bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘Motor Magic’: Evaluation of a community capacity‐building approach to supporting the development of preschool children
Authors: Priest Naomi 
Published: March 2006

Background and Aims:  There is a lack of literature on the evaluation of programmes addressing the motor and sensory development of preschool children. This paper presents and discusses an exploratory evaluation study of the ‘Motor Magic’ programme run in Adelaide, South Australia. The purpose of this study was to identify outcomes for children, parents and kindergarten staff, as well as develop hypotheses about how these outcomes occurred and in what contexts. Methods:  Using a realist approach, two focus groups were conducted, one with parents and one with kindergarten staff, to develop and refine key hypotheses. Results and Conclusion:  Evaluation results for participating children and parents suggested that this programme provided a model of best practice for supporting the development of preschool‐aged children, with or at risk of, developmental delay, within their family and social environments.
ACUTE SYSTEMIC COMPLICATIONS IN THE PRETERM FETUS AFTER ASPHYXIA: ROLE OF CARDIOVASCULAR AND BLOOD FLOW RESPONSES
Authors: Bennet L , Booth L , Malpas SC , Quaedackers JS , Jensen E , Dean J , Gunn AJ 
Published: March 2006

SUMMARY

Poor perfusion of the kidneys and gut, and associated functional impairment, are major problems in the first days of life in very preterm infants. These complications can be associated with a substantial mortality and further problems such as reduced kidney growth and chronic renal problems in later childhood.
There is very little information, and consequently considerable debate, about how or even whether to improve perfusion of the vital organs of this most vulnerable group of babies. Current treatments simply do not consistently improve babies’ perfusion generally or kidney and gut perfusion and function in particular.
In this review we critically examine clinical and experimental evidence that suggests that exposure to low oxygen levels before and during birth may be a significant contributor to impaired systemic perfusion, and highlight areas requiring further research.
This knowledge is essential to develop and refine ways of improving perfusion of the kidneys and other vital organs in premature babies.
Poor correlation between clinical impression, the small colonic polyp and their neoplastic risk
Authors: Lawrance Ian Craig , Sherrington Colin , Murray Kevin 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and Objectives:   Significance of the small colonic polyp is unclear and its removal is frequently determined by the proceduralist’s clinical impression. Our aims were to determine if clinical discernment is accurate, and the likelihood that lesions < 10 mm are histologically advanced.Method:   We prospectively collected 1988 lesions from 854 subjects (2215 consecutive colonoscopies). Lesion size, location, patient age, sex and the colonoscopist’s clinical impression was recorded.Results:  Clinical assessment for neoplasia had a sensitivity of 87.4%, specificity of 65.0%, positive predictive value of 76.0% and negative predictive value of 80.2%, resulting in an accuracy of 73.4%. Factors predictive of correct clinical impression were polyp size, location in the rectum and being pedunculated, but not the patient’s age, sex or the endoscopist’s experience. Of the 1434 lesions ≤ 5 mm in size, 44.5% were neoplastic and 3.5% were histologically advanced. Of the 266 lesions 6–9 mm, 79.3% were neoplastic, 19.9% were histologically advanced, five demonstrated high‐grade dysplasia and three were malignant. Only two patients with an adenocarcinoma or high‐grade dysplasia in a polyp <10 mm had a lesion ≥10 mm elsewhere in the colon. Of the 288 lesions ≥10 mm in size, 92.7% were neoplastic, 29.5% had a villous component, 6.9% demonstrated high‐grade dysplasia and 29.2% were malignant. Factors predictive of neoplasia were patient age, polyp size and sessile nature of the lesion.Conclusion:  Polyps < 10 mm had a significant risk of neoplasia and advanced histology and, in general, clinical impression correlated poorly with neoplasia. Removal of all lesions proximal to the rectum, regardless of size, should therefore be considered.
Withanoside IV and its active metabolite, sominone, attenuate Aβ(25–35)‐induced neurodegeneration
Authors: Kuboyama Tomoharu , Tohda Chihiro , Komatsu Katsuko 
Published: March 2006

