bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validity of overall self‐rated health as an outcome measure in small samples: a pilot study involving a case series
Authors: Rohrer James E. , Herman David C. , Merry Stephen P. , Naessens James M. , Houston Margaret S. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjective  A single‐item measure of overall self‐rated health (SRH) commonly is used in population surveys, but has not been used in small pilot projects. The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of SRH in small samples.Design  We used data from a prospective, observational weight‐loss project to compare change in SRH with change in body weight and physical activity (PA) (minutes) over 30 days (n = 34). Body mass index at baseline ranged from 25.5 to 50.4 (mean = 36.1, median = 34.6). SRH was self‐assessed using the following question: How would you rate your health overall?Results  An increase in weight was associated with a reduction in SRH (r = 0.37, P = 0.03). An increase in PA was associated with improved SRH (r = 0.39, P = 0.02).Conclusions  A single‐item SRH measure may be an efficient method for measuring programme outcomes, and may also be useful for comparing the relative effectiveness of different programmes in pilot projects and quality improvement studies.
Factors influencing acute stroke guideline compliance: a peek inside the ‘black box’ for allied health staff
Authors: Luker Julie , Grimmer‐Somers Karen 
Published: March 2009

AbstractRationale, aim and objective  The use of stroke clinical guidelines is widely encouraged yet variably operationalized. The factors which support, or hinder guideline compliance are poorly understood, and there is little research which pertains to the unique roles of Allied Health (AH) staff when operationalizing stroke clinical guidelines. This study identifies factors influencing AH staff compliance with guideline recommendations in an acute stoke unit.Method  A retrospective audit was conducted of hospital records of stroke patients admitted to an Australian tertiary metropolitan hospital in 2005. The recorded clinical care provided by an AH team was audited against the 38 recommendations in the Australian acute stroke guidelines relevant to allied health.Results  Compliance with guideline recommendations was variable, with better care compliance found for younger patients, patients admitted on weekdays, and patients with poorer functional ability on admission, longer lengths of stay and better functional improvements during admission. Compliance also reflected the congruence of guideline recommendations with ‘usual practice’.Conclusions  A number of factors influenced AH staff compliance with acute stroke guidelines. These findings are a platform upon which further implementation research can be launched for AH professionals.
Water intake and risk of hyponatraemia in Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Åkefeldt A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground and Methods  Unusual water intake and drinking behaviour has occasionally been observed in individuals with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS). The aim of this study is to explore whether this observation is a part of the PWS phenotype and what the consequences may be. The parents of 51 individuals with PWS (age range 2–40 years) were asked by questionnaire to answer on past and present water intake, drinking behaviour, fluid preferences and medical treatment in their PWS‐affected and unaffected children. Questionnaires with information on 47 PWS individuals and 17 without PWS were returned for analysis. The questionnaire information was complemented with information from the individual's medical records. Siblings to PWS individuals made up the control group. The study was approved by the regional medical research ethics committee.Results  During infancy, 36 (76%) individuals with PWS disliked water without any flavouring and had an extremely small daily intake of water. Seven individuals (15%) increased the daily water intake to unusually high amounts. In 45 the clinical PWS diagnosis was confirmed by molecular (genetic) testing: nine of them with a confirmed PWS diagnosis had a deletion of chromosome 15q11‐13, in nine individuals no deletion was identified. The majority of individuals who increased their water consumption to extreme values belonged to the non‐deletion group. Two in the non‐deletion group developed hyponatraemia while receiving psychiatric medication.Conclusions  Infants with PWS seem to be predisposed to unusual drinking behaviour. They dislike and have an unusually small intake of pure water without flavouring, and most of them continue this even after infancy. Some individuals, especially those without deletion, increase their fluid intake and also accept pure water. They have an increased risk of developing water retention and severe hyponatraemia if exposed to medication known to cause side effects like the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion. Perhaps this behaviour is just secondary to overeating; perhaps it is a result of a dysfunction of the hypothalamic nuclei engaged in antidiuretic hormone production.
