bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolation and characterization of nuclear microsatellite loci for the common green darner dragonfly Anax junius (Odonata: Aeshnidae) to constrain patterns of phenotypic and spatial diversity
Authors: MATTHEWS JOHN H. , BOLES SANDRA , PARMESAN CAMILLE , JUENGER THOMAS 
Published: February 2007

AbstractFourteen polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed from an enriched genomic library of the widely distributed migratory North American dragonfly species, the common green darner (Anax junius). For a group of 22 larvae, these loci averaged 16 alleles, with individual loci ranging from nine to 29 alleles. Observed heterozygosity averaged 0.784 per locus.
IMPROVING GLOBAL HEALTH: COUNTING REASONS WHY
Authors: SELGELID MICHAEL J. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper examines cumulative ethical and self‐interested reasons why wealthy developed nations should be motivated to do more to improve health care in developing countries. Egalitarian and human rights reasons why wealthy nations should do more to improve global health are that doing so would (1) promote equality of opportunity, (2) improve the situation of the worst‐off, (3) promote respect of the human right to have one’s most basic needs met, and (4) reduce undeserved inequalities in well‐being. Utilitarian reasons for improving global health are that this would (5) promote the greater good of humankind, and (6) achieve enormous benefits while requiring only small sacrifices. Libertarian reasons are that this would (7) amend historical injustices and (8) meet the obligation to amend injustices that developed world countries have contributed to. Self‐interested reasons why wealthy nations should do more to improve global health are that doing so would (9) reduce the threat of infectious diseases to developed countries, (10) promote developed countries’ economic interests, and (11) promote global security. All of these reasons count, and together they add up to make an overwhelmingly powerful case for change. Those opposed to wealthy government funding of developing world health improvement would most likely appeal, implicitly or explicitly, to the idea that coercive taxation for redistributive purposes would violate the right of an individual to keep his hard‐earned income. The idea that this reason not to improve global health should outweigh the combination of rights and values embodied in the eleven reasons enumerated above, however, is implausibly extreme, morally repugnant and perhaps imprudent.
The endocardial extent of reperfused first‐time myocardial infarction is more predictive of pathologic Q waves than is infarct transmurality: a magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Engblom Henrik , Carlsson Minna B. , Hedström Erik , Heiberg Einar , Ugander Martin , Wagner Galen S. , Arheden Håkan 
Published: February 2007

SummaryBackground  Historically, Q‐wave myocardial infarction (MI) has been equated with transmural MI. This association have, however, recently been rejected. The endocardial extent of MI is another potential determinant of pathological Q waves, since the first part of the QRS complex where the Q wave appears reflects depolarization of subendocardial myocardium. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that endocardial extent of MI is more predictive of pathological Q waves than is MI transmurality and to investigate the relationship between QRS scoring of the ECG and MI characteristics.Methods  Twenty‐nine patients with reperfused first‐time MI were prospectively enrolled. One week after admission, delayed contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DE‐MRI) was performed and 12‐lead ECG was recorded. Size, transmurality and endocardial extent of MI were assessed by DE‐MRI. Q waves were identified with Minnesota coding and electrocardiographic MI size was estimated by QRS scoring of the ECG.Results  There was a significant difference between patients with and without Q waves with regard to MI size (P = 0·03) and endocardial extent of MI (P = 0·01), but not to mean and maximum MI transmurality (P = 0·09 and P = 0·14). Endocardial extent was the only independent predictor of pathological Q waves. Endocardial extent of MI was most strongly correlated to QRS score (r = 0·86, P<0·001) of the MI variables tested.Conclusion  The endocardial extent of reperfused first‐time acute MI is more predictive of pathological Q waves than is MI transmurality.
