bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple introductions of two invasive Centaurea taxa inferred from cpDNA haplotypes
Authors: Hufbauer Ruth A. , Sforza René 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTKnowing the origin of invasive taxa, whether multiple introductions have occurred, and levels of genetic variation relative to the native range, is vital to conducting rigorous tests of hypotheses to explain biological invasions. We explore phylogeographical relationships of two Eurasian knapweed taxa that are invasive in North America, Centaurea diffusa and C. stoebe micranthos (Asteraceae), using chloroplast DNA intron sequences. We also gathered data from C. stoebe stoebe, hybrids between C. diffusa and C. stoebe stoebe (C. xpsammogena), and three other species in the genus. We sequenced 213 individuals from Eurasia and North America, and found 22 haplotypes. Centaurea diffusa has lower haplotype diversity and allelic richness in the introduced range relative to the native range. Even with reduced variation, the data suggest at least two introductions of C. diffusa. There is a trend towards reduced variation in C. stoebe micranthos, but it is not significant. One of the haplotypes found in North American C. stoebe micranthos matches a haplotype from a taxon other than C. stoebe micranthos in Europe. This suggests introgression of the chloroplast between taxa, or possibly the invasion of another Centaurea taxon into North America. Additionally, C. diffusa, C. stoebe micranthos, and C. stoebe stoebe share several haplotypes, including their most common haplotype. This suggests ongoing hybridization between the species or incomplete segregation. These data can guide further exploration for the origins of these species, and point out locations within the introduced range with unique and diverse genetic makeup.
Avian assemblage structure and domestic cat densities in urban environments
Authors: Sims Victoria , Evans Karl L. , Newson Stuart E. , Tratalos Jamie A. , Gaston Kevin J. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTWhile there is intense debate regarding the impact of domestic cat populations on wildlife, its resolution is hindered by the lack of quite basic information. Domestic cats are generalist and obligate predators that receive supplementary food, and their population density reflects that of humans more than the density of their prey. In such a predator–prey system there is the potential for cat populations to have negative impacts on avian assemblages, which may be indicated by negative correlations between cat density and avian species richness and density. Here we report on the nature of such correlations across urban areas in Britain both for groups of species classified regarding their vulnerability to cat predation and individual species. Taking the availability of green space into account, we find negative relationships between cat densities and the number of bird species breeding in urban 1 km × 1 km squares. These relationships are particularly strong among groups of species that are vulnerable to cat predation. We find positive correlations between cat and avian densities; these have low explanatory power and shallow slopes among the species groups that are particularly vulnerable to cat predation. Evidence that the densities of individual species that are vulnerable to cat predation are negatively correlated with cat densities is equivocal, with at least half the species showing no marked pattern, and the remainder exhibiting contrasting patterns. Our results appear not to be confounded by the density of nest‐predating corvids (carrion crow, magpie, and jay), as the density of these species was not strongly negatively correlated with avian species richness or density. The general lack of marked negative correlations between cat and avian densities at our focal spatial scale may be a consequence of consistently high cat densities in our study areas (minimum density is 132 cats per square kilometre), and thus uniformly high impacts of cat populations on urban avian assemblages.
Detection of single‐vessel coronary artery disease by dipyridamole stress echocardiography: no longer a problem?
Authors: Lipiec Piotr , Wejner‐Mik Paulina , Krzemińska‐Pakula Maria , Kuśmierek Jacek , Plachcińska Anna , Szumiński Remigiusz , Kasprzak Jaroslaw D. 
