bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Velocity tracking, a new and user independent method for detecting regional function of the left ventricle
Authors: Westholm Carl , Bjällmark Anna , Larsson Matilda , Jacobsen Per , Brodin Lars‐Åke , Winter Reidar 
Published: September 2008

SummaryBackground:  The use of two‐dimensional echocardiography (2D echo) for detection of ischaemia is limited due to high user dependency. Longitudinal motion is sensitive for ischaemia and usable for quantitative measurement of longitudinal myocardial function but time consuming. Velocity tracking (VeT) is a new method that gives an easy three‐dimensional understanding of both systolic and diastolic regional motion, using colour coded bull’s eye presentation of longitudinal velocity, derived from colour coded tissue Doppler. The aim of this study was to test the accuracy of VeT in detecting ischaemia in non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients bedside.Methods:  Twenty patients with NSTEMI and 10 controls were included. Echocardiography was performed within 24 h of symptoms and prior to coronary angiography. Bull’s eye plots presenting the peak systolic velocity (PSV) and the sum of PSV and the E‐wave‐velocity (PSV+E) were created using our developed software. VeT was compared to expert wall motion scoring (WMS) and bedside echo. We used the clinical conclusion based on ECG, angiography and clinical picture as ‘gold standard’.Results:  Sensitivity for ischaemia with VeT (PSV+E) was 85% and specificity 60%. The corresponding sensitivities for expert WMS were 75% (specificity 40%). For regional analysis VeT and WMS showed comparable results with correct regional outcome in 11/20 of patients both superior to bedside echo.Conclusion:  Velocity tracking is a promising technique that provides an easily understandable three‐dimensional bull’s eye plot for assessment of regional left ventricular longitudinal velocity with great potential for detection of regional dysfunction and myocardial ischaemia.
Life cycles of three Stomaphis species (Homoptera: Aphididae) observed in Kyoto, Japan: possible host alternation of S. japonica
Authors: TAKADA Hajimu 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAphids of the genus Stomaphis, which have a very long stylet, are parasitic on tree trunks and feed on phloem through thick xylem. Stomaphis japonica on Quercus acutissima, Q. serrata and Q. variabilis; S. yanonis on Celtis sinensis and Zelkova serrata; and S. malloti on Mallotus japonicus were surveyed every season from 1981 to 1998 at six sites situated in natural forests in Kyoto, Japan. From fragmentary observations, their life cycles were inferred and possible host alternation of S. japonica is discussed. Stomaphis yanonis and S. malloti are monoecious and holocyclic in Kyoto, as has also been observed near Tokyo and at Ise city, Mie Prefecture, respectively. Stomaphis japonica was found throughout the year on Q. serrata passing through a holocycle, but was found only from late May to mid‐November on Q. acutissima and Q. variabilis, where neither oviparae nor males occurred. Alatae flew to Q. acutissima and Q. variabilis in late May to mid‐June and settled there. However, all virginoparae emerged as alatae from October and left these trees in mid‐October to early November. These observations suggest that Stomaphis japonica in this area comprise two sympatric populations: a monoecious population living on Q. serrata all year round and a heteroecious population alternating between Q. serrata as a primary host and Q. acutissima and Q. variabilis as secondary hosts.
Genetic structure of Japanese populations of an ambrosia beetle, Xylosandrus germanus (Curculionidae: Scolytinae)
Authors: ITO Masaaki , KAJIMURA Hisashi , HAMAGUCHI Keiko , ARAYA Kunio , LAKATOS Ferenc 
Published: September 2008

AbstractWe examined the genetic structures of 13 Japanese populations of an ambrosia beetle, Xylosandrus germanus (Curculionidae: Scolytinae), to understand the effects of geographical barriers on the colonization dynamics of this species. The genetic structure was studied using portions of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene. A phylogenetic analysis revealed three distinct lineages (clades A, B and C) within X. germanus. Clade A contained 21 haplotypes from all 13 populations; whereas clade B contained eight haplotypes from Hokkaido (Sapporo and Furano), Iwate and Nagano populations; and clade C contained only a single a haplotype from the Hokkaido (Furano) population. In the analysis of molecular variance (amova), the greatest amount of genetic variation was detected between populations in Hokkaido and those in Honshu and other southern islands. Between these two groups of populations, all the values of the coefficient of gene differentiation were significantly larger than zero, except for the Hokkaido (Sapporo) versus Nagano comparison. Our results confirm that for X. germanus, gene flow has been interrupted between Hokkaido and Honshu since the last glacial maximum.