TIRF microscopy evanescent field calibration using tilted fluorescent microtubules
Authors: GELL C. , BERNDT M. , ENDERLEIN J. , DIEZ S. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryTotal internal reflection fluorescence microscopy has become a powerful tool to study the dynamics of sub‐cellular structures and single molecules near substrate surfaces. However, the penetration depth of the evanescent field, that is, the distance at which the excitation intensity has exponentially decayed to 1/e, is often left undetermined. This presents a limit on the spatial information about the imaged structures. Here, we present a novel method to quantitatively characterize the illumination in total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy using tilted, fluorescently labelled, microtubules. We find that the evanescent field is well described by a single exponential function, with a penetration depth close to theoretically predicted values. The use ofin vitroreconstituted microtubules as nanoscale probes results in a minimal perturbation of the evanescent field; excitation light scattering is eliminated and the refractive index of the sample environment is unchanged. The presented method has the potential to provide a generic tool forin situcalibration of the evanescent field.
Developing dual‐beam methodologies for the study of heterogeneous polymer‐based systems
Authors: BENAWRA J. , DONALD A.M. , SHANNON M. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryThe use of a combined focused ion beam/environmental scanning electron microscope (FIB/ESEM) offers new possibilities for imaging the internal structure of complex heterogeneous polymeric samples. The use of the focused ion beam, using positively charged gallium ions in conjunction with a measured ‘defocused’ low‐energy primary electron beam, has permitted milling through the heterostructure to be achieved in a controlled way, exposing the inner structure, without introducing significant ion beam damage/destruction into the sample. The subsequent use of the environmental scanning electron microscope for imaging the revealed internal structure has then enabled insulating polymer structures to be imaged, without charging problems. Cross‐sections of a 900‐nm‐thick spun cast film of phase‐separated polystyrene–polybutadiene blends have been successfully milled and imaged; the morphology agreeing with previous results produced using ultramicrotomy and transmission electron microscopy.
Not just vicariance: phylogeography of a Sonoran Desert euphorb indicates a major role of range expansion along the Baja peninsula
Authors: GARRICK R. C. , NASON J. D. , MEADOWS C. A. , DYER R. J. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractTo examine the generality of population‐level impacts of ancient vicariance identified for numerous arid‐adapted animal taxa along the Baja peninsula, we tested phylogeographical hypotheses in a similarly distributed desert plant, Euphorbia lomelii (Euphorbiaceae). In light of fossil data indicating marked changes in the distributions of Baja floristic assemblages throughout the Holocene and earlier, we also examined evidence for range expansion over more recent temporal scales. Two classes of complementary analytical approaches — hypothesis‐testing and hypothesis‐generating — were used to exploit phylogeographical signal from chloroplast DNA sequence data and genotypic data from six codominant nuclear intron markers. Sequence data are consistent with a scenario of mid‐peninsular vicariance originating c. 1 million years ago (Ma). Alternative vicariance scenarios representing earlier splitting events inferred for some animals (e.g. Isthmus of La Paz inundation, c. 3 Ma; Sea of Cortez formation, c. 5 Ma) were rejected. Nested clade phylo‐geographical analysis corroborated coalescent simulation‐based inferences. Nuclear markers broadened the temporal spectrum over which phylogeographical scenarios could be addressed, and provided strong evidence for recent range expansions along the north–south axis of the Baja peninsula. In contrast to previous plant studies in this region, however, the expansions do not appear to have been in a strictly northward direction. These findings contribute to a growing appreciation of the complexity of organismal responses to past climatic and geological changes — even when taxa have evolved in the same landscape context.
