bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of high‐fat diet on the renal structure and morphometric parametric of kidneys in rats
Authors: Altunkaynak Muhammed Eyüp , Özbek Elvan , Altunkaynak Berrin Zuhal , Can İsmail , Unal Deniz , Unal Bunyami 
Published: May 2008

AbstractTo characterize the kidney in a high‐fat‐induced obesity model, we examined the renal structure of adult Sprague–Dawley rats fed a control diet or a high‐fat diet for 3 months. Ten adult female Sprague–Dawley rats were fed a diet consisting highly of fat (30%) for a period of 3 months. Ten control rats were maintained with standard rat chow. All animals were weighed every 10 days for 3 months. At the end of the experiment, the naso‐anal length of the anaesthetized rats was measured to calculate body mass index, and subsequently whole kidneys of intracardially formalin‐perfused animals were removed. Quantitative features of the kidney were analysed with the Cavalieri and physical dissector methods applied to serial paraffin sections. Kidney samples were also examined histologically. The body mass indices of the control and treatment groups were 4.528 ± 0.242 and 5.876 ± 0.318 kg m−2, respectively. The difference between the body mass indices of the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.01, Mann–Whitney U‐test), suggesting that the animals fed with a high‐fat diet may be overweight. Stereological examination of the kidneys revealed differences in kidney weight, total kidney volume, volume of cortex, medulla, glomeruli, proximal and distal tubules, and numerical density of glomeruli and glomerular height in the treatment group compared with the control group. Light microscopic investigation showed a dilatation in blood vessels and Bowman's space, mononuclear cell infiltration, degeneration in nephrons, including glomerulosclerosis and tubular defects, and an increase in the connective tissue in the kidneys in the treatment group. We concluded that a fatty diet is responsible for the rats’ obesity and may lead to renal deformities as a result of histopathological changes such as dilatation, tubular defects, inflammation and connective tissue enlargement of the kidney.
Osteology and taxonomic revision of Hyphalosaurus (Diapsida: Choristodera) from the Lower Cretaceous of Liaoning, China
Authors: Gao Ke‐Qin , Ksepka Daniel T. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAlthough the long‐necked choristodere Hyphalosaurus is the most abundant tetrapod fossil in the renowned Yixian Formation fossil beds of Liaoning Province, China, the genus has only been briefly described from largely unprepared specimens. This paper provides a thorough osteological description of the type species Hyphalosaurus lingyuanensis and the con‐generic species Hyphalosaurus baitaigouensis based on the study of fossils from several research institutions in China. The diagnoses for these two species are revised based on comparison of a large sample of specimens from the type area and horizon of each of the two species. The skull, better known in H. baitaigouensis, exhibits key choristodere synapomorphies including an elongate contact between the prefrontals and posteriorly expanded supratemporal fenestrae that strongly support the placement of the highly derived hyphalosaurids within Choristodera. Both species of Hyphalosaurus share a proportionally small head, an elongate neck, a relatively unspecialized appendicular skeleton and a long, dorsoventrally heightened tail. Soft tissue preservation in several specimens provides rare insight into the integument of an extinct group. The integument of Hyphalosaurus is made up of small polygonal scales with several parasagittal rows of large, keeled, ovoid scutes. These possibly ornamental scutes bear a strong resemblance to the rows of large scutes in the monjurosuchid choristodere Monjurosuchus splendens. Observations from a variety of growth stages reveal that significant ontogenetic change in the proportions of the body and limb bones occurred in both species of Hyphalosaurus.
Morphofunctional responses to anaemia in rat skeletal muscle
Authors: Esteva Santiago , Panisello Pere , Casas Mireia , Torrella Joan Ramon , Pagés Teresa , Viscor Ginés 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAdult male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly assigned to two groups: control and anaemic. Anaemia was induced by periodical blood withdrawal. Extensor digitorum longus and soleus muscles were excised under pentobarbital sodium total anaesthesia and processed for transmission electron microscopy, histochemical and biochemical analyses. Mitochondrial volume was determined by transmission electron microscopy in three different regions of each muscle fibre: pericapillary, sarcolemmal and sarcoplasmatic. Muscle samples sections were also stained with histochemical methods (SDH and m‐ATPase) to reveal the oxidative capacity and shortening velocity of each muscle fibre. Determinations of fibre and capillary densities and fibre type composition were made from micrographs of different fixed fields selected in the equatorial region of each rat muscle. Determination of metabolites (ATP, inorganic phosphate, creatine, creatine phosphate and lactate) was done using established enzymatic methods and spectrophotometric detection. Significant differences in mitochondrial volumes were found between pericapillary, sarcolemmal and sarcoplasmic regions when data from animal groups were tested independently. Moreover, it was verified that anaemic rats had significantly lower values than control animals in all the sampled regions of both muscles. These changes were associated with a significantly higher proportion of fast fibres in anaemic rat soleus muscles (slow oxidative group = 63.8%; fast glycolytic group = 8.2%; fast oxidative glycolytic group = 27.4%) than in the controls (slow oxidative group = 79.0%; fast glycolytic group = 3.9%; fast oxidative glycolytic group = 17.1%). No significant changes were detected in the extensor digitorum longus muscle. A significant increase was found in metabolite concentration in both the extensor digitorum longus and soleus muscles of the anaemic animals as compared to the control group. In conclusion, hypoxaemic hypoxia causes a reduction in mitochondrial volumes of pericapillary, sarcolemmal, and sarcoplasmic regions. However, a common proportional pattern of the zonal distribution of mitochondria was maintained within the fibres. A significant increment was found in the concentration of some metabolites and in the proportion of fast fibres in the more oxidative soleus muscle in contrast to the predominantly anaerobic extensor digitorum longus.
Understanding population structure and dynamics in threatened crayfish
