bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Foundress behaviors and interactions in polygynous colonies of the haplometrotic Japanese paper waspPolistes snelleni(Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
Authors: SAYAMA Katsuhiko 
Published: December 2006

AbstractOnly two out of 959 pre‐emergence colonies of the paper waspPolistes snellenide Saussure surveyed between 1989 and 1996 in Sapporo, northern Japan, were found to be two‐foundress colonies, and the others were single‐foundress colonies. The two foundresses in one of the two colonies showed neither aggressive dominance behavior nor clear division of labor between them during a total of approximately 30 h in the first half of the pre‐emergence stage. Although both of the foundresses foraged for pulp and laid eggs, only one foundress foraged for prey and delivered it to the other.
Resurrection of Rabdophaga salicivora Shinji (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), a Japanese gall midge formerly misidentified as a North American species, Rabdophaga rigidae (Osten Sacken), with observations on the phylogenetic relationships of its populations in Japan and the Russian Far East
Authors: SATO Shinsuke , YUKAWA Junichi 
Published: December 2006

AbstractIntercontinental biotic connections between Eurasia and North America are common in many gall midge genera (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), but only a few species have been recorded from both continents. In Japan, four gall midge species had been previously considered to be identical to North American species, but three of these cases have already been disproved. We examined the remaining species, Rabdophaga rigidae, which had been originally described from Japan as Rabdophaga salicivora in 1938, later recorded from the Russian Far East in 1967, and synonymized with a North American species, R. rigidae, in 1982. Morphological features and partial sequence data of the mtDNA cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) region suggested that the Japanese species is a distinct species and is identical to the species recorded from the Russian Far East. We therefore apply the original name, R. salicivora, to the Japanese and the Russian species. In addition, on the basis of a molecular phylogenetic analysis, we conclude that R. salicivora possibly came to the Japanese Archipelago through the Korean Peninsula and established itself first in the southern parts of Japan. Then, it expanded its distribution range to northern parts of Honshu, but could not reach Hokkaido, probably because of the Tsugaru Strait between Honshu and Hokkaido.
Excess silica in omphacite and the formation of free silica in eclogite
Authors: DAY H. W. , MULCAHY S. R. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractSilica lamellae in eclogitic clinopyroxene are widely interpreted as evidence of exsolution during decompression of eclogite. However, mechanisms other than exsolution might produce free silica, and the possible mechanisms depend in part on the nature and definition of excess silica. ‘Excess’ silica may occur in both stoichiometric and non‐stoichiometric pyroxene. Although the issue has been debated, we show that all common definitions of excess silica in non‐stoichiometric clinopyroxene are internally consistent, interchangeable, and therefore equivalent. The excess silica content of pyroxene is easily illustrated in a three‐component, condensed composition space and may be plotted directly from a structural formula unit or recalculated end‐members. In order to evaluate possible mechanisms for the formation of free silica in eclogite, we examined the net‐transfer reactions in model eclogites using a Thompson reaction space. We show that there are at least three broad classes of reactions that release free silica in eclogite: (i) vacancy consumption in non‐stoichiometric pyroxene; (ii) dissolution of Ti‐phases in pyroxene or garnet; (iii) reactions between accessory phases and either pyroxene or garnet. We suggest that reliable interpretation of the significance of silica lamellae in natural clinopyroxene will require the evaluation not only of silica solubility, but also of titanium solubility, and the possible roles of accessory phases and inclusions on the balance of free silica.
Regional Cerebral Blood Flow and Developmental Outcome in Cryptogenic West Syndrome
Authors: Hamano Shin‐Ichiro , Yoshinari Satoshi , Higurashi Norimichi , Tanaka Manabu , Minamitani Motoyuki , Eto Yoshikatsu 
Published: December 2006

