bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DISTRIBUTION OF INTERTIDAL DIATOMS ASSOCIATED WITH SEDIMENTS IN YAQUINA ESTUARY, OREGON1,2
Authors: Amspoker Michael C. , McIntire C. David 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT Sediment samples and environmental data were collected from November 1973 to August 1974 to analyze the distribution of sediment‐associated diatom assemblages relative to vertical, horizontal, and seasonal gradients in Yaquina Estuary, Oregon. The distribution of diatoms was regulated primarily by mean salinity and characteristics of the sediment, i.e., mean sediment size and percentage of organic carbon. Prominent taxa in the river above Yaquina Bay exhibited overlapping distributions along the salinity gradient to a location in brackish water where the mean salinity was approximately 5%o. At this salinity, a relatively sharp discontinuity in the diatom flora existed which appeared to represent the biochemical and biophysical mechanisms involved in the osmotic regulation of fresh‐ and brackish‐water diatoms. Relatively large disparities m the structure of diatom assemblages were found within relatively small areas of Yaquina Bay. These differences were attributed to properties of the sediment. Differences in diatom assemblages relative to variations in light intensity, water temperature and exposure to intertidal emergence were not apparent from the analysis of field data.
FREEZE‐DRYING OF ALGAE: CHLOROPHYTA AND CHRYSOPHYTA1
Authors: McGrath Marian Sharp , Daggett Pierre‐Marc , Dilworth Sonya 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACT Thirty‐nine of 106 algal strains tested were successfully lyophilized using at least one of the following as suspending agents: 20% (w/v) skim milk, 12% (w/v) sucrose, 100% lamb serum and 100% horse serum. The majority of the Chlorella and Scenedesmusstrains tested (27/40) were amenable to freeze‐drying. Much less success (3/18) occurred with the Chlamydomonas strains tested. At least one strain of Ankistrodesmus, Bracteacoccus, Characium, Trebouxia, Haematococcus, Coccomyxa, Interfilum, Hormidium and Nephrodiella were also recovered. More strains were recovered with 20% skim milk as the protective agent than with 12% sucrose; however, 12% sucrose generally provided higher yields. Freeze‐drying appears to be an effective method of preservation far some algal strains.
Effect of Aging on the Response of Ghrelin to Acute Weight Loss
Authors: Yukawa Michi , Cummings David E. , Matthys Colleen C. , Callahan Holly S. , Frayo R. Scott , Spiekerman Charles F. , Weigle David S. 
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the failure of the orexigenic hormone ghrelin to increase as it normally does with weight loss contributes to impaired weight recovery in older persons.DESIGN: Prospective diet intervention study.SETTING: University of Washington Medical Center from 2001 through 2005.PARTICIPANTS: Twenty‐one younger (18–35) and 18 older (≥70) men and women.INTERVENTION: Two weeks of a weight‐maintaining diet were followed in sequence by 2 weeks of 30% calorie restriction, then 4 weeks of ad libitum food intake.MEASUREMENTS: Twenty‐four‐hour plasma ghrelin levels, dual x‐ray absorptiometry scan for body composition, resting energy expenditure, and calorie intakes were measured.RESULTS: Both younger and older subjects lost weight with calorie restriction and failed to fully regain their baseline weight. The older adults trended toward increasing their calorie intake above their baseline level during the ad libitum period (111±66 kcal, P=.11), whereas the younger individuals did not (−236±95 kcal, P=.02). There was no statistically significant difference between the two cohorts in 24‐hour ghrelin levels before or after calorie restriction. Ghrelin levels in the two cohorts increased equivalently after calorie restriction and decreased after ad libitum food consumption resumed.CONCLUSION: Ghrelin levels in healthy older individuals respond appropriately in a compensatory manner to changes in body weight and calorie intake.
Clinical Yield of Computed Tomography Brain Scans in Older General Medical Patients
Authors: Hirano Lianne A. , Bogardus Sidney T. , Saluja Sanjay , Leo‐Summers Linda , Inouye Sharon K. 