AbstractAt the present, medication of dementia is limited to symptomatic treatments such as the use of cholinesterase inhibitors. To cure dementia completely, that is regaining neuronal function, reconstruction of neuronal networks is necessary. Therefore, we have been exploring antidementia drugs based on reconstructing neuronal networks in the damaged brain and found that withanoside IV (a constituent of Ashwagandha; the root of Withania somnifera) induced neurite outgrowth in cultured rat cortical neurons. Oral administration of withanoside IV (10 µmol/kg/day) significantly improved memory deficits in Aβ(25–35)‐injected (25 nmol, i.c.v.) mice and prevented loss of axons, dendrites, and synapses. Sominone, an aglycone of withanoside IV, was identified as the main metabolite after oral administration of withanoside IV. Sominone (1 µm) induced axonal and dendritic regeneration and synaptic reconstruction significantly in cultured rat cortical neurons damaged by 10 µm Aβ(25–35). These data suggest that orally administrated withanoside IV may ameliorate neuronal dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease and that the active principle after metabolism is sominone.
Neurochemical modulation of ingestive behavior in the ventral pallidum
Authors: Shimura Tsuyoshi , Imaoka Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Takashi 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe nucleus accumbens and its related circuitry have been shown to play an important role in promoting the intake of hedonically desirable food. A previous report has demonstrated that the blockade of GABAA receptors in the ventral pallidum (VP), a target of GABAergic projection from the nucleus accumbens, greatly increases food, but not water, intake in satiated rats [Stratford et al. (1999)Brain Research, 825, 199–203]. The present study examined which neurotransmission in the VP is specifically involved in the intake of normally preferred taste stimuli. Microinjections of the GABAA antagonist bicuculline selectively increased the intake of saccharin solution but not that of water and quinine solution in water‐deprived rats. In contrast, the facilitation of GABAA receptors by microinjections of muscimol in the VP generally suppressed the intake of saccharin, water and quinine. The same injections induced strong aversive taste reactivity responses to oral stimulation with not only quinine but also water and saccharin. The local administration of d‐Ala2,N‐Me‐Phe4,Glyol5‐enkephalin, a selective µ‐opioid receptor agonist, into the VP had time‐dependent effects, decreasing saccharine intake early and increasing intake late. Microinjections of SCH‐23390, a dopamine D1 receptor antagonist, in the VP suppressed the intake of saccharin but not water or quinine. Microinjections of sulpiride, the dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, and 6‐cyano‐7‐nitroquinoxaline‐2,3‐dione, the AMPA/kainate glutamate receptor antagonist, had no effect on fluid intake. These results reveal that GABA, opioid and D1 receptors in the VP are involved in the consumption of hedonically positive taste stimuli.
Laparoscopic surgery in the pediatric patient post Fontan procedure
Authors: TAYLOR KATHERINE L. , HOLTBY HELEN , MACPHERSON BRUCE 
Published: March 2006

