bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Second‐trimester fetal growth and the risk of poor obstetric and neonatal outcomes
Authors: Fox N. S. , Huang M. , Chasen S. T. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo compare outcomes of fetuses with an estimated fetal weight (EFW) < 25th percentile in the second trimester to those in fetuses with EFW ≥ 25th percentile in the second trimester.MethodsWe compared outcomes of 252 pregnancies with an EFW < 25th percentile at 18–24 weeks' gestation with those of 265 controls. All pregnancies had early dating by ultrasonography. We excluded fetuses with aneuploidy, major malformations, second‐trimester rupture of membranes, and multiple pregnancies.ResultsSecond‐trimester EFW < 25th percentile was significantly associated with higher rates of fetal or neonatal death, third‐trimester small for gestational age (SGA), Doppler abnormalities, indicated preterm birth, gestational hypertension or pre‐eclampsia before labor, lower birth weight, birth weight < 10th percentile, birth weight < 5th percentile, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. Many of these associations remained even after excluding patients with oligohydramnios, fetal echogenic bowel, and growth asymmetry.ConclusionSecond‐trimester SGA, as defined by an EFW < 25th percentile using current growth curves, is associated with poor obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Increased surveillance of such pregnancies may be necessary. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A compositional Petri net translation of general
π
-calculus terms
Authors: Devillers Raymond , Klaudel Hanna , Koutny Maciej 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

We propose a finite structural translation of possibly recursive
π
-calculus terms into Petri nets. This is achieved by using high-level nets together with an equivalence on markings in order to model entering into recursive calls, which do not need to be guarded. We view a computing system as consisting of a main program (
π
-calculus term) together with procedure declarations (recursive definitions of
π
-calculus identifiers). The control structure of these components is represented using disjoint high-level Petri nets, one for the main program and one for each of the procedure declarations. The program is executed once, while each procedure can be invoked several times (even concurrently), each such invocation being uniquely identified by structured tokens which correspond to the sequence of recursive calls along the execution path leading to that invocation.
Entire spacelike radial graphs in the Minkowski space, asymptotic to the light-cone, with prescribed scalar curvature
Authors: Bayard Pierre , Delanoë Philippe 
Published: April 2008

We prove the existence and uniqueness in

\mathbb{R}^{n,1}

of entire spacelike hypersurfaces contained in the future of the origin

O

and asymptotic to the light-cone, with scalar curvature prescribed at their generic point

M

as a negative function of the unit vector pointing in the direction of

\overrightarrow{OM}

, divided by the square of the norm of

\overrightarrow{OM}

(a dilation invariant problem). The solutions are seeked as graphs over the future unit-hyperboloid emanating from

O

(the hyperbolic space); radial upper and lower solutions are constructed which, relying on a previous result in the Cartesian setting, imply their existence.

Résumé

On prouve l'existence et l'unicité dans

\mathbb{R}^{n,1}

d'hypersurfaces entières de genre espace contenues dans le futur de l'origine

O

et asymptotes au cône de lumière, dont la courbure scalaire est prescrite au point générique

M

comme fonction négative du vecteur unité pointant en direction de

\overrightarrow{OM}

, divisée par le carré de la norme du vecteur

\overrightarrow{OM}

(un problème invariant par homothétie). Les solutions sont cherchées comme graphes sur l'hyperboloïde-unité futur émanant de