Summary:  Purpose: To elucidate the relation between alterations of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) therapy and developmental outcomes of cryptogenic West syndrome. Methods: Quantitative measurement of rCBF, with autoradiography method using N‐isopropyl‐(123I) p‐iodoamphetamine single photon emission computed tomography before and after ACTH therapy, was performed on 17 infants with cryptogenic West syndrome. Regions of interest for rCBF were placed bilaterally in the cerebellum, the thalamus, the caudate nucleus, and the frontal, temporal, and occipital cortices. RCBFs and the alteration ratios calculated from rCBFs before and after ACTH therapy were compared between two groups: the normal and delayed groups, which were divided by developmental outcome at 2 years old. Results: RCBFs before the therapy were not different statistically between the normal and delayed groups, and between those groups and the control group also. RCBFs after ACTH therapy of the occipital, thalamic and cerebellar regions were different between the normal and delayed groups (p < 0.05). Alteration ratios were different between the normal and delayed groups, in all of the regions but the frontal region (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study showed the differences of rCBF response by ACTH therapy between the normal and delayed groups of cryptogenic West syndrome. The difference of rCBF alteration might be associated with maturation of the cerebrovascular system, or influence of corticotropin‐releasing hormone regarding the brain‐adrenal‐axis.
MEG Predicts Outcome Following Surgery for Intractable Epilepsy in Children with Normal or Nonfocal MRI Findings
Authors: RamachandranNair Rajesh , Otsubo Hiroshi , Shroff Manohar M. , Ochi Ayako , Weiss Shelly K. , Rutka James T. , Snead O. Carter 
Published: December 2006

Summary:  Purpose: To identify the predictors of postsurgical seizure freedom in children with refractory epilepsy and normal or nonfocal MRI findings. Methods: We analyzed 22 children with normal or subtle and nonfocal MRI findings, who underwent surgery for intractable epilepsy following extraoperative intracranial EEG. We compared clinical profiles, neurophysiological data (scalp EEG, magnetoencephalography (MEG) and intracranial EEG), completeness of surgical resection and pathology to postoperative seizure outcomes. Results: Seventeen children (77%) had a good postsurgical outcome (defined as Engel class IIIA or better), which included eight (36%) seizure‐free children. All children with postsurgical seizure freedom had an MEG cluster in the final resection area. Postsurgical seizure freedom was obtained in none of the children who had bilateral MEG dipole clusters (3) or only scattered dipoles (1). All five children in whom ictal onset zones were confined to ≤5 adjacent intracranial electrodes achieved seizure freedom compared to three of 17 children with ictal onset zones that extended over >5 electrodes (p = 0.002). None of six children with more than one type of seizure became seizure‐free, compared to eight of 16 children with a single seizure type (p = 0.04). Complete resection of the preoperatively localized epileptogenic zone resulted in seizure remission in 63% (5/8) and incomplete resections, in 21% (3/14) (p = 0.06). Age of onset, duration of epilepsy, number of lobes involved in resection, and pathology failed to correlate with seizure freedom. Conclusions: Surgery for intractable epilepsy in children with normal MRI findings provided good postsurgical outcomes in the majority of our patients. As well, restricted ictal onset zone predicted postoperative seizure freedom. Postoperative seizure freedom was less likely to occur in children with bilateral MEG dipole clusters or only scattered dipoles, multiple seizure types and incomplete resection of the proposed epileptogenic zone. Seizure freedom was most likely to occur when there was concordance between EEG and MEG localization and least likely to occur when these results were divergent.
Myoclonic Status in Nonprogressive Encephalopathies: Study of 29 Cases
Authors: Caraballo Roberto Horacio , Cersósimo Ricardo Oscar , Espeche Alberto , Arroyo Hugo Antonio , Fejerman Natalio 
Published: December 2006

