bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal variations in the spatial distribution of shoot density in aPosidonia oceanicameadow and patterns of genetic diversity
Authors: Zupo Valerio , Buia Maria Cristina , Gambi Maria Cristina , Lorenti Maurizio , Procaccini Gabriele 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe meadows of the Mediterranean endemic seagrassPosidonia oceanicaexhibit relatively high variations of structural and biometric features at various spatial scales. An investigation performed in 1992 in the meadow off Lacco Ameno (Island of Ischia, Gulf of Naples, Italy) detected peculiar spatial patterns of plant distribution, characterized by nestlike structures with radially increasing or decreasing shoot densities. Eight years later (2000), geo‐referenced collections at selected points were repeated to trace the temporal variations of shoot density and investigate the recurrence of the density cores previously detected. In addition, shoots for molecular analyses were collected to check the hypothesis that nestlike patterns exhibit highest levels of genetic variability, due to the confluence of several genetically distinct stolons. The 2000 survey confirmed the presence of the main density cores detected in 1992, although their spatial distribution was slightly shifted and a general decrease of spatial anisotropy was observed, probably due to an increased disturbance, mainly due to pleasure boat anchoring. Patterns of genetic diversity showed a more complex picture, well related to the shoot density spatial pattern, especially when compared with the previous 1992 survey. Patterns of genetic diversity confirmed our previous hypotheses on the genesis of shoot density cores, suggesting they are produced over long time, due to a slow stolonization process and a convergence of different genotypes. Regression of the meadow and decrease of density may lead, in short periods, to a homogenization of the density patterns, while genetic diversity cores represent a long‐term ‘memory’ of their previous distribution.
Preoperative evaluation of the ‘hostile pelvis’ in radical prostatectomy with computed tomographic pelvimetry
Authors: Neill Mischel G. , Lockwood Gina A. , McCluskey Stuart A. , Fleshner Neil E. 
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVETo determine whether preoperative pelvimetry based on computed tomography (CT) can be used to predict technical difficulties during open radical prostatectomy (RP).PATIENTS AND METHODSAn open RP database accrued prospectively between January 1997 and June 2005 was used to identify 450 patients with preoperative pelvic imaging. Of these, 165 had adequate imaging of the pelvis with CT to allow pelvimetry using software provided with the medical imaging records. Several pelvic measurements were recorded in conjunction with body mass index and transrectal ultrasonographic estimates of prostatic volume. Outcome measures used to reflect technical surgical difficulties included operative duration, blood transfusion requirements within 30 days of RP, the pathological positive surgical margin and prostatic capsular breech rate. Logistic and linear regression analyses were used to determine the relationship between variables before and after RPRESULTSThe selected pelvimetric measurements failed to predict either operative duration or the peri‐operative blood transfusion requirement. Prostatic volume was predictive of operative duration; for every increase of 20 mL in prostate volume the duration increased by 8.4 min. Although pelvimetric measures failed to predict positive surgical margins at pathology, the transverse diameter predicted the likelihood of a positive margin due to capsular breech. With every 8.6 mm (1 sd) decrease in transverse diameter, the odds of a capsular breech resulting in positive surgical margins increased 5.3 times (95% confidence interval 2.1–20.0, P = 0.002).CONCLUSIONSAlthough the ‘hostile pelvis’ influences the likelihood of prostatic capsular breech resulting in positive surgical margins, CT pelvimetric screening of patients before RP is unlikely to be cost‐effective. Routine pelvic CT in the evaluation of patients before RP is not supported.
