bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED COMPARISON OF SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF NICARDIPINE AND NITROPRUSSIDE DRIP FOR CONTROL OF HYPERTENSION IN THE NEUROSURGICAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT
Authors: Roitberg Ben Z. , Hardman Julian , Urbaniak Klaudia , Merchant Amina , Mangubat Erwin Z. , Alaraj Ali , Mlinarevich Nada , Watson Karriem S. , Ruland Sean 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE
The calcium channel blocker nicardipine (NC) is effective for acute control of hypertension. However, efficacy and safety in neurosurgical patients have not been evaluated. We sought to compare NC with the most commonly used agent, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), in patients with subarachnoid or intracerebral hemorrhage.

METHODS
We performed a prospective randomized comparison of the safety and efficacy of NC and SNP in patients with subarachnoid or intracerebral hemorrhage. We assessed the number of dose adjustments per patient day, proportion of time within set blood pressure parameters, use of additional medications for blood pressure control, clinical outcome, and drug-related complications.

RESULTS
Two hundred patients were screened and 163 patients were randomized, including 89 in the SNP group and 74 in the NC group. In 107 patients, intravenous blood pressure control was started; 60 of these patients received SNP and 47 received NC. When analyzed by intent to treat, patients randomized to NC had fewer dose adjustments per day: 5.7 versus 8.8 in the nitroprusside group (P = 0.0012, Wilcoxon rank-sum test). There were fewer additional medications per day to maintain blood pressure control in the NC group: 1.4 versus 1.9 for SNP (P = 0.043, Wilcoxon rank-sum test). Blood pressure control was similar (NC, 66% of the time within parameters; SNP, 69%). “As-treated” analysis maintained the apparent advantage of NC.

CONCLUSION
When used for control of hypertension in patients with subarachnoid or intracerebral hemorrhage, NC and SNP were both safe and effective, but patients on an NC drip required fewer dose adjustments and fewer additional medications.
PITUICYTOMA
Authors: Wolfe Stacey Quintero , Bruce Jocelyn , Morcos Jacques J. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVEPituicytoma is a rare but distinct low-grade glioma of the neurohypophysis. To date, we have found only 28 cases reported in the literature and have reviewed these in addition to our own case to delineate the clinical implications of this relatively recently defined tumor.CLINICAL PRESENTATIONA 71-year-old woman presented with bitemporal hemianopsia and was found to have a large sellar tumor, resembling a pituitary adenoma. Transsphenoidal resection was attempted but was complicated by significant tumor vascularity. Pathology at that time was interpreted as a “granular cell tumor.” The patient was then referred to our institution for management of the residual tumor.INTERVENTIONThe patient underwent preoperative embolization to decrease tumor vascularity, and subtotal tumor resection was performed via a craniofacial approach. Postoperatively, the patient has enjoyed significantly improved visual fields despite residual tumor. No adjuvant treatment was given. There has been no regrowth of the residual tumor, as shown on magnetic resonance imaging, over a follow-up period of 1.5 years. The final pathological diagnosis was pituicytoma.CONCLUSIONPituicytomas are benign, slow-growing tumors that seem to be cured by gross total resection. The role of radiation therapy is controversial. We advocate an aggressive surgical approach with possible preoperative embolization to reduce the vascularity of the tumor.
TRANSIENT INHIBITION OF MOTOR FUNCTION INDUCED BY THE CAVITRON ULTRASONIC SURGICAL ASPIRATOR DURING BRAIN MAPPING
Authors: Carrabba Giorgio , Mandonnet Emmanuel , Fava Enrica , Capelle Laurent , Gaini Sergio M. , Duffau Hugues , Bello Lorenzo 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE
We report, for the first time, the occurrence of interference between a Cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA) and intraoperative brain mapping performed by direct electrical stimulation (DES).

METHODS
Intraoperative polygraphic recordings (electrocorticogram and electromyogram) were gathered from a 44-year-old patient harboring a recurrent Grade II oligoastrocytoma operated on with the aid of a CUSA and DES.