O

(l'espace hyperbolique) ; des solutions supérieure et inférieure radiales sont construites qui, d'après un résultat antérieur en cartésien, impliquent l'existence de telles solutions.
Genetic polymorphism of the type A human natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR‐A) gene contributes to the interindividual variability in the BNP system
Authors: Weber Michael , Burian Maria , Dragutinovic Ivana , Moellmann Helge , Nef Holger , Elsaesser Albrecht , Mitrovic Veselin , Hamm Christian , Geisslinger Gerd 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAims:To analyse the contribution of recently described genetic polymorphisms in the human natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR‐A) to the interindividual variability in the BNP system.Methods and results:We evaluated NT‐proBNP in 402 subjects, including healthy controls (n=93), patients with acute coronary syndrome (n=194) and heart failure (n=115). Three polymorphic sites encoding six common haplotypes of the NPR‐A receptor gene, including three haplotypes in the 5′ region (CT11, CT10 and CT6) and three haplotypes in the 3′ region (3‐plus, 4‐minus and 4‐plus), were studied.The frequency of the identified “4‐minus” haplotype was higher in control subjects with high NT‐proBNP (>75th percentile) levels as compared to those with low NT‐proBNP levels (15.2% vs. 5.7%, p<0.05). In the control subjects, carriers of the “‐plus/4‐minus” genotype had about 2‐fold higher median NT‐proBNP levels than individuals with other genetic variants (142pg/ml (88–371pg/ml) vs. 71pg/ml (35–111pg/ml, p=0.011). In contrast, in patients with cardiovascular disorders no relation between NT‐proBNP and the described polymorphisms was observed.Conclusion:The “4‐minus” haplotype of the NPR‐A receptor gene is associated with high NT‐proBNP values and is a genetic determinant of the interindividual variability in the BNP system in healthy individuals but probably not in patients with cardiovascular disorders.
Haemodynamics and left ventricular function in heart failure patients: Comparison of awake versus intra‐operative conditions
Authors: ten Brinke Ellen A. , Klautz Robert J. , Tulner Sven A. , Engbers Frank H. , Verwey Harriette F. , Atsma Douwe E. , Schalij Martin J. , van der Wall Ernst E. , Bax Jeroen J. , Putter Hein , Dion Robert A. , Steendijk Paul 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground:Heart failure patients are increasingly subjected to surgery. Left ventricular (LV) function is generally assessed in awake patients, but intra‐operative LV function is not well studied.Aim:To investigate the relation between LV function indices obtained in the catheterization laboratory and those obtained intra‐operatively.Methods:We enrolled 11 patients with heart failure (NYHA III–IV) scheduled for surgical interventions. LV function was assessed by pressure–volume loops (conductance catheter) during diagnostic catheterizations and intra‐operatively under anaesthetized conditions.Results:Compared to awake conditions, cardiac output was unchanged intra‐operatively but ejection fraction was significantly reduced (–16%) due to increased end‐diastolic volume (+13%). Systolic and diastolic LV pressure and afterload (EA) dropped significantly (–32%, −22%, −35%, respectively). LV systolic function assessed by dP/dtMAX and the end‐systolic pressure–volume relation (EES) was significantly reduced (–34%, −35%). LV diastolic stiffness was reduced (–44%). Ventricular–arterial coupling (EA/EES) was maintained.Conclusion:Intra‐operative cardiac output was unchanged compared to awake conditions due to a balance between reduced systolic and improved diastolic function. Ventricular–arterial coupling was maintained by a reduced afterload. Presumably, systolic function and afterload were reduced by anaesthesia, whereas diastolic function improved after pericardectomy. These findings provide insight into the combined effects of anaesthesia, thoracotomy and pericardectomy, and help to interpret LV function measurements in intra‐operative conditions.
Changes of RAPD profile of Trypanosoma cruzi II with Canova and Benznidazole
Authors: Aleixo Denise Lessa , Ferraz Fabiana Nabarro , de Melo Carolina Sundin , Gomes Mônica Lúcia , Toledo Max Jean , Kaneshima Edílson Noboyoshi , Bersani-Amado Ciomar Aparecida , Araújo Silvana Marques 
Published: April 2008