SummaryWe present two case reports describing laparoscopic surgery in patients who have undergone previous Fontan surgery and discuss the theoretical implications of laparoscopic surgery in these patients. A brief discussion of the late complications of Fontan surgery is included.
Quantification of microbial communities in near‐surface and deeply buried marine sediments on the Peru continental margin using real‐time PCR
Authors: Schippers Axel , Neretin Lev N. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryDeeply buried marine sediments harbour a large fraction of all prokaryotes on Earth but it is still unknown which phylogenetic and physiological microbial groups dominate the deep biosphere. In this study real‐time PCR allowed a comparative quantitative microbial community analysis in near‐surface and deeply buried marine sediments from the Peru continental margin. The 16S rRNA gene copy numbers of prokaryotes and Bacteria were almost identical with a maximum of 108−1010 copies cm−3 in the near‐surface sediments. Archaea exhibited one to three orders of magnitude lower 16S rRNA gene copy numbers. The 18S rRNA gene of Eukarya was always at least three orders of magnitude less abundant than the 16S rRNA gene of prokaryotes. The 16S rRNA gene of the Fe(III)‐ and Mn(IV)‐reducing bacterial family Geobacteraceae and the dissimilatory (bi)sulfite reductase gene (dsrA) of sulfate‐reducing prokaryotes were abundant with 106−108 copies cm−3 in near‐surface sediments but showed lower numbers and an irregular distribution in the deep sediments. The copy numbers of all genes decreased with sediment depth exponentially. The depth gradients were steeper for the gene copy numbers than for numbers of total prokaryotes (acridine orange direct counts), which reflects the ongoing degradation of the high‐molecular‐weight DNA with sediment age and depth. The occurrence of eukaryotic DNA also suggests DNA preservation in the deeply buried sediments.
The eye of the freshwater prosobranch gastropod Viviparus viviparus: ultrastructure, electrophysiology and behaviour
Authors: Zhukov Valery V. , Borissenko Serguei L. , Zieger Marina V. , Vakoliuk Irina A. , Meyer‐Rochow Victor B. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractWe used light and electron microscopy to study the retinal organization of the eye of Viviparus viviparus. Electroretinogram (ERG) recordings were used to investigate the electrophysiological responsiveness to flashes of light of varying intensity and colour, behavioural observations were made of phototactic reactions, and optical measurements and calculations related to the path of light rays in the eye were made. The retina contains principally two types of cells: first, photoreceptor cells with both microvilli and cilia, and second, cells, often strongly pigmented, that are supportive in nature. The ERGs obtained were essentially similar in form, amplitude and duration to those known from other gastropods that have exclusively rhabdomeric photoreceptors. Spectral sensitivity curves closely fitted the absorption spectrum of a rhodopsin‐like pigment. The spectral sensitivity peak was at 475 nm. Measurements of the refractive indices of the lens gave values of 1.55 for the outer layer and 1.57 for the lens core. None of the snails tested exhibited a ‘defensive reflex’ and although no preference between light and dark regions was expressed, we nevertheless argue that, on the basis of optical measurements and calculations, the eye of V. viviparus is well‐adapted for seeing under water. Our main conclusion is that in the eye of V. viviparus with its ‘mixed photoreceptor’ cell type, there is an equal probability for microvilli and cilia to function as principal photoreceptive elements.
Timing of epiphyseal development in the flipper skeleton of the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) as an indicator of paedomorphosis
Authors: Galatius Anders , Andersen Mai‐Britt Elin Rindom , Haugan Birgitte , Langhoff Heidi Elisabeth , Jespersen Åse 
Published: March 2006

AbstractEpiphyseal development was investigated on X‐rays of flippers from 158 harbour porpoises from Danish waters. Development followed a proximodistal pattern similar to what is known in other cetacean species. Ossification of epiphyses was rare in the phalanges of the first and fifth digits and in the more distal phalanges of the second, third and fourth digits. Along with the morphology of the first metacarpal and the more distal phalanges this suggested paedomorphosis relative to delphinids. Male and female porpoises showed similar progression of epiphyseal development until approximately the sixth year. From then on, female porpoises showed more progressed development than males. This suggests a higher level of paedomorphosis in the male porpoise. The mechanism behind phocoenid paedomorphosis seems to be progenesis, probably as an adaptation towards a high reproductive rate relative to the delphinids.
Habitat use by tiger quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae) in south‐eastern Australia
Authors: Belcher C. A. , Darrant J. P. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractHabitat use by tiger quolls was investigated at three sites in south‐eastern Australia through trapping and radio‐tracking. Habitat complexity was measured in each of the habitat types present. Prey densities were determined from spotlighting transects in each habitat type. Habitat utilization differed between sites, but gullies and drainage lines were used significantly more than availability at each site. Escarpment was used more than availability at Suggan Buggan and ridges were used in proportion to availability at Tallaganda. Mid‐slopes were used significantly less than availability at all sites. Habitat use was significantly related with prey densities at most sites. Rock dens appeared to be preferred over log dens, resulting in the use of ridges when complex rocky outcrops, suitable for den sites, were present. Habitat complexity was high in gullies/lower slopes/riparian flats, moderate on mid‐slopes and low to moderate on upper slopes/ridges. High prey densities and the presence of preferred den substrates were the two factors that influenced habitat use by quolls in this study.
“Benign” Imaging Abnormalities in Children and Adolescents With Headache
Authors: Schwedt Todd J. , Guo Yifan , Rothner A. David 
Published: March 2006