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical yield of computed tomography (CT) brain scans in a prospective cohort of older patients admitted to the general medicine service.DESIGN: Nested cohort study of 117 subjects enrolled in previous prospective cohort study of 919 subjects.SETTING: University‐affiliated teaching hospital.PARTICIPANTS: Hospitalized general medical patients aged 70 and older who received one or more brain CT scans during their hospital stay.MEASUREMENTS: Review of medical records and interpretation of the first brain CT scan in these 117 patients for indications for ordering scans and clinically significant brain abnormalities. Medical records of patients with brain CT scans with abnormalities were reviewed for 2 weeks after the scan for changes in medical management resulting from scan findings. Three independent reviewers adjudicated the presence of abnormalities and resulting treatment changes.RESULTS: Of the 117 brain CT scans, 32 (27%) were ordered to exclude intracranial hemorrhage, 30 (26%) to exclude cerebrovascular accident (CVA), 16 (14%) for falls, 15 (13%) for syncope, seven (6%) to exclude subdural hemorrhage, five (4%) for mental status change, and 12 (10%) for other reasons. Of the 117 brain CT scans, 29 (25%) had abnormalities, including acute CVA or hemorrhage, old CVA, meningioma, and other abnormalities. Only 10 (9% of all scans, 34% of abnormal scans) resulted in treatment changes (including consultations, further imaging, stroke evaluation, and drug changes). The presence of focal neurological deficits was significantly associated with treatment changes after CT scans (odds ratio=13.2, 95% confidence interval=1.7–161.5).CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the overall clinical yield of brain CT scans in unselected older hospitalized patients is low. Targeting scans toward patients with new focal neurological deficits will help to improve clinical yield.
High‐throughput molecular profiling of blood donors for minor red blood cell and platelet antigens
Authors: Montpetit Alexandre , Phillips Michael S. , Mongrain Ian , Lemieux Réal , St‐Louis Maryse 
Published: April 2006

BACKGROUND:  ABO and D phenotyping of both blood donors and patients receiving transfusions is routinely performed by blood banks to ensure compatibility. These analyses are performed by antibody‐based agglutination assays. Blood is not tested for minor blood group antigens on a regular basis, however, because of cost and time constraints. This can result in alloimmunization of the patient against one to several minor antigens and may complicate future transfusions.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  To address this problem, an assay has been generated on the GenomeLab SNPstream genotyping system to test simultaneously polymorphisms linked to 22 different blood antigens with donor’s DNA isolated from minute amounts of white blood cells.RESULTS:  The results showed that both the error rate of the assay, as measured by the strand concordance rate, and the no‐call rate were very low (0.1%). The concordance rate with the actual red blood cell (RBC) and platelet (PLT) serology data varied from 97 to 100 percent. Experimental or database errors as well as rare polymorphisms contributing to antigen conformation could explain the observed differences. These rates, however, are well above requirements because phenotyping and cross‐matching will always be performed before transfusion.CONCLUSION:  Molecular profiling of blood donors for minor RBC and PLT antigens will give blood banks instant access to many different matched donors through the setup of a centralized data storage system.
Quality of Life and Cost for Patients with Premature Ventricular Contractions by Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation
Authors: HUANG CONG‐XIN , LIANG JIN‐JUN , YANG BO , JIANG HONG , TANG QI‐ZHU , LIU XIU‐JUAN , WAN WEI‐GUO , JIAN XIAO‐LI 
Published: April 2006

Objective: To evaluate the quality of life (QoL), health‐care resource utilization, and cost for the patients with premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) by radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA).
Methods: RFCA was performed in 58 patients with symptomatic PVCs that were refractory/easy to medication. A 24‐hour ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring, QoL, health‐care resources utilization, and cost were assessed at a screening visit and 3 and 12 months after RFCA.
Results: RFCA was successfully performed in 56 patients (96.6%). This resulted in a significant improvement in the QoL at 3 and 12 months after the procedure. There were no major complications related to the procedure. Nine patients (15.5%) had residual arrhythmia. Seven of them underwent repeated ablation with successful results. It also improved the QoL and reduced health‐care resource utilization and cost.
Conclusions: RFCA is a safe and effective treatment for PVCs, and it is a viable alternative to drugs in the presence of disabling symptoms.