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, involves immunomediated processes. Canova (CA) is a homeopathic treatment indicated in the diseases in which the immune system is depressed. This study evaluated the Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) profile of T. cruzi under the influence of CA and Benznidazole (BZ). Mice infected with the genetic lineage of T. cruzi II (Y strain) were divided into 4 groups:Infected animals treated with saline solution (control group); treated with CA; treated with BZ; treated with CA and BZ combined.Treatment was given at the 5th–25th days of infection (D5–25). The parasites were isolated by haemoculture in Liver Infusion Tryptose (LIT) medium: at D5 (before treatment), D13, 15 and 25 (during treatment) and D55 and 295 (after treatment). DNA was extracted from the mass of parasites. RAPD was done with the primers λgt11-F, M13F-40 and L15996, the amplified products were eletrophoresed through a 4% polyacrylamide gel. Data were analyzed by the coefficient of similarity using the DNA-POP program.163 markers were identified, 5 of them monomorphic. CA did not act against the parasites when used alone. The RAPD profiles of parasites treated with BZ and CA + BZ were different from those in the control group and in the group treated with CA. The actions of the CA and BZ were different and the action of BZ was different from the action of CA + BZ. These data suggest that CA may interact with BZ. The differences in the RAPD profile of the Y strain of T. cruzi produced by BZ, CA + BZ and the natural course of the infection suggest selection/suppression of populations.
Petroleum: a series of 25 cases
Authors: Gnaiger-Rathmanner J. , Schneider A. , Loader B. , Böhler M. , Frass M. , Singer S.R. , Oberbaum M. 
Published: April 2008

This study is based on 25 well documented reports of cases which responded well to treatment with Petroleum. Materia medica data were compared with results in contemporary clinical practice. Many patients had characteristic skin problems; children often had recurrent or chronic upper respiratory tract problems. The most prominent mental feature is a quiet, withdrawn or stubborn disposition. The mental symptoms may be difficult to recognise.Detailed documentation in daily practice can be helpful for preserving data of the effect of a medicine; confirmation of statements given in materia medica; improving understanding of homeopathic medicines and differentiating the indications for medicines.
Caregivers' assessments of preference‐based quality of life in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Karlawish Jason H. , Zbrozek Art , Kinosian Bruce , Gregory Annemarie , Ferguson Allison , Low Dominique V. , Glick Henry A. 
Published: April 2008

BackgroundThis study was designed to evaluate the feasibility, reliability, and validity of use of caregivers' ratings of two health preference measures as outcomes for cost‐effectiveness analyses in persons with very mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD).MethodsCaregivers completed ratings of preference for AD patients' health by use of the EuroQol‐5D system (EQ‐5D) and the Health Utilities Index Mark 2 (HUI2). They also rated patients' cognition, mood, burden, AD‐specific and generic health‐related quality of life (QOL), and activities of daily living.ResultsCaregivers' HUI2 scores were reliable. Neither the caregiver ratings of the patients' health by use of the EQ‐5D nor the HUI2 had a relationship with severity of cognitive impairment. Both the EQ‐5D and the HUI2 had expected relationships with caregivers' assessments of patients' function, AD‐specific QOL, and physical and mental health and selected subscales of the measures of AD‐specific QOL and overall health. In addition, caregiver scores showed relationships with patient self‐rated function, mood, and physical health but not AD‐specific QOL. Caregiver burden was associated with caregivers' scores.ConclusionsCaregiver‐completed ratings of preference for patients' health made by use of the EQ‐5D and the HUI2 have many of the characteristics of valid preference measures. However, the lack of association with patient Mini‐Mental Status Exam scores and patient self‐rated AD‐specific QOL and the associations with caregiver subjective burden might present limitations to their use as proxy measures for cost‐effectiveness analyses.
Interference of β-eudesmol in nestmate recognition inAtta sexdens rubropilosa(Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Marinho C.G.S. , Della Lucia T.M.C. , Ribeiro M.M.R. , Magalhães S.T.V. , Guedes R.N.C. , Jham G.N. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractLeaf-cutter ant species (Attaspp.) are key pests of cultivated crops in the Neotropics, and recent studies have demonstrated that workers ofAttaspp., particularly ofAtta sexdens rubropilosa, exhibit aggressive behavior among nestmates when in contact with the sesquiterpene β-eudesmol, found in leaves ofEucalyptus maculata. However, the underlying mechanism sparking this behavior pattern has yet to be investigated. This work aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which this substance elicits aggression in workers ofA. sexdens rubropilosa. The results, thus obtained, showed that β-eudesmol is able to modify the chemical composition of the workers cuticle, impairing nestmate recognition, triggering alarm behavior and leading to nestmate aggression.
Cursorial spiders retard initial aphid population growth at low densities in winter wheat
Authors: Birkhofer K. , Gavish-Regev E. , Endlweber K. , Lubin Y.D. , von Berg K. , Wise D.H. , Scheu S. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractGeneralist predators contribute to pest suppression in agroecosystems. Spider communities, which form a substantial fraction of the generalist predator fauna in arable land, are characterized by two functional groups: web-building and cursorial (non-web-building) species. We investigated the relative impact of these two functional groups on a common pest (Sitobion avenae, Aphididae) in wheat by combining a molecular technique that revealed species-specific aphid consumption rates with a factorial field experiment that analyzed the impact, separately and together, of equal densities of these two spider functional groups on aphid population growth. Only cursorial spiders retarded aphid population growth in our cage experiment, but this effect was limited to the initial aphid-population growth period and low-to-intermediate aphid densities. The molecular analysis, which used aphid-specific primers to detect aphid DNA in predator species, detected the highest proportion of aphid-consuming individuals in two cursorial spiders: the foliage-dwelling Xysticus cristatus (Thomisidae) and the ground-active Pardosa palustris (Lycosidae). The results suggest that manipulating the community composition in favour of pest-consuming functional groups may be more important for improving biological control than fostering predator biodiversity per se. Agricultural management practices that specifically foster effective species or functional groups (e.g. mulching for cursorial spiders) should receive more attention in low-pesticide farming systems.
Stability and acoustic scattering in a cylindrical thin shell containing compressible mean flow
Authors: BRAMBLEY E. J. , PEAKE N. 
Published: April 2008