Objective.—To study the frequency of “benign” abnormalities on brain imaging in children with headache, compare it with the frequency of imaging findings that dictate a change in patient management, and determine the association of benign findings with headache.Methods.—A database of 681 headache patients from the pediatric outpatient neurology department over 2 years was reviewed. Patients with benign imaging abnormalities were compared to those with nonbenign findings. Benign abnormalities were defined as those that did not result in a change in patient management. Using literature review, we discuss the benign findings and their possible association with headache.Results.—Two‐hundred and forty‐one patients (35.4%) had imaging at our facility. Two‐hundred and eighteen had brain magnetic resonance imaging and 23 had brain computed tomography (CT) only. Twenty‐two patients had CT of the sinuses in addition to brain imaging. Forty‐six (19.1%) were found to have 50 benign abnormalities including 13 sinus disease, 11 Chiari I malformations, 7 nonspecific white matter abnormalities, 5 venous angiomas, 5 arachnoid cysts, 4 enlarged Virchow–Robin spaces, 2 pineal cysts, 1 mega cisterna magna, 1 fenestration of the proximal basilar artery, and 1 periventricular leukomalacia. Twenty‐three patients (9.5%) had findings requiring a change in management. These included 5 sinus disease, 4 tumors, 4 old infarcts, 3 Chiari I, 2 moyamoya, 1 intracranial vascular stenosis, 1 internal jugular vein occlusion, 1 arteriovenous malformation, 1 demyelinating disease, and 1 intracerebral hemorrhage. When excluding sinusitis, which was evident clinically prior to imaging, 3 patients had absence of abnormal neurologic symptoms and signs and imaging findings that resulted in a change in management.Conclusions.—Approximately 20% of pediatric headache patients with brain imaging have benign abnormalities that do not result in a change in headache management. Imaging findings that require a change in management are rare in patients with an absence of abnormal neurologic symptoms and signs, occurring in 1.2% of patients imaged in this study.
Open‐Label Trial of Cinnarizine in Migraine Prophylaxis
Authors: Togha Mansooreh , Ashrafian Hossein , Tajik Parvin 
Published: March 2006

Objective.—To assess the effectiveness and safety of cinnarizine as a migraine‐preventive therapy.Methods.—Sixty patients with more than 2 migraine headache attacks during a 4‐week baseline entered the study and received a 25‐mg tablet cinnarizine twice daily for the first 3 days and then 3 times daily. They were assessed on weeks 2, 6, 10, and 14. Reduction from baseline in 4‐week migraine headache rate was the primary efficacy variable. Reduction in migraine attacks duration and severity was also evaluated.Results.—The mean reduction in 4‐week migraine headache rate was 4.6 ± 2.2 from the baseline of 6.2 ± 2.2 after 14 weeks of treatment, which was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Percent reduction in 4‐week migraine frequency was 35% after 2 weeks, 74% after 6 weeks, 74% after 10 weeks, and 75% after 14 weeks of treatment. Significant reduction in attack duration (P < 0.001) and severity (P < 0.001) was also noted. No serious adverse events were observed in this series of patient.Conclusion.—Cinnarizine is an efficacious and well‐tolerated prophylactic antimigraine medication, which has early onset effectiveness.
Treatment of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypotension: Cervicothoracic and Lumbar Blood Patch and Peroral Steroid Treatment
Authors: Hannerz Jan , Dahlgren Gunnar , Irestedt Lars , Meyerson Björn , Ericson Kaj 
Published: March 2006

Methods.—Twelve consecutive patients with clinical symptoms and testing results compatible with a diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypotension (IIH), but no identifiable site of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, were treated with a cervicothoracic or lumbar epidural “blood patch” (EBP) or orally administered steroids.Results.—Prompt and complete relief from headache persisting for at least 4 months was attained in 3 of 4 treatments with cervicothoracic EBP, 2 of 15 with lumbar EBP, and 4 of 8 with steroids.Conclusion.—These results suggest that in patients who presumably suffer from IIH and yet have no identifiable site of CSF leakage, the presumed leakage more often occurs at the cervicothoracic level than the lumbar. In addition, our experience suggests that some IIH patients may be treated effectively with oral steroids and a trial of such therapy may be considered as an alternative to EBP.
Long‐Term Performance of Active‐Fixation Pacing Leads: A Prospective Study
Authors: KISTLER PETER M. , LIEW GARY , MOND HARRY G. 
Published: March 2006