Pacemaker Implantation as a Risk Factor for Heart Failure in Young Adults with Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: NOTHROFF JÖRG , NOROZI KAMBIZ , ALPERS VALENTIN , ARNHOLD JAN O. , WESSEL ARMIN , RUSCHEWSKI WOLFGANG , BUCHHORN REINER 
Published: April 2006

Aim: Complete postoperative heart block following open‐heart surgery and sinus node dysfunction are indications for permanent cardiac pacing in children with congenital heart defects. The purpose of our study was to evaluate if cardiac pacing is a risk factor of heart failure during longtime follow‐up of grown ups with congenital heart disease (GUCH).
Methods: For an objective assessment of heart failure, NT‐Pro brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and maximal oxygen uptake index (VO2max) during the cardiopulmonary exercise testing were measured in 346 consecutive GUCH patients during a longtime follow‐up examination.
Results: Thirty‐nine of these patients who had pacemaker implantation had significantly increased BNP levels (448.2 ± 76.8 vs 123.8 ± 9.7 pg/mL, P < 0.0001) and significantly decreased VO2max (22.5 ± 0.9 vs 27.4 ± 0.4, P < 0.0001). Heart failure in pacemaker patients was associated with significantly prolonged QRS complex durations (171.1 ± 8.3 ms vs 108.7 ± 1.8 ms, P < 0.0001), increased right ventricular end diastolic diameters (38.7 ± 2.1 mm vs 27.8 ± 0.5mm, P < 0.0001), lower heart rates at rest (69.5 ± 1.9/min vs 82 ± 1/min, P < 0.0001), and at exercise (140.3 ± 5.8/min vs 163.5 ± 1.2/min, P < 0.0001). Mean fractional shortening of the left ventricle was normal in both patient groups.
Conclusion: Pacemaker implantation may be associated with heart failure during longtime follow‐up of GUCH indicated by significantly elevated BNP levels and decreased VO2max. Possible explanations are prolongation of QRS complex duration, decreased maximal heart rates during exercise, and dilatation of the right ventricle.
Temporal Pattern of Conduction Recurrence During Radiofrequency Ablation for Typical Atrial Flutter
Authors: STOVICEK PETR , FIKAR MIROSLAV , WICHTERLE DAN 
Published: April 2006

Introduction: Conduction recurrence during radiofrequency (RF) ablation of cavotricuspid isthmus for typical atrial flutter is common. Understanding the temporal pattern of recurrences could help to predict a durable bidirectional block (BDB) and optimize the procedure. Methods and Results: We analyzed atrial flutter ablations in 108 consecutive patients (85 males, age 63 ± 11 years). RF energy was delivered through 8‐mm tip or 4‐mm cooled‐tip catheter. On average, 18 ± 11 pulses were necessary to achieve BDB. The time to recurrence of conduction after RF cessation was recorded. Early and late conduction recurrences were defined as ≤10 minutes and >10 minutes, respectively. Patients were observed for ≥30 minutes after bidirectional cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) block was achieved. Conduction did not recur in 46 patients. In 8 cases, no block was achieved. A total of 167 conduction recurrences were recorded in the remaining 54 cases (1–10 per case). Of these, in 53 patients, recurrences were classified as early (98%) and 14 patients had late recurrences (8%). Thirteen patients had both early and late recurrences (24%). All but one late recurrence were preceded by at least one early recurrence. Absence of early recurrence had negative predictive value of 98%, while any early recurrence had positive predictive value of 26% for subsequent late conduction recovery. Conclusion: Incidence of isthmus conduction recurrence rapidly decayed during the waiting period. Absence of conduction recurrence within 10 minutes after first successful RF delivery was highly predictive of persistent BDB.
Three‐Dimensional Anatomy of the Left Atrium by Magnetic Resonance Angiography: Implications for Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: MANSOUR MOUSSA , REFAAT MARWAN , HEIST EDWIN KEVIN , MELA THEOFANIE , CURY RICARDO , HOLMVANG GODTFRED , RUSKIN JEREMY N. 