Summary:  Purpose: Myoclonic status in nonprogressive encephalopaties (MSNE) is characterized by recurrence of long‐lasting myoclonic status appearing in infants and young children with nonprogressive encephalopathy. Here, we describe the electroclinical features and evolution of MSNE. Methods: Between February 1, 1990 and July 31, 2005, 29 patients who met diagnostic criteria of MSNE were enrolled in the study at our department and have been followed up to the present time. Results: Three main subgroups could be identified. The first subgroup of 18 patients presented myoclonic absences and rhythmic myoclonias. These were followed by a brief silent period related to a subcontinuous delta‐theta activity involving the central areas, and rhythmic delta waves with superimposed spikes mainly involving the parietooccipital regions and often activated by eye closure. It was found in all children with a genetic etiology. The second subgroup included five patients showing a pattern characterized by inhibitory phenomena associated with a dystonic component and sudden irregular rapid lightning‐like jerks. The EEG showed subcontinuous multifocal slow spike‐waves, predominating in frontocentral regions. These patients are affected by a cortical malformation or the etiology is unknown. The third subgroup included six children who initially suffered from myoclonic absences. The status was initially characterized by subcontinuous generalized spike‐wave‐type paroxysms related to rhythmic myoclonia of face and limbs. After 1–3 weeks, the EEG showed sharp theta waves with very slow pseudorhythmic continuous spikes in the central regions and vertex. The etiology was found to be perinatal anoxic injury. Conclusion: MSNE should be considered as a new epileptic syndrome in the group of epileptic encephalopathy.
Hemispheric Surgery in Children with Refractory Epilepsy: Seizure Outcome, Complications, and Adaptive Function
Authors: Basheer Sheikh Nigel , Connolly Mary B. , Lautzenhiser Aaron , Sherman Elisabeth M. S. , Hendson Glenda , Steinbok Paul 
Published: December 2006

Summary:  Purpose: To describe seizure control, complications, adaptive function and language skills following hemispheric surgery for epilepsy. Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients who underwent hemispheric surgery from July 1993 to June 2004 with a minimum follow‐up of 12 months. Results: The study population comprised 24 children, median age at seizure onset six months and median age at surgery 41 months. Etiology included malformations of cortical development (7), infarction (7), Sturge‐Weber Syndrome (6), and Rasmussen's encephalitis (4). The most frequent complication was intraoperative bleeding (17 transfused). Age <2 yr, weight <11 kg, and hemidecortication were risk factors for transfusion. Postoperative complications included aseptic meningitis (6), and hydrocephalus (3). At median follow‐up of 7 yr, 79% of patients are seizure free. Children with malformations of cortical development and Rasmussen's encephalitis were more likely to have ongoing seizures. Overall adaptive function scores were low, but relative strengths in verbal abilities were observed. Shorter duration of epilepsy prior to surgery was related significantly to better adaptive functioning. Conclusions: Hemispheric surgery is an effective therapy for refractory epilepsy in children. The most common complication was bleeding. Duration of epilepsy prior to surgery is an important factor in determining adaptive outcome.
Human immunodeficiency virus‐1 subtypes and antiretroviral drug resistance profiles among drug‐naïve Brazilian blood donors
Authors: Sá‐Ferreira José Antonio , Brindeiro Patrícia Alvarez , Chequer‐Fernandez Saada , Tanuri Amilcar , Morgado Mariza Gonçalves 
Published: December 2006

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus‐1 (HIV‐1) genetic variability and its implication on the development of new reagents were investigated by correlating time of infection and resistance to antiretroviral drugs.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Seventy‐four plasma samples from Brazilian drug‐naïve blood donors were assayed to further develop a panel of biologic reagents to be used in serology and molecular tests. After viral RNA extraction, cDNA was generated and used in nested polymerase chain reaction protocols with primers for the ENV (C2‐V3 and gp41), protease (PR), and reverse transcriptase (RT) of HIV‐1. Genomic sequencing was conducted to define HIV‐1 subtypes and drug resistance mutations.RESULTS: Subtype B was found in 83.8 percent of all samples, subtype F in 2.7 percent, and BF mosaics in 11 percent of the cases. B and F different genetic profiles were evidenced: BPRBRTBgp120Bgp41, FPRFRTFgp120Fgp41, FPRFRTBgp120Bgp41, FPRBRTBgp120Bgp41, and BPRBRTFgp120Bgp41. A single sample (1.4%) was characterized as a BC mosaic (BPRCRTUgp120Cgp41) and an AGH mosaic (AGPRGRTHgp120Hgp41) was first observed in the country. Antiretroviral resistance to nucleoside RT inhibitor was observed in one sample (1.35%) showing M41L and T215S mutations. Nonnucleoside RT inhibitor and major PR inhibitor resistance mutations were not observed. Previously unseen patterns of resistance to T20 were found among HIV‐1–infected drug‐naïve individuals in Brazil. Recent infections were characterized in 21.6 percent of the blood donor samples included in this study.CONCLUSIONS: The availability of characterized plasma samples and HIV isolates will allow the development of biologic reagents necessary to implement quality control programs and to develop, validate, and evaluate the performance of diagnostic kits, considering all HIV‐1–circulating variants in the country.
Knops blood group haplotypes among distinct Brazilian populations
Authors: Covas Dimas Tadeu , De Oliveira Fabíola Singaretti , Rodrigues Evandra Strazza , Abe‐Sandes Kiyoko , Silva Wilson Araújo , Fontes Aparecida Maria 
Published: December 2006