RESULTS
Simultaneous use of CUSA and DES at the subcortical level in proximity to the corticospinal tract brought about the abolition of previously evident motor responses. This abolition was fully reversible after the CUSA was turned off. An analogous pattern of motor response inhibition was evident when the DES was applied cortically and the CUSA was used subcortically close to motor pathways. Interestingly, the authors had already observed a similar phenomenon in many patients when the CUSA was used for resection of lesions located within or in proximity to subcortical language pathways. In this setting, the CUSA induced transient speech disturbances that were confirmed afterwards by the DES. This interference with language and motor mapping might be interpreted as a transitory inhibition of axonal conduction.

CONCLUSION
The clinical significance of this interference is relevant when the CUSA and DES are used simultaneously for motor mapping because the CUSA can decrease the sensitivity of the brain mapping technique. Further studies will be required to determine the neurophysiological mechanism underlying this interference.
An evaluation of the Enhanced Thinking Skills (ETS) programme with mentally disordered offenders in a high security hospital
Authors: Tapp James , Fellowes Emma , Wallis Nicola , Blud Linda , Moore Estelle 
Published: August 2008

Purpose. Further to evidence of the successful application of cognitive skills programmes with offenders in HM prison service, the Enhanced Thinking Skills (ETS) training course is now delivered in various secure forensic hospitals, and its usefulness with an offender patient population merits examination. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of ETS using measures designed to capture change in key areas targeted by the course, and a more global measure of mental well‐being.Methods. Offender patients (N = 83) referred for ETS between 2001 and 2006 via a wider groupwork service within a high security hospital were administered questionnaires before and after the training course, which was minimally adjusted to meet the needs of the patient population. Attendance rates, including ‘drop‐out’ (completion of 10 or less sessions) were recorded. Demographics by subgroup (completers vs. non‐completers), and the clinical significance of any changes endorsed by participants post‐group were examined.Results. ETS completers were significantly more likely than non‐completers to endorse changes in thinking style (e.g. a reduction in post‐course scores). Significant differences were observed at both the group and individual level in the direction of less externalization of blame, a slight increase in tolerance of frustration, an increase in social conformity, and improvement in critical reasoning skills. Furthermore there was a reduction in the endorsement of aggressive solutions to social problems.Conclusions. These findings demonstrate a significant short‐term impact of the course for mentally disordered offenders with regards change in aspects of their thinking style and enhancement of their social problem solving skills. This profile lends some support to the provision of ETS within secure hospital settings.
Psychiatric morbidity and treatment pathway outcomes of patients presenting to specialist NHS psychodynamic psychotherapy services: Results from a multi‐centre study
Authors: Chiesa Marco. , Fonagy Peter. , Bateman Anthony W. , Mace Chris. 
Published: August 2008

Objective. Little is known about socio‐demographic, diagnostic, and clinical characteristics of patients referred for assessment to psychodynamic psychotherapy services. The aim of this study was to remedy this by prospectively collecting comprehensive and systematic demographic and clinical information on a large number of patients referred to NHS psychodynamic psychotherapy services.Design. Fourteen psychotherapy services operating within a National Health Service joined the study and contributed data for 1,136 patients referred from primary and secondary care clinics.Method. Patients were assessed using questionnaires and self‐rated measures, which included the clinician‐based version of the diagnostic form of the Millon clinical multi‐axial inventory‐III‐revised edition (MCMI‐III‐R), the brief symptom inventory (BSI), the inventory of interpersonal problems (IIP), and the clinical outcome in routine evaluation (CORE). The pathway from assessment through to treatment and variables associated with treatment uptake and exclusion are described and examined.Results. Most patients were in the moderate to severe range of psychiatric severity at the time of presentation. Ninety‐five percent met clinically based criteria for a psychiatric disorder (mostly anxiety and mood disorders) and/or personality disorder. Although the majority of patients were found suitable for treatment (N=935, 82%), analysis of uptake showed relatively high rates of treatment rejection by patients and treatment drop‐out. Partial outcome data at 6‐month follow‐up after intake into treatment revealed significant change but modest effect size (d=0.35).Conclusion. Systematic collection of baseline and outcome data would provide a national database of the performance of psychotherapy services that would be invaluable in facilitating comparative studies.
Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping of Genome Regions Controlling Permethrin Resistance in the Mosquito Aedes aegypti
Authors: Saavedra-Rodriguez Karla , Strode Clare , Flores Suarez Adriana , Fernandez Salas Ildefonso , Ranson Hilary , Hemingway Janet , Black William C 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
The mosquito Aedes aegypti is the principal vector of dengue and yellow fever flaviviruses. Permethrin is an insecticide used to suppress Ae. aegypti adult populations but metabolic and target site resistance to pyrethroids has evolved in many locations worldwide. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling permethrin survival in Ae. aegypti were mapped in an F3 advanced intercross line. Parents came from a collection of mosquitoes from Isla Mujeres, México, that had been selected for permethrin resistance for two generations and a reference permethrin-susceptible strain originally from New Orleans. Following a 1-hr permethrin exposure, 439 F3 adult mosquitoes were phenotyped as knockdown resistant, knocked down/recovered, or dead. For QTL mapping, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified at 22 loci with potential antixenobiotic activity including genes encoding cytochrome P450s (CYP), esterases (EST), or glutathione transferases (GST) and at 12 previously mapped loci. Seven antixenobiotic genes mapped to chromosome I, six to chromosome II, and nine to chromosome III. Two QTL of major effect were detected on chromosome III. One corresponds with a SNP previously associated with permethrin resistance in the para sodium channel gene and the second with the CCEunk7o esterase marker. Additional QTL but of relatively minor effect were also found. These included two sex-linked QTL on chromosome I affecting knockdown and recovery and a QTL affecting survival and recovery. On chromosome II, one QTL affecting survival and a second affecting recovery were detected. The patterns confirm that mutations in the para gene cause target-site insensitivity and are the major source of permethrin resistance but that other genes dispersed throughout the genome contribute to recovery and survival of mosquitoes following permethrin exposure.
The Rate and Character of Spontaneous Mutation in Thermus thermophilus
Authors: Mackwan Reena R , Carver Geraldine T , Kissling Grace E , Drake John W , Grogan Dennis W 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Selection of spontaneous, loss-of-function mutations at two chromosomal loci (pyrF and pyrE) enabled the first molecular-level analysis of replication fidelity in the extremely thermophilic bacterium Thermus thermophilus. Two different methods yielded similar mutation rates, and mutational spectra determined by sequencing of independent mutants revealed a variety of replication errors distributed throughout the target genes. The genomic mutation rate estimated from these targets, 0.00097 ± 0.00052 per replication, was lower than corresponding estimates from mesophilic microorganisms, primarily because of a low rate of base substitution. However, both the rate and spectrum of spontaneous mutations in T. thermophilus resembled those of the thermoacidophilic archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, despite important molecular differences between these two thermophiles and their genomes.
Rtf1-Mediated Eukaryotic Site-Specific Replication Termination
Authors: Eydmann T , Sommariva E , Inagawa T , Mian S , Klar A J S , Dalgaard J Z 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
The molecular mechanisms mediating eukaryotic replication termination and pausing remain largely unknown. Here we present the molecular characterization of Rtf1 that mediates site-specific replication termination at the polar Schizosaccharomyces pombe barrier RTS1. We show that Rtf1 possesses two chimeric myb/SANT domains: one is able to interact with the repeated motifs encoded by the RTS1 element as well as the elements enhancer region, while the other shows only a weak DNA binding activity. In addition we show that the C-terminal tail of Rtf1 mediates self-interaction, and deletion of this tail has a dominant phenotype. Finally, we identify a point mutation in Rtf1 domain I that converts the RTS1 element into a replication barrier of the opposite polarity. Together our data establish that multiple protein DNA and protein–protein interactions between Rtf1 molecules and both the repeated motifs and the enhancer region of RTS1 are required for site-specific termination at the RTS1 element.