Authors: Scalici M. , Belluscio A. , Gibertini G. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThis study aimed to improve our knowledge of the population status and dynamics of Austropotamobius pallipes, by applying length‐based fish stock assessment approaches based on the analysis of polymodal size–frequency distributions and mark–recapture datasets. Analysis of nearly 8000 crayfish collected from May to October of the years 2001–2004 showed a well‐structured population and a low growth rate, the latter showing evident seasonality in both sexes (with high value of amplitude and winter point). Moreover, sexual differences were found, because females have higher growth rates than males. This analysis also showed that A. pallipes is a long‐lived species, with an expected lifetime of 10 years, and a mortality rate affected by illegal harvesting. The results obtained in this study by length–frequency analysis are the same as those obtained by approaches based on recapture. Statistical evidences showed that the growth rate is affected by latitude, the former increasing with a decrease of the latter, probably as a result of the associated different environmental and climatic conditions. Dynamics studies are useful for planning monitoring, and could have a role in introduction programmes and control of reintroduced individuals during any restocking project. Considerations of population dynamics can be used to derive generalizations on the stress and exploitation grade of a stock, based on the concept that dynamics are strictly related to biological processes and to the adaptation of a species to its habitat. Through a survey of a body size, it is possible to avoid the use of invasive techniques for ageing crayfish and recapture methods that can cause a certain degree of stress. We discuss and underline the importance of using polymodal frequency analysis in order to determine important parameters in population structure and dynamics and further population properties of great usefulness for the monitoring and preservation of threatened crayfish.
Natterer's bats prefer foraging in broad‐leaved woodlands and river corridors
Authors: Smith P. G. , Racey P. A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWe studied habitat selection by radio tracking Natterer's bats Myotis nattereri foraging in a grassland–woodland landscape. We tested the hypothesis that selection of foraging habitat is random at two levels: firstly, the selection of individual foraging ranges and secondly, the choice of foraging habitats made by individuals within these foraging ranges. Habitat selection was random at neither level. When selecting foraging ranges, bats maximized the area of semi‐natural broad‐leaved woodland and improved grassland and minimized that of dense coniferous plantations. During foraging, semi‐natural broad‐leaved woodland and river corridors were preferred, while dense coniferous plantations were avoided. Within individual foraging ranges, the intensity of foraging activity over river corridor habitat and semi‐natural broad‐leaved woodland was 8.2 and 3.8 times higher, respectively, than that over improved grassland. For successful management of Natterer's bat populations, semi‐natural broad‐leaved woodland should be retained. Clear felling of large blocks of native broad‐leaved woodland should be avoided and conifers should not be used for reforestation. Tree cover along river banks should be encouraged and protected.
Assessment of exercise capacity in women with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Segerström Åsa B. , Glans Forouzan , Eriksson Karl‐Fredrik , Groop Leif , Thorsson Ola , Wollmer Per 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe primary aim of this study was to compare the maximal oxygen uptake as evaluated from a submaximal exercise test (EVO2peak) to direct measurements of VO2peak during a maximal exercise test as means of monitoring the aerobic endurance capacity in women with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Twenty‐seven women with T2D participated in the study. The program consisted of combined group training 1 h twice a week during 12 weeks and walks 1 h per week. EVO2 max was estimated using a submaximal exercise test on a bicycle ergometer ad modumÅstrand. VO2peak and maximal work rate were measured using an incremental maximal exercise test on an electrically braked bicycle ergometer at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks. EVO2peakwas higher than VO2peakat baseline and significantly higher at 12 weeks (EVO2peak1·92 ± 0·54 l min−1, VO2peak 1·41 ± 0·36, P < 0·005). Maximal work rate increased significantly after 12 weeks (12 ± 15, P < 0·005) compared to baseline. The main finding of this study was that EVO2peak assessed using a submaximal exercise test, systematically overestimated VO2peak. The combined group training increased maximal work rate but not VO2peak. This is likely to reflect peripheral adaptation to exercise and/or improved mechanical efficiency.
Comparison of three dielectric moisture sensors for measurement of water in saline sandy soil
Authors: Inoue M. , Ould Ahmed B. A. , Saito T. , Irshad M. , Uzoma K. C. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe number of sensor types available for measuring soil water content has increased but investigations to compare their performance in saline soils needs clarification. In this study the performance of commercially available, low‐cost soil moisture sensors [time domain reflectometry (TDR), PR1 and WET], all measuring changes in the dielectric constant of the soil water, was evaluated under laboratory conditions in a saline sandy soil. The three sensors were also tested in the same sandy soil growing drip irrigated sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. cv. Moench) in a greenhouse. Plants were irrigated daily with either saline water (ECw: 9.4 dS/m) or fresh water (0.11 dS/m). The volume of irrigation was equivalent to 100% of the pan evaporation. The results showed that measurement accuracy was strongly dependent on the salinity of the soil. The PR1 sensor overestimated volumetric water content (θ) when the salinity level exceeded 4 dS/m [root mean square of the standard error (RMSE) = 0.009 cm3/cm3]. The WET sensor significantly overestimated θ irrespective of the salinity level (RMSE = 0.014 cm3/cm3). The TDR sensor estimated θ with more accuracy (RMSE = 0.007 cm3/cm3) and thus can be considered as more reliable than the other two sensors. The calibrations were strongly affected by the salinity level of the water, so we recommend that calibration equations are modified to take account of salinity.
Segmental Pulmonary Vein Ablation: Success Rates with and without Exclusion of Areas Adjacent to the Esophagus
Authors: KETTERING KLAUS , WEIG HANS‐JOERG , BUSCH MATHIAS , LASZLO ROMAN , SCHREIECK JUERGEN 
Published: May 2008