Primary biliary cirrhosis and Henoch–Schonlein purpura: report of two cases and review of the literature
Authors: Gatselis Nikolaos K. , Stefos Angelos , Gioti Chrisa , Rigopoulou Eirini I. , Dalekos George N. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe describe, for the first time, two adult patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) who presented palpable purpuric lesions on the lower extremities and buttocks. Skin biopsy was consistent with Henoch–Schonlein purpura (HSP). One of the patients exhibited renal and gastrointestinal involvement, as well. A favourable outcome was achieved in both the patients (after treatment with prednisolone only in the patient with renal and gastrointestinal manifestations). The possible pathophysiological relationships between PBC and HSP – particularly on the significance of the IgA antimitochondrial autoantibodies – are discussed. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first two cases of HSP, which developed in PBC patients. Therefore, this case study suggests that HSP may be rarely involved in the extensive list of immune‐mediated diseases associated with PBC.
Study of the efficacy and mechanism of ALA‐mediated photodynamic therapy on human hepatocellular carcinoma cell
Authors: Yow C. M. N. , Wong C. K. , Huang Z. , Ho R. J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectives: To examine the efficacy and mechanism of δ‐ or 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA)‐mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) on a human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line.Materials and methods: The optimal uptake of photosensitizer ALA in HepG2 (p53 wild) cells was investigated by means of spectrometric measurement. Cell viability was determined by trypan blue exclusion assay. Morphological apoptotic changes in HepG2 cells before and after ALA‐mediated PDT were determined by microscopic examination. Detection of apoptotic bodies was examined by DAPI staining. The changes in p53 expression were revealed by the immunostaining method.Results: ALA/protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) was mainly located in the cytoplasm of HepG2 cells. The maximal cellular uptake occurred after 18 h in vitro incubation. The photocytotoxic assay showed that ALA PDT induced 80% killing at 2 mM drug dose and 2 J/cm2 light intensity. Up to 70% of cells showed membrane blebbing and positive DAPI staining, indicating that ALA–PDT‐mediated cell death was predominantly via apoptosis. In addition, p53 was upregulated after treatment, implying that p53 might evoke apoptotic cell death.Conclusions: HepG2 cell line is sensitive to ALA‐mediated PDT. ALA–PDT induces apoptosis in the HepG2 cell line that may be mediated by a p53‐dependent pathway.
Treatment of hydatid bronchobiliary fistulas: 30 years of experience
Authors: Tocchi Adriano , Mazzoni Gianluca , Miccini Michelangelo , Drumo Andrea , Cassini Diletta , Colace Lidia , Tagliacozzo Sandro 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackground: Bronchobiliary fistula (BBF) is an uncommon but severe complication of hydatid disease of the liver. Operation is considered the treatment of choice but the most appropriate operation is uncertain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the early and long‐term outcomes following different surgical procedures.Methods: A retrospective evaluation of 31 patients with BBF was performed. Surgical access consisted of laparotomy, thoracotomy or a thoracoabdominal (TA) incision. Surgical procedures for the treatment of the cyst were classified as conservative or radical.Results: Radical treatment including lung resection and pericystectomy was performed in all patients in whom the surgical exposure was obtained by either thoracotomy or TA. Of the patients treated by laparotomy, two had a pericystectomy, and four had drainage of the cyst. There were two deaths among the seven thoracotomy patients and one among the 18 TA patients. Pleural effusion was observed in six of the TA, two of the thoracotomy, and three of the laparotomy patients. Biliary fistula occurred in two of the five thoracotomy patients surviving operation and in two laparotomy patients (2/6). Progression of the lung disease was observed in four laparotomy patients and in one thoracotomy patient.Conclusions: The better outcome achieved in TA patients is the result of the simultaneous radical treatment of all the pathological aspects of BBF.