We consider the stability of small perturbations to a uniform inviscid compressible flow within a cylindrical linear-elastic thin shell. The thin shell is modelled using Flügge's equations, and is forced from the inside by the fluid, and from the outside by damping and spring forces. In addition to acoustic waves within the fluid, the system supports surface waves, which are strongly coupled to the thin shell. Stability is analysed using the Briggs–Bers criterion, and the system is found to be either stable or absolutely unstable, with absolute instability occurring for sufficiently small shell thicknesses. This is significantly different from the stability of a thin shell containing incompressible fluid, even for parameters for which the fluid would otherwise be expected to behave incompressibly (for example, water within a steel thin shell). Asymptotic expressions are derived for the shell thickness separating stable and unstable behaviour.We then consider the scattering of waves by a sudden change in the duct boundary from rigid to thin shell, using the Wiener–Hopf technique. For the scattering of an inbound acoustic wave in the rigid-wall section, the surface waves are found to play an important role close to the sudden boundary change. The solution is given analytically as a sum of duct modes.The results in this paper add to the understanding of the stability of surface waves in models of acoustic linings in aeroengine ducts. The oft-used mass–spring–damper model is regularized by the shell bending terms, and even when these terms are very small, the stability and scattering results are quite different from what has been claimed for the mass–spring–damper model. The scattering results derived here are exact, unique and causal, without the need to apply a Kutta-like condition or to include an instability wave. A movie is available with the online version of the paper.
Laryngopyocoele: simple management of an acute airway crisis
Authors: Mace A T M , Ravichandran S , Dewar G , Picozzi G L 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective:We present the first reported case of ultrasound-guided aspiration of a laryngopyocoele in a patient with acute airway obstruction.Case report:A 71-year-old woman was diagnosed with a right-sided laryngocoele. Six weeks later, the patient was admitted as an emergency with a three-day history of increasing dyspnoea and stridor. Neck examination revealed a large, right-sided, soft neck mass, centred at level III, measuring approximately 10 × 5 cm. Fibre-optic laryngoscopy revealed a large, smooth, inflamed, right supraglottic mass obscuring the laryngeal inlet. The patient was taken directly to the radiology department, where ultrasound imaging confirmed a laryngopyocoele. Under ultrasound guidance, a 21-G needle was directed into the cyst and 30 ml of pus was aspirated. The dysphonia and stridor resolved immediately. Six weeks later, the patient underwent definitive surgical excision of the laryngocoele.Conclusion:Laryngopyocoele is a rare diagnosis. It can present as an acute airway emergency. We present the first reported case managed by ultrasound-guided aspiration, which averted the need for endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy.
Acaroconium punctiforme gen. sp. nov., a new lichenicolous coelomycete on Acarospora species and Sarcogyne regularis
Authors: KOCOURKOVÁ Jana , HAWKSWORTH David L. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract:The coelomycete Acaroconium punctiforme gen. sp. nov. is
described from four members of the lichen-forming family Acarosporaceae, three species of Acarospora and Sarcogyne regularis. The new fungus is characterized by pycnidial conidiomata with a distinct ostiolar collar, enteroblastic conidiogenesis, and the production of simple brown conidia. The separation of the fungus from other somewhat similar pycnidial fungi growing on lichens and plant material is discussed.
Effects of interspecific competition on asexual proliferation and clonal genetic diversity in larval trematode infections of snails
Authors: KEENEY D. B. , BOESSENKOOL S. , KING T. M. , LEUNG T. L. F. , POULIN R. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYInteractions among different parasite species within hosts can be important factors shaping the evolution of parasite and host populations. Within snail hosts, antagonistic interactions among trematode species, such as competition and predation, can influence parasite abundance and diversity. In the present study we examined the strength of antagonistic interactions between 2 marine trematodes (Maritrema novaezealandensisandPhilophthalmussp.) in naturally infectedZeacumantus subcarinatussnails. We found approximately the same number of snails harbouring both species as would be expected by chance given the prevalence of each. However, snails infected with onlyM. novaezealandensisand snails withM. novaezealandensisandPhilophthalmussp. co-occurring were smaller than snails harbouring onlyPhilophthalmussp. In addition, the number ofPhilophthalmussp. rediae was not affected by the presence ofM. novaezealandensissporocysts and the within-host clonal diversity ofM. novaezealandensiswas not influenced by the presence ofPhilophthalmussp. Our results suggest that antagonistic interactions may not be a major force influencing the evolution of these trematodes and that characteristics such as host size and parasite infection longevity are shaping their abundance and population dynamics.
Health needs assessment tools: Progress and potential
Authors: Asadi-Lari Mohsen , Gray David 
Published: April 2008