BACKGROUND: The Knops blood group system consists of antigens encoded by exon 29 of complement receptor 1 (CR1) gene. To better elucidate the complexity of Knops group system, the frequency of six single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in three Brazilian populations is determined.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 118 individuals descendant from Europe, Asia, and Africa were studied. The genomic fragment of CR1 was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, and the SNPs and haplotypes were determined after DNA sequence analysis.RESULTS: Among the six polymorphisms characterized, one of them was described for the first time. The analysis of allele frequency showed that these six SNPs did not differ between the European and Asian groups. The African group presented a higher frequency of alleles McCb, Sl2, and KAM+. The six polymorphisms gave origin to 12 haplotypes that were defined for the first time. The haplotypes 1 (4646A, Kna, McCa, Sl1, Sl4, KAM+), 2 (4646A, Kna, McCa, Sl1, KAM–), and 3 (4646A, Kna, McCa, Sl2, Sl4, KAM–) are the most frequent in all populations. The H2 presents similar frequency in all populations; however, whereas the H1 presented a higher prevalence in the European and Asian groups, in the African group H3 was present in a higher prevalence.CONCLUSIONS: In this study, a new SNP substituting serine for asparagine at amino acid 1540 was identified. Moreover 12 haplotypes were identified. The differences in haplotype frequencies strongly suggest that the H1 and H2 might be the ancestral one while the H3 may have originated in Africa and may have fixed there by positive selection.
Human tissue oversight in hospitals: an AABB survey
Authors: Kuehnert Matthew J. , Yorita Krista L. , Holman Robert C. , Strong D. Michael ,   AABB Tissue Task Force
Published: December 2006

BACKGROUND: Reports of human tissue allograft–transmitted infections have underscored the need for better accounting of allografts in health‐care facilities. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) implemented new storage and issuance tissue standards for hospital oversight as of July 1, 2005. This study sought to survey hospital tissue responsibilities.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The AABB Tissue Task Force conducted a Web‐based survey distributed to all 904 hospital institutional members in January 2005. The survey asked about tissue type used, breadth of responsibility, hospital department involvement, and views on AABB involvement. Data from 402 of 904 (45%) respondents were tabulated and analyzed.RESULTS: Among the 402 respondents, 325 (81%) used allogeneic and/or autologous human tissue. The most frequently used tissues were musculoskeletal (n = 240, 74%) and skin (n = 169, 52%) allografts. The department of surgery (e.g., operating room; n = 245, 76%) most often had responsibility for tissue use, followed by the blood bank (i.e., transfusion service; n = 164, 51%); surgery most frequently had responsibility for all tissue types except peripheral blood progenitor cells. Only 32 of 402 (8%) respondents had plans for increased oversight in the next 12 months; 129 of 178 (72%) thought there was a role for AABB in developing guidance on hospital tissue responsibilities.CONCLUSIONS: In this survey, most AABB member hospital respondents indicated facility use of allogeneic and/or autologous tissues. Although tissue allograft responsibility by surgery was extensive, hospital blood banks also had significant involvement. Few blood banks, however, plan increased oversight in the near future. Given JCAHO standards, blood banks have an opportunity to assist their hospital in planning for assigned tissue responsibilities and oversight to ensure patient safety.
Concentration of transfusion resources on a few pathologies and a few patients: analysis of the comprehensive in‐hospital patient database
Authors: Beguin Claire , Closon Marie‐Christine , Vandekerckhove Philippe , Baele Philippe 
Published: December 2006