Diversity of pselaphine beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae) in eastern Thailand
Authors: SAKCHOOWONG Watana , NOMURA Shûhei , OGATA Kazuo , CHANPAISAENG Jariya 
Published: September 2008

AbstractPselaphine beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae) are cosmopolitan, species‐rich, and yet poorly studied, particularly in the tropics. We sampled beetles in three types of primary forest and two types of disturbed forest habitats in eastern Thailand to assess the utility of pselaphine beetles as bioindicators of forest disturbance. We simultaneously measured leaf litter mass, soil moisture, soil acidity and canopy cover at each site to infer which environmental factors affect pselaphine beetle diversity and abundance. At each site, pselaphine beetles were extracted from ten 1 m2samples of leaf litter and soil with Tullgren funnels. We sampled 1867 adult beetles representing six supertribes, 51 genera and 114 morphospecies; 7% of the genera and 92% of the species were undescribed. Forest types differed significantly in species richness, abundance, diversity and evenness. Primary forest had greater numbers of species and individuals, and higher diversity indices (H′). Teak plantation and secondary forest had substantially fewer individuals and species of pselaphine beetles. Species composition differed between primary and degraded forests. Canopy cover, soil moisture, and leaf litter mass positively correlated with beetle species richness and abundance. Leaf litter mass and soil moisture were the two most important factors affecting the diversity of pselaphine beetle assemblages. Among the 114 morphospecies collected, 43 morphospecies were specific to two or three habitats and 64 morphospecies were found only in a single habitat. Thus pselaphine beetles appear to have rather narrow habitat requirements and their presence/absence was correlated with environmental differences. These traits make pselaphine beetles a suitable bioindicator taxon for assessing forest litter diversity and monitoring habitat change.
Geographic variation in embryonic diapause, cold‐hardiness and life cycles in the migratory locust Locusta migratoria (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in China
Authors: TANAKA Seiji , ZHU Dao‐Hong 
Published: September 2008

AbstractTo investigate geographic adaptation of the migratory locust Locusta migratoria in China, locusts were collected from six localities, ranging from 47.4°N to 19.2°N. Using offspring from the various populations, we compared embryonic diapause, reproductive traits, cold‐hardiness and adult body size. The incidence of embryonic diapause was influenced by the genetic makeup, parental photoperiod, and incubation temperature of the eggs. The northern strain (47.4°N) produced diapause eggs under all photoperiodic conditions, whereas the other strains produced a higher proportion of diapause eggs when exposed to a short photoperiod. The incubation temperature greatly influenced diapause induction. At a low temperature, all eggs entered diapause, even some of those from a tropical strain (19.2°N) in which no diapause was induced at high temperatures. Photoperiodic changes during the parental generation affected the incidence of embryonic diapause. Diapause intensity decreased with decreasing original latitude. Cold hardiness was compared by exposing eggs in diapause to either −10 or −20°C for various periods; the northern strain was more cold‐hardy than the southern strain, although some eggs in the tropical strain were probably not in a state of diapause. Adult body size and head width showed a complicated pattern of variation along the latitudinal gradient, whereas egg pod size (egg pod width and egg number) and hatchling weight tended to decrease with decreasing latitude. These results reveal that L. migratoria has adapted to local environments and that the latitudinal gradient appears to play an important role in shaping L. migratoria life cycle and development.