Published: December 2008

SummaryWe aimed to evaluate whether addition of myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) perfusion data improves the sensitivity of stress echocardiography for detection of single‐vessel coronary artery disease (svCAD) and to compare the diagnostic value of MCE and single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) for detection of svCAD.Methods  One hundred and three patients with suspected or known stable CAD underwent dipyridamole (0·84 mg kg−1 intravenously over 4 min)‐atropine (up to 1 mg intravenously) stress echocardiography combined with MCE. Wall motion abnormalities (WMA) and perfusion defects were assessed visually. Presence of CAD was detected by coronary angiography.Results  Single‐vessel coronary artery disease defined as ≥70% stenosis was detected in 30% of patients, whereas 26% of patients had svCAD defined as ≥50% stenosis. Presence of inducible WMA had 35% and 26% sensitivity for detection of svCAD defined as ≥70% and ≥50% stenosis, respectively. Concomitant evaluation of MCE increased the sensitivity to 74% (P = 0·005) and 56% (P = 0·053), respectively, using any inducible abnormality (WMA or perfusion defects) as a criterion. Presence of any (inducible or fixed) WMA had 77% and 59% sensitivity for detection of svCAD defined as ≥70% and ≥50% stenosis, respectively. In case of such criterion for stress test positivity, the improvement in sensitivity provided by addition of MCE (to 94% and 78%, respectively) did not reach statistical significance.Conclusions  Addition of MCE perfusion analysis during stress echocardiographical examination based on evaluation of inducible abnormalities improves the test sensitivity for detection of svCAD. This benefit is less apparent when fixed WMA and perfusion defects are incorporated into the stress test positivity criterion.
Montreal Cognitive Assessment Performance in Patients with Parkinson's Disease with “Normal” Global Cognition According to Mini‐Mental State Examination Score
Authors: Nazem Sarra , Siderowf Andrew D. , Duda John E. , Ten Have Tom , Colcher Amy , Horn Stacy S. , Moberg Paul J. , Wilkinson Jayne R. , Hurtig Howard I. , Stern Matthew B. , Weintraub Daniel 
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES: To examine Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) performance in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) with “normal” global cognition according to Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score.DESIGN: A cross‐sectional comparison of the MoCA and the MMSE.SETTING: Two movement disorders centers at the University of Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center.PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 131 patients with idiopathic PD who were screened for cognitive and psychiatric complications.MEASUREMENTS: Subjects were administered the MoCA and MMSE, and only subjects defined as having a normal age‐ and education‐adjusted MMSE score were included in the analyses (N=100). As previously recommended in patients without PD, a MoCA score less than 26 was used to indicate the presence of at least mild cognitive impairment (MCI).RESULTS: Mean MMSE and MoCA scores±standard deviation were 28.8±1.1 and 24.9±3.1, respectively. More than half (52.0%) of subjects with normal MMSE scores had cognitive impairment according to their MoCA score. Impairments were seen in numerous cognitive domains, including memory, visuospatial and executive abilities, attention, and language. Predictors of cognitive impairment on the MoCA using univariate analyses were male sex, older age, lower educational level, and greater disease severity; older age was the only predictor in a multivariate model.CONCLUSION: Approximately half of patients with PD with a normal MMSE score have cognitive impairment based on the recommended MoCA cutoff score. These results suggest that MCI is common in PD and that the MoCA is a more sensitive instrument than the MMSE for its detection.
Stopping to Rest During a 400‐Meter Walk and Incident Mobility Disability in Older Persons with Functional Limitations
Authors: Vestergaard Sonja , Patel Kushang V. , Walkup Michael P. , Pahor Marco , Marsh Anthony P. , Espeland Mark A. , Studenski Stephanie , Gill Thomas M. , Church Timothy , Guralnik Jack M. 