A “FLP-Out” System for Controlled Gene Expression in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Voutev Roumen , Hubbard E Jane Albert 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
We present a two-part system for conditional FLP-out of FRT-flanked sequences in Caenorhabditis elegans to control gene activity in a spatially and/or temporally regulated manner. Using reporters, we assess the system for efficacy and demonstrate its use as a cell lineage marking tool. In addition, we construct and test a dominant-negative form of hlh-12, a gene that encodes a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor required for proper distal tip cell (DTC) migration. We show that this allele can be conditionally expressed from a heat-inducible FLP recombinase and can interfere with DTC migration. Using the same DTC assay, we conditionally express an hlh-12 RNAi-hairpin and induce the DTC migration defect. Finally, we introduce a set of traditional and Gateway-compatible vectors to facilitate construction of plasmids for this technology using any promoter, reporter, and gene/hairpin of interest.
HP1 Is Distributed Within Distinct Chromatin Domains at Drosophila Telomeres
Authors: Frydrychova Radmila Capkova , Mason James M , Archer Trevor K 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Telomeric regions in Drosophila are composed of three subdomains. A chromosome cap distinguishes the chromosome end from a DNA double-strand break; an array of retrotransposons, HeT-A, TART, and TAHRE (HTT), maintains telomere length by targeted transposition to chromosome ends; and telomere-associated sequence (TAS), which consists of a mosaic of complex repeated sequences, has been identified as a source of gene silencing. Heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) and HP1-ORC-associated protein (HOAP) are major protein components of the telomere cap in Drosophila and are required for telomere stability. Besides the chromosome cap, HP1 is also localized along the HTT array and in TAS. Mutants for Su(var)205, the gene encoding HP1, have decreased the HP1 level in the HTT array and increased transcription of individual HeT-A elements. This suggests that HP1 levels directly affect HeT-A activity along the HTT array, although they have little or no effect on transcription of a white reporter gene in the HTT. Chromatin immunoprecipitation to identify other heterochromatic proteins indicates that TAS and the HTT array may be distinct from either heterochromatin or euchromatin.
The multiple-wing-hairs Gene Encodes a Novel GBD–FH3 Domain-Containing Protein That Functions Both Prior to and After Wing Hair Initiation
Authors: Yan Jie , Huen David , Morely Terri , Johnson Glynnis , Gubb David , Roote John , Adler Paul N 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
The frizzled signaling/signal transduction pathway controls planar cell polarity (PCP) in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Epistasis experiments argue that in the Drosophila epidermis multiple wing hairs (mwh) acts as a downstream component of the pathway. The PCP proteins accumulate asymmetrically in pupal wing cells where they are thought to form distinct protein complexes. One is located on the distal side of wing cells and a second on the proximal side. This asymmetric protein accumulation is thought to lead to the activation of the cytoskeleton on the distal side, which in turn leads to each cell forming a single distally pointing hair. We identified mwh as CG13913, which encodes a novel G protein binding domain–formin homology 3 (GBD–FH3) domain protein. The Mwh protein accumulated on the proximal side of wing cells prior to hair formation. Unlike planar polarity proteins such as Frizzled or Inturned, Mwh also accumulated in growing hairs. This suggested that mwh had two temporally separate functions in wing development. Evidence for these two functions also came from temperature-shift experiments with a temperature-sensitive allele. Overexpression of Mwh inhibited hair initiation, thus Mwh acts as a negative regulator of the cytoskeleton. Our data argued early proximal Mwh accumulation restricts hair initiation to the distal side of wing cells and the later hair accumulation of Mwh prevents the formation of ectopic secondary hairs. This later function appears to be a feedback mechanism that limits cytoskeleton activation to ensure a single hair is formed.
Increase in Quantitative Variation After Exposure to Environmental Stresses and/or Introduction of a Major Mutation: G × E Interaction and Epistasis or Canalization?
Authors: Zhang Xu-Sheng 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Why does phenotypic variation increase upon exposure of the population to environmental stresses or introduction of a major mutation? It has usually been interpreted as evidence of canalization (or robustness) of the wild-type genotype; but an alternative population genetic theory has been suggested by J. Hermisson and G. Wagner: “the release of hidden genetic variation is a generic property of models with epistasis or genotype–environment interaction.” In this note we expand their model to include a pleiotropic fitness effect and a direct effect on residual variance of mutant alleles. We show that both the genetic and environmental variances increase after the genetic or environmental change, but these increases could be very limited if there is strong pleiotropic selection. On the basis of more realistic selection models, our analysis lends further support to the genetic theory of Hermisson and Wagner as an interpretation of hidden variance.