Accelerating effects of epidermal growth factor on skin lesions of pemphigus vulgaris: a double‐blind, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Tabrizi MN , Chams‐Davatchi C , Esmaeeli N , Noormohammadpoor P , Safar F , Etemadzadeh H , Ettehadi HA , Gorouhi F 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground  Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a severe blistering disease involving the skin and mucous membranes. The most common causes of death in these patients are adverse effects of drugs, and infection. Skin lesions are one of the important sources of infection. Thus, any local treatment that could reduce healing time of lesions and consequently reduce the total dosage of drugs needed to treat is favourable.Objective  To evaluate the efficacy of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in reducing healing time of lesions in patients with pemphigus vulgaris.Methods  In this randomized, double‐blind, within‐patient, left/right, controlled trial, 20 hospitalized patients with pathologial and immunohistologial (direct and indirect immunoflourecence) proven pemphigus vulgaris (PV) were chosen. In addition, all patients had at least one appropriate pemphigus lesion on each side of the body that had not healed after 2‐week systemic therapy and sterile saline washing. EGF (10 µg/g) in 0.1% silver sulfadiazine cream vs. 0.1% silver sulfadiazine cream alone was applied randomly on one side of the body.Results  Kaplan–Meier survival analysis suggested that median time to heal with application of EGF plus silver sulfadiazine cream was 9 days, in comparison with 15 days for silver sulfadiazine cream alone (log‐rank test, P = 0.0003). No intervention‐related adverse effect was observed during the study.Conclusions  EGF can significantly reduce healing time of skin lesions in patients with pemphigus vulgaris, at least when this cream base is applied (Cochrane skin group identifier: CSG20).
Relation between cardiac vagal tone and performance in male military personnel exposed to high stress: Three prospective studies
Authors: Morgan C. A. , Aikins Deane E. , Steffian George , Coric Vladimir , Southwick Steven 
Published: November 2006

AbstractVagal tone has been proposed both as an index of emotion regulation and cognitive ability. To assess the relation between vagal tone and emotion regulation and cognitive ability, the present research prospectively measured vagal tone (measured either as high‐frequency spectral power or respiratory sinus arrhythmia) in healthy participants exposed to high stress. The participants were active duty military personnel (men) enrolled in high intensity military training: Survival School (Experiments 1 and 3) and Combat Diver Qualification Course (Experiment 2). We consistently observed a significant relationship between low vagal tone and superior performance. The data suggest that vagal suppression is associated with enhanced performance under conditions of high stress and that this enhanced performance may be related to emotion regulation and cognitive functioning.
Improved test–retest reliability of 50‐ms paired‐click auditory gating using magnetoencephalography source modeling
Authors: Lu Brett Y. , Edgar J. Christopher , Jones Aaron P. , Smith Ashley K. , Huang Ming‐Xiong , Miller Gregory A. , Cañive Jose M. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractUsed to study filtering abnormalities in schizophrenia, the paired‐click paradigm suffers from poor test–retest reliability of the gating ratio, calculated from the P50 component of the ERP recorded at Cz approximately 50 ms following each of two stimuli. This study sought to improve reliability by assessing 50‐ms gating at primary auditory cortices (PAC), the main generators of the P50 Cz component. MEG source modeling was used, taking advantage of the tangentially oriented PAC sources. Ten healthy subjects underwent three sessions, during which Cz‐based and PAC‐derived gating was measured. Unlike Cz P50, gating ratios at bilateral PACs achieved an intraclass coefficient of .8 or greater. Variability of gating within the same subject was also significantly smaller for bilateral PACs than for Cz P50. Paired‐click gating ratio reliability can be improved by examining the individual PACs rather than composite scalp‐recorded activity.
Parental perception and attitudes on infant feeding practices and baby milk formula in East Malaysia
Authors: Yee Chye Fook , Chin Rebecca 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA survey on infant feeding and weaning practices of 505 respondents who had children currently aged between 0 and 6 years old was carried out in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The decisive factors, which influence parents’ purchase decision of infant and follow‐up formula were also determined. Initiation of breastfeeding was practised by 86.3% of respondents, but only 8.3% of 436 respondents exclusively breastfed for 6 months and beyond. An association was established where parents with a higher educational level (χ 2 = 70.191, d.f. = 28, P < 0.001) and household income (χ 2 = 74.863, d.f. = 28, P < 0.001) were found to have a higher tendency in initiating formula feeding earlier. Parents who practised partial breastfeeding (OR = 2.0) and had a shorter duration of breastfeeding (OR = 2.4), respectively, were at least two times more likely to initiate early formula feeding. Parents who were highly educated (χ 2 = 99.107, d.f. = 9, P < 0.001) and had a higher income (χ 2 = 96.501, d.f. = 12, P < 0.001) also tended to wean their babies earlier. Parents became acquainted to infant and follow‐up formulas mainly through advertisement and promotion (32.9%). Quality and brand were the two most influential factors in determining parents’ purchase decision on infant and follow‐up formulas. Most respondents within the same income range were also found to purchase the same brands of baby formulas. Although breastfeeding is widely practised, its prolongation is still hindered by many social constraints such as lack of facilities and support in the workplace to encourage mothers to breastfeed and therefore most parents resolved to early formula feeding for their convenience.