Developmental Characteristics of Children Aged 1–6 Years With Food Refusal
Authors: Ünlü Gülşen , Aras Şahbal , Eminağaoğlu Neslihan , Büyükgebiz Benal , Bekem Özlem 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT
Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the sociodemographic and developmental characteristics of children with food refusal and children with no history of feeding problems.Design: Cross‐sectional case‐control study.Sample: 30 children aged 1–6 years who were seen in the outpatient clinics for food refusal formed the case group, and 30 healthy children matched for age, sex, and socioeconomic status formed the control group.Methods: Anthropometric indices and early developmental characteristics of all the children in the study were evaluated and also their developmental levels were determined using the Ankara Developmental Screening Inventory.Results: The mean age of children with food refusal was 42.4±17.6 months, and the male/female ratio was 12/18. Children with food refusal had shorter mean breastfeeding durations and lower mean birth weights, body mass index, percentage height for age, and percentage weight for height values than those of the controls. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in developmental delays.Conclusions: These results suggest that food refusal may be related to lower birth weight and shorter breastfeeding duration. Further research with larger samples is needed to clarify these relationships and the effects of feeding problems on the growth and development of children.
Susceptibility to Smoking Among White and Chinese Nonsmoking Adolescents in Canada
Authors: Chen Weihong , Bottorff Joan L. , Johnson Joy L. , Saewyc Elizabeth M. , Zumbo Bruno D. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT
Objective: To document the prevalence of susceptibility to smoking among a sample of White/Caucasian and Chinese Canadian adolescent nonsmokers, and to explore the factors that might explain who is susceptible to smoking.Design: This study used a secondary analysis of data from students participating in the British Columbia Youth Survey on Smoking and Health in 2001/2002.Sample: The sample included 1,870 10th and 11th graders who were nonsmokers with either a White or a Chinese ethnic background.Measurements: Questionnaire data consisted of demographic and social factors, previous smoking experience, and susceptibility to smoking.Results: Among the total sample, 27.7% were susceptible to smoking. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that 11th graders were less susceptible than 10th graders (odds ratio [OR]=0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.64–0.99), and girls were more susceptible than boys (OR=1.32, 95% CI 1.05–1.65). Ethnicity did not help to explain susceptibility to smoking in this study.Conclusions: The findings indicated the effects of gender and grade on predicting susceptibility to smoking. Even though the Chinese Canadian adolescents had the same risk of susceptibility to smoking as White/Caucasians, the factors that put them at risk may be different, which suggests the need to further examine the ethnic‐specific predictors of susceptibility to smoking.
Secondhand Tobacco Smoke Exposure, Nicotine Dependence, and Smoking Cessation
Authors: Okoli Chizimuzo T. C. , Browning Steven , Rayens Mary Kay , Hahn Ellen J. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT
Objective: To explore the association among the number of sources of secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) exposure, nicotine dependence (ND), and smoking cessation.Design: A secondary analysis of cross‐sectional data. Responses for the main study were obtained in 2001 from a controlled trial of the Quit and Win Tobacco Free Contest in Kentucky.Sample: 822 current smokers.Measurements: Demographic variables (age, gender, educational status, income, and ethnicity) the number of sources of SHS exposure, smoking frequency, length of abstinence from smoking, age of smoking initiation, smoking cessation attempts, intentions to quit smoking, and ND.Results: The number of sources of SHS exposure was associated with higher ND and smoking frequency, and related to low intentions and attempts to quit smoking. The number of sources of SHS exposure contributed to 11% of the variance in the final ND model, after accounting for control and potential mediating variables.Conclusions: The number of sources of SHS exposure may be an important factor influencing ND and intentions and attempts to quit smoking. Further studies are needed to explore the association between SHS exposure and ND among smokers to guide treatment and policy development.