Serum osteoprotegerin and its ligand in cirrhotic patients referred for orthotopic liver transplantation: relationship with metabolic bone disease
Authors: Monegal Ana , Navasa Miquel , Peris Pilar , Alvarez Luisa , Pons Francesca , Rodés Joan , Guañabens Nuria 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAims: A prospective study was carried out in 22 cirrhotic patients referred for orthotopic liver transplantation, in order to analyze serum osteoprotegerin (OPG) and RANKL levels and their relationship with metabolic bone disease.Methods: Serum levels of OPG and RANKL were measured in all patients as well as bone markers, serum parathyroid hormone and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels. OPG and RANKL values were compared with those obtained in 29 healthy controls. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine and proximal femur was measured by dual X‐ray absorptiometry and spinal X‐rays were obtained to assess vertebral fractures.Results: Serum OPG levels were higher in cirrhotic patients than in controls (6.4±2 vs 2.7±0.7 pmol/l; P=0.001) and RANKL serum levels were lower in cirrhotic patients (0.215±0.6 vs 1.012±1.2 pmol/l; P=0.002), with an increased OPG:RANKL ratio when compared with the control group (280.3±334.5 vs 113±137.6; P=0.04). Ten patients had osteoporosis (45%) and up to 45% skeletal fractures. No differences were found in OPG levels between patients with and without osteoporosis by densitometric criteria or fractures. Negative correlations were found between OPG levels and femoral neck (R−0.46; P=0.03) and total hip BMD (R−0.48; P=0.025). By contrast, OPG values were not related to markers of bone turnover.Conclusions: OPG values are elevated in cirrhotic patients before liver transplantation, particularly in those with low bone mass at the proximal femur.
Effect of iron depletion on serum markers of fibrogenesis, oxidative stress and serum liver enzymes in chronic hepatitis C: results of a pilot study
Authors: Alexander Jacob , Tung Bruce Y. , Croghan Anne , Kowdley Kris V. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackground: Hepatic iron deposition has been associated with decreased response to interferon‐α monotherapy, and has been speculated to contribute to disease progression in chronic hepatitis C (CHC). We performed this study to evaluate the effect of iron depletion on biochemical and virologic markers, and markers of lipid peroxidation and fibrogenesis.Materials and Methods: Eighteen patients with CHC who did not have a virologic response to interferon monotherapy underwent weekly phlebotomies until iron depletion (serum ferritin <50 ng/ml). Serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), hepatitis C virus‐RNA, transferrin saturation, ferritin, 8‐isoprostane, hylauronic acid, amino‐terminal procollagen III peptide and YKL‐40 were measured before and after iron depletion.Results: There was a statistically significant reduction of serum ALT, transferrin saturation and serum ferritin after iron depletion (range 4–11 phlebotomies). Serum ALT returned to normal after iron depletion in four (22%) patients. There was a significant reduction in serum procollagen III peptide level among patients who achieved biochemical response. No significant reduction was noted in serum levels of other markers.Conclusions: Iron depletion was associated with a biochemical response in 22% of patients who did not respond to interferon monotherapy. There was a significant reduction in a key marker of fibrogenesis among patients with biochemical response. These data support longer‐term studies of iron depletion in CHC.
The deterioration of children in ward areas in a specialist children’s hospital
Authors: Tume Lyvonne 
Published: February 2007

AbstractResearch in adult patients, in the last decade, has highlighted suboptimal care and failures in the recognition of sick adults in ward areas. In addition, many of these patients (at least 50%) demonstrated documented evidence, on observation charts, of clinical deterioration in the 24–48 h preceding cardiopulmonary arrest or emergency intensive care unit admission. However, there is little published data on whether these findings apply to children (0–17 years). The aim of the study was to examine the extent of inpatient deterioration and critical care unit admission within a children’s hospital based in the North West of England, during a 4‐month period. The design included a prospective chart review of clinical observations. As noted in adult patients, there is considerable documented evidence (in terms of abnormal vital signs) of physiological deterioration in the 24 h preceding intensive care or high‐dependency unit admission. The use of a Paediatric Early Warning (PEW) tool could potentially have identified 87% of these children of being ‘at risk’ of deterioration. It is recommended that a PEW tool be incorporated into the routine paediatric ward observation charts and practice to identify children ‘at risk’ of deterioration.