An investigation of consumer evaluation of brand extensions
Authors: Chowdhury Md. Humayun Kabir 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThis paper deals with the effects of perceived quality, perceived fit and perceived difficulty, and interaction between perceived quality and fit on consumer evaluations of brand extension. We used multi‐item scales to measure these constructs. Data were analysed via structural equation models. Results show that both perceived quality and perceived fit have direct positive effects on consumer evaluation of extensions. We find support for the chance of transferring the positive values of a brand to an extension is greater when consumers see the extension as a good fit with the original brand and the original brand is considered as of high quality.
Localization of synaptic proteins involved in neurosecretion in different membrane microdomains
Authors: Taverna Elena , Saba Elena , Linetti Anna , Longhi Renato , Jeromin Andreas , Righi Marco , Clementi Francesco , Rosa Patrizia 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA number of proteins and signalling molecules modulate voltage‐gated calcium channel activity and neurosecretion. As recent findings have indicated the presence of Cav2.1 (P/Q‐type) channels and soluble N‐ethyl‐maleimide‐sensitive fusion protein attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) in the cholesterol‐enriched microdomains of neuroendocrine and neuronal cells, we investigated whether molecules known to modulate neurosecretion, such as the heterotrimeric G proteins and neuronal calcium sensor‐1 (NCS‐1), are also localized in these microdomains. After immuno‐isolation, flotation gradients from Triton X‐100‐treated synaptosomal membranes revealed the presence of different detergent‐resistant membranes (DRMs) containing proteins of the exocytic machinery (Cav2.1 channels and SNAREs) or NCS‐1; both DRM subtypes contained aliquots of heterotrimeric G protein subunits and phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate. In line with the biochemical data, confocal imaging of immunolabelled membrane sheets revealed the localization of SNARE proteins and NCS‐1 in different dot‐like structures. This distribution was largely impaired by treatment with methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin, thus suggesting the localization of all three proteins in cholesterol‐dependent domains. Finally, bradykinin (which is known to activate the NCS‐1 pathway) caused a significant increase in NCS‐1 in the DRMs. These findings suggest that different membrane microdomains are involved in the spatial organization of the complex molecular network that converges on calcium channels and the secretory machinery.
Tau exon 6 is regulated by an intricate interplay of trans factors and cis elements, including multiple branch points
Authors: Wang Junning , Tse Sze‐Wah , Andreadis Athena 
Published: November 2006

AbstractTau is a microtubule‐associated protein whose transcript undergoes complex regulated splicing in the mammalian nervous system. Exon 6 of the gene is an alternatively spliced cassette whose expression profile differs from that of the other tau regulated exons, implying the involvement of distinct regulatory factors. Previous work had established the existence and use of two additional 3′ splice sites within exon 6 and the influence of splicing factors polypyrimidine binding protein (PTB) and U2AF on its splicing. The present work shows that exon 6 isoforms exist in distinct ratios in different compartments of the nervous system and that splicing of exon 6 is governed by multiple branch points, exonic cis elements and additional trans factors. Recent results show that tau exon 6 is specifically suppressed in the brains of people who suffer from myotonic dystrophy type 1. The understanding of how tau exon 6 splicing is regulated may give us insights into the disease.
Differential contribution of storage pools to the extracellular amount of accumbal dopamine in high and low responders to novelty: effects of reserpine1
Authors: Verheij M. M. M. , Cools A. R. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe present study examined the effects of reserpine on the extracellular concentration of accumbal dopamine in high responders (HR) and low responders (LR) to novelty rats. Reserpine reduced the baseline concentration of extracellular accumbal dopamine more in HR than in LR, indicating that the dopamine release is more dependent on reserpine‐sensitive storage vesicles in non‐challenged HR than in non‐challenged LR. In addition, reserpine reduced the novelty‐induced increase of the extracellular concentration of accumbal dopamine in LR, but not in HR, indicating that the dopamine release in response to novelty depends on reserpine‐sensitive storage vesicles only in LR, not in HR. Our data clearly demonstrate that HR and LR differ in the characteristics of those monoaminergic storage vesicles that mediate accumbal dopamine release.
