episodes of zero‐flow ischemia. In yet other groups, preconditioned or nonpreconditioned hearts were treated either with bradykinin (10 nmol/L) or with HOE 140 (bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist, 100 nmol/L). Results: IPC reduced the number of ventricular premature beats, as well as the incidence of ventricular tachycardia and of ventricular fibrillation during low‐flow ischemia. In addition, this protection was abolished by HOE 140 given during low‐flow ischemia. Pharmacological preconditioning using short bradykinin perfusion instead of IPC did not show antiarrhythmic effects. However, bradykinin administered during low‐flow ischemia and reperfusion reduced the number of ventricular premature beats and the incidence of ventricular tachycardia and of ventricular fibrillation during low‐flow ischemia. Conclusion: Bradykinin is a mediator, but unlikely a trigger, of antiarrhythmic effects of IPC during low‐flow ischemia.
Identification of marker genes distinguishing human periodontal ligament cells from human mesenchymal stem cells and human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Fujita T. , Iwata T. , Shiba H. , Igarashi A. , Hirata R. , Takeda K. , Mizuno N. , Tsuji K. , Kawaguchi H. , Kato Y. , Kurihara H. 
Published: November 2006

Background and Objective:  Molecular gene markers, which can distinguish human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from human fibroblasts, have recently been reported. Messenger RNA levels of tissue factor pathway inhibitor‐2, major histocompatibility complex‐DR‐α, major histocompatibility complex‐DR‐β, and neuroserpin are higher in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells than in human fibroblasts. However, human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells express less apolipoprotein D mRNA than human fibroblasts. Periodontal ligament cells are a heterogeneous cell population including fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, and progenitor cells of osteoblasts or cementoblasts. The use of molecular markers that distinguish human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from human fibroblasts may provide insight into the characteristics of human periodontal ligament cells. In this study, we compared the molecular markers of human periodontal ligament cells with those of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and human gingival fibroblasts.Material and Methods:  The mRNA expression of the molecular gene markers was analyzed using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Statistical differences were determined with the two‐sided Mann–Whitney U‐test.Results:  Messenger RNA levels of major histocompatibility complex‐DR‐α and major histocompatibility complex‐DR‐β were lower and higher, respectively, in human periodontal ligament cells than in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells or human gingival fibroblasts. Human periodontal ligament cells showed the lowest apolipoprotein D mRNA levels among the three types of cells.Conclusion:  Human periodontal ligament cells may be distinguished from human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and human gingival fibroblasts by the genes for apolipoprotein D, major histocompatibility complex‐DR‐α, and major histocompatibility complex‐DR‐β.
IgA pemphigus – Occurrence of anti‐Desmocollin 1 and anti‐Desmoglein 1 antibody reactivity in an individual patient
Authors: Kopp Tamara , Sitaru Cassian , Pieczkowski Friederike , Schneeberger Achim , Födinger Dagmar , Zillikens Detlef , Stingl Georg , Karlhofer Franz M. 
Published: November 2006