Background: Despite the increasingly widespread use of active‐fixation leads, long‐term clinical follow‐up of pacing lead outcomes is lacking. The aim was to analyze pacing parameters over a 2‐year follow‐up. We performed a prospective observational study of consecutive new pacemaker implants using the 1488T St. Jude (100) and the Medtronic 5076 (100) active‐fixation leads. Detailed analysis of pacing parameters was collected at implant, day 1, and 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.
Methods and Results: One hundred patients underwent implantation of 100 dual‐chamber pacemakers. Initial pacing parameters in the ventricle were threshold 0.7 ± 0.2 V, R wave 12.0 ± 6.5 mV, and impedance 879 ± 224 Ω. Threshold increased significantly from day 1 (0.7 ± 0.2 V) to month 1 (0.9 ± 0.6 V, P < 0.01) and remained stable over the long term. Four of the 100 patients had a threshold >2 V (mean 3.3 ± 0.9 V) all between day 1 and month 3. For all patients, R wave remained stable, but impedance declined significantly from day 1 (879 ± 184 Ω) to month 1 (677 ± 122 Ω, P < 0.01). There were no ventricular lead complications. Initial pacing parameters in the atrium were threshold 0.9 ± 0.3 V, P wave 3.3 ± 2.4 mV, and impedance 606 ± 144 Ω. Threshold remained stable over the long‐term follow‐up. One of 100 patients had a rise in threshold >2 V (2.2 V) between day 1 and month 1. No patients underwent lead repositioning. Sensing and impedance remained stable over the long term. Patient follow‐up was completed in 94% (6 unrelated deaths). There was an 8% incidence of atrial fibrillation.
Conclusion: Active‐fixation leads are generally associated with stable long‐term pacing parameters.
Atrial Linear Lesions: Feasibility Using Cryoablation
Authors: KETTERING KLAUS , AL‐GHOBAINY RASOOL , WEHRMANN MANFRED , VONTHEIN REINHARD , MEWIS CHRISTIAN 
Published: March 2006

Background: Long linear lesions are created in the left atrium to modify the atrial substrate, thereby curing atrial fibrillation. The creation of long linear left atrial lesions using radiofrequency (RF) ablation is time consuming and difficult. Furthermore, it might result in significant complications. Cryoablation might overcome some of the disadvantages of RF ablation. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess whether the creation of a long linear lesion is possible using cryotherapy.
Methods: A right atrial septal linear lesion was created in six pigs (median weight: 50 kg; range: 40–60 kg). The ablation procedure was performed with a 7‐F Freezor cryocatheter. The nonfluoroscopic mapping system LocaLisa was used as a navigation tool. At each point, freezing was maintained at the lowest attainable temperature (−75°C) for 4 minutes. The CARTO system was used for the evaluation of the linear lesions. Furthermore, all animals were sacrificed immediately after the ablation procedure and a postmortem examination of the lesions was performed. Additionally, an analysis of the amplitudes of the intracardiac electrograms registered via the ablation catheter was performed before and after the ablation procedure.
Results: A right atrial septal linear lesion could be created successfully in all six pigs. For the performance of this ablation line, a median number of 16 cryoapplications (range, 11–26) was necessary. The amplitudes of the intracardiac electrograms registered via the ablation catheter decreased significantly after ablation. The CARTO bipolar voltage map revealed very low potentials along the ablation line and showed a sharply demarcated ablation area at the septum in all pigs. Further analysis of the CARTO map revealed an incomplete conduction block in all cases. Most of the pigs had a small gap close to the fossa ovalis. The postmortem examination of 2,3,5‐triphenyl‐tetrazolium chloride‐stained specimens showed sharply demarcated lesions without any ulcerations. There were no major complications during the procedure.
Conclusions: The creation of long linear lesions using cryoablation is feasible and safe. Lesion characteristics are different and more favorable than those created by RF. However, the aim of creating a transmural lesion and a complete conduction block remains an unsolved problem even with current cryoablation techniques. Nevertheless, growing experience and technical improvements might overcome some of the current limitations of this new technique.