Visits to intensive care unit patients – frequency, duration and impact on outcome
Authors: Eriksson Thomas , Bergbom Ingegerd 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe issue of the presence of patients’ loved ones during their intensive care unit (ICU) stay is a frequently discussed topic among ICU staff. Today, ICU patients’ loved ones are seen as important for the care of the patient. There is a gap in knowledge and research concerning the frequency and duration of visits by loved ones and the effect of such visits on patient outcome. The aim of this study was to explore the frequency and duration of loved ones’ visits and whether or not such visits have an impact on patient outcome. A prospective, explorative observational study design was used. The sample included 198 ICU patients from a general ICU in Sweden. Twenty‐five per cent of the patients had no visitors whatsoever. Forty‐seven per cent of the patients who had visitors had visits of ≤0·5 h/day, 36% had visits of between 0·6 and 2 h/day and 17% had visits of >2 h/day. The most frequent visitors were spouses and children. Significant differences between the groups were that the patients who had no visitors were older, had a shorter ICU stay, lower nine equivalents of nursing manpower score and more often lived alone. There were no significant differences in mortality and length of hospital stay over time. We could not establish that patients who had no visitors had a poorer outcome. Most of the older patients had no visitors, which indicates that elderly people may have a poorer social network; thus, there may be a greater need for professional caring relationships and care planning.
Commentary: Hillman K, Chen J, et al. (2005). Introduction of the medical emergency team (MET) system: a cluster‐randomised controlled trial
Authors: Odell Mandy 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPatients with cardiac arrests or who die in general wards have often received delayed or inadequate care. We investigated whether the medical emergency team (MET) system could reduce the incidence of cardiac arrests, unplanned admissions to intensive care units (ICU) and deaths. We randomized 23 hospitals in Australia to continue functioning as usual (n= 11) or to introduce a MET system (n= 12). The primary outcome was the composite of cardiac arrest, unexpected death or unplanned ICU admission during the 6‐month study period after MET activation. Analysis was by intention to treat. Introduction of the MET increased the overall calling incidence for an emergency team (3·1 versus 8·7 per 1000 admissions, p= 0·0001). The MET was called to 30% of patients who fulfilled the calling criteria and who were subsequently admitted to the ICU. During the study, we recorded similar incidence of the composite primary outcome in the control and MET hospitals (5·86 versus 5·31 per 1000 admissions, p= 0·640), as well as of the individual secondary outcomes (cardiac arrests, 1·64 versus 1·31, p= 0·736; unplanned ICU admissions, 4·68 versus 4·19, p= 0·599; and unexpected deaths, 1·18 versus 1·06, p= 0·752). A reduction in the rate of cardiac arrests (p= 0·003) and unexpected deaths (p= 0·01) was seen from baseline to the study period for both groups combined. The MET system greatly increases emergency team calling but does not substantially affect the incidence of cardiac arrest, unplanned ICU admissions or unexpected death. Abstract reprinted from the The Lancet volume 365, Hillman K et al., ‘Introduction of the medical emergency team (MET) system…’, pages 2091–7. © 2005, with permission from Elsevier.
Experimental studies of mineralogical assemblages of metasedimentary rocks at Earth's mantle transition zone conditions
Authors: DOBRZHINETSKAYA L. F. , GREEN H. W. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractMetasedimentary rocks, a major component of the continental crust, are abundant within ultra‐high pressure (UHP) metamorphic terranes related to continental collisions. The presence of diamond, coesite, and relics of decompressed minerals in these rocks suggests that they were subducted to a depth of more than 150–250 km. Reconnaissance experiments at 9–12 GPa and 1000–1300 °C on compositions corresponding to felsic rocks from diamond‐bearing UHP terranes of Germany and Kazakhstan show that at higher pressures they consist of majoritic garnet, Al‐Na‐rich clinopyroxene, stishovite, solid solution of KAlSi3O8‐NaAlSi3O8 hollandite, topaz‐OH, and TiO2 with α‐PbO2 structure. Comparison of our data with experiments conducted by others at similar P–T conditions shows differences, which are due to variations in bulk chemistry and the type of starting material (gel, oxides, minerals). These differences may affect correct establishment of the ‘point of no return’ of subducted continental lithologies. This paper discusses the implication of the experimental data with regard to naturally existing UHP metamorphic rocks and their significance for our understanding of the deep subduction of continental material.