The Interaction of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein‐1 and Tumour Necrosis Factor‐α in Mycobacterium tuberculosis‐induced HIV‐1 Replication at Sites of Active Tuberculosis
Authors: Mayanja‐Kizza H. , Wu M. , Aung H. , Liu S. , Luzze H. , Hirsch C. , Toossi Z. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractTuberculosis (TB) is a prominent opportunistic infection in HIV‐1‐infected subjects and enhances HIV‐1 replication. TB is associated with excess monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α activity in situ, both of which are implicated in transcriptional activation of HIV‐1. The role of MCP‐1 and TNF‐α in activation of HIV‐1 during TB and by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) in mononuclear cells from HIV‐1/TB subjects with pleural TB was examined here. Extremely high levels of MCP‐1 (as compared with TNF‐α) protein and mRNA were found in pleural fluid and pleural fluid mononuclear cells. Levels of MCP‐1 mRNA were sustained during in vitro culture of pleural fluid mononuclear cells. Neutralization of MCP‐1 (but not TNF‐α), resulted in inhibition of MTB induced HIV‐1 gag/pol mRNA. Neutralization of both MCP‐1 and TNF‐α, however, abrogated the effect of anti‐MCP‐1 antibody on HIV‐1 mRNA. LMP‐420, a small molecular transcriptional inhibitor of both TNF‐α and MCP‐1 expression, did not reduce MTB‐induced HIV‐1 expression. These data imply that MCP‐1 activity may be critical to activation of HIV‐1 at sites of TB. An interplay of MCP‐1 and TNF‐α is also suggested.
Inbreeding variability and population structure in the invasive haplodiploid palm‐seed borer (Coccotrypes dactyliperda)
Authors: Holzman J. P. , Bohonak A. J. , Kirkendall L. R. , Gottlieb D. , Harari A. R. , Kelley S. T. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe investigated the mating system and population genetic structure of the invasive haplodiploid palm‐seed borerCoccotrypes dactyliperdain California. We focused on whether these primarily inbreeding beetles have a ‘mixed‐breeding’ system that includes occasional outbreeding, and whether local inbreeding coefficients (FIS) varied with dominant environmental factors. We also analysed the genetic structure ofC. dactyliperdapopulations across local and regional scales. Based on the analysis of genetic variation at seven microsatellite loci in 1034 individual beetles from 59 populations, we found both high rates of inbreeding and plentiful evidence of mixed‐breeding.FISranged from −0.56 to 0.90, the highest variability reported within any animal species. There was a negative correlation betweenFISand latitude, suggesting that some latitude‐associated factor affecting mating decisions influenced inbreeding rates. Multiple regressions suggested that precipitation, but not temperature, may be an important correlate. Finally, we found highly significant genetic differentiation among sites, even over short geographic distances (< 1000 m).
Architecture of developing multicellular yeast colony: spatio‐temporal expression of Ato1p ammonium exporter
Authors: Váchová Libuše , Chernyavskiy Oleksandr , Strachotová Dita , Bianchini Paolo , Burdíková Zuzana , Ferčíková Ivana , Kubínová Lucie , Palková Zdena 
Published: March 2009

SummaryYeasts, when growing on solid surfaces, form organized multicellular structures, colonies, in which cells differentiate and thus possess different functions and undergo dissimilar fate. Understanding the principles involved in the formation of these structures requires new approaches that allow the study of individual cells directly in situ without needing to remove them from the microbial community. Here we introduced a new approach to the analysis of whole yeast microcolonies either containing specific proteins labelled by fluorescent proteins or stained with specific dyes, by two‐photon excitation confocal microscopy. It revealed that the colonies are covered with a thin protective skin‐like surface cell layer which blocks penetration of harmful compounds. The cells forming the layer are tightly connected via cell walls, the presence of which is essential for keeping of protective layer function. Viewing the colonies from different angles allowed us to reconstruct a three‐dimensional profile of the cells producing ammonium exporter Ato1p within developing microcolonies growing either as individuals or within a group of microcolonies. We show that neighbouring microcolonies coordinate production of Ato1p‐GFP. Ato1p itself appears synchronously in cells, which do not originate from the same ancestor, but occupy specific position within the colony.