Objectives:Health needs has attracted the interest of policy-makers, health economists, and health professionals as modern health services try to satisfy individual and population health needs to optimize resource utilization. Health needs can be assessed by administering various types of survey or interview-based instruments. If health needs are to be satisfied in changing health agendas in developed and developing countries, it is essential to employ valid and reliable tools. Despite the importance of needs assessment, no comprehensive review of tools is currently available. We carried out a literature search to define and categorize existing health needs assessment tools.Methods:We reviewed medical and social search engines for items containing specific health needs–related words to identify needs tools across a range of specialties. Papers were reviewed in terms of design, subject matter, psychometric features, and method of administration method.Results:Thirty-one employed in 52 studies including cancer, mental health, palliative care, multiple sclerosis, and cardiovascular disease tools were identified.Conclusions:This report summarizes available health needs instruments in a range of diseases to assist researchers in accessing health needs resources more easily and to encourage further research in this field.
Populating decision-analytic models: The feasibility and efficiency of database searching for individual parameters
Authors: Golder Su , Glanville Julie , Ginnelly Laura 
Published: April 2008

Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of searching selected databases to identify information required to populate a decision-analytic model.Methods: Methods of searching for information to populate a decision-analytic model were piloted using a case study of prophylactic antibiotics to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections in children. This study explored how the information requirements for a decision-analytic model could be developed into searchable questions and how search strategies could be derived to answer these questions. The study also assessed the usefulness of three published search filters and explored which resources might produce relevant information for the various model parameters.Results: Based on the data requirements for this case study, 42 questions were developed for searching. These questions related to baseline event rates, health-related quality of life and outcomes, relative treatment effects, resource use and unit costs, and antibiotic resistance. A total of 1,237 records were assessed by the modeler, and of these, 48 were found to be relevant to the model. Search precision ranged from 0 percent to 38 percent, and no single database proved the most useful for all the questions.Conclusions: The process of conducting specific searches to address each of the model questions provided information that was useful in populating the case study model. The most appropriate resources to search were dependent on the question, and multiple database searching using focused search strategies may prove more effective in finding relevant data than thorough searches of a single database.