BACKGROUND: Blood is a sparse commodity. Transfusion needs increase while the number of donors decreases. These constraints incite Belgian authorities to pay more attention to transfusion financing. This implies pathologic knowledge of the epidemiology of in‐hospital transfusion and the consumption of blood products.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of in‐hospital stays from the year 2000 and includes data from all 124 Belgian hospitals. The database contains information on diagnoses, procedures, and all‐patients refined diagnosis‐related groups (APRDRGs) but also on expenses linked to blood products transfused and to transfusion‐related pharmaceutical products.RESULTS: Three percent of surgical patients used 55.7 percent of transfusion resources and 75.4 percent of transfusion costs were associated with 24 APRDRGs. In the medical group, 3 percent of the patients accounted for 80.2 percent of transfusion costs and 20 APRDRGs consumed 71.9 percent of transfusion resources. The variables with the highest impact on the proportion of patients transfused were severity, pathology, and age. The effect of hospitals remained significant but had less impact. No substitution of blood products by transfusion‐related pharmaceutical products was observed in our analysis.CONCLUSION: Our study confirms that transfusion now centers on a limited number of pathologic entities and, within those, in small subsets of patients. This implies that the costs linked to setting up and running the transfusion system can no longer be shared by a large number of patients who receive transfusions but rely increasingly on patients at higher risks of more unpredictable needs. The system must nevertheless be able to cope with them at any time.
“Sequential” Mapping Mimicking “Simultaneous” Mapping Using Magnetic Navigation During Catheter Ablation of Supraventricular Tachycardia: Results of the Single DX Study
Authors: ERNST SABINE , CHUN JULIAN K. R. , UJEYL AMAAR , OUYANG FEIFAN , KUCK KARL‐HEINZ 
Published: December 2006

Introduction: The magnetic navigation system (MNS) allows remote‐controlled navigation of an ablation catheter from the control room. We tested the hypothesis, whether the MNS and a single additional diagnostic nonsteerable catheter would have the potential to identify the tachycardia substrate and allow subsequent ablation in patients with documented supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Methods and Results: A total of 41 patients (24 females, age 45 ± 16 years) underwent an invasive electrophysiologic (EP) study using the MNS. Together with a conventional diagnostic catheter in the right ventricle, the magnetic catheter (MC) was used to investigate the underlying EP substrate in a sequential fashion and subsequently to perform radiofrequency (RF) ablation. A custom‐made device allowed the separate assessment of fluoroscopy deployed from the control and examination room. Using conventional EP criteria, identification of the underlying substrate was possible in all but 4 noninducible patients (no accessory pathway [AP], no dual atrioventricular [AV] node): APs were present in 10 patients, AV node re‐entrant tachycardia in 26 patients, and ectopic atrial tachycardia in 1 patient. Despite 3 patients, in which switching to conventional ablation was necessary (8%), all others were successfully treated using the MNS. Overall fluoroscopy amounted to a median of 3.4 minutes (interquartile range, 2.4–5.3) with only a median of 1.0 minute exposure for the investigator. Conclusions: Remote catheter ablation of SVT using the new MNS Niobe and a single conventional diagnostic catheter is feasible. Compared to conventional EP studies, a reduction of radiation exposure for both patients and investigators was demonstrated.
Association between antenatal depression and low birthweight in a developing country
Authors: Rahman A. , Bunn J. , Lovel H. , Creed F. 
Published: December 2006

Objective:  There is a high prevalence of depression in south Asian women. We aimed to examine the association between antenatal depression and low birthweight (LBW) in infants in a rural community in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.Method:  A total of 143 physically healthy mothers with ICD‐10 depression in the third trimester of pregnancy and 147 non‐depressed mothers of similar gestation were followed from birth. Infant weight was measured and information collected on socioeconomic status, maternal body‐mass index and sociodemographic factors.Results:  Infants of depressed mothers had lower birthweight (mean 2910 g) than infants of non‐depressed mothers (mean 3022 g). The relative risk for LBW (≤2500 g) in infants of depressed mothers was 1.9 (95% CI 1.3–2.9). The association remained significant after adjustment for confounders by multivariate analyses.Conclusion:  Low birthweight is a major public health problem in developing countries. Maternal depression during pregnancy predicts LBW. Interventions aimed at maternal depression may help improve infant outcomes.