The Effect of Brushing on Surface Roughness of Denture Lining Materials
Authors: Oliveira Luciana Valadares , Mesquita Marcelo Ferraz , Henriques Guilherme Elias Pessanha , Consani Rafael Leonardo Xediek 
Published: February 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test the effect of brushing on surface roughness of two resilient liners (Luci Sof and Sofreliner) compared with an acrylic resin (QC 20).
Materials and Methods: Twenty specimens of each material were prepared (25 mm × 14 mm × 3 mm). Ten specimens served as controls and were stored in distilled water and not brushed. The remaining ten specimens were subjected to mechanical brushing, using an MSEt plus machine to simulate brushing at a rate of 5.0 strokes per second (30,000 cycles). Surface roughness measurements were recorded before and after brushing. Random samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscope. Data collected were analyzed by a two‐way analysis of variance using material and treatment as variables, followed by Tukey's test (α= 0.05).
Results: Initial surface roughness of materials indicated that QC 20 was the smoothest (0.13 μm), and Luci Sof the roughest (0.68 μm). Sofreliner had an intermediate value (0.31 μm). All materials were significantly different. Mechanical brushing significantly increased surface roughness in all the materials. Although there was no statistical difference between QC 20 and Luci Sof after mechanical brushing (0.88 and 1.00 μm, respectively), both differed significantly from Sofreliner (7.74 μm).
Conclusion: The two resilient liners and the acrylic resin became rougher, to a greater or lesser extent, when subjected to mechanical brushing.
Plasticity of olfactory‐guided behaviour and its neurobiological basis: lessons from moths and locusts
Authors: Anton Sylvia , Dufour Marie‐Cécile , Gadenne Christophe 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe sense of smell plays an important role in guiding the behaviour of many animals including insects. The attractiveness of a volatile is not only dependent on the nature of the chemical, but might change with the physiological status (e.g., age/hormone or mating status) or environmental conditions (e.g., photoperiod or temperature) of the individual. Here we summarize our studies focused on the plasticity of olfactory‐guided behaviour and its neurobiological basis linked with the physiological status in Lepidoptera and migratory locusts. In moths and locusts, age and juvenile hormone changed the behavioural responses to pheromones. In moths, mating had an effect on pheromone responses in males and plant odour responses in females. In all cases of behavioural plasticity studied, we found changes in the sensitivity of olfactory interneurons in the antennal lobe, whereas the peripheral system does not seem to show any plasticity in that context. Changes in the central nervous system were slow under the influence of juvenile hormone (days) or fast after mating (minutes). The olfactory system seems thus to adapt to the physiological or environmental situation of an animal to avoid a waste of energy. We discuss possible mechanisms underlying the observed plasticity.
Experimental demonstration of close‐range olfaction and contact chemoreception in the Brazilian harvestman,Iporangaia pustulosa
Authors: Willemart Rodrigo H. , Chelini Marie‐Claire 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe studied the ability to detect food by close‐range olfaction and contact chemoreception in the harvestmanIporangaia pustulosaMello‐Leitão (Opiliones: Laniatores: Gonyleptidae). We first tested the reaction of individuals towards tasteless (pure agar), aversive (agar with salt), and food‐intake stimulating substrates (agar with saccharose). Only the substrate containing saccharose was consumed. Contact (mainly with legs II) was necessary for detection of the agar and, before ingestion, the stimulus was always tapped with legs I. In the second experiment, we observed the behavior of individuals in an arena with a screened plastic box containing pieces ofTenebrio molitorL. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae. Individuals spent more time on the box containing food than on the control. In the third experiment, in an arena identical to that used in Experiment 2, we introduced a live but motionlessT. molitorlarva in the box. There was no difference between experimental and control treatments. We also observed the behavior ofI. pustulosain an arena containing live isopods. In first capture attempts, isopods were only detected upon contact, mainly with legs I. Our results suggest that (i)I. pustulosais capable of detecting food only by its chemical properties; (ii) food with weak odor may not be detected by close‐range olfaction; and (iii) legs I and II are important for food detection but, before ingestion, legs I are used to examine potential food items.