Histology, histochemistry and morphometry of the ovary of the adult plains viscacha (Lagostomus maximus) in different reproductive stages
Authors: Flamini Mirta Alicia , Barbeito Claudio Gustavo , Gimeno Eduardo Juan , Portiansky Enrique Leo 
Published: March 2009

Abstract Lagostomus maximus is a South American Hystricognathi rodent whose reproductive behaviour shows characteristics unusual for mammals, such as polyovulation (200–800 oocytes) and a high rate of embryo mortality. Thirty‐six mature females captured in the province of Buenos Aires showed different physiological reproductive stages. Most of them presented a postpartum oestrus in August–September. This characteristic is different from that reported in other geographical areas. The stages considered were: anoestrus, follicular phase, early pregnancy and late pregnancy. The ovaries were light‐pink and smooth and presented a tortuous cord‐like aspect. Many primordial follicles were found in all the females studied. Follicles in different states of maturation and primary and accessory corpora lutea were observed in the cortex. These structures were smaller than those present in other related species. Follicles did not project into the surface of the organ. Calcified follicles of diverse size were found in all the ovaries. Atretic follicles were found in all the stages analysed. Interstitial tissue surrounding the follicles and the corpora lutea was also observed. The number and proportion of different cortical structures varied in the physiological stages analysed. The ovaries of the viscacha have differential characteristics in comparison to other Hystricognathi, some of them related to polyovulation.
The tritocerebrum and the clypeolabrum in mandibulate arthropods: segmental interpretations
Authors: Bitsch Jacques , Bitsch Colette 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBitsch, J. and Bitsch, C. 2010. The tritocerebrum and the clypeolabrum in mandibulate arthropods: segmental interpretations. —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 91: 249–266Different interpretations of the segmental composition of the head in mandibulate arthropods are critically reviewed, with particular focus on three closely associated structures: the tritocerebrum, the stomatogastric nervous system and the clypeolabrum. The main conclusions arising from the different discussions are the following. (1) Each tritocerebral ganglion has a dual composition, clearly discernable in some crustacean and hexapod species, including a dorsal portion connected with the second antennae and a ventral portion connected with the stomatogastric nervous system via the frontal ganglion. (2) The suboesophageal commissure linking the tritocerebral lobes of the two sides, can be wholly ascribed to the tritocerebral segment. (3) The stomatogastric nervous system is a morphologically autonomous system that is not fundamentally affected by head metamerization. (4) The clypeolabrum, the epistome–labrum and the hypostome are regarded as homologous formations. The clypeolabrum represents a fundamental structure of the head probably present in the arthropod ground plan. Its close spatial and developmental association with the stomodeum and its derivative, the stomatogastric nervous system, suggests that it is an anterior outgrowth of the forehead arising from a preoral territory (presegmental acron or protocerebral–ocular region?) and secondarily connected with the tritocerebrum, rather than derived from a pair of reduced appendages.
The Aspect‐Perception Passages: A Critical Investigation of Köhler's Isomorphism Principle1
Authors: Ayob Gloria 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn this paper I argue that Wittgenstein's aim in the aspect‐perception passages is to critically evaluate a specific hypothesis. The target hypothesis in these passages is the Gestalt psychologist Köhler's “isomorphism principle.” According to this principle, there are neural correlates of conscious perceptual experience, and these neural correlates determine the content of our perceptual experiences. Wittgenstein's argument against the isomorphism principle comprises two steps. First, he diffuses the substantiveness of the principle by undermining an important assumption that underpins this principle, namely, that there is a unitary concept of seeing. Next, Wittgenstein argues that some forms of aspect‐perception involve recognitional capacities, the exercise of which is normatively constrained. The normative nature of aspect‐perceiving plays a pivotal role in Wittgenstein's rejection of the isomorphism principle. Aside from the clear exegetical benefits gained from identifying the target hypothesis in the aspect‐perception passages as the isomorphism principle, construing the remarks in the way suggested here is also philosophically interesting in its own right: it shows Wittgenstein engaging directly in the mind–body problem, construed as the problem of intentionality.