Background: Catheter ablation has become the first line of therapy in patients with symptomatic recurrent, drug‐refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). The occurrence of an atrioesophageal fistula is a rare but serious complication after AF‐ablation procedures. This risk is even present during segmental pulmonary vein (PV) ablation procedures because the esophagus does frequently have a very close anatomical relationship to the right or left PV ostia. The aim of the present study was to analyze whether the exclusion of areas adjacent to the esophagus does have a significant effect on the success rates after segmental pulmonary vein ablation procedures.
Methods: Forty‐three consecutive patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF were enrolled in this study. In all patients, a segmental PV ablation procedure was performed. The procedures were facilitated by a 3D real‐time visualization of the circumferential mapping catheter placed in the pulmonary veins using the NavX™ system (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA; open irrigated tip ablation catheter; 43°C; 30 W). In 21 patients, a complete ostial PV isolation was attempted regardless of the anatomical relationship between the ablation sites and the esophagus (group A). In the remaining 22 patients, the esophagus was marked by a stomach tube and areas adjacent to the esophagus were excluded from the ablation procedure (group B). After discharge, patients were scheduled for repeated visits at the arrhythmia clinic at 1, 3, and 6 months after the ablation procedure.
Results: The segmental pulmonary vein ablation procedure could be performed as planned in all patients. In group A, all pulmonary veins could be isolated successfully in 14 out of 21 patients (67%). A mean number of 3.7 pulmonary veins (SD ± 0.5 PVs) were isolated per patient. The main reasons for an incomplete PV isolation were: small diameter of the PVs, side branches close to the ostium, or poorly accessible PV ostia. In group B, all PVs could be isolated successfully in only 12 out of 22 patients (55%; P = 0.54). A mean number of 3.2 PVs (SD ± 0.9 PVs) were isolated per patient (P = 0.05). This was mostly due to a close anatomical relationship to the esophagus. The ablation strategy had to be modified in 16/22 patients in group B because of a close anatomical relationship between the left (n = 10) or right (n = 6) PV ostia and the esophagus. After 3 months, the percentage of patients free from an AF recurrence was not significantly different between the two groups (90% vs 95%; P = 0.61). After 6 months, there was no significant difference between the success rates either (81% vs 82%; P = 1.0). There were no major complications in both groups.
Conclusions: The exclusion of areas adjacent to the esophagus results in a moderately higher percentage of incompletely isolated PVs. However, it does not have a significant effect on the AF recurrence rate during short‐term and mid‐term follow‐up.
The COGNITION Study Rationale and Design: Influence of Closed Loop Stimulation on Cognitive Performance in Pacemaker Patients
Authors: WIEGAND UWE , NUERNBERG MICHAEL , MAIER SEBASTIAN K.G. , WEISS CHRISTIAN , SANCHO–TELLO MARÍA–JOSÉ , HARTMANN ANDREAS , SCHUCHERT ANDREAS , MAIER PETRA , CHAN NGAI‐YIN 
Published: May 2008