Altered prion protein glycosylation in the aging mouse brain
Authors: Goh Angeline Xi‐Hua , Li Chaoyang , Sy Man‐Sun , Wong Boon‐Seng 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe normal cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a glycoprotein with two highly conserved potential N‐linked glycosylation sites. All prion diseases, whether inherited, infectious or sporadic, are believed to share the same pathogenic mechanism that is based on the conversion of the normal cellular prion protein (PrPC) to the pathogenic scrapie prion protein (PrPSc). However, the clinical and histopathological presentations of prion diseases are heterogeneous, depending not only on the strains of PrPSc but also on the mechanism of diseases, such as age‐related sporadic vs. infectious prion diseases. Accumulated evidence suggests that N‐linked glycans on PrPC are important in disease phenotype. A better understanding of the nature of the N‐linked glycans on PrPC during the normal aging process may provide new insights into the roles that N‐linked glycans play in the pathogenesis of prion diseases. By using a panel of 19 lectins in an antibody–lectin enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), we found that the lectin binding profiles of PrPC alter significantly during aging. There is an increasing prevalence of complex oligosaccharides on the aging PrPC, which are features of PrPSc. Taken together, this study suggests a link between the glycosylation patterns on PrPC during aging and PrPSc.
Rhythmic Ictal Nonclonic Hand (RINCH) Motions: A Distinct Contralateral Sign in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Lee George R. , Arain Amir , Lim Noel , Lagrange Andre , Singh Pradumna , Abou‐Khalil Bassel 
Published: November 2006

Summary:  Purpose: To describe a new ictal sign in temporal lobe seizures—rhythmic ictal nonclonic hand (RINCH) motions and to determine its lateralizing significance and other ictal manifestations associated with it. Methods: We identified 15 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy who demonstrated RINCH motions and reviewed video‐EEG recordings of all their seizures. We analyzed the epilepsy characteristics and all clinical features of recorded seizures, with particular attention to RINCH motions. Results: RINCH motions were unilateral, rhythmic, nonclonic, nontremor hand motions. RINCH motions were usually followed by posturing, sometimes with some overlap. They involved the hand contralateral to the temporal lobe of seizure onset in 14 of 15 patients. Conclusions: RINCH motions are a distinct ictal sign that could be considered a specific type of automatism. They appear to be a lateralizing contralateral sign and are associated with dystonic posturing in temporal lobe epilepsy.
Prediction of Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: The Selection of Candidates for CRT (SCART) Study
Authors: ACHILLI AUGUSTO , PERALDO CARLO , SASSARA MASSIMO , ORAZI SERAFINO , BIANCHI STEFANO , LAURENZI FRANCESCO , DONATI ROBERTO , PEREGO GIOVANNI B. , SPAMPINATO ANDREA , VALSECCHI SERGIO , DENARO ALESSANDRA , PUGLISI ANDREA ,   On Behalf of SCART Study Investigators
Published: November 2006

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of baseline clinical and echocardiographic parameters to predict a positive response to CRT.
Methods: We analyzed 6‐month data from the first 133 consecutive patients enrolled in a multicenter prospective study. These patients had symptomatic heart failure (HF) refractory to pharmacological therapy (NYHA class II–IV), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35%, and prespecified electrocardiographic, echocardiographic or tissue Doppler imaging markers of left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony.
Results: After a follow‐up period of 6 months, 1 patient died and 13 were hospitalized for worsening HF. There were significant (P < 0.01) clinical, functional, and echocardiographic improvements that included: New York heart Association Class, Quality‐of‐Life Score, QRS duration, LVEF, LV end‐diastolic and end‐systolic diameter (LVESD), and severity of mitral regurgitation A positive response was documented in 90/133 (68%) patients who presented an improved clinical composite score associated to an increase in LVEF ≥ 5 units. A multivariate analysis identified that a smaller LVESD (OR = 0.957, 95% CI 0.920–0.996; P = 0.030) and longer interventricular mechanical delay (IVMD) (OR = 1.017, 95% CI 1.005–1.029, P = 0.007) as independent predictors of a positive response. Receiver‐operating curve analysis showed that a positive response to CRT may be predicted in patients with IVMD > 44 ms (with a sensitivity of 66% and a specificity of 55%) or with LVESD < 60 mm (with a sensitivity of 66% and a specificity of 61%).