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between stopping to rest during a 400‐m usual‐pace walk test (400‐MWT) and incident mobility disability in older persons with functional limitations.DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.SETTING: Community based.PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred twenty‐four participants in the Lifestyle Intervention and Independence for Elders Pilot (LIFE‐P) Study aged 70 to 89 with functional limitations (summary score ≤9 on the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)) but able to complete the 400‐MWT within 15 minutes.MEASUREMENTS: Rest stops during the 400‐MWT were recorded. The onset of mobility disability, defined as being unable to complete the 400‐MWT or taking more than 15 minutes to do so, was recorded at Months 6 and 12.RESULTS: Fifty‐four (12.7%) participants rested during the 400‐MWT at baseline, of whom 37.7% experienced mobility disability during follow‐up, versus 8.6% of those not stopping to rest. Performing any rest stop was strongly associated with incident mobility disability at follow‐up (odds ratio (OR)=5.4, 95% confidence interval (CI)=2.7–10.9) after adjustment for age, sex, and clinic site. This association was weaker, but remained statistically significant, after further adjusting for SPPB and time to complete the 400‐MWT simultaneously (OR=2.6, 95% CI=1.2–5.9).CONCLUSION: Stopping to rest during the 400‐MWT is strongly associated with incident mobility disability in nondisabled older persons with functional limitations. Given the prognostic value, rest stops should be recorded as part of the standard assessment protocol for the 400‐MWT.
Functional Trajectories in Older Persons Admitted to a Nursing Home with Disability After an Acute Hospitalization
Authors: Gill Thomas M. , Gahbauer Evelyne A. , Han Ling , Allore Heather G. 
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the functional trajectories of older persons admitted to a nursing home with disability after an acute hospitalization.DESIGN: Prospective cohort study of 754 community‐living persons aged 70 and older who were initially nondisabled in four essential activities of daily living (ADLs).SETTING: Greater New Haven, Connecticut.PARTICIPANTS: The analytical sample included 296 participants who were newly admitted to a nursing home with disability after an acute hospitalization.MEASUREMENTS: Information on nursing home admissions, hospitalizations, and disability in essential ADLs was ascertained during monthly telephone interviews for up to 9 years. Disability was defined as the need for personal assistance in bathing, dressing, walking inside one's home, or transferring from a chair.RESULTS: The median time to the first nursing home admission with disability after an acute hospitalization was 46 months (interquartile range 27.5–75.5), and the mean number±standard deviation of ADLs that participants were disabled in upon admission was 3.0±1.2. In the month preceding hospitalization, 189 (63.9%) participants had no disability. The most common functional trajectory was discharged home with disability (46.3%), followed by continuous disability in the nursing home (27.4%), discharged home without disability (21.6%), and noncontinuous disability in the nursing home (4.4%). Only 96 (32.4%) participants returned home at (or above) their premorbid level of function.CONCLUSION: The functional trajectories of older persons admitted to a nursing home with disability after an acute hospitalization are generally poor. Additional research is needed to identify the factors responsible for these poor outcomes.
Understanding the Determinants of Service Channel Preference in the Early Stages of Adoption: A Social Cognitive Perspective on Online Brokerage Services*
Authors: Looney Clayton Arlen , Akbulut Asli Yagmur , Poston Robin S. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTIn today's increasingly technology‐mediated world, individuals are often confronted with a decision of whether to obtain services through online, self‐service technologies or traditional, nontechnological alternatives. Understanding the mechanisms by which consumers choose among these competing service channels represents an important concern for organizations, consumers, and Web site designers. This study develops a research model based on Social Cognitive Theory to explain and predict service channel preferences that arise in the early stages of adoption, before a consumer conducts business using a particular channel. The model is subsequently tested in the brokerage services context, using observations obtained via survey. Given the growing popularity of online investing combined with the challenging prospect of making optimal decisions in an inherently risky environment, the context offers insights of practical and theoretical importance. The results suggest that task‐specific self‐efficacy beliefs serve as the activating mechanism kicking off a chain of psychological events that entice consumers to favor a particular service channel. Higher levels of self‐efficacy induce individuals to prefer the online approach. In addition to its direct effect on preference for the online service channel, higher levels of self‐efficacy influence one's propensity to take risks and expectations of performance‐oriented rewards, which, in turn, sway consumers to favor the online service channel. Furthermore, self‐efficacy and perceptions concerning the credibility of online information interact to affect service channel preference. Consumers are more likely to prefer the online service channel when they view themselves as capable and perceive online sources to be credible. Implications for theory and practice are discussed in light of the findings.