Published: April 2006

Background: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has become one of the primary treatments for symptomatic drug‐refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). During this procedure, delivery of ablation lesions to certain regions of the left atrium can be technically challenging. Among the most challenging regions are the ridges separating the left pulmonary veins (LPV) from the left atrial appendage (LAA), and the right middle pulmonary vein (RMPV) from the right superior (RSPV) and right inferior (RIPV) pulmonary veins. A detailed anatomical characterization of these regions has not been previously reported. Methods: Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was performed in patients prior to undergoing PVI. Fifty consecutive patients with a RMPV identified by MRA were included in this study. Ridges associated with the left pulmonary veins were examined in an additional 30 patients who did not have a RMPV. Endoluminal views were reconstructed from the gadolinium‐enhanced, breath‐hold three‐dimensional MRA data sets. Measurements were performed using electronic calipers. Results: The width of the ridge separating the LPV from the LAA was found to be 3.7 ± 1.1 mm at its narrowest point. The segment of this ridge with a width of 5 mm or less was 16.6 ± 6.4 mm long. The width of the ridges separating the RMPV from the RSPV and the RIPV was found to be 3.0 ±1.5 mm and 3.1 ±1.8 mm, respectively. There were no significant differences between LPV ridges for patients with versus without a RMPV. Conclusion: The width of the ridges of atrial tissue separating LPV from the LAA and the RMPV from its neighboring veins may explain the technical challenge in obtaining stable catheter positions in these areas. A detailed assessment of the anatomy of these regions may improve the safety and efficacy of catheter ablation at these sites.
Efficacy of Sirolimus‐Eluting Stents as Compared to Paclitaxel‐Eluting Stents for Saphenous Vein Graft Intervention
Authors: CHU WILLIAM W. , KUCHULAKANTI PRAMOD K. , WANG BETTY , CLAVIJO LEONARDO C. , SUDDATH WILLIAM O. , PICHARD AUGUSTO D. , SATLER LOWELL F. , KENT KENNETH M. , WAKSMAN RON 
Published: April 2006

Background: Saphenous vein graft (SVG) intervention is associated with a significantly increased rate of periprocedural complications and late clinical and angiographic restenosis. In the contemporary drug‐eluting stent (DES) era, the comparison of the efficacy of sirolimus‐eluting stents (SES) with paclitaxel‐eluting stents (PES) in SVG interventions is currently unknown. We conducted this retrospective analysis to investigate this issue.
Methods and Results: Forty‐seven patients with 50 SVG lesions who underwent standard percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with SES (SES group) were compared with 42 patients with 45 SVG lesions with PES (PES group). All patients received distal protection devices (DPDs) during the interventions. The in‐hospital, 30‐day, and 6‐month clinical outcomes in both groups were compared. Baseline clinical and procedural characteristics were balanced between both groups except for the proximal and mid lesions. There were no deaths or Q‐wave myocardial infarctions (MIs) during the index hospitalization. Non‐Q‐wave MI was similar between the two groups (SES vs PES, 4.3% vs 7.1%, P = 0.55). At 30‐day and 6‐month follow‐ups, all the clinical outcomes were similar between the two groups. There was no subacute thrombosis (SAT) or late thrombosis in either group. The event‐free survival at 6 months was also similar between both groups (P = 0.75).
Conclusions: The use of DES in patients undergoing SVG intervention with a DPD is clinically safe and feasible. As compared to SES, PES have the same efficacy and clinical outcomes in SVG interventions up to 6 months.
Efficacy of Rheolytic Thrombectomy in Early Versus Late Myocardial Infarction
Authors: MAKARYUS AMGAD N. , GARYALI SAMIR , DAY GINA , LABANA SUBIR S. , PARK CHONG , KAPLAN BARRY , JAUHAR RAJIV 
Published: April 2006

Background: Rheolytic thrombectomy has been used successfully to treat acutely occluded lower‐limb vessels, dialysis grafts, intrahepatic portosystemic shunts, and diseased native coronary vessels and saphenous vein grafts. Few studies, however, have examined the efficacy of rheolytic thrombectomy in the acute myocardial infarction (AMI) setting. We sought to determine the efficacy of the AngioJet® Rheolytic™ thrombectomy catheter (Possis Medical, Minneapolis, MN, USA) in patients presenting with AMI either before or after 12 hours of onset of symptoms.
Methods: Procedural and angiographic data on 61 consecutive patients (January 2003–December 2003) who presented with an AMI and had rheolytic thrombectomy with the AngioJet® catheter performed were reviewed. Coronary flow was assessed with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame counts (TFCs). Of the 61 patients studied, 40 had AngioJet® performed within 12 hours and 21 had it done after 12 hours from the onset of symptoms. Procedural success was measured by TFCs measured before and after the procedure and was defined as a change in the TFC of ≥50%. Statistical significance was considered at a P value of <0.05.