Knowledge and Beliefs About Genetics and Smoking Among Visitors and Staff at a Health Care Facility
Authors: Houfek Julia Fisco , Atwood Jan R. , Wolfe Rhonda M. , Agrawal Sangeeta , Reiser Gwendolyn M. , Schaefer G. Bradley , Rennard Stephen I. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT
Objectives: The primary purpose of this study was to describe individuals' knowledge and beliefs about genetics and smoking. Secondary purposes were to describe (a) differences in knowledge and beliefs based on smoking status, gender, and education and (b) relationships among perceived genetic predisposition for smoking, background characteristics, and knowledge and beliefs about genetics and smoking. Because genetics influences smoking, genetic information will likely be used to individualize future cessation treatment.Design: Questionnaire data were collected about knowledge and beliefs about genetics and smoking, smoking history, and demographics from visitors and staff at a nursing care facility. Data were analyzed with bivariate statistics and logistic regression.Sample: Participants (N=92), ages 19–82, were classified by smoking status.Results: Participants had little knowledge about genetics and smoking or mechanisms of heredity. Most did not believe that genetics caused smoking or influenced cessation. Predictors of perceived genetic predisposition for smoking were smoking status (current/former smoker), education (<baccalaureate degree), and a belief that genetically predisposed smokers are more likely to relapse.Conclusions: Smokers will likely need education to understand genetically informed cessation treatment. Research is needed to determine how knowledge and beliefs about genetics and smoking influence perceived genetic predisposition for smoking and smoking behaviors.
Cognitive Status and Physical Function in Older African Americans
Authors: Nieto Maria L. , Albert Steven M. , Morrow Lisa A. , Saxton Judith 
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between global cognition, three specific domains of cognition, and lower extremity function in community‐dwelling elderly African Americans (AAs) from two community settings.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional study.SETTING: Community.PARTICIPANTS: Ninety‐six AA men and women aged 60 and older from two community settings, enrolled in the Boosting Minority Involvement (BMI) study, a community‐based cohort study designed to increase research participation of older low‐income AAs.MEASUREMENTS: Physical performance was assessed using Short Physical Performance Battery score, which is composed of three timed tests: a 4‐m walking task, static balance assessment, and a chair stand test. The Bushke Memory Impairment Screen (MIS) and Mini‐Mental State Examination were used to assess global memory and global cognition, respectively. For domain‐specific performance, three z‐score composite scores (attention, verbal memory, and executive function) were developed using the Computer‐based Assessment of Mild Cognitive Impairment.RESULTS: All domains of cognition were significant predictors of lower extremity function except for verbal memory. Executive function and MIS were the best predictors of lower extremity function in adjusted models. Participants with poor executive function were more than four times as likely to have poorer lower extremity function (odds ratio=4.96, 95% confidence interval=1.07–23.0).CONCLUSION: Global memory and executive function were the best predictors of lower extremity function in a sample of community‐dwelling AA adults. Deficits in lower extremity function may depend on multifaceted higher executive function control processes.
Relationship Between Frailty and Cognitive Decline in Older Mexican Americans
Authors: Samper‐Ternent Rafael , Al Snih Soham , Raji Mukaila A. , Markides Kyriakos S. , Ottenbacher Kenneth J. 
