bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lamotrigine does not prolong QTc in a thorough QT/QTc study in healthy subjects
Authors: Dixon Ruth , Job Sarah , Oliver Ruth , Tompson Debra , Wright John G. , Maltby Kay , Lorch Ulrike , Taubel Jorg 
Published: June 2008

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • Drugs that inhibit the human cardiac delayed rectifier potassium current may lead to prolongation of the cardiac QT interval and are associated with a fatal, polymorphic, ventricular tachycardia known as torsades de pointes.• Lamotrigine is indicated in the treatment of epilepsy and the prevention of mood episodes in patients with bipolar disorder.• Lamotrigine inhibits the human cardiac delayed rectifier potassium current in vitro, and it has been hypothesized that QT prolongation may contribute to the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy patients. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • This is the first reported thorough QT/QTc study with lamotrigine conducted to International Conference on Harmonization guidelines.• The mean QTc interval was not prolonged by lamotrigine in healthy subjects, as assessed by the standard heart rate correction methods (Fridericia's and Bazett's).• The in vitro inhibition of the delayed rectifier potassium current does not translate into an effect on QT in man.AIMTo characterize the effects of lamotrigine on QT interval in healthy subjects.METHODSHealthy subjects received a single oral dose of moxifloxacin (400 mg) or placebo in crossover design, followed by a dose‐escalating regimen of lamotrigine (n = 76) over a 77‐day period, or matched placebo (n = 76). Blood samples were taken for determination of moxifloxacin and lamotrigine concentrations and digital 12‐lead ECGs were recorded. The relationships between individual QT values and respective individual moxifloxacin or lamotrigine concentrations were explored using population pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK–PD) modelling.RESULTSMoxifloxacin was associated with a maximum mean increase from baseline in QTcF of 14.81 ms [90% confidence interval (CI) 13.50, 16.11] 2.5 h after dosing. Steady‐state exposure to lamotrigine (50, 150 or 200 mg b.d.) was not associated with an increase in QTc interval. Small reductions in QTcF (maximum mean difference from placebo −7.48 ms, 90% CI −10.49, −4.46) and small increases in heart rate (maximum mean difference from placebo 5.94 bpm, 90% CI 3.81, 8.06) were observed with lamotrigine 200 mg b.d. vs. placebo. No effect of lamotrigine on QRS duration or blood pressure was observed. No outliers with QTcF > 450 ms, or with an increase from baseline of >60 ms were observed in the lamotrigine group. PK–PD modelling indicated statistically significant decreases in individually corrected QT intervals for lamotrigine and statistically significant increases in individually corrected QT intervals for moxifloxacin over the concentration ranges studied.CONCLUSIONSTherapeutic doses of lamotrigine (50–200 mg b.d.) were not associated with QT prolongation in healthy subjects.
Effect of film and temperature on the sensory, microbiological and nutritional quality of minimally processed cauliflower
Authors: Simón Ana , González‐Fandos Elena , Rodríguez Domingo 
Published: June 2008

SummaryThe effect of atmosphere modification, generated using three different packaging films, on the quality of cauliflower minimally processed when stored at 4 or 8 °C for up 20 days was evaluated. The colour, texture, weight loss, sensory attributes, as well as microbial counts and sugars and ascorbic acid content were determined. The atmosphere generated with the perforated polyvinylchloride (PVC) film was hardly modified, whereas the other two films (non‐perforated PVC and polypropylene films) originated changes in CO2 and O2 levels during storage. The different packaging conditions and storage temperature influenced yellowing. An increase in shear force was observed. Weight losses were below 5%. Mesophiles and Pseudomonas counts were below 7 log CFU g−1, the populations being lower with film B and film C than with film A. Cauliflower maintained an acceptable appearance in all the films studied. Total sugars decreased about 27% after 20 days of storage, whereas ascorbic acid did not change.