Summary Background: IgA pemphigus is a rare pustular autoimmune disease with exclusive IgA anti‐keratinocyte cell surface antibody reactivity. Two subtypes have been discerned: in the subcorneal pustular dermatosis type, desmocollin 1 has been identified as a targeted autoantigen, while in few cases of the intraepidermal neutrophilic type, IgA anti‐desmoglein 1 or IgA anti‐desmoglein 3 reactivity has been demonstrated. Patients and Methods: A 48‐year‐old white male presented with generalized large confluent pustules. Skin pathology was assessed by histology and direct immunofluorescence analysis. IgG/IgA autoantibodies against desmoglein 1/3 and desmocollin 1 were measured by ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence using desmocollin 1 cDNA‐transfected COS7 cells, respectively. Results: Histopathology revealed subcorneal pustules and direct immunofluorescence microscopy exclusively showed in vivo bound IgA with an intercellular pattern in the epidermis. Desmocollin 1 was identified as a target of IgA autoantibodies by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy utilizing desmocollin 1 cDNA‐transfected COS7 cells. In addition, IgA anti‐desmoglein 1 reactivity was demonstrated by ELISA. Neither IgA anti‐desmoglein 3 nor IgG anti‐desmoglein 1/3 autoantibodies were present. Conclusions: Both desmocollin 1 and desmoglein 1 were autoantigens in this patient with IgA pemphigus and a distinct clinical presentation. To our knowledge, this is the first IgA pemphigus case with dual autoantibody reactivity.
Modelling the effects of microclimate on bean seed desiccation rate and seed storage ability
Authors: Moreau‐Valancogne P. , Coste F. , Vandewalle P. , Wagner M.H. , Ladonne F. , Crozat Y. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBean seed storage ability is of major interest for seed firms and depends, at least partially, on the effect of desiccation microclimate and desiccation rate on the mother plant; however, their effects are contradictory and not quantified. Therefore, our aims were (a) to predict seed desiccation rate from microclimatic variables at the pod level and (b) to measure the effects of seed desiccation rate and temperature on seed storage ability. For 4 years, beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) were sown at different dates in the field and once in a greenhouse. Pods having seeds at the beginning of desiccation stage were selected according to their colour and then dried in the field or under controlled conditions. In the field, pods were dried under both natural conditions and conditions modified either by defoliation or by water spraying. Under controlled conditions, pods were dried under a wide range of temperature and relative humidity combinations. Seed water content, temperature and relative humidity were measured throughout the desiccation phase. Storage ability was measured by a standard germination test after either 11 or 15 days of controlled deterioration. Seed desiccation rate was highly correlated to air vapour pressure deficit, which measures the combined effects of temperature and relative humidity on drying. With a logit transformation, deterioration test results showed a linear decrease in storage ability as seed desiccation rate increased for either controlled or field‐dried lots. However, for controlled lots desiccated at temperatures lower than 24°C, the lower the temperature, the lower the storage ability at a given desiccation rate. Moreover, the relationship between the results of the two deterioration periods differed between controlled and field‐dried lots. Finally, the high correlation between seed storage ability, desiccation rate and vapour pressure deficit in the field has given new insights for building a crop decision‐oriented model for optimising harvesting.
Discrimination between agricultural management and the hedge effect in pear orchards (south‐eastern France)
Authors: Debras J.‐F. , Torre F. , Rieux R. , Kreiter S. , Garcin M.S. , Van Helden M. , Buisson E. , Dutoit T. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe arthropod populations in five pear orchards were sampled by beating branches twice a month during the year 2003 in the Provence region of south‐eastern France. Multivariate analyses linking the matrix of species with a certain number of environmental variables (distance from the hedge, type of agricultural practices in the orchard, year effect, etc.) were performed to identify the most explanatory variables in terms of composition and structure (richness and equitability) of different arthropod populations. Univariate analyses were performed on descriptive population variables (numbers, diversity and richness) to highlight intrasite or intersite differences. These analyses revealed significant differences in the composition of orchard populations. The variance revealed by all environmental variables explained 28.7% of population composition. The variance revealed by hedge variables only explained 2.2% of population composition, while that revealed by variables concerning management practices explained 12.4%.
Experimental Philosophy
Authors: Knobe Joshua 
Published: November 2006

AbstractClaims about people's intuitions have long played an important role in philosophical debates. The new field of experimental philosophy seeks to subject such claims to rigorous tests using the traditional methods of cognitive science – systematic experimentation and statistical analysis. Work in experimental philosophy thus far has investigated people's intuitions in philosophy of language, philosophy of mind, epistemology, and ethics. Although it is now generally agreed that experimental philosophers have made surprising discoveries about people's intuitions in each of these areas, considerable disagreement remains about the philosophical significance of the key findings. Some have argued that work in experimental philosophy should be assessed by asking whether it can contribute to the kind of inquiry that is normally pursued within analytic philosophy, while others suggest that work in experimental philosophy is best understood as a contribution to a more traditional sort of philosophical inquiry that long predates the birth of analytic philosophy.
Hermaphroditism in Cultured Chinese Black Sleeper (Bostrichthys sinensis L.)
Authors: Hong Wan Shu , Chen Shi Xi , Zheng Wei Yun , Xiao Ying , Zhang Qi Yong 
Published: November 2006