Antibody responses to Porphyromonas gingivalis outer membrane protein in the first trimester
Authors: SASAHARA Jun , KIKUCHI Akira , TAKAKUWA Koichi , SUGITA Noriko , ABIKO Yoshimitsu , YOSHIE Hiromasa , TANAKA Kenichi 
Published: March 2009

Background:  Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) is one of the most harmful periodontal pathogens and it has been reported that Pg is associated with preterm birth (PTB), intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and pregnancy‐induced hypertension (PIH), discovered by animal experiments and clinical research. The relationship between adverse pregnancy outcomes and maternal antibody response to Pg is controversial. On the other hand, the serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) has been recognised as a reliable serum marker of periodontal disease.Aims:  To determine the significance of antibody responses to Pg affecting pregnancy outcomes in the first trimester.Methods:  A case–control study was carried out on women with PTB (n = 58), IUGR (n = 91), PIH (n = 32) and without any complications (control, n = 98). The serum level of the CRP and IgG1 against 40‐kDa outer membrane protein of Pg (anti‐40‐kDa OMP Pg‐IgG1) in the first trimester was measured.Results:  The IUGR group, and PTB patients whose placentas were diagnosed as chorioamnionitis or whose vaginal flora included Lactobacilli, showed a lower level of anti‐40‐kDa OMP Pg‐IgG1 than the control group. There was no difference in the serum CRP level between each case group and control group.Conclusions:  These results suggest that a lack of humoral immunity against Pg in early pregnancy is associated with IUGR and some PTB.
Choosing medical or surgical terminations of pregnancy in the first trimester: What is the difference?
Authors: GOODYEAR‐SMITH Felicity , KNOWLES Alison 
Published: March 2009

Background: Women seeking termination of pregnancy in Auckland, New Zealand can chose between medical and surgical options up to eight weeks gestation.Aims: To assess demographic differences or changes over time between proportions of women choosing medical or surgical abortions at a single centre and determine whether changing the mifepristone–misoprostol interval from two to one day impacted on outcomes.Methods: Retrospective audit of two consecutive years (December 2005–November 2006 and December 2006–November 2007) of first‐trimester surgical and medical terminations where the mifepristone‐misoprostol interval was reduced from two to one day between years. Analysis using descriptive statistics and assessment of probability of observed differences between groups.Results: A total of 1495 terminations were performed in 2005–2006 and 1588 in 2006–2007. No significant difference (P = 0.4) of eligible women choosing medical (21% and 23%) or surgical abortion between years. Ethnicity, age and residency status did not influence choice. Medical termination of pregnancy was more likely in women who were without previous children (P = 0.009), pregnancies (P = 0.02) or terminations (P = 0.04). Medical termination was similarly effective within six hours with either two‐ or one‐day intervals.Conclusions: Both medical and surgical first‐trimester abortions are safe and effective. It is optimal to be able to offer women choice. Reducing the medical interval to one day does not increase adverse outcomes.
Screening Trauma Patients With the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and Biomarkers of Alcohol Use
Authors: Neumann Tim , Gentilello Larry M. , Neuner Bruno , Weiß‐Gerlach Edith , Schürmann Hajo , Schröder Torsten , Müller Christian , Haas Norbert P. , Spies Claudia D. 
Published: March 2009

Background:  Alcohol screening and brief interventions have been shown to reduce alcohol‐related morbidity in injured patients. Use of self‐report questionnaires such as the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) is recommended as the optimum screening method. We hypothesized that the accuracy of screening is enhanced by combined use of the AUDIT and biomarkers of alcohol use in injured patients.Methods:  The study was conducted in the emergency department of a large, urban, university hospital. Patients were evaluated with the AUDIT, and blood sampled to determine carbohydrate‐deficient transferrin, gamma‐glutamyl‐transferase, and mean corpuscular volume. Alcohol problems were defined as presence of ICD‐10 criteria for dependence or harmful use, or high‐risk drinking according to World Health Organization criteria (weekly intake >420 g in males, >280 g in females). Screening accuracy was determined using Receiver Operating Characteristic curves.Results:  There were 787 males and 446 females in the study. Median age was 33 years. The accuracy of the AUDIT was good to excellent, whereas all biomarkers performed only fairly to poorly in males, and even worse in females. At a specificity >0.80, sensitivity for all biomarkers was <0.43, whereas sensitivity for the AUDIT was 0.76 for males and 0.81 for females. The addition of biomarkers added little additional discriminatory information compared to use of the AUDIT alone.Conclusions:  Screening properties of the AUDIT are superior to %CDT, MCV, and GGT for detection of alcohol problems in injured patients and are not clinically significantly enhanced by the use of biomarkers.