Free Radical Injury and Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability in Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Mittal Roopali , Khanna Hari Dev , Basu Sriparna 
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVES. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the extent of free radical injury in newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy by measuring plasma levels of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide and to assess the blood-brain barrier permeability by measuring the cerebrospinal fluid albumin/plasma albumin ratio.METHODS. This prospective observational study was conducted over a period of 2 years at Sir Sundarlal Hospital, Banaras Hindu University. The study population consisted of 43 term neonates with perinatal asphyxia who subsequently developed hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Twenty normal gestational age- and gender-matched healthy infants without any perinatal asphyxia served as control subjects. Peripheral venous blood samples were analyzed for malondialdehyde, total plasma nitrates/nitrites, and albumin levels between 12 and 24 hours of life. To assess the blood-brain barrier permeability, the cerebrospinal fluid albumin/plasma albumin ratio was measured. Correlation among the levels of malondialdehyde, nitrates/nitrites, and blood-brain barrier permeability was calculated. Data were analyzed by using SPSS 10 software.RESULTS. Plasma malondialdehyde and nitrate/nitrite levels were significantly higher in infants with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy compared with control subjects. Although there was a progressive increment in plasma levels of malondialdehyde with increasing severity of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, the differences were not statistically significant. Plasma nitrate/nitrite levels were almost similar in all stages of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Plasma albumin levels were comparable in infants with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and control subjects, whereas cerebrospinal fluid albumin levels and blood-brain barrier permeability were significantly higher in infants with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Significant correlation was observed between plasma malondialdehyde and nitrate/nitrite levels with blood-brain barrier permeability.CONCLUSIONS. Increased plasma levels of malondialdehyde and nitrates/nitrites are found to be associated with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, indicating the possible role of free radical injury in its causation. Increased blood-brain barrier permeability may be another contributory factor to the progression of the disease.
Comparing Nose-Throat Swabs and Nasopharyngeal Aspirates Collected From Children With Symptoms for Respiratory Virus Identification Using Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Lambert Stephen B. , Whiley David M. , O'Neill Nicholas T. , Andrews Emily C. , Canavan Fiona M. , Bletchly Cheryl , Siebert David J. , Sloots Theo P. , Nissen Michael D. 
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVES. The objective of this study was to calculate sensitivity values for the detection of major respiratory viruses of childhood by using combined nose-throat swabs and nasopharyngeal aspirates.
METHODS. Children who had symptoms and presented to a pediatric teaching hospital and had a diagnostic respiratory specimen collected were enrolled, and paired nose-throat swab and nasopharyngeal aspirate specimens were collected. Parents were asked to collect the nose-throat swab specimen in the first instance but could defer to a health care worker if unwilling. Nose-throat swab collectors were asked to rate perceived quality of collection. All nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected by a health care worker by using a standard protocol. Real-time polymerase chain reaction for 8 respiratory viruses was performed in our hospital's diagnostic laboratory.
RESULTS. Paired nose-throat swab/nasopharyngeal aspirate specimens were collected during 303 illnesses, with at least 1 respiratory virus identified in 186 (61%). For the major pathogens of childhood, influenza A virus and respiratory syncytial virus, collection by using the nose-throat swab had a sensitivity of 91.9% and 93.1%, respectively. A health care worker collected 219 (72%) of the nose-throat swab specimens; concordance with the nasopharyngeal aspirate was not related to health care worker collection or perceived quality of collection.
CONCLUSIONS. Nose-throat swab specimens, in combination with sensitive molecular testing, are a less invasive diagnostic respiratory specimen with adequate sensitivity for use in the clinic and hospital outpatient settings and large-scale community studies through parent collection. For children who present to a hospital in which an avian or pandemic strain of influenza virus is reasonably part of the differential diagnosis, nasopharyngeal aspirates or a similar collection technique (eg, nasal washes) should continue to be used.