Background: Several studies showed the beneficial effect of pacemaker implantation on cognitive performance in patients with bradycardia. But it has never been investigated if patients with chronotropic incompetence may improve their cognitive performance if treated by a rate‐adaptive system reacting to mental stress in comparison to the most frequently used accelerometer‐driven pacing.
Methods: The randomized, single‐blind, multicenter COGNITION study evaluates if closed loop stimulation (CLS) offers incremental benefit in the speed of cognitive performance and the overall well‐being of elderly patients with bradycardia compared with accelerometer‐based pacing. Four hundred chronotropically incompetent patients older than 55 years will be randomized 3–6 weeks after implantation to CLS or accelerometer sensor. Follow‐up visits are performed after 12 and 24 months. The speed of cognitive performance, which is the underlying function influencing all other aspects of cognitive performance, will be assessed by the number connection test, a standardized psychometric test for the elderly. Secondary endpoints include patient self‐assessment of different aspects of health (by visual analogue scales), quality of life (by SF‐8 health survey), the incidence of atrial fibrillation (episodes lasting for longer than 24 hours), and the frequency of serious adverse events.
Conclusion: In the ongoing COGNITION study, we aim at long‐term comparison of two rate‐adaptive systems, focusing on the cognitive performance of the patients, which was neglected in the past evaluation of pacemaker sensors.
Evaluation of Injury Databases as a Preliminary Step to Developing a Triage Decision Rule
Authors: Scheetz Linda J. , Zhang Jane , Kolassa John E. , Allen Patricia , Allen Michael 
Published: May 2008