Conclusions: Our results confirm the limited value of QRS duration in the selection of patients for CRT. A less‐advanced stage of disease and echocardiographic evidence of interventricular dyssynchrony demonstrated to predict response to CRT, while intraventricular dyssynchrony did not predict response.
Atrial Tachyarrhythmias in Primary and Secondary Prevention ICD Recipients: Clinical and Prognostic Data
Authors: BOTTO GIOVANNI LUCA , LUZI MARIO , RUFFA FRANCO , RUSSO GIOVANNI , FERRARI GIOVANNI 
Published: November 2006

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice. The natural history of this disturbance and its effect on survival is still not known in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).
Methods and Results: Several controlled trials for both secondary and primary prevention of sudden death using ICDs have been published in literature, and meta‐analysis of them provided useful clinical information on the outcome during the follow‐up of this population. AF occurs in about 25% of the patients with secondary prevention indication for ICD implantation. The prevalence of AF in patients with primary prevention indication for ICD implantation is much more difficult to define; it seems to be higher in patients with left ventricular dysfunction due to nonischemic etiology (ranging from 15% to 25%), and is lower in patients with ischemic etiology (about 5–10%). However, data from clinical registries, which are expected to better reflect clinical practice than randomized trials, seem to show a substantial difference as compared to the latter ones. A history of AF episodes in patients with an ICD indication for both primary and secondary prevention is probably associated with a higher risk of death. This is particularly evident in secondary prevention in ICD recipients, while it is still controversial in patients who received an ICD for primary prevention, particularly when patients with nonischemic etiology of their left ventricular dysfunction are considered. In a population of patients implanted with an ICD, there are several other clinical factors (ejection fraction, New York Heart Association functional class, age) that can interfere with the risk of death much more than AF itself.
Conclusions: Further large‐scale registries are needed to further characterize the population receiving ICD implantation, assessing the course of risk of death with regard to clinical variables and to evaluate the degree of acceptance of trials in clinical practice.
Physiologic Pacing for Atrial Fibrillation Prevention in Sinus Node Disease: Long‐Term Results
Authors: RICCI RENATO , PIGNALBERI CARLO , SANTINI LUCA , MAGRIS BARBARA , RUSSO MAURIZIO , GROVALE NICOLETTA , DE SANTO TIZIANA , SANTINI MASSIMO 
Published: November 2006

Background: Physiologic pacing has been demonstrated to be effective in preventing atrial fibrillation recurrences in patients with sinus bradycardia. Aim of the study was to evaluate long‐term incidence of atrial fibrillation in a large population of patients affected by sinus node disease receiving physiologic pacing. Furthermore, predictors of arrhythmia recurrence and effect of pacing mode were investigated.
Population: Four hundred twenty‐five patients (220 Male, 77 ± 9 years) were retrospectively analyzed: implanted system was AAI in 20.5% and DDD in 79.5%. Thirty‐four percent had atrial fibrillation before implant.
Results: Follow‐up lasted on average 51 ± 36 months (median 42, range 1 month–18 years). Sixty‐six percent were on antiarrhythmic drug therapy. After 5 years, 89% survived, 74.5% had at least one episode of atrial fibrillation, 39.9% were submitted to electrical cardioversion, 67.2% were hospitalized because of cardiac causes, 33.3% developed permanent atrial fibrillation. Primary conduction system disease and valvular heart disease were independent predictors for atrial fibrillation recurrence. Preimplant atrial fibrillation predicted arrhythmia recurrence during the follow‐up, but it did not predict development of permanent atrial fibrillation. AAI pacing, when compared with DDD, was associated to a lower rate of atrial fibrillation recurrences (AAI 28.7%, DDD 53.3%, P < 0.001).
Conclusion: In spite of expected benefits of physiologic pacing, the development of atrial fibrillation and permanent atrial fibrillation were quite common. The additional benefits of multifunction pacemakers designed to prevent and treat atrial fibrillation should be evaluated in controlled studies.