Abstract Anatomical studies showed that all collected feral fish of Chinese black sleepers (Bostrichthys sinensis L.) were gonochoristic. In contrast, an average of 12.4% of cultured fish appeared to be hermaphroditic. The shape of the genital papilla of hermaphroditic specimens resembled that of gonochoristic males. The gonadosomatic index (IG) of hermaphroditic fish varied from 0.24 to 4.48%, while that of gonochoristic conspecifics varied from 6.1 to 12.2% for females and 0.11 to 0.14% for males. Histological studies revealed that the sex organs of hermaphrodites consisted of ovarian, testicular, and seminal vesicle tissues, located in the central, peripheral, and caudal region of the gonads, respectively. During the spawning season, ovarian tissue contained poorly developed oocytes, that is, hydrated oocytes were absent and only a few degenerated vitellogenic oocytes were present. Testicular tissue, however, contained fully developed spermatozoa. The fertilization rate of these spermatozoa was significantly lower than those of gonochoristic conspecifics. It is concluded that part of the cultured stock of Chinese black sleeper became hermaphroditic during culture and that the hermaphrodites are able to function as males. The lowered fertilization rate, however, indicates that hermaphroditism in cultured fish of this species is disadvantageous to reproduction.
Dietary Lysine Requirement as Basis to Estimate the Essential Dietary Amino Acid Profile for Jundiá, Rhamdia quelen
Authors: Montes‐Girao Pamela J. , Fracalossi Débora M. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract The present study was designed to determine the optimal dietary lysine requirement for jundiá, Rhamdia quelen, fingerlings. Groups of 17 fish (1.4 ± 0.1 g) were stocked in 120‐L tanks and were fed semipurified diets (33% crude protein [CP] and 3500 kcal metabolizable energy) containing increasing concentrations of lysine (3.0, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, and 6.5% CP). After 119 d, fish weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed intake and feed conversion (FC), apparent net protein utilization (ANPU), body composition (CP, fat, and ash), and vertebral collagen were determined. WG and SGR increased as dietary lysine concentration in protein increased up to 4.5%, reducing at 6.0 and 6.5% lysine. Fish that were fed the lowest lysine concentration presented the worst feed conversion (FC), which improved for fish fed with 4.5% or more lysine. Feed consumption followed the same trend as FC. The highest ANPU was observed in fish fed with 4.5% lysine. Fish fed diets containing 4.5, 5.0, and 5.5% lysine accumulated more body protein (P < 0.05). Collagen vertebral concentration was significantly higher in fish fed with the 4.5% lysine diet. Dietary requirement for lysine was 4.5 or 5.1% depending on the statistical model used for estimation: broken line or polynomial regression, respectively. The requirements for the other essential amino acids were estimated on the basis of the ideal protein concept and were similar to the requirements for other fish species, except for isoleucine, leucine, treonine, and valine, which were higher for jundiá.
Economic Analysis of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Production in Tanzania
Authors: Kaliba Aloyce R , Osewe Kajitanus O , Senkondo Ephraim M , Mnembuka Berno V , Quagrainie Kwamena K 
Published: November 2006

Abstract In Tanzania, Nile tilapia culture is a promising aquaculture enterprise. Information on production costs could assist fish farmers in economic and financial planning. Economic profitability of small‐scale Nile tilapia production in Tanzania is analyzed using a model that simulates individual fish growth and takes into account fish population dynamics in the pond. The results suggest that the current practiced mixed‐sex tilapia culture without predation is not economically sustainable. Extension efforts should be geared toward developing a Nile tilapia production system that is based on a hand‐sexed all‐male tilapia. Meanwhile catfish can be introduced in ponds to control overcrowding in mixed‐sex tilapia culture without predation. Studies to determine optimal pond sizes, availability of feed, and a quality fingerling supply chain are also fundamental for developing a sustainable Nile tilapia production system in Tanzania. Under improved Nile tilapia production systems, returns are high enough to justify investment through borrowed capital from formal institutions.
Buddhism and Caste in India and Sri Lanka
Authors: Samuels Jeffrey 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThis article examines the place of caste in Buddhism in India and Sri Lanka. In addition to suggesting a way of reconciling divergent attitudes toward caste in the Pali canon and several Sanskrit texts, this article explores the role that caste has played in the creation of new monastic lineages in eighteenth‐, nineteenth‐, and twentieth‐century Sri Lanka, as well as its role in monastic patronage and temple building in contemporary Sri Lanka.