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between frailty status and change in cognitive function over time in older Mexican Americans.DESIGN: Data used were from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly.SETTING: Five southwestern states: Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and California.PARTICIPANTS: One thousand three hundred seventy noninstitutionalized Mexican‐American men and women aged 65 and older with a Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of 21 or higher at baseline (1995/96).MEASUREMENTS: Frailty, defined as three or more of the following components: unintentional weight loss of more than 10 pounds, weakness (lowest 20% in grip strength), self‐reported exhaustion, slow walking speed (lowest 20% in 16‐foot walk time in seconds), and low physical activity level (lowest 20% on Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly score). Information about sociodemographic factors, MMSE score, medical conditions (stroke, heart attack, diabetes mellitus, arthritis, cancer, and hypertension), depressive symptoms, and visual impairment was obtained.RESULTS: Of the 1,370 subjects, 684 (49.9%) were not frail, 626 (45.7%) were prefrail (1–2 components), and 60 (4.4%) were frail (≥3 components) in 1995/96. Using general linear mixed models, it was found that frail subjects had greater cognitive decline over 10 years than not frail subjects (estimate=−0.67, standard error=0.13; P<.001). This association remained statistically significant after controlling for potential confounding factors.CONCLUSION: Frail status in older Mexican Americans with MMSE scores of 21 or higher at baseline is an independent predictor of MMSE score decline over a 10‐year period. Future research is needed to establish pathophysiological components that can clarify the relationship between frailty and cognitive decline.
Lower Systolic Blood Pressure Is Associated with Greater Mortality in People Aged 85 and Older
Authors: Molander Lena , Lövheim Hugo , Norman Tove , Nordström Peter , Gustafson Yngve 
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between blood pressure and mortality in very old people.DESIGN: Population‐based cohort study.SETTING: County of Västerbotten, Sweden.PARTICIPANTS: Half of all subjects aged 85 and all of those aged 90 and 95 and older (N=348) in one urban and five rural municipalities in the north of Sweden.MEASUREMENTS: Among others, supine blood pressure, Mini‐Mental State Examination, Barthel Index of activities of daily living, Mini Nutritional Assessment, and body mass index. Information on diagnoses, medications, and 4‐year mortality was collected. Associations between blood pressure and mortality were investigated using Cox regression analyses, controlling for a number of diagnoses and health factors.RESULTS: Baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure, and pulse pressure were all inversely associated with mortality within 4 years according to univariate analysis. SBP was the strongest predictor. In Cox regression analyses, low SBP (≤120 mmHg) correlated with greater 4‐year all‐cause mortality alone and when controlling for health status. This connection persisted after exclusion of deaths within the first year. There was a tendency toward a U‐shaped mortality curve for the adjusted model, with SBP of 164.2 mmHg (95% confidence interval=154.1–183.8 mmHg) being associated with the lowest mortality.CONCLUSION: Lower SBP seems to be associated with greater mortality in people aged 85 and older, irrespective of health status. There are indications of a U‐shaped correlation between SBP and mortality, and the optimal SBP for this age group could be above 140 mmHg.
Centenarian Offspring: Start Healthier and Stay Healthier
Authors: Adams Emily R. , Nolan Vikki G. , Andersen Stacy L. , Perls Thomas T. , Terry Dellara F. 
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVES: To assess the relative incidence of age‐related diseases in a group of centenarian offspring who have thus far been considered to be predisposed to “healthy” aging.DESIGN: Longitudinal study.SETTING: Nationwide sample.PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred forty centenarian offspring and 192 referent cohort subjects who met inclusion criteria of having initial and follow‐up health questionnaire data available. Median age of both cohorts was 72 at the initial health questionnaire.MEASUREMENTS: Initial health questionnaires were collected from 1997 to 2006. Follow‐up questionnaires were collected from 2004 to 2007. The mean period of follow‐up was 3.5±1.7 years for the centenarian offspring and 3.9±2.2 years for the referent cohort.RESULTS: During the follow‐up period, centenarian offspring had a 78% lower risk of myocardial infarction (P<.04), 83% lower risk of stroke (P<.004), and 86% lower risk of developing diabetes mellitus (P<.005) than the referent cohort. There were no significant differences in new onset of other age‐related diseases. Additionally, centenarian offspring were 81% less likely to die (P<.01) than the referent cohort during the follow‐up.CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that centenarian offspring retain some important cardiovascular advantages over time over similarly aged referent cohort subjects. These findings reinforce the notion that there may be physiological reasons that longevity runs in families and that centenarian offspring are more likely to age in better cardiovascular health and with a lower mortality than their peers.