Response surface methodology optimisation of immobilised Lactobacillus acidophilus banana puree fermentation
Authors: Tsen Jen‐Horng , Lin Yeu‐Pyng , King V. An‐Erl 
Published: June 2008

SummaryFermentation temperature (34–40 °C), total inoculum level (1%–3%, v/v) and peeled‐fruit‐to‐water ratio (12.5%–37.5%, w/v) were combined to study their effects on the fermentation of banana media by free and Ca‐alginate or κ‐carrageenan‐immobilised Lactobacillus acidophilus. A three‐variable and three‐level design method, analysed by response surface methodology (RSM), was used. These factors, except peeled‐fruit‐to‐water ratio, were found to be significantly effective on viable cell numbers and 1‐kestose (GF2) concentrations. Contour plots were generated using a graphing software package (Surfer Mapping System, Version 5.0; Golden Software Inc., Golden, CO, USA, 1994) based on fitted quadratic regression equations. Optimum conditions for the highest viable cell number and higher GF2 concentration were found to be around 35 °C fermentation temperature, 1.2% inoculum level and 25.0% peeled‐fruit‐to‐water ratio for Ca‐alginate immobilised cell fermentation, and around 39 °C fermentation temperature, 1.8% inoculum level and 25.0% peeled‐fruit‐to‐water ratio for κ‐carrageenan immobilised cell fermentation. For free cell fermentation, conditions for the highest viable cell number and higher GF2 concentration could not be obtained. The predicted optimum conditions of immobilised cell fermentation and the experimental values were consistent. This verified the adequacy of these predicted models. It was concluded that RSM was appropriate for the optimisation of banana puree fermentation using cell immobilised L. acidophilus, and products with better synbiotic effects could be obtained. The consumer palatability of the immobilised cell‐fermented banana puree was found to be acceptable.
Population genetic structure, gene flow and sex‐biased dispersal in frillneck lizards (Chlamydosaurus kingii)
Authors: UJVARI BEATA , DOWTON MARK , MADSEN THOMAS 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBy using both mitochondrial and nuclear multiloci markers, we explored population genetic structure, gene flow and sex‐specific dispersal of frillneck lizards (Chlamydosaurus kingii) sampled at three locations, separated by 10 to 50 km, in a homogenous savannah woodland in tropical Australia. Apart from a recombinant lizard, the mitochondrial analyses revealed two nonoverlapping haplotypes/populations, while the nuclear markers showed that the frillneck lizards represented three separate clusters/populations. Due to the small population size of the mtDNA, fixation may occur via founder effects and/or drift. We therefore suggest that either of these two processes, or a combination of the two, are the most likely causes of the discordant results obtained from the mitochondrial and the nuclear markers. In contrast to the nonoverlapping mitochondrial haplotypes, in 12 out of 74 lizards, mixed nuclear genotypes were observed, hence revealing a limited nuclear gene flow. Although gene flow should ultimately result in a blending of the populations, we propose that the distinct nuclear population structure is maintained by frequent fires resulting in local bottlenecks, and concomitant spatial separation of the frillneck lizard populations. Limited mark–recapture data and the difference in distribution of the mitochondrial and nuclear markers suggest that the mixed nuclear genotypes were caused by juvenile male‐biased dispersal.
Activation of transcription initiation by Spx: formation of transcription complex and identification of a Cis‐acting element required for transcriptional activation
Authors: Reyes Dindo Y. , Zuber Peter 
Published: June 2008

SummaryThe Spx protein of Bacillus subtilis interacts with RNA polymerase (RNAP) to activate transcription initiation in response to thiol‐oxidative stress. Protein–DNA cross‐linking analysis of reactions containing RNAP, Spx and trxA (thioredoxin) or trxB (thioredoxin reductase) promoter DNA was undertaken to uncover the organization of the Spx‐activated transcription initiation complex. Spx induced contact between the RNAP σA subunit and the −10 promoter sequence of trxA and B, and contact of the ββ′ subunits with core promoter DNA. No Spx–DNA contact was detected. Spx mutants, SpxC10A and SpxG52R., or RNAP α C‐terminal domain mutants that impair productive Spx–RNAP interaction did not induce heightened σ and ββ′ contact with the core promoter. Deletion analysis and the activity of hybrid promoter constructs having upstream trxB DNA fused at positions −31, −36 and −41 of the srf (surfactin synthetase) promoter indicated that a cis‐acting site between −50 and −36 was required for Spx activity. Mutations at −43 and −44 of trxB abolished Spx‐dependent transcription and Spx‐induced cross‐linking between the σ subunit and the −10 region. These data are consistent with a model that Spx activation requires contact between the Spx/RNAP complex and upstream promoter DNA, which allows Spx‐induced engagement of the σ and large subunits with the core promoter.