Purpose:

To evaluate accessibility and appropriateness of the Crash Outcomes Data Evaluation Systems (CODES) databases for prehospital trauma triage decision‐rule development for people age 65 years and older.
Design and Methods:

This informatics feasibility study included five steps for evaluating the accessibility of CODES databases. Eight criteria were used to evaluate the appropriateness of these databases for older person prehospital trauma triage decision‐rule development.
Findings:

Only 4 of the 33 states funded for CODES database development released their data to the study team during the 13‐month data‐acquisition period. Potential predictor variables (of life‐threatening injury) and outcome variables (need for trauma center care) were identified for each database. Several databases had large amounts of missing data. Codebooks were available but descriptions of data validation procedures were unavailable.
Conclusions:

At this time, limited access to and development of CODES databases and missing data preclude the usefulness of these databases for older person triage decision rule development. Although adequate funding must be appropriated for continued CODES development, and commitment from individual states is essential, these databases offer great promise as a mechanism for decision‐rule development to guide triage decision‐making. Investigators should systematically evaluate large databases before using them in secondary analyses for clinical decision rule development.
Clinical Relevance:

Nurses participate in the planning, development, and implementation of health information systems in various settings. They also assume important roles in prehospital care as direct care providers, EMS administrators, participants of local and state EMS councils where emergency care problems are discussed and policies are formulated, and through use at state and federal levels.
Predictors of Home Healthcare Nurse Retention
Authors: Ellenbecker Carol Hall , Porell Frank W. , Samia Linda , Byleckie James J. , Milburn Michael 
Published: May 2008

Purpose:

To examine the level of job satisfaction and test a theoretical model of the direct and indirect effects of job satisfaction, and individual nurse and agency characteristics, on intent to stay and retention for home healthcare nurses.
Design:

A descriptive correlation study of home healthcare nurses in six New England states.
Methods:

Home healthcare nurse job satisfaction self‐report data was collected with the HHNJS survey questionnaire & Retention Survey Questionnaire.
Findings:

Based on a structural equation model, job tenure and job satisfaction were the strongest predictors of nurse retention.
Conclusions:

Understanding the variables associated with home healthcare nurse retention can help agencies retain nurses in a time of severe nurse shortages and increased patient demand.
Clinical Relevance:

Predicted nursing shortages and increasing demand have made the retention of experienced, qualified nursing staff essential to assure access to high‐quality home healthcare services in the future.
Health Beliefs and Mammography Rates of Turkish Women Living in Rural Areas
Authors: Avci Ilknur Aydin , Kurt Hatice 
Published: May 2008

Objectives

: Breast cancer is the most frequently occurring cancer among women globally as well as in Turkey and mammography is known to be an effective screening tool for this disease. This study was undertaken to characterize health beliefs and practices related to mammography of women in Turkey and also to survey mammography rates.
Design

: Cross‐sectional. The study was performed between September 2006 and January 2007 in Samsun, Turkey. Of 503 women, aged 35 years or older and registered at a local Health Center, 387 (76.94%) agreed to participate in this study.
Methods

: A self‐administered descriptive questionnaire and the Champion Revised Health Belief Model Scale for breast cancer screening (CHBMS) were used as data collection instruments. Analysis included descriptive statistics, Chi‐square, and independent t test. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the extent to which individual variables significantly predicted mammography use.
Results

: Study participants did not undergo mammography at optimal rates (23.5%), but perceived benefits were higher than were perceived barriers to the procedure after education about mammography. Consequently women reported they were likely to adopt the practice of regular mammography in the future.
Conclusions

: Mammography rates were low in this rural area in Turkey, but may improve after education about the procedure.
Clinical Relevance

: Mammography is an important tool in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. Many women still do not understand the benefit of mammograms and further education may help increase rates of early screening.