Results: Procedural success was achieved in 75% of the patients in the early presentation group (within 12 hours) and 0% of the patients in the late presentation group (after 12 hours). TFC values were statistically different (P < 0.001) in the early group, but not significant (P > 0.1) in the late thrombectomy group.
Conclusion: Rheolytic thrombectomy with the AngioJet® catheter is more effective in terms of improvement in coronary blood flow as assessed by TFCs when used less than 12 hours after the onset of clinical symptoms suggestive of AMI.
Divergent preferences of Rhagoletis pomonella host races for olfactory and visual fruit cues
Authors: Forbes Andrew A. , Feder Jeffrey L. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe apple and hawthorn‐infesting host races of Rhagoletis pomonella Walsh (Diptera: Tephritidae) represent a model for incipient sympatric speciation. Recent studies have shown that apple and hawthorn flies differ in their responses to host‐fruit odor. Each host race preferentially orients to the volatile chemicals emanating from the surface of its natal fruit and is antagonized by non‐natal fruit volatiles. Fruit odor discrimination is evolutionarily important due to its contributory role in host‐specific mating, generating partial premating reproductive isolation between the races in sympatry. Visual cues are also involved in R. pomonella host searching, yet the extent to which they are used to discriminate between hosts has not been fully resolved, nor has their interaction with olfactory cues. Here, we report results from a series of two‐way choice experiments conducted in the field on resident apple and hawthorn flies at a site near Fennville, MI, USA. Four key findings emerged from the study: (1) both olfactory and (2) visual cues increased host discrimination of apple and hawthorn flies for their respective natal fruit, (3) the presence of a single appropriate volatile blend on a natal or non‐natal visual model generally increased the ability of flies to discriminate for their natal fruit, and (4) the presence of both natal and non‐natal olfactory cues on fruit models did not enhance host discrimination above levels observed for visual models alone. We discuss the implications of our results for interpreting the findings of two‐way host choice experiments and for sympatric speciation in phytophagous insects.
Colonization of non‐cassava plant species by cassava whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) in Uganda
Authors: Sseruwagi P. , Maruthi M.N. , Colvin J. , Rey M.E.C. , Brown J.K. , Legg J.P. 
Published: April 2006

Abstract Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) is the vector of cassava mosaic geminiviruses (CMGs), which are the main production constraint to cassava [Manihot esculenta Crantz (Euphorbiaceae)], both in Uganda and elsewhere in Africa. Two B. tabaci genotype clusters, Ug1 and Ug2, differentiated at 8% nucleotide (nt) divergence within the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) gene, have been shown to occur on cassava in Uganda. However, the role of alternative hosts in the ecology of cassava B. tabaci genotypes and their possible involvement in the epidemiology of cassava mosaic disease (CMD) in Uganda remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the restriction of cassava B. tabaci genotypes to cassava and the colonization of alternative host species in select cassava‐growing areas of the country in 2003 and 2004. Bemisia tabaci adults and 4th instar nymphs were collected from cassava and 11 other cultivated and uncultivated species occurring adjacent to the sampled cassava fields. Phylogenetic analysis of mtCOI sequences revealed that only a single genotype cluster, Ug1, was present on both cassava and non‐cassava plant species sampled in this study. The Ug1 genotypes (n = 49) shared 97–99% nt identity with the previously described cassava‐associated B. tabaci populations in southern Africa, and were ∼8% and ∼13% divergent from Ug2 and the ‘Ivory Coast cassava’ genotypes in Uganda and Ivory Coast, respectively. The Ug1 genotypes occurred (as adults) on all 12 source‐plant species sampled. However, based on the presence of B. tabaci 4th instar nymphs, the Ug1 genotypes (n = 13) colonized cassava and five other non‐cassava plant species: Manihot glaziovii, Jatropha gossypifolia, Euphorbia heterophylla, Aspilia africana, and Abelmoschus esculentus, suggesting that cassava B. tabaci (Ug1 genotypes) are not restricted to cassava in Uganda. No Ug2‐like genotypes were detected on any of the plant species sampled, including cassava, in this study. The identification of additional hosts for at least one genotype cluster, Ug1, known also to colonize cassava, and which was hitherto thought to be ‘cassava‐restricted’ may have important epidemiological significance for the spread of CMGs in Uganda.