From basic research to the bedside: efficacy of topical treatment with pseudocatalase PC‐KUS in 71 children with vitiligo
Authors: Schallreuter Karin U. , Krüger Christian , Würfel Brigitte A. , Panske Angela , Wood John M. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackground  The epidermal accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has been documented in vitiligo.Aim  To assess the effect on disease cessation and repigmentation of the reduction/removal of H2O2 using low‐dose, narrow‐band, ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B)‐activated pseudocatalase PC‐KUS in 71 children with vitiligo.Methods  This uncontrolled and retrospective study included 45 girls and 26 boys (mean age, 10.3 years) who applied topical PC‐KUS twice daily to the entire body surface without narrow‐band UV‐B dose increments. The affected body areas were documented by special photography at the first visit and after 8–12 months. The response was evaluated by two independent physicians as > 75% vs. < 75% total repigmentation of the face/neck, trunk, extremities, and hands/feet. Generalized (n = 61) and segmental (n = 10) vitiligo were evaluated as different entities. The effect of total‐body, low‐dose, narrow‐band UV‐B (0.15 mJ/cm2) monotherapy once daily without any increments and without application of PC‐KUS was tested over 6 months in 10 children with vitiligo vulgaris (mean age, 8.4 years).Results  One hundred per cent cessation was observed in 70 of the 71 children. More than 75% repigmentation was achieved in 66 of 71 patients on the face/neck, 48 of 61 on the trunk, and 40 of 55 on the extremities; however, repigmentation on the hands/feet was disappointing (five of 53). The response was independent of skin color, age of onset, duration of disease, other demographic features, and previous treatments. The follow‐up after narrow‐band UV‐B monotherapy showed no significant repigmentation in all areas. Seven of 10 patients showed progression of their vitiligo.Conclusion  A reduction in epidermal H2O2 using low‐dose, narrow‐band UV‐B‐activated pseudocatalase PC‐KUS is an effective treatment for childhood vitiligo which can be safely performed at home.
Comparison of the radiometric BACTEC 460 TB culture system and Löwenstein–Jensen medium for the isolation of mycobacteria in cutaneous tuberculosis and their drug susceptibility pattern
Authors: Aggarwal Puneet , Singal Archana , Bhattacharya Sambit Nath , Mishra Kiran 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackground  Mycobacterial isolation from cutaneous tuberculosis on Löwenstein–Jensen (L–J) medium has been reported to be low. The radiometric BACTEC 460 TB culture system (BACTEC system) has shown better isolation rates in pulmonary tuberculosis. There has been a progressive increase in the prevalence of multidrug resistance in pulmonary tuberculosis, but similar studies are lacking for cutaneous tuberculosis. Therefore, this study was undertaken to compare mycobacterial isolation on conventional L–J medium vs. the BACTEC system, and to determine the prevalence of multidrug resistance in cutaneous tuberculosis.Methods  Thirty‐five untreated, clinically diagnosed, and histopathologically documented patients with cutaneous tuberculosis constituted the study material. Lesional skin biopsy specimens were cultured on both L–J medium and the BACTEC system. The isolates obtained were identified and subjected to sensitivity to rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol, and streptomycin using the BACTEC system.Results  Twenty‐six mycobacterial isolates were recovered from 35 patients. Nine isolates (25.7%) grew on L–J medium after a mean period of 31.5 days, and 22 (62.8%) on the BACTEC system in 17.3 days. All of the isolates were identified as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Drug susceptibility testing demonstrated 12 isolates to be resistant, seven multidrug resistant.Discussion  The BACTEC system demonstrated an improved mycobacterial isolation rate and substantially reduced detection time when compared with L–J medium. The combined isolation rate on both media was 74.3% (26/35), greater than that of either used separately. Drug resistance was observed in 46.2% of isolates.Conclusion  Radiometric liquid culture medium together with conventional L–J medium may be recommended in practice to enable the institution of appropriate antituberculous therapy modifications in drug‐resistant cases of cutaneous tuberculosis.