Effect of a xenograft on early bone formation in extraction sockets: an experimental study in dog
Authors: Araújo M. , Linder E. , Lindhe J. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAim: The aim of this study was to study the effect on early bone formation resulting from the placement of a xenograft in the fresh extraction socket in dogs.Material and methods: Five beagle dogs were used. The distal roots of the third and fourth mandibular premolars were removed. In one quadrant, a graft consisting of Bio‐Oss® Collagen was placed in the fresh extraction wound, while the corresponding premolar sites in the contra‐lateral jaw quadrant were left non‐grafted. After 2 weeks of healing, the dogs were perfused with a fixative, the mandibles removed, the experimental sites dissected, demineralized, sectioned in the mesio‐distal plane and stained in hematoxyline–eosine.Results: The central portion of the non‐grafted sockets was occupied by a provisional matrix comprised of densely packed connective tissue fibers and mesenchymal cells. Apical and lateral to the provisional matrix, newly formed woven bone was found to occupy most of the sockets. In the apical part of the grafted sockets, no particles of the xenograft could be observed but newly formed bone was present in this portion of the experimental site. In addition, limited numbers of woven bone trabeculae occurred along the lateral socket walls. The central and marginal segments of the grafted sockets, however, were occupied by a non‐mineralized connective tissue that enclosed Bio‐Oss® particles that frequently were coated by multinucleated cells.Conclusions: The placement of Bio‐Oss® Collagen in the fresh extraction wound obviously delayed socket healing. Thus, after 2 weeks of tissue repair, only minute amounts of newly formed bone occurred in the apical and lateral borders of the grafted sockets, while large amounts of woven bone had formed in most parts of the non‐grafted sites.
REVIEW ARTICLE: Status of Contraceptive Vaccines
Authors: Naz Rajesh K. 
Published: December 2008

Problem  This is a review of anti‐sperm contraceptive vaccines (CV), and synthesis of human scFv antibodies that can be used as immunocontraceptives.Method of study  Various methods of proteomics and genomics, peptide synthesis, phage display technology, and antibody engineering were used to obtain multi‐epitope vaccines and human scFv antibodies from immunoinfertile and vasectomized men. The present review primarily focuses on the effect of multi‐epitope vaccines and Izumo on fertility, and synthesis and characterization of sperm specific human scFv antibodies.Results  The immunization with Izumo peptides causes a contraceptive effect in female mice. The efficacy is enhanced by combination vaccination, including peptides based on other sperm antigens. Using phage display technology, we were able to synthesize at least four novel scFv antibodies with unique complementarity determining regions (CDRs) that reacted with specific fertility‐related sperm antigens. These antibodies inhibited human sperm function in vitro, and their immunocontraceptive effect in vivo by these antibodies is currently being investigated.Conclusion  The multi‐epitope vaccines may provide an efficacious and viable approach to contraception. The human scFv antibodies, if they block fertility in vivo, may provide unique and novel immunocontraceptives, the first of its kind for human use. The multi‐epitope CV and preformed engineered antibodies of defined specificity may obliterate the concern related to inter‐individual variability of the immune response.
Tranexamic acid can inhibit tongue squamous cell carcinoma invasion in vitro
Authors: Suojanen J , Sorsa T , Salo T 
Published: December 2008

Objectives:  Tranexamic acid (TA) is an inhibitor of plasminogen activation commonly used in surgery. Plasmin, the end product of plasminogen activation, degrades fibrin in the thrombus, leading to thrombolysis. However, plasmin is also associated with progression of several cancers and with cancer‐associated matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) activation. As the gelatinases MMP‐2 and ‐9 are involved in cancer progression, several antigelatinolytic drugs have been developed as potential anticancer therapeutics. We previously developed gelatinases targeting peptide CTT1 capable of inhibiting carcinoma growth.Study design:  The effects of TA and CTT1 on tongue carcinoma aggressiveness were evaluated in an in vitro assay of human HSC‐3 and SCC‐25 cells.Materials and methods:  The cells were cultured with or without TA and CTT1 and their proMMP‐9 production and activation were analysed with Western immunoblotting and gelatin zymography. Their effects on tongue carcinoma invasion were analysed in a Matrigel assay.Results:  Tranexamic acid alone and in combination with CTT1 can inhibit tongue SCC invasion in vitro, at least partially explained by its property of reducing the plasmin‐mediated activation of proMMP‐9.Conclusions:  These data suggest that patients undergoing surgical therapy for large oral malignancies may cobenefit from prolonged TA therapy, because of its antithrombolytic and antitumour properties.