The uptake of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in Great Britain and Ireland: a questionnaire survey of consultant members of the ACPGBI
Authors: Schwab K. E. , Dowson H. M. , Van Dellen J. , Marks C. G. , Rockall T. A. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjective  The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has recommended laparoscopic resection as an alternative to open surgery for patients with colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current uptake of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in Great Britain and Ireland.Method  A questionnaire was distributed to members of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) regarding their current surgical practice. Results were analysed individually, by region, and nationwide.Results  Information was received on 436 consultants (in 155 replies), of whom 233 (53%) perform laparoscopic colorectal procedures. During the previous year, 25% of colorectal resections were performed laparoscopically by the respondents. However, of those surgeons who were performing laparoscopic resections, only 30% performed more than half of all their resections laparoscopically. Right hemicolectomy, left‐sided resections, and rectopexy were the most frequently performed laparoscopic resections. There was an even distribution throughout the country of consultants performing laparoscopic resections (regional IQR 48–60%). The main reason for consultants not performing laparoscopic procedures was a lack of training or funding.Conclusion  Laparoscopic colorectal surgery is being performed by more than half (53%) of colorectal consultants nationwide, although only a quarter of all procedures are being undertaken laparoscopically.
MEASURING SEGREGATION AT THE MICRO LEVEL: AN APPLICATION OF THE M MEASURE TO MULTI‐ETHNIC RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBOURHOODS IN AMSTERDAM
Authors: DEURLOO MARINUS C. , DE VOS SJOERD 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACTA wide variety of segregation measures are used in scientific research. However, the usual measures are not suitable for use at micro‐geographical scale level, for example, to evaluate the magnitude of spatial attraction or separation between pairs of ethnic groups within multi‐ethnic residential neighbourhoods in Amsterdam. In this paper we examine the social importance of possessing such knowledge for these areas, we discuss the deficiencies of the usual segregation measures as regards this level of analysis, and we draw attention to a recently developed spatial segregation measure, the so‐called M measure, which does happen to be suitable for this goal. We apply the M measure to some of these residential neighbourhoods which existed in Amsterdam on 1 January 2003. The conclusion is that although neighbourhoods can have a very similar ethnic mix, the spatial attraction or avoidance between certain pairs of groups may be quite different between these neighbourhoods.
Life history and development ‐ a framework for understanding developmental plasticity in lower termites
Authors: Korb Judith , Hartfelder Klaus 
Published: June 2008

AbstractTermites (Isoptera) are the phylogenetically oldest social insects, but in scientific research they have always stood in the shadow of the social Hymenoptera. Both groups of social insects evolved complex societies independently and hence, their different ancestry provided them with different life‐history preadaptations for social evolution. Termites, the ‘social cockroaches’, have a hemimetabolous mode of development and both sexes are diploid, while the social Hymenoptera belong to the holometabolous insects and have a haplodiploid mode of sex determination. Despite this apparent disparity it is interesting to ask whether termites and social Hymenoptera share common principles in their individual and social ontogenies and how these are related to the evolution of their respective social life histories. Such a comparison has, however, been much hampered by the developmental complexity of the termite caste system, as well as by an idiosyncratic terminology, which makes it difficult for non‐termitologists to access the literature.Here, we provide a conceptual guide to termite terminology based on the highly flexible caste system of the “lower termites”. We summarise what is known about ultimate causes and underlying proximate mechanisms in the evolution and maintenance of termite sociality, and we try to embed the results and their discussion into general evolutionary theory and developmental biology. Finally, we speculate about fundamental factors that might have facilitated the unique evolution of complex societies in a diploid hemimetabolous insect taxon. This review also aims at a better integration of termites into general discussions on evolutionary and developmental biology, and it shows that the ecology of termites and their astounding phenotypic plasticity have a large yet still little explored potential to provide insights into elementary evo‐devo questions.
Insect thermal tolerance: what is the role of ontogeny, ageing and senescence?
Authors: Bowler Ken , Terblanche John S. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractTemperature has dramatic evolutionary fitness consequences and is therefore a major factor determining the geographic distribution and abundance of ectotherms. However, the role that age might have on insect thermal tolerance is often overlooked in studies of behaviour, ecology, physiology and evolutionary biology. Here, we review the evidence for ontogenetic and ageing effects on traits of high‐ and low‐temperature tolerance in insects and show that these effects are typically pronounced for most taxa in which data are available. We therefore argue that basal thermal tolerance and acclimation responses (i.e. phenotypic plasticity) are strongly influenced by age and/or ontogeny and may confound studies of temperature responses if unaccounted for. We outline three alternative hypotheses which can be distinguished to propose why development affects thermal tolerance in insects. At present no studies have been undertaken to directly address these options. The implications of these age‐related changes in thermal biology are discussed and, most significantly, suggest that the temperature tolerance of insects should be defined within the age‐demographics of a particular population or species. Although we conclude that age is a source of variation that should be carefully controlled for in thermal biology, we also suggest that it can be used as a valuable tool for testing evolutionary theories of ageing and the cellular and genetic basis of thermal tolerance.
Neuropsychological outcome in adolescents/young adults with childhood ADHD: profiles of persisters, remitters and controls
Authors: Halperin Jeffrey M. , Trampush Joey W. , Miller Carlin J. , Marks David J. , Newcorn Jeffrey H. 
Published: June 2008

Background:  This study examined neuropsychological functioning in a longitudinal sample of adolescents/young adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and controls as a function of the persistence of ADHD. We hypothesized that measures of executive processes would parallel adolescent clinical status, with ADHD‐persisters, but not remitters, differing significantly from controls. In contrast, persisters and remitters were hypothesized to perform similarly, and different from controls, on tasks requiring less effortful processing.Methods:  Ninety‐eight participants diagnosed with ADHD in childhood were reevaluated approximately 10 years later. Eighty‐five never‐ADHD controls similar in age, IQ, and sex distribution served as a comparison group. Participants were administered a psychiatric interview and neuropsychological test battery.Results:  Those with childhood ADHD demonstrated broad neuropsychological deficits relative to controls. When the group with childhood ADHD was subdivided based on adolescent ADHD status, compared to controls, both persisters and remitters showed deficient perceptual sensitivity and response variability, and increased ankle movements recorded by a solid‐state actigraph. Only persisters differed from controls on several measures of more effortful executive processes.Conclusions:  Findings provide preliminary support to the hypothesis that ADHD is associated with early‐appearing and enduring subcortical dysfunction, while recovery over the course of development is associated with improvements in executive control functions.
Coupled Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd geochronology constrains garnet growth in ultra‐high‐pressure eclogites from the Dabie orogen
Authors: CHENG H. , KING R. L. , NAKAMURA E. , VERVOORT J. D. , ZHOU Z. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractUltra‐high‐pressure eclogites from the Dabie orogen that formed over a range in temperatures (∼600 to > 700 °C) have been investigated with combined Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd geochronology. Three eclogites, sampled from Zhujiachong, Huangzhen and Shima, yield Lu–Hf ages of 240.0 ± 5.0, 224.4 ± 1.9 and 230.8 ± 5.0 Ma and corresponding Sm–Nd ages of 222.5 ± 5.0, 217.6 ± 6.1 and 224.2 ± 2.1 Ma respectively. Well‐preserved prograde major‐ and trace‐element zoning in garnet in the Zhujiachong eclogite suggests that the Lu–Hf age mostly reflects an early phase of garnet growth that continued over a time interval of c. 17.5 Myr. For the Huangzhen eclogite, despite preserved elemental growth zoning in garnet, textural study reveals that the Lu–Hf age is biased towards a later garnet growth episode rather than representing early growth. The narrow time interval of <6.6 Myr defined by the difference between Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd ages indicates a short final garnet growth episode and suggests a rapid cooling stage. By contrast, the rather flat element zoning in garnet in the Shima eclogite suggests that Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd ages for this sample have been reset by diffusion and are cooling ages. The new Lu–Hf ages point to an initiation of prograde metamorphism prior to c. 240 Ma for the Dabie orogen, while the exact peak metamorphic timing experienced by specific samples ranges between c. 230 to c. 220 Ma.