Determinants of long‐term weight maintenance
Authors: Sarlio‐Lähteenkorva S 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to discuss existing evidence on the determinants of weight maintenance by examining population based studies on weight gain as well as studies on weight loss maintenance.The data shows that disadvantaged groups are less likely to maintain healthy weight, and various social and economic problems starting from early in the life cycle may increase the risk of later weight gain. Long‐term data on weight loss maintenance is still very limited. It is obvious that permanent behavioural changes that lead to reduced energy intake and/or increased energy expenditure are needed but otherwise the search for predictors in weight loss maintenance has been largely discouraging.In conclusion, since social and economic problems seem to increase the risk of weight gain more attention should be paid to environments that promote healthy weight maintenance.
Microcephaly, lymphedema, chorioretinopathy and atrial septal defect: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Eventov‐Friedman Smadar , Singer Amihood , Shinwell Eric S 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground: The rare congenital combination of microcephaly, lymphedema and chorioretinopathy (MLCD) has been described. Recently, three cases with these clinical characteristics have been diagnosed as having, in addition, various congenital cardiac anomalies, which may be part of this genetic entity that presents with variable expression.Clinical observation: Here we present a new case of a one‐year‐old infant who was born with microcephaly and lymphedema and atrial septal defect (ASD) and developed chorioretinopathy at the age of 6 months. This infant had normal neurodevelopment at one year of age.Conclusion: We recommend that cardiac evaluation and long‐term ophthalmologic follow‐up should be part of the evaluation in each child born with microcephaly and lymphedema. Family counseling should include the fact that normal to near‐normal development may be possible, despite the presence of microcephaly.
Treatment of anemia by recombinant human erythropoietin in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy
Authors: YURUT‐CALOGLU Vuslat , CALOGLU Murat 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAnemia is a deficiency in red blood cells or in the hemoglobin (Hb) levels that leads to a decrease in the transport capacity of oxygen in the blood, which can reduce tolerance in radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy. The relationship between anemia and hypoxia, however, is complex and influenced by multiple variables. Although the blood Hb values that might develop hypoxia in tumors were not described clearly, optimal oxygen pressure was accepted in patients with an Hb value of 12–14 g/dL. Erythropoietin is a glycoprotein, which acts via EPOR to stimulate the growth, to prevent apoptosis, and to induce differentiation of red blood cell precursors. RhuEPO‐α and ‐β are classically administered subcutaneously three times per week at doses ranging from 150 to 300 IU/kg. Darbepoetin‐α has been shown to exhibit a longer elimination half‐life, thus allowing a once‐weekly administration at the dose of 2.25 µg/kg. Side‐effects related to rhuEPO include hypertension and thromboembolic events. RhuEPO can be used effectively in the treatment of anemia in patients with solid tumor being treated by RT or chemoradiotherapy. Furthermore, the use of rhuEPO has been demonstrated to have a sustained beneficial impact on quality of life in cancer patients. However, the role of combination of rhuEPO with external RT still remains inconclusive and several clinical trials have been pointed increased mortality in patients treated with rhuEPO. In this paper, the probable radiobiological effects of anemia in patients treated with RT, the beneficial and adverse effects of rhuEPO, and related studies are reviewed. Future directions for the use of rhuEPO are proposed.